6 Tips and Tricks to a Better Sunless Tan

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias Inc, and it's advertiser. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #MyJergensGlow #CollectiveBias

I've always been super hesitant of using self tanning products. Mainly because we've all seen the people who go a little overboard with it... but also because I remember one of my track coaches in high school who was pretty old and stuck in his ways trying to motivate a girl to work harder by yelling, "you're going to need some muscles to go with that fake tan!", and seven years later, that sentence still horrifies me in the back of my mind. 

You would think since I live in Georgia there would be no need for sunless tanning products since it's about 90+ degrees the entire summer, but I pretty much wear only jeans which means my legs are uncomfortably white come July. On Sundays I always wear skirts or dresses to church and in the summer (and the rest of the year), I'm usually always self conscious about how white my legs are. A couple weeks ago I asked my friend who uses tanning products how she does it all, and she guided me through the beginning phases of self tanning. It really is super easy, and now that I've done it once, I know I'll be able to keep up with it the rest of the spring and summer. 

I bought the JERGENS® Natural Glow® +FIRMING Daily Moisturizer and JERGENS® Natural Glow® FACE Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 20 in the shade medium to tan and they've been a perfect match for me. I went with the darker shade so that I could achieve my desired shade sooner. These pictures were taken after just two days of application. If you want to know how I achieved my results, and things I've learned along the way, here is everything I know:

1. Exfoliate: The first thing I always do is exfoliate. This will help remove all the dead skin from your body so that the tanner adheres to the skin on your body, and not the parts that are flaking off. This will help get an even coverage. I just use my bath sponge or a wash cloth and make sure that I scrub everything really great. If you have a dry brush that works well too. 

2. Moisturize: After you get all your dead skin off, make sure you moisturize with a non-tanning moisturizer. You don't want your tan to stick or cling funny to dry patches. Make sure to especially get your elbows, knees, and ankles, as these areas are prone to absorbing more product and being darker than the rest of your skin. 

3. Start in the middle: The middle area on my arms and legs always take more effort to get tan. I try to concentrate more product on my shins and calves and then work the remaining product out to my feet, ankles, and knees to avoid harsh dark spots. I do the same thing on my arms, sparingly working the product out to my elbows and wrists. 

4. Faster Results: I bought my product on Friday night, and knew I had to take pictures for this post two days later. I bought the deeper shade and did three applications the first day, and one the following day, and my tan is perfect for me right now. Using the darker shade on my lighter skin really worked well, and wasn't as scary as I thought it would be! (Aren't you glad you have me to test these things out?!)

5. It Doesn't Transfer: I've had my tan on for 48 hours now and I've slept in our bed with white sheets, and have worn white intimates with no transfer or problems. This was one of the biggest things that scared me, because I didn't want to ruin my clothing, but so far, so good. 

6. The Face Looks Great: I was worried about my face being blotchy. You can hide blotchy arms and legs by covering up... but your face kind of stands out. I was worried about using the gradual glow moisturizer on my face, but I've used it sparingly and it's provided my face with a very natural and subtle tan. 

Do you use any self tanning products? Which ones are your favorite? Let me know in the comments below?