When it comes to self-tanning there’s a fine line between an acceptably-tinted fake tan and looking a little too Trump for comfort. And, while a golden glow certainly isn’t the most important thing on our list of priorities during a global pandemic, here we find ourselves, a couple of months into a winter that has allowed few opportunities to get outside and a lot of time to idly stare in the mirror, toying with the idea of artificially getting our glow on.

But should men be embarrassed about reaching for the tanning mitt or stepping into the spray booth? Absoluetly NOT and now more than ever with LuxERI Automatic Spray tan Booths we have the male/he/him's and they's covered! Fake tan has been colored with connotations of reality television and that oh so famous "Ross" from friends moment in recent years, but these are associations unfairly afforded. Rather than being a cop out, self-tanning is both a safer and easier alternative to spending hours out bathing in rays and trying to get equal coverage to every limb, fold and crease. 

Why are men put off by the thought of fake tan?

I think in the past it has been thought of as more of a female beauty product, so it hasn’t been as widely spoken about in association with men, even though men have enjoyed using self-tan for many years. However with a change in male role models and gender stereotypes I think that is now changing and men are freely expressing their enjoyment of self-tan. So while it seems like this is a new trend for men it’s actually a pre-existing appreciation that’s now being heard

How important is preparing your skin before tanning?

Prepping your skin before application is essential and there are a few steps to this:

1. Exfoliate 24 hours before to remove any dryness and dead skin cells and especially focus on dry areas like elbows and knees. This creates a smooth surface for even application.
2. Shave at least 24 hours before application so that skin has calmed and there is no inflammation.
3. Moisturise any parts of the skin that are dryer than elsewhere and anywhere you don’t want color to build up. On the body this is elbows, knees, behind knees, knuckles on fingers and toes (I only skim these areas with tan). On the face, put a bit of moisturizer over your brows to avoid potential discoloration.

What are some common mistakes people make when applying self-tan? 

I’d say wanting to go DARK straight away is a common mistake – if you start with less light or medium colour depth you can’t really go wrong. I’d also recommend washing your hands and face 1 hour after your tan to stop tan developing on your fingers and hands this will allow you to have a sunkissed look without the OH NO fake tan signs.

One more thing, NEVER be afraid or embarrassed we are always here to guide you so DM or Txt us and we will help you through

Lux Ya,

Toni