The best self-tanner for body and face. Creams, wipes, spray. Reviews and prices

If you want to give your skin a seductive bronze tint, self-tanning comes to the rescue. Not among the huge variety it is so difficult to choose which one is better both in terms of the format of the product and in the degree of saturation of the shade.

What is self-tanning

Self-tanning works on the principle of coloring the top layer of the skin in a dark shade. For this, cosmetics are used, which contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA). It is a natural ingredient derived from sugar cane. When applied to the skin, it reacts with the stratum corneum and causes it to gradually darken.

The speed and development of the shade depends on concentration of DHA in the agent. The higher it is, the darker and faster the final result will be.

As a rule, the first effect can be seen 3-4 hours after application of the product.

When the dead cells in the epidermis peel off, the self-tanner begins to peel off as the reaction on the skin stops. DHA does not penetrate deep into the skin, and even more so it is not absorbed into the blood, so using a self-tanning based on it is a safe procedure.

Types of cosmetics for self-tanning

In general, self-tanning can be instant and self-evident. The first is bronzer. It acts on the principle of foundation, that is, it contains a bronze pigment. The plus of such a tool is an instant result. Cons - it is rather difficult to apply evenly all over the body, the effect before showering, and it also stains clothes.

The second type is an auto bronzer. In its composition, it contains the above-described component, creates a gradual effect, and also differs in a result that is as close to natural as possible.

The format for issuing autobronzants is diverse:

1. Milk - a relatively liquid product with a melting texture.
2. Mousse - has a foam consistency that spreads quickly and is absorbed without residue.
3. Spray - the texture is water or light oil, due to the volatile formula, it is easy to apply and quickly absorbed.
4. Gel - has a light translucent texture, often enriched with moisturizing ingredients.
5. Lotion - something in between cream and milk, the texture allows you to apply the product in a thin layer.
6. Napkins - are impregnated with self-tanning and are used to correct imperfections and quickly resume the intensity of self-tanning.

The advantages and disadvantages of self-tanning

Self-tanning (which is better, will be discussed below) of the modern generation has the following advantages:

1. Shades of different intensities that are close to natural tanning: from light swarthy shimmer to rich bronze color.
2. Availability and safety of use. The components of the product are not absorbed into the blood and do not damage the skin.
3. Relatively fast results. The very next day, you can wake up with a light copper skin tone, and after the third application, a clear result is noticeable.
4. The ability to apply self-tanning to specific areas of the body, for example, only on the arms and legs.
5. With proper use and proper skin care, skin will look radiant and smooth.The same goes for flushing. If everything is done correctly, then the shade will come off evenly without spots and streaks.

Cons of using a self-tanner:

1. There is a high probability of uneven distribution of the cosmetic product, which leads to stains and streaks. In order to minimize them, you need a thorough preparation of the skin - peeling and high-quality moisturizing.
2. The inability to cope with the application of self-tanning all over the body alone. The back and back of the arms and legs need the help of another person.
3. Short term effect. The longest lasting result lasts up to 7 days.
4. Gradual manifestation. For a momentary effect, only bronzers are suitable, which are difficult to apply and stain everything around. Other products require 1-2 days, or even several applications for a noticeable effect.
5. Risk of staining clothes and bedding, especially with just the applied product. Therefore, it is recommended to use a self-tanner in the morning or afternoon, and then walk in light home clothes.
6. Characteristic unpleasant odor. The fragrances that make up the product only partially overlap it.
7. Dry skin with prolonged use of funds. Most often, they contain alcohol in their composition, therefore, after the “course” of self-tanning, it is necessary to restore the skin with high-quality hydration.

Contraindications for use

Self-tanning products do not harm the skin or accelerate the natural aging process, but they still have some contraindications:

• too dry and unprepared skin (the shade will not fit nicely and evenly);
• individual intolerance to individual components of the product (especially for natural cosmetics);
• damage to the skin;
• skin diseases;
• use with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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How long does the result last

The average duration of a self-tanning result is 3 to 5 days. First of all, it comes off dry areas of the body - elbows, feet, knees. Frequent showers, which are inevitable in summer, also speed up the wash off process. But in general, the effect depends on the individual characteristics of the skin and the speed of its renewal.

To prolong the result and increase the color intensity, you need to regularly moisturize the skin and apply the product periodically. But due to uneven washing off of the shade, subsequent layers of self-tanning can lay down unevenly and with spots.

Therefore, after 2-3 uses, it is better to completely wash off the color and repeat the procedure on clean skin.

How to choose the right one

Self-tanning should first of all match the shade. In order to choose which remedy is best for a particular girl, you need to know the characteristics of your skin.

