Today I thought I would share this adorable outfit from our beach trip and a bit about the best self tanner plus my at home tanning routine. First the outfit details, this adorable red peplum eyelet blouse is just too fun! It also comes in white and back. I first shared it last week styled with white jeans in my post about how to wear statement earrings if you want a peek at the adorable bow back. I am really not a shorts wearer, but I love this pair by Agolde sold at Shopbop!! They have a 4 inch inseam which can be harder to find. A bit of a splurge, but after rave reviews from bloggers all around I can see why they are so worth it. Agolde has really taken off as a new standout denim brand, and I highly recommend taking a look at them.
The Best Self Tanner
I am naturally pretty pale and don’t tan, I burn. I’ve tried multiple self tanners, and finally feel like I have found one that I really like. It’s a tanning mousse that you apply with a mitt. I bought the large size which is not cheap. You can try the smaller one first if you want. I will say, I have used it about 6 times and it’s barely put a dent in the bottle, so I hope it will last a long time. Overall still much cheaper than regular spray tans. I don’t know about you, but I feel so much more confident in shorts and dresses when I have a little tan! I have also heard great things about this tanner and want to try it when my current one runs out.
My At Home Tanning Routine
This self tanner says to shower and apply then let it sit for 2-3 hours before rinsing off. I did it for 2 the first time since I am pale, and I felt like all my tan was gone. Frustrated, I gave up on it and was mad at the money I wasted. Before our beach trip I tried it again (right before I took these photos). By accident and a busy morning with Ivy Jean, I left it on 5 hours. I loved the results!! I also used it right before this photo I recently posted on Instagram and got several comments about how tan I looked. Yay, it works! 🙂
Step-By-Step
- Shower, use mitt to apply to body.
- I do legs first and work up. I avoid my face.
- For feet and hands, I do my legs/arms first and use the little that is left over to lightly brush my feet/hands barely touching my toes and fingers. Since you can see the color, it’s easy to do this pretty naturally. I haven’t had an issue.
- Put on loose, dark clothes and let sit for 5 hours. I haven’t had any issue with it coming off on my clothes. I just wear darker colors to be safe.
- Rinse off and put on lotion.
Notes
I do this usually in the morning and rinse off around lunch which is easy for me since I stay home. You could easily do it on the weekend or after work. It is a little sticky/tacky at first, so you do want to rinse it off. The con to it is that you do have to rinse it off. I wish you could do it and forget it. The pro is that it does have color so you can see it as you apply, whether you have missed anywhere, or have a streak. Another pro is that it does continue to develop as time goes on and ends up with a nice, natural color.
Making My Tan Last
For about as long as I can remember, I have used Jergens lotion on my legs and arms. I find this helps my tan last in between applications. I usually apply about once a week or just when I have to wear shorts/dresses and don’t want to look too pale. Regardless of what self tanner/lotion combo you use, you want to exfoliate before and moisturize after.
Other Products
For my face, I use this lotion. I’ve had it forever, and it’s lasted really well. I mix some in with my everyday face lotion. It’s never broken me out or caused any issues. I’ve seen other options but haven’t tried them because I have this. I might try others when this runs out. I have also used and really like L’Oreal tan towels. They are about $10 for a pack of 5 and are a wipe. The main con to them is you cannot see them, so it’s easy to miss a spot. I got pretty used to where I would often miss spots and usually ended up with even applications. I used them on my face. If you want to try a low cost option first, I recommend them.
31 Comments
Ooh, great tips. I’m so excited for bare legs and summer time outfits.
I just started using the St Tropez new gel formula tanner and its amazing. A mitt definitely helps with application.
Hope you’re having a great start to Spring!
Lyndi
http://www.stylecalling.com
Your tan looks amazing! I have a little tan from our spring break but I want to make it last and use some tanning lotions this year. Thanks for your tips! I like Jergens lotion too, but I normally mix it with regular lotion so it doesn’t go on too heavy.
Great tips! So important to exfoliate before self tanning to ensure that the application is smooth and not blotchy too!
http://www.sundaydahlias.com
I love these photos 🙂 your style is stunning
http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2019/04/feeling-low-olive-green-will-lift-your.html?m=1
I love that Jergens lotion too—it builds really nicely and doesn’t smell as bad as most self-tanners do!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
I’ve never used self-tanner, but girl this one looks good! It looks so natural. Perfectly sun kissed!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Such a helpful post and love these photos! ! I actually tan very easily which can sometimes not be a good thing haha!
-Robin
Runwayteacher.com
Love this outfit so much! The red is stuning on you, and the eyelet a darling detail. I have cute tops on my wishlist for Spring. Love the red in te sandals too! Your shorts look great with your long legs! I have some denim shorts I wear alot in the summer.
I don’t self tan, but yours looks great. I just accept my paleness!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Such a gorgeous glow! And loving that bold red <3
Green Fashionista
Such a cute outfit! Love that top!
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com
I just adore these jeans shorts…I have been looking for some that wouldn’t be too short for me, and these might be it.
I used to use tanner. But I am trying to stick with a more natural routine, so I’ve given in up for now. We will see how long that lasts…LOL
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Love this color on you Amy!!
xx Leah / http://www.leahbehr.com
Self tanning is a must this time of year. Thanks for the tips. I love the bright red against the tan! xx
I am all about self-tanning this time of year! St. Tropez has such great products for sure!! Also LOVE this outfit–that top is so cute!
Rosy Outlook
First, that top is darling! I love the red on you! I’m pale and hard to tan also so I’m glad you posted this! I always feel better when my legs have a little color!
Jill – Doused in Pink
I’ve been trying to find a good self-tanner so I’ll definitely have to check out this one. I know I was one of those people who said you were tan! 😉 I also bought the same shorts and can’t wait to wear them once it warms up!
Meagan
http://www.meagansmoda.com
I have heard great things about the St.. Tropez line!
Katherine | http://www.oneswainkycouple.com
This is such a cute outfit, loving red lately.
xo
Pinksole
A favorite outfit on you for sure!! You’re so precious and red is your color!!!
Thats such a cute outfit
Candice x
natalyaamour.com