We bare more skin during the summer so sporting a tan is always a vibrant, healthy look. Tan skin hides imperfections and gives the illusion of a more svelte body. Unfortunately, sitting out in the sun is not a safe tanning option due to the suns harmful UV rays. In order to get the best "fake" tans safely, it's important to use the right self-tanning products and to exfoliate your skin beforehand. Below are my favorite exfoliators and sunless tanning products for the face and body that contain natural ingredients. I tested them out on my daughter and myself to see if we could get the perfect bronzed glow for summer!
Let's start with the face! Exfoliating your face is not only important to do to get rid of dead skin cells but will prep your skin and help the tan last a lot longer!
The SimySkin exfoliating scrub is a gentle face scrub that combines citrus oils and crushed amber to remove dead skin cell and impurities on the face. SimySkin created their luxurious unisex skincare line in 2015 with products that have scientifically proven benefits of preserving healthy skin. All products contain anti-aging properties and are formulated and developed in France and the U.S. I use this product weekly on my face and before applying self-tanner.
XEN-TAN Fresh Face Tan is a moisturizing self-tanner for the face. I like several of the Xen-Tan products but selected this particular formula because it offers a buildable, natural tan and has several anti-aging benefits. It was also specifically created for sensitive facial skin and has a nice light scent that dissipates after one hour. You will get a medium shade tan after applying this lightweight formula within 3-4 hours. It contains peptides that produce collagen and several natural ingredients and antioxidants including aloe vera, vitamins D & E, green tea, broccoli seed, and ginkgo biloba. XEN-TAN Fresh Face Tan goes on colorless and has a non-greasy texture so is perfect both men and women. The tan lasts at least five days due to ingredients containing DHA and melanin that work with your own pigmentation for a natural, sun-kissed look. Celebrity fans include Ashley Tisdale, Lady Gaga, Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen.
Exfoliate your body to keep skin looking smooth and silky all summer long!
Dermasuri Deep Exfoliating Mitt
For body exfoliation, I am obsessed with the Dermasuri Deep Exfoliating Mitt. This handy mitt is made from a unique fabric that not only clings onto your dead skin cells, but has a deeper exfoliation so you only have to use it once a week (or before self-tanning)! It also helps even out your skin tone and increases overall circulation to improve collagen production. After exfoliating with this mitt, your skin will be silky smooth and well prepped to better absorb a self-tanning product. I keep mine in the shower and use year round, replacing it every three months. If you regularly use the Dermasuri Deep Exfoliating Mitt, you can say good-bye to alligator skin forever!
VITA LIBERATA pHenomenal 2-3 week Tan Mousse
VITA LIBERATA has a line of self-tanning products that are non-toxic and free from parabens, alcohol and perfumes. One of my favorite products (there are several) is the pHenomenal 2-3 week tanning mousse because it's the most organic self-tanning product on the market, lasts much longer than other self tanners and has an odor remove technology for no self-tan smell. All of their products also contain a moisture locking system so the skin never feels dry when using them. Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 week Tan Mousse is a rapid self tanner that leaves your skin with a natural orange-free tan. The mousse is easy to apply and creates a sheer beautiful glow on the skin.
My daughter Rachel took it to the test to see how skin would react to the products.
Before
I am not the only fan of VITA LIBERATA!
Below is an interview with celebrity makeup artist Allan Avendano who used the product to prep the Sports Illustrated models for their last magazine shoot. All of the models ranging from Gigi Hadid, Chrissy Teigen, Ronda Rousey, Ashley Graham, Irina Shayk and Lily Aldrige received a perfect, non-toxic glow. Here's the step-by-step breakdown of Allan’s skin finishing techniques used to achieve this beach-ready bronzed glow!
Allan Avendano:
When the girls arrived the night before, I would make sure that they washed off the lotion or oils on their body. I applied the VITA LIBERATA Rapid Tan Mousse or pHenomenal Mousse onto the tanning mitt and began to apply it onto dry unmoisturized skin. I would pay special attention to areas that crease (i.e. Knees, backs of knees, elbows, fingers etc.) by using a wet tissue to blot off a little bit off the product and diluting the product that is on the skin. They would sleep in the product overnight and the next morning they would do a quick rinse but no soap because it allows the product to continue to develop. Because the conditions were very sunny and hot, I made sure to apply the VITA LIBERATA Passionflower and Argan Oil SPF 50 to protect their skin from the harmful UV rays without risking the tans coming off. However, I mixed the SPF with the VITA LIBERATA Body Blur so that it added a highlight and made the Body Blur easy to spread all over the body.
How do you suggest to apply the products to get the look at home?
AA: The same way. Just make sure you have clean dry and unmoisturized skin before applying the product so that it will adhere to your skin. Using the tanning mitt is the key to a perfectly streak free and even tan.
Do you have any tips or tricks for application?
AA: I would finish one area of the body before starting on any other part to make sure you didn't miss any. And just double check each area so that you can use the mitt to buff out any streaks or areas you missed.
How can you ensure products stay on the body and last?
AA: Ideally, I like the product to stay on the body for a full 24 hours to get the maximum developing time. With the Sports Illustrated conditions and schedule, we don't have that luxury. When at home, avoid rinsing and putting anything on the body for 24 hours. Because VITA LIBERATA doesn't smell like other self tanners, you will be okay.
If someone is trying self-tanner at home for the first time, what would you tell them?
AA: Don't be afraid because VITA LIBERATA's color is the best. You won't look orange and the products adjust to your skin tone giving you the most natural looking tan. Also the no-smell factor is a big deal.
All of these products help to create the ultimate summer glow and beautiful sun-kissed skin. You can also refer to my article on self tanners from last year to see more of my favorites.
Do you have a favorite self-tanner? Please share!