If the skin tans easily and quickly takes on a bronze tint, then it will also react to self-tanning.

It is not in vain that there are tinted marks on cosmetics that you should pay attention to:

1. "Light", "Clair" - for owners of light and snow-white skin, which practically does not tan or acquires a pinkish tint. As for the hair color, this self-tanning is suitable for girls with light and blond hair.
2. "Medium", "Moyenne" - for olive and not too pale skin with a yellow undertone. Hair color does not matter, as it is a medium in intensity shade that is great for both blondes and brunettes.
3. "Dark", "Fonce" - only for dark-skinned girls with contrasting facial features and dark hair.

Application Tips

The result obtained and the durability of a self-tanning product depends not only on the format and quality of the cosmetic product, but also on the correct application.

By following simple rules, you can achieve a beautiful and even shade:

• the day before applying self-tanning, body depilation is carried out;
• if there was no care before using self-tanning on an ongoing basis, then moisturizers must be applied daily to the skin for a week;
• For the first application, you can mix the self-tanner with your favorite moisturizing lotion.

On the day of using a self-tanner, you must:

1. Shower and use an exfoliating scrub or coarse washcloth.
2. Then apply your usual moisturizer.
3. After it is completely absorbed, you can start applying self-tanning: with light and quick movements, you need to distribute the product from the bottom up (from the feet to the thighs, abdomen and neckline - in a circular motion, hands - from hands to shoulders). As for the back and buttocks, they need an assistant.
4. Knees, ankles, elbows and feet are best treated at the very end. Start with rough skin and aim for smooth skin.
5. If there is a glove in the kit or the instructions say it is necessary, then it is better not to neglect the manufacturer's recommendation. Then a thin layer of the product should be applied to the hands.
6. Finally, wash your hands thoroughly.
7. Avoid wearing light-colored and tight-fitting clothing for an hour after applying self-tanning. You can take a shower after 6 hours.

For the face, less concentrated products are used, as well as special drops that you can simply add to your day or night cream.

For the first case, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

1. Give up cosmetics with acids in a week.
2. Make a light scrub the day before to remove even the slightest peeling.
3. Then you must follow the instructions. Most often, self-tanning is applied to dry face without moisturizer. The movements are quick and easy. For an even result, it is necessary to move from the center of the face to the periphery. It is better to distribute the remains of the product near the eyebrows and along the hairline.
4. After a few minutes, you can apply your usual care.
5. The procedure must be repeated daily until the desired result is obtained.

Saving the result

Self-tanning (which is better, the results of the table below will show) is a rather capricious remedy, since within 2-3 days you can notice how the effect disappears.

But there are several secrets that will allow you to prolong the result:

1. For hair removal, it is better to resort to wax or sugar epilation. The shaver strips off the top layer of the skin, which speeds up the tanning process.
2. For the period of using self-tanning, it is better to use soft washcloths and peel only once a week.
3. It is better to apply self-tanning in the morning and on the day when you don't need to go anywhere, so that you can walk in your underwear for at least one hour. You also can't lie down and sit down.
4. It is better to start using self-tanning with a light shade. Then you can gradually move to darker colors.
5. You need to update the tool every 3-7 days. But if after repeated use it lays down with spots, it is better to wait until the product is completely washed off, and use it on clean skin.
6. Moisturizing your body skin daily will slow down natural skin exfoliation.

Correction of deficiencies

Spots and streaks are signs of improperly applied self-tanning products.

There are several ways to fix errors:

1. Self-tanner manufacturers offer special removers that dissolve the pigment. Lemon juice will do just fine, but you need to be careful with it. It can cause an allergic reaction and dry skin.
2. After applying the first layer that has gone stained, a rough washcloth and coffee scrub will come to the rescue.
3. For areas of skin that turn out to be light, wipes or spray are suitable. They can smooth out borders and add intensity.
4. To avoid disadvantages, beginners should start with the lightest shade or gradually layering the tanning mix with their usual body care.

How to wash off self-tanner

If the color of the self-tanning does not fit, it has become stained, turned out to be too intense, tired, then it can be washed off.

There are some simple guidelines for this:

• take a bath for 30-40 minutes, after which it is good to rub the body with a washcloth or coffee scrub. If necessary, repeat the procedure the next day;
• after a bath, apply shaving foam to your feet and use a razor;
• dilute lemon juice with water in a 1: 1 ratio and wipe the skin with the resulting composition, then take a shower again and apply a moisturizer;
• cosmetic clay is suitable for the face, it will thoroughly cleanse the pores and wash off the self-tanning;
• use a special remover.

