I have written about Vita Liberata so many times now but that’s because it really is so good. I wanted to re-hash an old post to give you a quick step by step in case you’re in need of a pick-me-up in a bottle (and not the alcoholic kind).

I would always recommend the mousse version of this tan, I bought the lotion online by accident once and it was much harder to apply leaving me with a few accidental streaks. But the mousse is amazing! I am not super careful with it, always in too much a rush. I use the medium but there’s also a light and dark version depending on what your natural skin colour is. After two applications it is the perfect tan shade for me, looks just like the real thing, fades over time like the real thing, no smells, easy to apply and no streaks what so ever. It is not the cheapest on the market but I go on applications per month and this bottle lasts as you needn’t top-up as often.

Here are my top tips for application…

1. This tan is unusual in that they actually say not to use any moisturiser before tanning, exfoliating is essential though – elbows and knees – but then the skin should be completely dry and clean.
2. Use your tanning mitt – it dries in an instant so don’t risk it with bare hands and any stray drops wash off straight away.
3. Squirt two to three pumps onto the mitt and squish it around.
4. Go in circular movements starting at your thigh then down to your calf.
5. When the legs are done and it looks like there is no more on the mitt, squeeze it and more will come out, use this for your feet.
6. Think beach feet – only put tan where the sun would naturally hit – the tops of your feet not the sides!
7. Do your toes very lightly, dark toes are a massive giveaway – and just the tops, then go across on the back of the ankle, not up and down.
8. Next is your arms, starting at the top and working down to your forearm, long circular movements.
9. Then the hand – each finger lightly up and down but not the insides – again think beach hands.
10. Then chest and stomach, long circular strokes.
11. Finally its the face – apply in the middle, t-zone, hairline and finally chin.
12. Don’t forget a bit behind the ears for when your hair is up.
13. Finishing touches make all the difference to the natural look – use a cloth to dab your nose creases, upper lip and eyebrows (I am usually too lazy to do this but its great if you need it looking perfect).
14. Then a damp cloth on your elbows, knees and the back of your ankles.
15. Final bit – damp cloth between each finger.
16. Ta-da you are one hot bronze goddess mama

…and if you want to increase the colour wait 3-24 hours before showering and doing it again. A few faux freckles look super cute too – I use an eyebrow pencil to dab them on where the sun would naturally fall on your face. My favourite natural look product for this is the Suqqu eyebrow pen, used it for years. Looks like the real thing. Just remember to keep them sporadic and not uniform dots across the face.

Thank you for reading and let me know if you have any tips or great products!

Ax