As summer rolls around, it's time for us to glow up and achieve that perfect sun-kissed look without the harmful rays of the sun. While self-tanning can be a great way to get that much-desired bronze glow, prepping your skin right is the secret to achieving a flawless, streak-free tan. And while we may not offer self-tanning here at Sage + Sound, we certainly offer the products to ensure you're fully prepped for your self-tanning sesh. Today, we’re sharing our top products and tips to help you achieve that beautiful, beach-ready tan, right from the comfort of your home.

Exfoliate Your Skin

The key to a smooth, even tan is well-exfoliated skin. When you slough away the dead skin cells, your self-tan can adhere better to your skin, giving you a tan that's even and lasts longer. For this step, we recommend the Flamingo Estate Body Scrub and the Fig 1 Body Polish. Both products gently exfoliate your skin, leaving it soft, smooth, and ready for your self-tan.

Shave or Wax

After exfoliating your skin, the next step is to remove any unwanted hair. And we stress "unwanted," because everyone's relationship to their body hair is different. Self-tanning lotions, creams, and sprays can cling to hair, creating an uneven, splotchy look, so most people opt for hairless. But make sure to shave or wax at least 24 hours before your self-tan to avoid any skin irritation.

Dry Brush Your Skin

Dry brushing is a fantastic way to further exfoliate your skin and boost your blood circulation for a healthy glow. The Esker Dry Brush is a great tool for this. Its firm bristles help to stimulate your skin, promoting lymphatic drainage, and reducing the appearance of cellulite.

Use a Shower Steamer

A shower steamer can soften your skin and open up your pores for a deeper exfoliation. Our Esker Shower Steamer Set not only helps prep your skin for self-tan, but it also turns your shower into a relaxing spa-like experience.

Remove Old Self-Tan

Before applying a new layer of self-tan, it's crucial to remove any old, patchy tan. This is where the Esker Body Plane comes in. I personally used it for the first time this morning to remove my old spray tan, and the results were simply amazing. It's easy to use and doesn't irritate the skin. Instead, it leaves your skin feeling smooth and ready for a fresh tan.

Once you've prepped your skin with these steps, you're ready to apply your self-tan. Remember, the secret to a flawless self-tan is patience and prep. So take your time, enjoy the process, and get ready to glow, safely.