Tantouring is here to simplify your routine. Think of tantouting as meal prepping for the week, but make it cosmetic. “Tantouring is a makeup technique that involves using self-tanning products to create defined and contoured facial or body features,” explains celebrity tan artist and founder of Dolce Glow Isabel Alysa. Chief marketing officer at Bondi Sands Alexandra Peek says it’s “blowing up on TikTok, as it’s an easy and quick way to sculpt and chisel desired features with a soft and lasting bronze.” We love the technique because it avoids skin damage from the sun by using faux tanner, it can speed up a makeup routine and make it even easier to go without makeup since you’ll have an effortless contour.
How to tantour
Begin by applying self-tanner to the areas of your body that you would typically contour, says Peek. The experts suggest using a contour brush or Beautyblender for application. Peek says you could even use a small eyeshadow blending brush to contour tinier parts of the face like the nose, lips and creases of the eyes.
“By applying self-tanner to specific areas of the face, such as the hollows of the cheeks, the sides of the nose, the jawline and the temples, you can create the illusion of shadows and depth, which can make your features appear more sculpted and defined,” explains Isabel Alysa.
“Always start with a light hand and build up gradually, as you can always add more, but it’s not that easy to take it off once applied,” says Isabel Alysa. She also notes that it’s important to use self-tanners that are specifically formulated for use on the face when tantouring facial features.
The benefits of tantouring
“When it comes to tantouring, it’s all about personal preference and skill. If you’re a makeup enthusiast and love experimenting with new beauty techniques, tantouring could be a fun way to add some extra definition to your facial features,” says Isabel Alysa. “If you are someone who lives a busy, always on the go lifestyle, tantouring can be a great way to cut down on your beauty routine.”
Additionally, Peek says tantouring is a great way to achieve “a barely-there bronze that lasts a few days. Especially in the summertime when you might not want a full face of makeup and want to enhance your natural features.”
Expert-recommended products
Isabel Alysa recommends using “quality self-tanning products infused with skin-nourishing ingredients that give you a hydrated healthy glow.” She likes to use Dolce Glow DesNuda Self-Tanning Lotion ($50) or Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse ($51) when tantouring. Celebrity makeup artist Cara Lovello prefers regular contouring. However, she’s impressed with the results she’s seen from tantouring on TikTok. She suggests trying Norvell or Isle of Paradise. Peek recommends Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam ($24).
