Safe Sun in the Summer (And All Year Long!)

Maybe because I’m a child of the 90s, but I really love a good tan. I cringe now thinking about it, but I used to have so many tanning bed packages, special lotion bought at the tanning bed, and a sticker sun tattoo (I don’t know what they were called haha!). It wasn’t until college when a routine dermatology visit resulted in the removal of not one but TWO precancerous moles dug out of my body and sent off for biopsy (my derm was sure something was off with both so she made sure to dig them both out completely before sending off). Now I don’t go to the beach or pool without being slathered in sunscreen.

Because of this, I really rely on wearing self tanner all year long. I feel like I’ve used a ton of different ones trying to find the best that what I’m going to recommend to you today is my all-time favorite!

My #1 Self Tanner!

This self tanner is my all-time favorite. I put 4 pumps on each leg and a pump and a half on each arm. Then one pump for my chest and two for my mid-section. I put enough on that my tan last about a week, and I reapply each weekend (usually on Sunday mornings before church and wash off that night). It does have a scent to it, but no one has ever pointed it out to me–so I’m not sure if only I can smell it or people are just being nice 🙂 It does have a bronzer in it, so you can see where you’re applying and not miss a section.

What I’m Currently Using and LOVING

I received this 2 hour express self-tanner from Dustin for Christmas, and it’s just like the original except that you tan faster. I have left it on all day without meaning to and I think it makes me darker than the classic tanner. This one smells the exact same as the other and also has a bronzer.

What to Apply Your Tanner With

I’ve used TONS of different mitts from different brands and different price points and nothing beats this mitt. The velvet lining really helps the mousse apply evenly. I buy a new one each time I buy a new bottle.

My Mom’s Favorite Self-Tanner

My mom also really loves using self tanner during the winter months, and this one is her favorite. I’ve used it before and I prefer the mousse simply because that’s what I’ve always used. I would still recommend the St. Tropez mitt to apply this also because the mitt that comes in the box was terrible.

My Favorite Facial Sunscreen

When I had my wake up call at the dermatologist’s office back in college, she recommended I use this sunscreen on my face because I have very sensitive skin. Back then I had oily skin and was prone to breakouts, so I never wanted to wear sunscreen on my face because I thought it would clog my pores and lead to more breakouts. This stuff is wonderful! It’s lightweight, doesn’t smell like sunscreen, and has worked perfectly for my ever-changing skin needs. I have gone through maybe 10 bottles in 10 years? I only use a small, pea-size amount on my face and neck, so it lasts a long time!!

Sunscreen for Harrison

I used this sunscreen on Harrison all last summer and have continued to use it on him this summer. You do have to really rub it in, but Harrison doesn’t mind it and that’s saying a lot for an active 2 year old boy haha!

I hope this was helpful and encouraging to you if you’ve never tried self tanner before!