Let’s talk about self tanning because, let’s be real, I grew up as the palest kid around. I mean, I was born and raised in the high desert of Southern California, near Joshua Tree, with all that sunshine, dust, and, well, tumbleweeds. But here’s the thing—I’d burn before I’d tan. And if I did manage a bit of color, it was all blotchy and uneven. Plus, with a family history of skin cancer, I got pretty serious about protecting my skin early on.
For the longest time, I was the “pale is sexy” girl, and let me tell you, I still believe that! Whether you’re rocking your natural fair skin or adding a touch of glow, it’s all about what makes you feel good. Personally, once I hit my 30s and moved back to California, I started noticing how a tan looked on my skin and thought, You know what? I like it! Plus, around this same time is when I started dying my hair blonde, so it’s just a preference thing for me. I don’t need to be tan to feel confident—I just like it, and there’s nothing wrong with that!
Okay, so if you’re thinking about using a self tanner, let’s talk about the basics because I’ve done the trial and error for you. I’ve tried so many products—cheap ones, fancy ones, all of them! I went through everything: streaks, weird smells, even an orange phase I’d rather forget. Eventually, I found what works for me, and I’m sharing it because no one should have to walk around with streaky legs!
Here are two I can recommend to you with full confidence:
Coco & Eve – I love this one and have used it for years! It is a reliable choice, pretty clean ingredients and works really well for a streak free looking tan.
Beauty By Earth – This is the most recent product I have started using. It doesn’t smell, does require a bit more layering to get the shade I want, and so far I am loving it!
I love these because clean ingredients are really important to me, and that’s hard to find in a self tanner. It just is what it is, and I have accepted that it won’t be perfect but I can find better and it’s worth it to me to pay a little extra for high quality, good smelling products.
First things first, you need a microfiber mitt—trust me, the mitt is everything. Forget the brush or whatever else people recommend. The mitt allows you to really blend that self tanner in smoothly. Here’s the trick: apply the self tanner foam to the mitt, not your skin. Seriously, it’s like your mini workout because you need to really work it in.
I like to start with less product than I think I need—one spray usually does it per section. Then, I go in on my calves and shins, rubbing it in nice and firm. I know it sounds a bit extra, but think of it as a mini arm workout!
Next, I work my way up, tackling one section at a time. Here’s the breakdown:
Once you’ve gone over each section a couple of times, you’ll have a bit of product left on the mitt. That’s when you can do a light pass over your knees and ankles. Just bend your knee and lightly swipe upwards. Trust me, this stops the self tanner from settling into any creases.
Here’s where the magic happens—Ancient Greek Oil. After I’ve done all my tanning, I rub a layer of this oil all over my body. Not only does it deeply moisturize, but it totally smooths out the tan, so it looks super natural.
This stuff is so good. I use it every day, not just after I tan. The oil helps blend the tanner around, so any spots I may have missed get a light touch of color, and my skin looks hydrated and healthy. And yes, you’ll look a little shiny for a while, so I just throw on a comfy dress and go about my day.
Look, I don’t tan because I feel like I need to. I’m 43, and I’m doing what I love. Self tanning is just a little ritual that makes me feel great. Whether you’re adding a glow, putting on hair extensions, or rocking fake eyelashes, it’s about feeling good in your own skin.
If you’ve been on the fence about self tanning, maybe this is your sign to give it a go! Remember, you don’t have to tan if you don’t want to. You’re beautiful exactly as you are. But if a bit of glow makes you feel amazing, go for it!