Alcohol tonics are also great for unsuccessful self-tanning, but they dry the skin too much, so this method should only be used in extreme cases.

The best self-tanners for the body

Self-tanning (which is better, can be found in the table) of the modern generation has a wide range, which differs not only in price, but also in texture, as well as in the method of application.

Self-tanning	Features of the product and composition	How to use	Result	The cost
Toning auto bronzant mousse for face and body St. Moriz	This is a new generation auto bronzer that has an airy foam texture. It allows the product to be quickly absorbed into the skin and dry. The active ingredient is dihydroxyacetone (DHA).	Shake the bottle well, and then apply the foam to the body and face using a mitten. You can take a shower after 6-8 hours. The water will wash away the excess tint, and the skin will acquire a uniform golden hue.	The manufacturer promises the durability of the effect obtained within 5-10 days.	RUB 895
Self-tanning milk for face and body from Yves Rocher	Has a light melting milk texture. It contains 94% of ingredients of natural origin, which provides proper skin care. The substance that gives the tanning effect is DHA.	The milk is applied to cleansed skin. Contact with water for 3 hours is not recommended.	Durability up to 5 days. Also, according to reviews, it can be layered to prolong the effect.	RUB 950
Self-tanning gel "Cool freshness" L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze	The active ingredient DHA is combined with vitamin E to provide additional moisture to the skin. Thanks to its gel texture, the product is quickly applied to the skin, does not leave spots and streaks.	The product should be applied to cleansed skin daily until the desired effect. Then it can be used to maintain the result 2 times a week.	Due to the gradual development, you can achieve both a light golden skin color and a more saturated one.	RUB 600
Self-tanning milk "Even tan" Garnier Ambre Solaire	The milk has a melting creamy consistency, the composition of which is saturated with DHA pigment and apricot kernel oil.	To achieve the result, the product is applied daily to cleansed skin. Then you can use the milk once a week to maintain the effect.	A long-lasting and even golden tan is achieved with moisturizing ingredients and oils.	RUB 540
Self-tanning spray Floresan	It has a convenient spray format that makes it easier to apply. The composition is saturated with various oils (soy, coconut, apricot), hyaluronic acid, vitamin E.	The product is sprayed over the body, after which it must be evenly distributed. Contact with water is possible no earlier than after 3 hours.	The manufacturer promises an effect in the form of a bronze shade up to 5 days.	RUB 160

Top 5 self-tanners for the face

Although most self-tanners are universal, it is better to use highly targeted products for the face. They are distinguished by a more delicate and soft effect, and also appear gradually, which allows you to achieve the maximum natural result.

Homemade self-tanning at home

Self-tanning (which is the best among cosmetics, described above) can be prepared at home. There are a number of products that color the skin and give it a light, natural tone.

The main plus of homemade recipes is a completely natural composition and its freshness, a minus - the effect is too short-term and minimal.

Recipe 1

You will need ground coffee for it. Depending on the area of ​​the skin area, it is necessary to calculate its amount. Then you should fill it with a small amount of boiling water.

The cooled mixture is separated from the thick. The resulting liquid is rubbed onto the face and body.

Recipe 2

Onion husks are steamed in a hot bath. It is important that the water turns golden or slightly brown. Then you need to plunge into a warm bathroom and lie in it for 20 minutes. In order for the face to also get the desired shade, it should be wiped several times a day with a cotton pad dipped in broth.

Recipe 3

To prepare it, you need to grate a medium carrot and add a tablespoon of olive oil to the gruel. The mixture is applied to the face and neck in a thick layer and remains on it for 15-20 minutes. This recipe is suitable for dark-skinned girls who want to add intensity to their skin tone.

Self-tanner reviews

Self-tanning fans who use it on a regular basis say that this is a great opportunity all year round to look as if you just returned from hot countries. Modern auto bronzers are several orders of magnitude higher than those that were 5-7 years ago. They give the skin a natural golden and bronze tint without yellow and orange spots.

Also, most products in the middle price category are easy to apply. Many girls have already bought special gloves, which greatly facilitate the process of distributing the product over the skin and prevents them from getting their palms dirty. Negative reviews are associated with products that have a dense texture.

Most often, it is sticky and does not allow the self-tanner to lie evenly on the skin. therefore most girls prefer light products with medium shade intensity.

Self-tanning is a great opportunity to give your body a beautiful bronze tint in just a couple of uses. A wide variety of cosmetic products allows you to choose the best product for the price and quality, choose the optimal texture and shade.

Article design: Oksana Grivina

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