Often in the winter I look really bad.
And I would so much like to have a more tanned complexion that exudes health... as if I had gone on vacation in the sun...
So, I'm going to start by making a little confession.
I admit that I have already frequented UV tanning booths a few times.
Thinking about it, I wonder how I could have done that...
This type of tanning is dangerous for your health. And when I would have told you that I am redhead, you will understand how crazy it is!
Naturally, my skin is like porcelain, and when I'm fully tanned, I barely achieve what you might call "light beige" (and again, you'd say that to please me).
Obviously, needless to say, it was downright stupid of me to go into those UV booths.
And above all, I will never set foot there again now that I know this natural self-tanning technique that is safe for my health.
When I stopped using UV, I looked for other methods to give my skin a little tan.
I've tried a few self-tanners over the years, but never been convinced.
They smell bad, they're complicated to apply, and they're made from an assortment of chemicals.
If you try to reduce your consumption of cosmetic chemicals, self-tanners are among the first to be banned!
When I stopped using those store-bought self-tanners, I just left my pale skin natural. I remain convinced that there is no shame in having skin that does not tan. Most of the time I wear shorts and skirts without shame.
But I have to admit that sometimes I would like to add a slight tan color to my legs, especially in the summer.
After researching the subject, reading lots of articles, tests and also doing my own tests, I think I have found a natural homemade self-tanner that gives exactly the color I wanted.
My legs went from pale to golden, as if the sun had kissed them.
- 8 organic black tea bags
- 500ml of water
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- A spray bottle
1. Boil the water and vanilla extract in a saucepan.
2. Stir.
3. Add the tea bags to the pot.
4. Let steep for at least eight minutes.
5. Let the infusion cool completely for at least thirty minutes.
There are a few steps to follow before applying homemade self-tanner.
First, make sure your skin is well exfoliated. For this, nothing very complicated, just pass a good washcloth on the targeted areas, that is to say the arms, face and legs.
Do this scrub a few hours before applying your self-tanner.
It's also a good idea to moisturize your skin because it's easier to achieve a more even tan. By the way, here is a homemade moisturizer recipe.
Once your skin is ready, and your self-tanner has cooled, pour the mixture into a spray bottle. It's time to apply it.
I use the simplest method possible:I spray the product on my legs and I massage with my hands. Once I spread it evenly, I let it dry, then add another coat.
I repeat the operation 4 or 5 times. It may seem like a lot, but the tanner dries quickly. It never takes me more than 10 min to apply.
Well, yeah ! It really works! I'm not saying that when I put on my homemade self-tanner people ask me where I spent my sunny vacation, but what is certain is that my legs are a darker color and that's all the same prettier :-)
Did you know that women during World War II used this method to darken their legs and make it look like they were wearing amber stockings (when it was the shortage)? Or just to look good!
The thing I like the most about this homemade self-tanner is that it smells good . If you're familiar with the smell of commercial self-tanners, you'll agree with me that there's no comparison.
But I want to be honest with you:this homemade self-tanner still has 2 disadvantages.
First of all, it's not completely waterproof. It doesn't rub off, but it doesn't hold up very well to a shower.
Second, tea is perishable. This self-tanner should be kept in the refrigerator in a glass container. But even in the fridge, it won't keep for more than a week or two .
If you think you're not going to use it all, halve the proportions to make less.
But even considering these 2 cons, I think this product is just awesome.
Since neither UV nor chemical bronzers are options for me, I haven't been able to get tanned legs in years.
So for me, this DIY self-tanner is really perfect.
It's easy to make, easy to use, and I plan to have it with me for the rest of the season. For once, they won't call me "la pâlotte" anymore :-)
As I said, I have a very fair complexion. This particular recipe worked well for me, but people with darker skin might want something stronger.
In my recipe, I use a ratio of 1 tea bag to 60ml of water. For a stronger solution, you can use a ratio of 1 sachet to 30 ml of water.
I steep the tea for 8 min but you can steep it longer to get a darker solution.
One thing is for sure, I think you should avoid adding more vanilla because I think it will result in a sticky solution.
