If you saw my Instagram post over the weekend then you know that my go to and #1 at home self tanner is St. Tropez Classic Bronzing Mousse. It’s the best self tanner I’ve used to date, it never leaves streaks and always leaves my skin with a natural glowing finish. Along with St.Tropez I recently started using Tan Luxe’s self-tanning water spray and it is my solid #2 fav.

Today I’m sharing all of my go to self-tanners + tips and tricks for the best application process. along with that i’m also sharing my favorite SPF products that are essential to have in my pool/beach bag all summer long.

{self tanners}

so you know i love st.tropez classic mousse for the natural finish it leaves along with it’s easy application. I use their mitt (only $6.50 here) to apply and avoid tan palms. this classic mousse will develop 6-8 hours after you apply it but what i love so much is that when you put it on it does go on with a little instant color (nothing major)) so it’s very easy to see where you’ve applied it and maybe where you missed a spot making it easy to go back. which brings me to my #2 fave self tanner, tan luxe water spray. so, this is a clear water formula so therefore you can’t see where you’ve already applied vs. where you may have missed. I use the same st. tropez mitt to rub the spray in after i’ve applied to make sure i cover the entire area. for me, this is something i’ll use over my st. tropez tan for touch up’s or even over a natural tan after a day in the sun to add a little more color since i tend to just get red and not actually tan, haha.

{self tanner application tips}

1. EXFOLIATE – you’ll DEFINITELY want to EXFOLIATE your skin before you appy your self tanner. getting rid of your dead skin is very important to help your product go on smooth and evenly. make sure to spend time where your skin is thicker like your elbows, ankles, and knees. make sure to shave everywhere that is needed before applying as well.

2. dry – make sure your skin is completely dry before applying.

3. apply – start applying in sections, start with your legs and feet, arms, chest, and torso. Apply using a mitt and in a circular motion.

4. dilute & blend -For a natural look you’ll need to lightly extend the tanner from your wrists to your hands and from your ankles to your feet.Dilute the self-tanner on the knees, ankles and elbows, because these areas tend to absorb more self-tanner than the rest of the skin. To dilute, lightly rub with a damp towel or apply a thin layer of lotion on top of the self-tanner. for your finger make your hand into a claw to make sure the product goes in between your fingers and knuckle lines.

5. dry – i like to stand in front of a fan for a few minutes and then Wait at least 10 minutes before getting dressed. i’ll then wear loose clothing and avoid sweating for the next 6 hours to be safe.

6. rise & moisturize – after the complete processing time of 6-8 hours feel free to rinse off in the shower. this will rinse off the top layer of BRONZEr color but keep your tan. be sure to stay moisturized for a long lasting tan.

7.  Protect with SPF – Unfortunately self tanner doesn’t protect your skin from harmful UV rays so be sure to still apply SPF in your daily facial moisturizer and to your entire body when out in the sun.

{supergoop spf}

Let’s talk Supergoop SPF products, they’re my absolute favorite. You can find supergoop at sephora and nordstrom and i pretty much love all their products. My favorite’s are their spf 50 setting mist, shine on clear lip gloss with spf 50, and the setting powder with spf 45 which comes in four shades – translucent, light, medium, and dark. i buy the medium shade to help add a little color and coverage to my make up free face during a pool day.

{Beach wave hair}

My new fave wave spray is this spray by quai haircare. my only regret is that i didn’t try this sooner. you may know the creator jen, as kim kardashian’s go to hair guru and I’ve read the hype around the brand a lot this past year but never really gave it a try until now. I bought the travel size bottle in the sephora check out line on a whim and i’m so glad i did. not only does it deliver by enhancing your natural curl/wave but it for real smells so so good. i highly recommend.

i hope his helped and please let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. enjoy your summer while loving your skin with sunless tanning and protecting it with spf!

xoxo,