Although summer and tans are BFFs, achieving glowing, bronze skin isn’t always easy — or safe. UV rays are damaging, and self-tanning products are usually messy and stinky, creating a Fifty Shades of Orange effect. Not a good look! That’s why tanning water is becoming a hot summer staple. It’s essentially a hydrating mist that infuses your skin with a gentle tan so you can glow all season.
How tanning water works
Tanning water is a product that you apply to your skin by spritzing it on just like a face or body mist. It’s a game-changer if you want a natural-looking tan because you don’t have to apply lotions or creams that leave you with streaks or don’t blend properly.
So, what’s in tanning water? It contains water and DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a tanning ingredient. While regular self-tanning products tend to dry out your skin, tanning water is designed to be hydrating and nourishing. It contains ingredients such as antioxidants, seed and plant oils, and aloe vera to keep your skin healthy.
Tanning water vs. tanning mousse: What’s the difference?
While both tanning water and tanning mousse give you a gorgeous bronze glow, they have some differences to know about.
- Tanning water provides a more subtle result than mousse, so it’s low-maintenance to use. With some products, you don’t even have to wash it off after applying it.
- By comparison, a tanning mousse gives you a darker tan that lasts longer. It’s thicker in consistency and requires a bit more work because you have to wait a few hours for it to develop.
Benefits of tanning water
- No mess, no fuss! Tanning water is sprayed onto your skin, so you don’t have to hassle with thick, messy creams that get on your hands and stain your towels or clothes.
- Quick-drying formulation: Instead of having to wait around for self-tanner to work, tanning water dries quickly. You can find tanning water that dries within 30 seconds or less.
- Fragrance: Some tanning water is fragrance-free, while others come with tropical-infused scents.
- Non-clogging: Many tanning products like lotions and creams can clog your pores because they’re thick. By comparison, tanning water is light and easy on the skin.
How to use tanning water
Although it’s easy to apply tanning water, it’s essential to follow important steps so you get a flawless finish.
1. Choose the right tone
Some tanning waters, like those by Effn Beauty, have a “light to medium” or “medium to dark” tone, so choose the one that best matches your skin. You can also use the “medium to dark” formulation if you want a more intense result.
2. Consider a foam texture
If you’re worried that you won’t be able to see where you’ve applied the tanning water, you should opt for a water that has a foam texture. A great choice is Bondi Sands Pure Self Tan Foaming Water. It’s a no-rinse formula so you don’t have to squeeze in a shower afterward. It’s free of dye and sulfates, so it’s healthy for you and your skin.
3. Cleanse your skin beforehand
As with any sunless tanner, you need to have a clean canvas on which to apply the product. Wash your face to remove dirt and makeup, then exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells, preventing an uneven result. If you’re applying the tanning water to your body, concentrate on exfoliating dry areas such as your knees and elbows.
4. Don’t forget to moisturize!
To prevent an uneven result, you should apply a moisturizer before spraying the tanning water onto your skin. This provides a smooth foundation that will better reflect the light, contributing to a glowing result.
5. Spray the tanning water all over your face or body
You want to mist your skin until it’s completely saturated. If you’re doing a head-to-toe application, use a tanning mitt to blend the tanning water into your skin.
Some tanning sprays can be applied with a cotton disk, which might be easier. An example is Bali Body Face Tan Mist. It contains oils and anti-aging hyaluronic acid to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
Final note
If you’re hoping to achieve dewy, bronze skin this summer, tanning water ticks all the right boxes: it’s light, easy to apply, and filled with ingredients to keep your skin smooth and gorgeous.
