Beauty on a Budget: The At Home Spray Tan

I am not a supporter of tanning beds. I'm sorry if you like them, but I am claustrophobic and also worry about skin cancer. So in order to get a bit of color to my skin on a budget, I use an at home spray tan method.

Spray tans can be tricky whether you do them in a salon or at home. You always run the risk of it coming out uneven, streaky, or orange. As a naturally pasty gal, I've tried my fair share of "professional" spray tans and have never been blown away by the results. I don't feel like they last nearly long enough for the price and my face ALWAYS ends up being really dark compared to the rest of my body.

For the past two years I have used the L'Oreal "Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion" and have always been happy with the results. But just a few months ago I added their "Self-Tanning Mist" to my routine and I'm so happy I did! I think it compliments the lotion well and is also helpful for reaching the middle of your back. Each product is about $11 and will last you for a good while, even with applying multiple times for the first week to build up the color you want.

Here are some tips for getting an even and natural looking spray tan, at home:

The Prep Work:
1. Start with clean skin. Exfoliate and shave so your skin it soft and smooth.

2. Make sure you dry off well before you start.

Getting Started:
3. I recommend starting with your legs and working your way up. Apply the lotion in a circular motion. Don't apply too much product to your knees, ankles or feet to avoid them looking orange and blotchy. You'll use the spray product to even these areas out later.

4. Continue applying the lotion in a circular motion on your arms, stomach, chest, neck, and as much of your back as you can reach (don't dislocate your shoulder, remember you have the spray!). Like with your legs, don't apply to much around your elbows or wrists.

5. Wash your hands well when you're done with the lotion and pat them dry.

The Finishing Touches: 
6. It's time for the spray! Use this product to liberally spray the tops of your feet and the back of your hands. When you're done, gently pat them with a towel to soak up any extra product.

7. For your face, hold the can arms length away and spray liberally. It's not nearly as concentrated as the lotion so you don't need to worry too much about over doing it with the spray. HOLD YOUR BREATH WHILE YOU DO THIS. We're not trying to get your lungs tan ;) Pat your face gently to get any extra product.

8. Whew! You're done! Walk around in your birthday suit for a bit or use a hair dryer on the "cool" setting to dry yourself. You want to avoid putting on nice clothes or sitting on furniture for about 20 minutes or until your tan has dried. I usually put an old towel down before I sit down just to be safe.

So that's it! Repeat as needed throughout the week until you get the right color, and then do periodic touch ups to maintain it. I have noticed that my face doesn't tan as well with just the spray, so I will use a small amount of the lotion on my face to start and then use the spray to touch up now and then. But if you have a darker foundation or bronzer you can use, that might be enough to even it out.

It may seem like a long process, but I assure you, when you get the routine down, it goes fast. Just remember to wash your hands after so you don't look like an umpa-lumpa!

Happy tanning, ladies!