MOUSSE, GEL, LOTION OR MIST?
That perfect golden tan is within arms reach, but which formula should you pick? From lotions and gels to mousses and mists, Cult Concierge expert Grace is here to give you the low-down on each product.
Mousse: best for beginners
If you’re a total tan novice looking for the perfect application, then give mousse a go. Mousses are quick-drying (some even develop within one hour!) and because of their texture, it’s easy to see where you’ve applied the product.
Lotions: best for dry skin
Lotions are great for drier skin types since they often contain hydrating ingredients to nourish the skin. They’re also buildable, meaning you’re in complete charge of the colour you end up with.
Gels: best for tanning experts
Gels feel lovely and lightweight on the skin and can give you beautiful, even results. However, we’d only recommend gels for advanced tanners, as the formula makes it tricky to apply. Gel tanning products are usually clear or have a light sheen, making it harder to see where you’ve applied the product.
Mist: best for those in a hurry
Quick-drying and lightweight, mists are perfect for those who want a quick and even tan. They’re also great for topping up an older tan, and with St. Tropez’s 360° aerosol mist, it’s easy to apply even in those hard-to-reach areas.
HOW TO APPLY ST. TROPEZ
- Before applying your fake tan, prep the areas you want to tan with an {exfoliator} to make sure your skin is nice and smooth.
- For an even tan, apply moisturiser to the elbows, knees, ankles and other areas where you get dry skin, as tan can sometimes stick to these areas.
- Once you’re prepped, it’s time to apply your tan! Make sure your skin is clean and dry, and that you have a St. Tropez mitt for an even application.
- Follow the tanning steps for your specific product, making sure you pay attention to the amount of time you should leave your tan on for!
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR ST. TROPEZ TAN TO DEVELOP?
The developing time for your tan depends on which product you choose. Some tans (like the St. Tropez Instant Tan) develop straight away, while others (such as the St. Tropez Self Tan Classic) take four to eight hours to develop, depending on how dark you want to go.
HOW LONG DO ST. TROPEZ TANS LAST?
How long your tan will last again depends on which St. Tropez product you choose. Want a tan that you can wash off the same day? Use the St. Tropez Instant Tan. Looking for something longer lasting? The St. Tropez Self Tan Classic can last for up to ten days.
Wondering how to maintain your St. Tropez tan? Keep your tan sleek and smooth by gently exfoliating in the shower every other day. You may want to use a St. Tropez lotion or mist to keep your tan nicely topped up. Any old or patchy tan can be removed with {St. Tropez Tan Remover Mousse}.
SHOULD I SHOWER BEFORE USING ST. TROPEZ?
Since you’ll need to exfoliate before using a tanning product, we recommend showering before using your St. Tropez tan.
CAN YOU LEAVE ST. TROPEZ TAN ON OVERNIGHT?
If you’re using a gradual tan that takes over six hours to develop, you can put your tan on before bed to wake up looking like a bronzed goddess. Like all tans, there’s a risk that St. Tropez may stain your sheets, so we’d recommend sleeping in old bedding and wearing some dark, loose pyjamas.
IS ST. TROPEZ TAN SAFE TO USE WHEN PREGNANT?
According to The Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA), spray tan and self-tanning products are safe to use during pregnancy. When you’re pregnant, skin can become more sensitive due to a change in hormone levels, so make sure you do a patch test at least 24 hours before using your St. Tropez tan, even if you’ve never had a reaction before.
HOW DO YOU GET ST. TROPEZ TAN OFF YOUR HANDS?
If you look like you’ve dipped your hands in a bag of Wotsits, fear not! Any patchy or unwelcome tan can be removed with {St. Tropez Tan Remover Mousse}. You can also exfoliate the skin to remove any build-up of product.
CAN YOU GO SWIMMING WITH ST. TROPEZ TAN ON?
If you intend to show off your tan at the pool or on the beach, allow at least eight hours for your tan to fully develop before swimming. Keep in mind that sea water and chlorinated pools may cause your tan to fade more quickly than it otherwise would.
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