If you’re thinking about self-tanning your face but feel a little unsure, you’re not alone! Applying self-tanner to your face can be intimidating, but with a few easy steps, you can get that glowing, sun-kissed look you’ve been dreaming of. Here’s your ultimate guide on how to apply self-tanner to your face safely and effectively for a beautifully natural result.
Why Self-Tanning Your Face is a Great Idea
Self-tanning can give your face a fresh glow without the need for sun exposure, which can lead to premature aging and skin damage. When done right, a self-tanner on the face can blend seamlessly with your natural tone, helping you look radiant and healthy without the risk of sunburn. So, let’s get started!
Step 1: Choose the Right Self Tanner for Your Skin
The first step is to pick a self-tanner that’s compatible with your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a self-tanner specifically formulated for facial use, like the Boë Face Tan Lotion No.7, which is designed to be gentler. If your skin is more resilient, you can use a self-tanner made for the body but dilute it with your favorite facial moisturizer.
Using a diluted product can help ensure a more natural, gradual tan, especially if your face tends to tan faster than your body. Avoid oil-based moisturizers, as they can prevent the self-tanner from properly absorbing into your skin.
Step 2: Pick the Right Time to Apply
While you can apply self-tanner in the morning, many find that applying it at night works best. Overnight, the product has time to fully develop and leaves you with a golden glow by morning. Boë products dry quickly, so you can also include them in your morning routine if that’s what works for you.
Step 3: Prepare Your Skin for Application
Preparation is key to a smooth, even tan. Start by cleansing your face thoroughly to remove any makeup or residue, then exfoliate with a gentle scrub or an oil-free exfoliating cleanser. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells that can create patchy or uneven color. Lightly moisturize any dry areas, like around the nostrils, with an oil-free lotion. This helps prevent the self-tanner from clinging to dry spots.
Step 4: Apply the Self Tanner Evenly
For the application itself, follow the product instructions. If you’re using a mist, hold the bottle about four inches from your face and spray lightly, focusing on the center and sides of your face. For a cream or lotion, apply it as you would a regular moisturizer.
Don’t forget to include often-overlooked areas like your neck and hairline. These areas will help your tan look natural and blended with the rest of your body.
Step 5: Customize Your Look with Contouring
Here’s where you can add a little flair! Use a makeup brush or your fingertips to apply a small amount of extra self-tanner on areas where you’d typically apply bronzer—like the cheekbones, jawline, and brow bones. This creates a subtle contour effect that enhances your facial structure, giving your tan a dimensional, professional look.
Step 6: Maintain Your Tan
Facial tans can fade faster than body tans due to regular washing and exfoliating. To keep your glow, reapply every few days or whenever your color starts to fade. Just be sure to exfoliate beforehand to avoid buildup.
Are Self-Tanners Safe?
Yes! Dermatologists actually recommend self-tanners as a safer alternative to sun exposure, which can increase the risk of skin damage and skin cancer. Self-tanners use an active ingredient called DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which reacts with dead skin cells on the surface of your skin to create a tanned look. This method has been proven safe and is FDA-approved for cosmetic use.
How Long Will Your Tan Last?
Typically, a facial self-tan lasts about 4-6 days, depending on your skin type and the product you use. Unlike a sun tan that reaches deeper layers of the skin, self-tanners only affect the outermost layer, so as dead skin cells naturally shed, the tan gradually fades. Boë products are designed to keep your tan looking fresh for as long as possible.
Choosing the Right Self-Tanner for the Best Results
It’s important to choose high-quality, reliable self-tanning products that don’t contain harsh chemicals or leave an orange tint. Boë offers safe, premium self-tanners that are formulated to give you a natural-looking, streak-free tan. They’re also low in scent, ensuring that your skin looks—and smells—fantastic.
With these steps, self-tanning your face doesn’t have to be intimidating. Now you can enjoy a beautifully sun-kissed complexion all year round, no beach required!
