Bye milk bottles! Hello brown legs!
– everything you want to know about self-bronzers –
We already got to enjoy the sun a bit, but be honest, did you already dare to wear a short skirt? Hmm, that’s what I thought. Those white legs have a blinding effect on those who didn’t wear sunglasses. Time for a self-bronzer because you must understand that going tanning is an absolute no go.
A self-bronzer. Sounds tempting because it’s a cream that gives you, temporarily, a sun-kissed colour. You don’t need to sit in the sun under UV radiation, and you definitely don’t have to go to a tanning salon. Every self-bronzer has DHA, an ingredient that responds to the amino acids of the skin cells of the top layer. Because of the chemical reaction, those dead skin cells turn brown.
Avoid the Oompa Loompa effect
I can imagine that certain self-bronzers are a bit scary to use. You don’t want a spotty result nor transform yourself into an oompa loompa. Now it’s a bit silly, that orange effect, but in case that happens it’s because of the amount of DHA in the product. Some products contain a lot which makes your skin look like you’ve lived in Ibiza for the past 2 years even though others create the sun-kissed skin you get after a week at the Cote D’azur. Always test it first on an inconspicuous body part like the inside of your arm of your ankle before applying all of it.
Good preparation is half the job
It sounds a bit stupid, but a good preparation truly is half the job. If you don’t want any spots then get in the shower and scrub and wash everything. Body lotion, makeup, and other things can cause spots, and seen the fact that self-bronzers attach to dead skin cells, scrubbing makes sure that you’ll get a much more even tint because all the dead skin cells are washed down the drain.
Be Patient
Apply it with ease and care, massage, look well where you’ve already been or not. Of course you’d like to see direct results, but be patient. Some self-bronzers need some time to show their true colours. It usually takes a few hours to see the result. Don’t keep on applying because then you’ll get the spots you’re trying to avoid. Also don’t forget to not apply too much on rough patches like the knees or ankles. These are the perfect spots at which skin cells clot and so the result isn’t too pretty. Just scrub well beforehand and apply the bronzer more thinly on those patches.
A couple of wisdoms
Finished applying the bronzer? Wash your hands well with water and soap otherwise you’ll get those lovely orange palms. It may sound a bit daft, but for those who don’t know, a self-bronzer isn’t the same as sun protection. It looks like you’ve been to the sun, but it doesn’t protect you from it. So still add sunblock.
Right, that was a quick chapter on self-bronzers. Now stock on great products and get to work. Let that temperature rise, skirts can come out of the closet, and let’s head to a terrace.
- a great cream enriched with shea butter and almond milk which not only gives you a great colour but also nourishes you. The face and body gradual tan. €75, La Mer
- Rich self-bronzer with fresh fragrance. Self-bronzing gel, €25, Biotherm
- A light cream and liquid texture that gets quickly absorbed by the skin and leaves a beautifully shining brown result.
Bronze Goddess Golden Perfection Self-Tanning Milk For Body, € 29, Estee Lauder - Coloured gel emulsion that has an instant effect and feels refreshing on the skin.
Self-bronzer € 35,95, Dior - A soft self-bronzer with nourishing ingredients which makes you nice and tan, and also nourishes the skin.
Super Soin Autobronzant Hydratant Corps, € 88, Sisley - Tanned legs in less than sixty minutes without greasy results
Body tinted lotion, € 25,50, Clinique - Quite a strong self-tan, but with a golden shimmer for that luxurious feeling. Pretty!
Liquitan Self Tanner, € 32, Michael Kors - A cream with delicious macademia oils. Softens and makes your legs look brown.
Beautyfying Jelly for Face & Body, € 32, Lancaster
