My first experience with sunless tanners was not a sunny one.
At twelve years old, I slathered my mother’s sunless tanner all over my arms and legs. Being an impetuous tween, I failed to read the application instructions, and I didn’t realize that I was supposed to wash the excess lotion off the palms of my hands. In a matter of minutes, my palms and fingers turned oompa loompa orange. It was not a look that helped me make friends at summer camp.
Never fear! Sunless tanners have come a long way since the 1980s. For a sun-kissed glow without the harmful rays, read the product instructions carefully and follow these four simple tips:
Exfoliate first. Removing dry, dead skin cells makes it easier to create an even glow.
Focus. Instead of slathering your whole body with sunless tanner, apply to one small section—such as calves or arms—at a time.
Blot. Elbows and knees tend to be drier and can absorb color more quickly. Dab them with a damp, dark-colored towel after application.
Allow to dry. Wait about 10 minutes before you get dressed.
Ready for a gorgeous glow? Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunless Tanner bronzes and hydrates with help from safflower seed oil, shea butter and sweet almond oil.
Tip: Sunless tanner is not sunscreen! To help prevent sun damage, be sure to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
To learn more about Whole Foods Market®’s high-quality body care, check out our summer tips opens in a new tab or pick up a copy of our free, in-store beauty guide, Hello, Beauty!
Do you have a sunless tanning tip? Share your bright ideas in the comments.
Updated June 22, 2015.
