Even if you can’t travel somewhere sunny and tropical this winter to get a natural tan, you can still achieve a glowing look. Self-tanning brands like St. Tropez offer everything you need to get a healthy-looking tan at home. And let’s face it—in 2021 we’re still doing a lot more at home. That includes many of the beauty rituals that we normally would go to a professional for like our nails, hair or a tan application.

Of course, we still want to appear effortlessly flawless as if we went to a professional, even if we did our beauty services all by ourselves. When it comes to tanning, that means no streaks and looking sun-kissed and glowing, not orange. We turned to Sophie Evans, expert tanning artist and St. Tropez ambassador, to get her top tips for self-tanning.

First, let’s take a look at some of the most popular products from St. Tropez:

Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse ($42)

St. Tropez says that this product is, “Our most iconic, fool-proof, and natural-looking tan.” This golden-tinted mousse is designed to give you a streak-free look with a lightweight, hydrating formula that can be applied with St. Tropez’s mitt. 

Tan Enhancing Body Moisturiser ($18)

This can be applied to dry areas such as elbows, knees, ankles, feet, and hands before applying your tan. This not only helps keep skin smooth, but also prolongs your tan.

Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist ($30)

This facial mist is infused with 100% natural tanning active and hyaluronic acid to give you instant hydration with a natural sun-kissed glow. It can be spritzed over and under makeup, as well as in its place.

Bronzing Water Face Serum ($30)

This serum is formulated with hyaluronic acid, peach flower extract, green mandarin water, and vitamin C and D booster to brighten skin while protecting it from external aggressors. It’s designed to mimic the effects of the sun without the harmful effect of UV rays. It provides a golden glow that develops over 4-6 hours and can be used as a base under makeup or instead of makeup.

Dual Sided Luxe Applicator Mitt ($7.50)

This waterproof mitt will help you achieve an even and streak-free application:

Sophie’s Top Self-Tanning Tips:

• For optimal results, exfoliate your whole body before application.

• Be sure to moisturize the hands, back of your wrists, elbows, knees, feet, and the back of your heels. Evans recommends using the St. Tropez Tan Enhancing Body Moisturiser.

• Evans recommends using Self Tan Purity Vitamins Bronzing Water Body Mist on your face and hands. She also suggests the Self Tan Purity Vitamins Bronzing Water Face Serum for a hydrating and brightening glow.

• Use a cleaning wipe on your nails.

• When applying Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse, don’t wash it off for about eight hours. (Avoid going to the gym or showering.) Many people prefer to do it at night before going to bed so it has time to develop overnight.

• The best ways to avoid streaks: Streaks are caused by over-rubbing and lack of product. The best way to prevent streaks is to use enough product to glide and smooth it on. Evans recommends using St. Tropez’s Applicator Mitt for an easy and even application.

• If you have a big event such as a wedding: Evans shares that it is important to do a trial run first. If the event is on a Saturday, she suggests doing the application the Thursday before.

• And finally, if for some reason you need to remove the product fast, drench your body in oil (such as baby oil) and then take a shower. 

Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy