I know we’re still a few months away from summer, but it’s never too early to get that sun-kissed tan in my opinion. If we’re being honest, it’s probably more important to follow a good self-tanning routine in the winter months (hello, pasty white skin) than it is in the summer.

A couple of weeks back, I shared my favorite face tanning drops from Tan Luxe, so I thought it would also be helpful to discuss my full body self-tanning routine.

I probably do this about once a week. It usually lasts about a week, but obviously the first few days have the best results! I’ll be honest, the product *does* smell (just like most tanning products) but I LOVE the color of this one and have been using it for years.

I also love St. Tropez, but I prefer the coloring of this one more. St. Tropez has more of a green-ish undertone whereas Loving Tan has more of a red undertone.

Tanning mitt // Loving Tan 2 Hour Express Tanner // Isle of Paradise Body Brush // Necessarie Lotion // Neccesaire Exfoliator

Step 1: Exfoliate in the shower

Self-tanner applies best and stays on longer when the skin has been exfoliated. I use this exfoliator. I’ve been using these products for several years and LOVE them!

I exfoliate my whole body (including my face). I usually focus on my legs the most as they seem to have the most dry skin. Once I’ve exfoliated, I’ll shave my legs so my skin is as smooth as possible before applying tanner.

Step 2: Apply the self tanner

I use the Loving Tan 2-Hour Express Mousse in the shade Dark. I’ve been using this product for several years and LOVE it. I’ve tried several other self-tanners and keep coming back to this one — the color and consistency are AMAZING.

Usually, I like to start at my shins and work my way up my body. I pump 1-2 pumps on this self-tanning mitt and apply the product to my shin. I’ll rub the product around, up and down my shin until it’s completely covered. Then, I move the leftover product to my feet.

After my shins and feet are covered, I apply 1-2 more pumps to the mitt and apply to my upper leg. I again rub the product around, up and down my leg until my leg is fully covered. Then, I’ll move the leftover product down my knee.

You’ll want to continue this process on my arms, chest, and stomach.

I receive lots of questions about how I apply tanner to my back. To be honest, I don’t :). Once the product is rinsed off, there is a faded line from front to back. But I don’t think many people notice.

Lastly, I apply the tanner to my face with a body brush. I apply one pump of tanning product to my mitt. I then rub the brush in the product and apply it to my face in a round-sweeping motion.

Step 3: Rinse

I leave the product on my body for 2-5 hours and then rinse it off. That’s it!

Step 4: How I make my tan last

To prolong my tan, I apply this lotion 1-2 times a day. Keeping your skin moisturized allows your tan to stay for several days.

You can shop all of my self-tanning favorites, plus my other beauty must-have, in my Amazon storefront. I update it on the reg so it’s always got the latest/best products!