With all the news about the sun being bad these days, people are looking for safe alternatives so that they can still have that golden glow of summer without the risks that are associated with the old standard of sun bathing. But, using these sunless tanning products to reproduce the look of a real sun goddess is another matter all together. Sometimes the look is more bronze statue and other times it looks kind of like orange sherbert. Not exactly the golden look you were going for. If you are having difficulty sorting out the tan of your dreams then these 3 steps will help you get the finished look you want once you find the perfect product.

So, what do you need to do to prepare your skin for sunless tanning products and help them look more natural and last longer?

Test

You’ve probably seen quite an impressive selection of sunless tanning products in your local drug stores, department stores, and even huge discount retail stores. The key to selecting the right product for your skin is to test a few. It is best to test in areas that are not going to be terribly noticeable. Whether stores offer test samples or you must buy a few different sunless tanning lotions, gels, and/or sprays you really need to have an idea of what they will look like when dry and how well they will look with your skin. Chances are that you might like one of the less expensive products just as much, if not more than the more expensive sunless tanning products. Only testing will tell for sure. It also allows you to check for any possible allergies.

Exfoliate

This means getting read of the dead and dried skin that, if left unchecked, could leave your sunless tanning efforts looking a little spotty and incomplete. You can do this by using exfoliating products from the store, making your own exfoliating products, or simply using a loofah to buff the skin. This step is especially important if you are dealing with the common aging problem of dry skin.

Light

While you aren’t going on the big stage, lighting means a lot when it comes to applying sunless tanning products. If you do not have adequate lighting you might apply too much of the lotion, cream, or spray in one area and too little in another. The overall results will be a spotty tan that doesn’t look at all natural. Make sure you have plenty of lighting in the room and that you aren’t applying the sunless tanning products in shadows or blind spots.

If you want another freebie tip for your sunless tanning application, consider blending the tanning agent with lotion in areas that are tricky like the knees or elbows. You should also make every effort to keep your skin well hydrated and moisturized after you’ve applied the sunless tanning cream. Doing these things will help you achieve the natural glow of summer you crave without the risk of those brutal rays.