If there's one thing that scared me more than anything as a teenager, it was applying fake tan. Thank goodness things have changed in the last fifteen years, as the portfolio of tanning products now available offer easy-to-use formulas that are highly unlikely to turn skin oompa-loompa orange! As a pale skinned 'English Rose' I do love a bit of tan come the summer months; my limbs look almost transparent without a touch of something, so I'm always on the look out for brands that cater for my needs without making me look like an extra from Georgie Shore. Sienna X not only provide a variety of textures to ensure a seamless application process (lotion, gel, mist or mousse,) but also a multitude of colour options. Encompassing preparation and maintenance products too, there's a Sienna X solution for your every tanning need - from gradual tans and exfoliators, to mists, shimmer sprays and a body balm to help prolong your colour. I'm a big fan of the lightweight mousse which is perfect if you're new to tanning, or are simply a bit nervous about creating a streak-free finish; it glides over the skin effortlessly and dries quickly to leave a natural glow. You don't have to be as precise if you're in a rush, plus it doesn't leave telling marks or an obvious scent behind either! If you're ready to step into tanning season once again, have a read of these top ten tips that I've pulled together with the help of the Sienna X expert tanning team, to ensure you create the perfect finish every time...
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1. PICKING YOUR PERFECT SHADE
Sienna X trainer Sophie Tague says: "Everyone’s skin is different, and fake tan will react differently depending on your skin type. Fake tans only run the risk of looking unnatural if you have a tan with too much DHA in it for your needs, so take a look at our easy guide to see which tan will best suit your skin. You’ll find the perfect product for you, from a quick fix to a long lasting holiday glow”.
2. PREPARATION IS KEY
Celebrity tanner and brand ambassador James Harknett advises: "Make sure your underarms are deodorant free and you avoid using any oil-based products in the days leading up to your tan, as they leave traces on the skin that can cause streaking." James also recommends you undertake any waxing or shaving two days before applying tan, exfoliating with the Sienna X Polishing Body Scrub to get rid of dead skin cells and leave the skin silky smooth.
3. PREVENT OBVIOUS TAN LINES
Use a lightweight moisturiser to act as a barrier on tell-tale areas; apply sparingly to the feet, back of the heel, elbows, cuticles and hands for a natural finish. This will help prevent the tan from developing to the full intensity. James says: "My top tip is to apply a small sized amount of moisturiser to the base of your palm, using a semi-circular motion. This allows the tan line to naturally fade, so no one knows you’re faking it!"
4. EMBRACE THE MITT
Make sure you wear a tanning mitt or Sienna X latex free gloves when applying fake tan, as this lets you smooth the product onto the skin effortlessly. Sophie Tague says: "Apply self-tan on your legs working your way up using smooth circular movements, moving onto the upper and body and chest. Before moving onto the shoulders, neck and arms you might want get someone to help with your back for best results”.
5. HANDS AND FEET
Mix your product with a touch of moisturiser such as the Sienna X Radiance Body Balm, then smooth onto your hands and feet. This thins out the product, making sure it doesn’t 'grab' too hard on dry areas such as knuckles and toes. "Don’t forget to wipe your finger and toe nails with a cleansing wipe to remove excess" James says!
6. CONTOURING THE FACE
Why not use your tan to add a natural and long-lasting contour to your face? James Harknett recommends that you "always apply tan in front of the mirror, working in sections. Think of the areas the sun would hit your face if you were sitting in a warm climate and focus on those. Smooth the product over the forehead and then from the corner of the eye, dragging over the cheeks for a contoured finish. Finish up by dragging your tan down the bridge of the nose and around the mouth." Be careful not to use too much product; less is definitely more when tanning the face.
7. KEEP YOUR COOL
"If you're new to tanning and are perhaps a little nervous, use a tan that has a guide colour to ensure you cover the whole body effectively." James also suggests keeping cool after you've applied your tan: "Perspiration can mottle the tan during activation. If it's a warm night, sleep with the fan on or window open and try not to wash your hands for at least 3 hours after tanning”.
8. AVOID HOT WATER
After you've applied your tan, try to keep showers and baths on the cool side as hot water can break up the tan faster and leave you patchy. After showering, it’s also advised that you pat your skin dry with a towel as opposed to rubbing it. This will stop you from rubbing away the top layer of skin, where the product sits.
9. MAINTAIN THE RESULT
As sweating is inevitable in the summer months, sprinkle some baby powder in your bra to keep you fresh and prevent the tan rubbing away prematurely. Sophie Tague says: "To prevent harsh chemicals from stripping your tan away, you should use a gentle cleanser such as the Sienna X Balance Body Wash. This mild shower gel will keep your skin feeling refreshed and nourished, but is gentle enough to keep your tan in great condition."
