Thread: Self-tanning gone wrong

By Makeup artist Deborah Grayson

I did something way wrong! I used self-tanner everywhere, and I'm streaked out from head to toe. Is there anything I can use to get all of it off, I tried exfoliating but it doesn't work. What can I do about it?

Look in the mirror and have a good laugh. Sure, you're 'streaked-out' now, but it won't last more than a couple of days -- three days tops. For the record though, I suspect you applied without blending well. Think of it as a humbling experience -- a way to appreciate the natural state of the skin you're fortunate enough to be covered in.

There really isn't much you can do but wait. Don't scrub your skin; you'll only irritate it. To speed the fade, however, try using a gentle exfoliant that contains glycolic acid. I like Murad Sensitive Skin Smoothing Cream, which is actually an amazing facial moisturizer, but has exfoliating properties.

Once the streaks have faded and you're feeling brave... here are some tips for applying self-tanner next time!

What you'll need:


Self-tanner of your choice, though I recommend starting with one that says 'light tan'


Unscented baby wipes


A gentle body exfoliant

Tips for Self-Tanning Your Body:


Shower using a gentle (and I stress the word gentle) bath scrub or washcloth. I'm a big fan of the scrubbing gloves from the Body Shop. This'll roll off excess rough skin and prime it for the tanner.


Dry the skin completely and use a light body moisturizer.


Squeeze a liberal amount (3 to 4 tablespoons) of the self-tanner into the palms of your hands, rub your palms together so they're covered in product, and using both hands massage style, work the product over your skin starting at the feet and upward covering the entire area as you go. I generally start with the right leg, make sure it's covered completely, than go to the left, making sure it's covered; the torso next, then the right arm, left arm, shoulders, neck. Save the face for last.


Remember, tanner works fast, so you'll want to keep cleaning the areas you don't want to stain. Keep the baby wipes at your side to consistently wash off your palms, between your fingers and under your nails as you apply. After each leg application, be sure to clean between your toes.


Wait 15 to 30 minutes before dressing.

Tips for Self-Tanning Your Face:


This is a two-step process. Follow the same directions as for the body, only use just 1 teaspoon. Apply to the entire face using both hands, making sure all areas are covered. Don't forget the outside of the ears and under the chin.


Remove all traces of the tanner from your hands.


Next, in the same method you applied the tanning product to your face, apply your facial moisturizer. Blend and blend again. This will pretty much assure a good even blend.

Recommended List

Exfoliants
Product Name: The Body Shop Bathing Gloves
I love my bathing gloves. They're amazing for gentle exfoliating and I just don't feel clean without them.
Price: $6
Available: Body Shop Boutiques or www.bodyshop.com

Product Name: The Body Shop Africa Spa Body Salt Scrub
These natural salts gently exfoliate skin as shea butter moisturizes; leaves the skin smooth and incredibly soft; a real treat.
Price: $48.95
Available: Body Shop Boutiques or www.bodyshop.com

Product Name: Murad Skin Smoothing Cream
I'm serious when I say I can't live without this stuff; it truly does what it says -- smoothes the skin. Aside from its exfoliating properties, it's an excellent moisturizer. I apply it in the morning, wait about five minutes, gently massage off the 'dead' skin flakes, than go ahead and apply makeup. My makeup lies more smoothly when the surface of my skin is so darn smooth.
Price: $48
Available: www.murad.com

Self-Tanners
Product Name: Peter Thomas Roth Natural Looking Self-Tanner
This streakless white lotion gives a golden natural looking tan within about two to three hours.
Price: $25.00
Available: www.peterthomasroth.com or call 1-800 PTR-SKIN

Product Name: Clinique Fast Tan Quick Dry Sunless Spray
Sounds appealing, though I'm more of the hands-on type. You spray it on so your hands don't have to touch a thing. It evaporates immediately, and you start 'tanning' in under an hour, compared to the two to three hours it generally takes. For the body only.
Price: $26.00
Available: www.sephora.com

Product Name: Clinique Go Tan Sunless Towelettes
These are great! Individually wrapped towelettes with just the right amount of product on them. One per application covers entire area. Specially designed for face or body.
Price: $22.50 for the face/ $27.50 for the body
Available: www.sephora.com