With summer around the corner, we have a feeling you’re wishing for a bronze tan to go with your cute summer wardrobe. Luckily, you don’t have to wait for beach days (or risk sun damage) if you add a tanning lotion with bronzer to your skin care routine! Yup—a bronzing tanning lotion is the self-tanner you didn’t know you needed. Read on to learn all about using tanning lotion with bronzer in your skin care regimen. Bronze skin lies ahead!
WHAT IS A BRONZING TANNING LOTION?
First thing’s first—what is a tanning lotion with bronzer? Well, it’s quite literally what it sounds like: a self-tanner that contains an instant bronzer—aka you’ll achieve an instantaneous bronzed look even while you wait for your actual (faux) tan to develop. A bronzing tanning lotion won’t make you orange; rather, it’ll leave your skin with a beautiful, natural-looking bronze tint.
3 REASONS TO USE A BRONZING TANNING LOTION
So, you know what a bronzing tanning lotion is, but you may be wondering why you should use one in place of other self-tanning options. Here are three reasons to consider switching up the way you get your tan on.
Reason #1. You’ll have an instant glow. Of course, the most obvious reason to consider using a tanning lotion with bronzer is the instant bronze tint it gives your skin. This means you can apply your tanner and immediately look date-night ready or primed to start taking selfies.
Reason #2. You’ll have a color guard. Speaking of that bronze tint, this will act as a color guard. What does that mean? Well, you’ll be able to see exactly where you have—and haven’t—applied self-tanner. This mean it’ll be that much easier to achieve an even, streak-free tan.
Reason #3. You’ll have an amazing tan, too. While you could use body bronzer to get a shimmering, bronzed tan, a bronzing tanning lotion takes things to the next level. A few hours after application, your bronzed skin will also have a beautiful tan that makes your skin look as if it’s been sun-kissed.
OUR BEST BRONZING TANNING LOTION
Now that you’re more familiar with the concept of bronzing tanning lotion, perhaps you’d like to give one a try for yourself. Allow us to introduce you to the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion Medium Natural Tan and L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion Deep Natural Tan. These tanning lotions with bronzer feature a tinted color guide that will leave your skin with an instant bronze glow with subtle shimmer while a streak-free sunless tan develops. Pretty cool, right? The self-tanner also contains vitamin E and gentle AHAs to leave the skin feeling smooth and soft. It’s available in two shades, depending on how deep you’d like your bronze glow to be.
HOW TO USE A BRONZING TANNING LOTION
Want to get your sunless tan on? Follow the steps below!
STEP #1. EXFOLIATE
Before you get to applying your self-tanner, it’s important to partake in the proper prep work for your skin. First up? Exfoliation! Exfoliating from head to toe will slough away dry skin and dead skin cell buildup that could otherwise leave your tan patchy and uneven. No thanks! Use a body scrub to leave your skin smooth and soft.
STEP #2. SHAVE
Next, pick up your razor and shave any areas you’d like to be free of hair. Shaving before tanning is key, as shaving after can exfoliate your skin and cause your tan to fade prematurely and become patchy.
STEP #3. MOISTURIZE
After hopping out of the shower, it’s important to moisturize your skin. If your skin is dry, your bronzing tanning lotion will cling to those dry areas, resulting in an uneven tan. Slather on a body lotion to moisturize all over.
STEP #4. TAN
It’s time to bring out your bronzing tanning lotion! Smooth the formula evenly all over your body, just as you would any lotion. Apply sparingly to your knees, elbows, and ankles. Massage with both hands until absorbed. After you’ve applied your bronzing tanning lotion, rinse your palms to avoid stained hands.
Editor’s tip: Worried rinsing your hands won’t do enough? Consider using a tanning mitt to apply your bronzing tanning lotion.
STEP #5. WAIT
Wait a few minutes for your skin to dry completely before getting dressed, and when you do put on clothes, opt for darker colors. You don’t want to stain your favorite outfit! Then, you’re ready to show off your bronzed skin—and can excitedly await the even more beautiful tan that’s coming your way in a few hours.
Next: 10 Self-Tanner Mistakes You Could Be Making