10. MOISTURISE DAILY
Make sure you moisturise twice a day with Sienna X Radiance Body Balm, as it enhances and maintains your Summer Skin by locking in hydration and helping your tan to fade naturally. You'll be a bronzed goddess and nobody will know it's not from a weekend in Marbs!
Why not stock up on fake tan, give yourself a little pamper and try some of the tips yourself? To celebrate the start of the summer season, I'm giving away five bumper packs of Sienna X goodies that include everything you need to create and maintain the perfect tan... If you want to get your hands on one of them, just enter via the widget below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Sienna X, but all (non quoted) opinions are my own.
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1. PICKING YOUR PERFECT SHADE
Sienna X trainer Sophie Tague says: "Everyone’s skin is different, and fake tan will react differently depending on your skin type. Fake tans only run the risk of looking unnatural if you have a tan with too much DHA in it for your needs, so take a look at our easy guide to see which tan will best suit your skin. You’ll find the perfect product for you, from a quick fix to a long lasting holiday glow”.
2. PREPARATION IS KEY
Celebrity tanner and brand ambassador James Harknett advises: "Make sure your underarms are deodorant free and you avoid using any oil-based products in the days leading up to your tan, as they leave traces on the skin that can cause streaking." James also recommends you undertake any waxing or shaving two days before applying tan, exfoliating with the Sienna X Polishing Body Scrub to get rid of dead skin cells and leave the skin silky smooth.
3. PREVENT OBVIOUS TAN LINES
Use a lightweight moisturiser to act as a barrier on tell-tale areas; apply sparingly to the feet, back of the heel, elbows, cuticles and hands for a natural finish. This will help prevent the tan from developing to the full intensity. James says: "My top tip is to apply a small sized amount of moisturiser to the base of your palm, using a semi-circular motion. This allows the tan line to naturally fade, so no one knows you’re faking it!"
4. EMBRACE THE MITT
Make sure you wear a tanning mitt or Sienna X latex free gloves when applying fake tan, as this lets you smooth the product onto the skin effortlessly. Sophie Tague says: "Apply self-tan on your legs working your way up using smooth circular movements, moving onto the upper and body and chest. Before moving onto the shoulders, neck and arms you might want get someone to help with your back for best results”.
5. HANDS AND FEET
Mix your product with a touch of moisturiser such as the Sienna X Radiance Body Balm, then smooth onto your hands and feet. This thins out the product, making sure it doesn’t 'grab' too hard on dry areas such as knuckles and toes. "Don’t forget to wipe your finger and toe nails with a cleansing wipe to remove excess" James says!
6. CONTOURING THE FACE
Why not use your tan to add a natural and long-lasting contour to your face? James Harknett recommends that you "always apply tan in front of the mirror, working in sections. Think of the areas the sun would hit your face if you were sitting in a warm climate and focus on those. Smooth the product over the forehead and then from the corner of the eye, dragging over the cheeks for a contoured finish. Finish up by dragging your tan down the bridge of the nose and around the mouth." Be careful not to use too much product; less is definitely more when tanning the face.
7. KEEP YOUR COOL
"If you're new to tanning and are perhaps a little nervous, use a tan that has a guide colour to ensure you cover the whole body effectively." James also suggests keeping cool after you've applied your tan: "Perspiration can mottle the tan during activation. If it's a warm night, sleep with the fan on or window open and try not to wash your hands for at least 3 hours after tanning”.
8. AVOID HOT WATER
After you've applied your tan, try to keep showers and baths on the cool side as hot water can break up the tan faster and leave you patchy. After showering, it’s also advised that you pat your skin dry with a towel as opposed to rubbing it. This will stop you from rubbing away the top layer of skin, where the product sits.
9. MAINTAIN THE RESULT
As sweating is inevitable in the summer months, sprinkle some baby powder in your bra to keep you fresh and prevent the tan rubbing away prematurely. Sophie Tague says: "To prevent harsh chemicals from stripping your tan away, you should use a gentle cleanser such as the Sienna X Balance Body Wash. This mild shower gel will keep your skin feeling refreshed and nourished, but is gentle enough to keep your tan in great condition."
10. MOISTURISE DAILY
Make sure you moisturise twice a day with Sienna X Radiance Body Balm, as it enhances and maintains your Summer Skin by locking in hydration and helping your tan to fade naturally. You'll be a bronzed goddess and nobody will know it's not from a weekend in Marbs!
Why not stock up on fake tan, give yourself a little pamper and try some of the tips yourself? To celebrate the start of the summer season, I'm giving away five bumper packs of Sienna X goodies that include everything you need to create and maintain the perfect tan... If you want to get your hands on one of them, just enter via the widget below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Sienna X, but all (non quoted) opinions are my own.
Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.
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