Self-tanner is often cherished by redheads because it provides a safer alternative to sun exposure, which can be particularly harsh on fair skin prone to burning. It allows us to achieve a natural-looking tan without risking sun damage or exacerbating our already sensitive skin. Our sunburn-prone skin and elevated risk of skin cancer make traditional tanning a big no-no, but sunless tanner can give you that bronze look you love without the risk.
Recently, a trend has been circulating on TikTok on how to contour your face with your favorite sunless tanner product. The idea is that you add sunless tanner to the places you would normally add contour for a naturally sculpted look. We’ve seen some redheads try it on TikTok and looks like it works:
@syd.the.ging my sunday nights 🤌🫶 #selftancontour #contourroutine #selftanningroutine #sundayreset #sundayroutine #contourtutorial #contouringhack #nightroutine
@achendricks Results in the morning🤗🙂😚 #selftanner #contour @Coco & Eve #tannernight
@jessiecostantino results with & without makeup at the end <3 lmk if u have any questions! #glowupsecrets #glowuptips #grwm #hotgirlsdontgatekeep #selftanner #selftanning #selftannercontour #selftanroutine #makeuptips #redhead #redhair #grwm #makeuptutorial #selftanhack #amazonfinds
Applying self-tanner can be a little scary, but it looks like there’s a technique you want to use. One redhead who goes by the username @syd.the.ging even has a step-by-step tutorial you can follow. She uses a larger makeup brush to apply the contour to the cheekbones and forehead and then a smaller one to contour the nose and lips. She uses a medium-sized brush to contour the eyes and blend out any harsh lines. Sydnie even shows you how to use a spoolie to create faux freckles! Some redheads prefer to use a beauty blender instead of a brush, so you have to find what works for you. See her tutorial below:
Most sunless contour tutorials will tell you to leave the product on overnight for maximum color. Then, wash it off and you’ll have a bronzed, snatched look. We recommend starting with a light to medium sunless tanner unless you’re used to tanning. Warning: Don’t try this for the first time before a big event or special occasion.
12 self-tanner tips every redhead should know:
If this article interests you and you’re thinking you want to sunless tan your entire body, here are some tips every redhead should know:
- Exfoliate and moisturize your face regularly prior to tanning. Self-tanner will stick to dry patches.
- Use a towel or some sort of cover over your pillowcase, self-tanner will stain!
- Moisturize your face daily for the duration of your contour tan, and avoid exfoliating to keep the tan lasting as long as possible.
- Opt for a self-tanner that is specifically formulated for fair skin tones. Look for one with a light to medium shade to avoid an unnatural or too dark result.
- Always do a patch test on a small area of your skin before applying the self-tanner to your face to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions.
- Apply a light moisturizer to areas that tend to be drier, such as around the eyebrows and hairline, to prevent the self-tanner from clinging to these areas.
- Consider using a self-tanner that is designed specifically for the face, as these formulas are often lighter and less likely to clog pores or cause breakouts.
- Take your time to blend the self-tanner evenly over your face, paying attention to areas like the hairline, eyebrows, and jawline to avoid any harsh lines.
- To prevent staining your hairline, apply a small amount of moisturizer or petroleum jelly along your hairline before applying the self-tanner.
- After applying the self-tanner to your face, wash your hands thoroughly to avoid staining your palms.
- If you’re new to self-tanning your face, start with a lighter application and gradually build up to your desired level of tan to avoid any mistakes or overly dark results.
- To prolong the life of your self-tan, moisturize regularly and avoid exfoliating your face too frequently, as this can cause the tan to fade more quickly.Remember, it’s always essential to protect your skin from the sun, even if you have a tan, so be sure to wear sunscreen daily, especially on your face.
Looking for a sunless tanner to try face contouring? Here are a few we recommend for redheads.
- Coco & Even Sunny Honey
- PETA Jane Sunless Self-Tanner
- Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse
- St.Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzer Mousse Foam
- b.tan Violet Self Tanner
Rock it like a Redhead!
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READ: Why Redheads Should Never Use Tanning Beds Or Attempt A “Real” Tan
