Five Ways: To get the perfect fake tan

[Guest guest]

Five Ways: To get the perfect fake tan

Pale skin can be lovely. And tanning is dumb — an invitation to skin cancer and

wrinkles. But when it's time to don shorts, T-shirts and the occasional

swimsuit, many light-skinned beauties can't resist the lure of a safe, fake tan

in a bottle. So here, from a couple of experienced self-tanners, are five ways

to perfect your homemade tan:

1. Pick your product. Self-tanners come in sprays, lotions, gels and mousses, in

cheap and pricey brands, and in quick and gradual formulas that promise

light-to-dark results. But the primary active ingredient is always the same:

dihydroxyacetone, a chemical that changes the color of dead skin cells, says

a Begoun, a beauty writer (cosmeticscop.com) who sells a line of skincare

products (a's Choice). Some consumers will find certain products easier to

use or easier on their skin but " it's a matter of personal preference, " she

says.

2. Prepare your skin. It's all about exfoliation — removing an even layer of

dead skin cells so that you start with a fresh, smooth canvas. But skip those

gritty exfoliating bath products, at least the first time you prepare to tan,

says Clara Pettitt, a consumer advocate who runs a website entirely devoted to

sunless tanning (sunless.com). A firmly applied cotton washcloth gets the best

results, she says. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to exfoliate (and

shave your legs) a day before using self-tanner, she says.

3. Blend baby, blend. Start by applying regular skin lotion to knees, elbows,

feet, ankles, hands and any area with fine lines that might collect excess

tanning product. That will prevent dark blotches in those problem areas, Pettitt

and Begoun say. Then apply the tanner, working in a circular motion to avoid

streaks and rubbing downward toward ankles and wrists to smudge out border

lines, Pettitt advises. Use a long-handled lotion applicator (available at

cosmetic stores) to reach your back.

4. Watch your hands. Begoun recommends using disposable gloves to keep tanner

from collecting in the creases of your palms and around fingernails. Then, when

you are done with the rest of your body, you can remove the gloves and use a

make-up sponge to lightly apply the product to the backs of your hands. But

Pettitt warns that if gloves are not tight enough, the folds may scrape up

tanning lotion and produce uneven results. Alternative solution: Wash your hands

thoroughly every few minutes.

5. Repeat. Newer, gradual tanning lotions can be used daily, at least until you

reach your desired color, Pettitt says. She recommends lightly exfoliating skin

(with a mild scrub product, if you like) between daily applications.

Quick-tanning products, which produce a more dramatic initial result, need to be

reapplied about every four days if you want a consistent look, she says. But a

few swims, heavy sweating or extra showers will shorten the life of your fake

tan.

http://yourlife.usatoday.com/your-look/5-ways/story/2011/05/5-Ways-to-get-the-pe\

rfect-fake-tan/47308550/1