At this point, it’s no secret that I’m a self proclaimed, self tanner. I can’t help it! I love a warm glowy look on my naturally pale-ish pink skin. It’s just my personal preference and when I’m bronzed, I feel a little more confident. Long gone are the tanning bed days (I’m seriously side-eyeing my younger self) so I thought I would share my tanning routine. It’s evolved a bit over the years, but now I’m to a point where I’ve found my favorite brands, my favorite shades, and products that don’t make my skin break out. Sharing all the deets!

My Self Tanning Routine

I always start with exfoliating in the shower using my fav Necessaire Body Exfoliator, and the Coco & Eve exfoliator mitt. The mitt is like a gentle sandpaper and it works the best. (This might start sounding like a Coco & Eve ad, but I swear it’s not.)

After the shower, I skip the lotion, because the tanner doesn’t absorb as well over lotion. I’ve tried many self tanners over the years and Coco & Eve is my absolute favorite tanner because of the evenness of the application, the tone of the color (warm, but not orange), and how moisturizing it is! It’s moisturizing enough that I don’t dry up like a dessert after exfoliating AND skipping the lotion. My preferred shade is dark, and I love the foaminess of the product.

Using the Coco & Eve applicator mitt, I pump directly into the mitt (close my hand around the foam to spread it), and apply in a circular motion starting from the bottom up. Here’s the thing about self-tanner: the dryer parts of your skin, like ankles, knees, and elbows are going to absorb the tanner more, usually making them darker. To avoid that, I never apply the foam directly onto those parts. Instead I rub all the way into the skin, then with the residual tanner, I move to the dryer parts with a lighter pressure.

Then I just move my way up! I do about 4 pumps per leg, 2 pumps per arm, 2 pumps on the front and 2 pumps on the back. I actually got this back applicator because I didn’t want to always have to ask Chris to give an assist. It’s kind of similar to the way you dry off your back with a towel! I always wash my hands after because it can leave colorful splotches. I would say if the paleness on your hands bothers you, you could always pump a tiny bit into a makeup brush and buff it into your hands.

The drying period is minimal, and I only do this about once a week. I usually finish getting my hair and makeup ready while it settles and by the time I’m done, I get dressed. Moisturizing the following day is key to making the evenness last and keeping my skin hydrated.

Now if I rub this onto my face I will break out! Why are faces so complicated?? Instead I use these Tan Luxe drops in medium/dark. Twice a week at night (the last step in my skin care routine), I mix two drops with my moisturizer and apply all over. In the mornings I do a little St. Tropez spritz after I wash my face, just to maintain the glow.

And that’s the routine! Here’s all the links to all the things!

My Favorite Self Tanning Products

Nécessaire Exfoliator $30

Coco & Eve Exfoliating Mitt $13

Coco & Eve Tanner Mousse + Mitt (in dark) $43

Back Tanning Applicator $8

Tan Luxe Drops (in medium/dark) $55

St. Tropez Bronzing Face Mist $30

Shop My Self-Tan Favs