get your bronze on

Winter is here and it is here to stay (yuck!). For me, there is no better or quicker mid-winter confidence boost than a gorgeous, bronzed tan. As a dancer, I don’t like performing without a tan and I’ve tried so many products and methods over the years to stay a consistent golden color during the winter. Below, you’ll find my top three picks for sunless tanning.

best organic self-tan: Isle of Paradise products 

Isle of Paradise Self- Tanning Mousse ($29 at Sephora) Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water ($28 at Sephora) and Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops ($29 at Sephora)

God, I love this stuff. I use Isle of Paradise products two-three times a week. I love them because they are cruelty-free, 100 percent vegan and organic, and are made using certified organic, non-sensitizing and hypoallergenic ingredients. And the best part is that this product doesn’t leave you feeling sticky or with that awful drugstore-brand tan smell.

I like to have a deep tan, so I use the purple/dark products in both of these. For a more natural tan, I recommend using green/medium or peach/light products.

How I apply:
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Mousse
The night before game days, I shower, shave and dry off. I typically start the process with my back. I put two pumps of mousse on a tanning mit (like this one) and rub the tanner in gently, in circular motions. I move to my arms, torso and then down to my legs. For each part of my body, I use two more pumps of tanner. This stuff is great because it's pigmented so you can see any spots you've missed. Make sure to pay special attention to any crevices (hate that word) to ensure the tanner is applied evenly - this includes elbows, armpits, under-butt, etc. I don't usually put this on my face and instead use the self-tanning drops (below) mixed with my moisturizer. Once it's fully applied, I wait 20-30 minutes to put on loose PJs and then hop into bed. When I wake up the next morning, I typically apply lotion mixed with Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops to make sure any streaks or spots I've missed are fully blended. 

This bottle tends to last about 10-15 uses for me.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water
The application process for the self-tanning water is very similar to mousse. I spray the water all over my body until it is really saturated, and gently rub it in, in circular motions with a tanning mitt. It is possible to spray your back on your own, but it’s easier if you have a friend help you. I do not spray this on my face. After it’s on, I usually wait 20-30 minutes to put my pjs on (wear loose clothing!) and then hop into bed. I never have problems with it rubbing off in my sleep, but do notice an occasional spot on my sheets. They always come off in the wash and are never permanent.

This bottle tends to last about 8 uses for me.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops
I love to use Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops on my face to keep up a bright complexion. After I wash and dry my face, I’ll drop about 5 drops into my moisturizer and massage it into my face. I always avoid my eyelids and lips. Don’t forget your neck too!

I also use Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops to maintain a self-tan or an airbrush tan. 1-2 days after I’ve used the Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water, I will mix 8-10 drops into every pump of lotion and moisturize my entire body with it. This will ensure that your tan does not crack or fade over time.

​This bottle tends to last about 10 uses for me.

Best Custom Airbrush TaN: nATURAL gLOW

​Natural Glow, 142 Commercial Street, Boston’s North End

This is my love letter to Natural Glow. The ladies at Natural Glow will give you the perfect tan for any special occasion or event you have. They customize the color and richness of your tan based on your natural skin color and desired tan color and will contour your body with the spray (hello abs!). I’ve used them for every audition, pageant, wedding or just-because event I’ve had in my life, and you should too.

Full Body Spray: $50, with free face touch ups within 1 week

Natural Glow’s recommended tanning tips:

​PRE - TAN
​Shower
At least 8 hours before your session be sure to shower, exfoliate, shave and moisturize. Do not re-apply moisturizer before the appointment. Waxing should be done at least 24 hours prior. This will allow even coverage and help extend your tan to its full potential.

Clothing
Bring or wear loose fitting clothing and what you would like to be sprayed in. The bronzer may rub off onto your clothing but will wash out of most fabrics. Avoid silks and nylons.

Face & Skin
Remove makeup and deodorant prior to your appointment. Natural Glow will provide make-up remover if needed.

Jewelry
Remove all jewelry.

POST - TAN
​Wait Time
The solution takes 8 hours to fully develop. During that time avoid getting wet and activity that promotes sweating. Wear loose fitting clothing.

Shower
When showering, be gentle on the skin. Apply body wash with your hand, avoid any scrubbing or exfoliating that will remove or lighten the tan.  When shaving, use a sharp blade and press gently on skin.

Moisturize
Pat skin lightly with towel to dry, moisturize while the skin is still damp. Apply a few times a day if possible.
​
Enhancing Products
To prolong your tan and minimize fading, we suggest using tan extending lotions at home to darken a fading tan. We also offer a self-tanning spray to use in between visits. 

Best “I have 24 hours to get tan” Tan: St. Tropez Self-Tan Extra dark bronzing mousse

St. Tropez Self Tan Extra Dark Bronzing Mousse ($45 at Sephora) and Tan Applicator Mitt ($6.50 at Sephora)

This has been a staple of mine for years. Any time I need to get really tan, really fast, I turn to St. Tropez Self Tan Extra Dark Bronzing Mousse. I use it very similarly to the Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water spray and am able to get a "one week in the Caribbean" tan by the next morning.

How I apply:
As I mentioned above, I always shower, shave and dry off before tanning. I put two-three pumps of mousse on a tanning mit and rub it over my body in circular motions. Because the mousse is really dark, you can see all the spots you’ve missed. I do not apply this to my face, but instead use Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops and darker foundation to match the tan on my body.

Warning: If you are using this product before bed, give it extra time to dry as it will transfer to your sheets. Always wear loose clothing after tanning regardless of the activity you’re doing.
​
This bottle tends to last about 10 uses for me.
 
Which self-tan do you prefer? Let me know in the comments!