Fake it until you make it! And this summer is definitely a fake it year, because I’ve barely done any summer sun activities, especially any that give me that golden glow. So that means my fake tan game is on, and I’ve gone pro or at least semi-pro! Here are my tips and tricks for getting a good fake tan at home.

Regardless if I’m doing a fake tan sesh at night or in the am it all starts in the shower.  Step 1 you need to exfoliate to create the perfect “canvas.”  In the shower I’ll exfoliate with my Skin So Soft Radiant Glow Body Polish.  It’s a gentle scrub, doesn’t clog your drain, and it’s moisturizing.  I either will use a brush or just my palms.

2nd step for me is a step most people don’t do.  I usually use a bath oil after I shower but those typically break down fake tans.  I still need a moisturizer because moisturized skin will take tan better and prevents it being patchy.  My trick is to use an in shower moisturizer.  I love the one’s from Avon — and you can get the Moisture Therapy Ultra Hydration In Shower Lotion right now for FREE with a $50 order at http://www.youravon.com/aliciahessinger using promo code SUMMER50

After I’ve showered step 3 is to use a body butter around the tricky spots like ankles, knees, elbows, feet… basically places where fake tan always goes patchy.  A body butter works better than a lotion as it thicker formula stays where you put it and nut butters don’t break down the tan.  Right now I’m LOVING this Skin So Soft Supreme Nourishment with Coconut Oil (launches in my eBoutique in a couple weeks!).

Finally step 4, the actual tanning solution.  This summer I’ve been using this Tan AF foam version which I like but don’t love as much as the Neutrogena 3 Days To Glow Moisturizer.  I tend to like a moisturizing lotion form over a foam for my skin.  I also tend to get the medium to deep shade so I only have to apply once, versus having to re-apply in 4 hrs to get the desired shade.  I mean the 3 day one works best when you do it 3 days in a row, but I’ve used it just one day and it still gave me color.

And now I’m fake tan af.