As much as I love being out in the sun, I do not always have the time or opportunity to sunbath, nor is it safe when doing so for long periods of time. Self-tanner has become a necessity in my Spring & Summer beauty routines. Over the years, I have tried numerous brands and types of self-tanner and have put them to the test. Working in a pool all summer and being constantly exposed to chlorinated water, I only use the best of the best.
Preparation
Before even thinking of applying any self-tanner, I jump in the shower and shave and exfoliate my skin. Once finished, I dry my skin and apply lotion all over. I find this helps to keep your skin moisturized and also helps to create a flawless application of the product. Make sure all the skin is dry and that your wet hair is secured in a towel. Any drops of water will create a white streak in the application.
Application
I have tried many ways of applying self-tanner: hands, nitrile medical gloves, and tanning mitts. I swear by my St Tropez tanning mitts and usually keep using them until they rip, which is probably after 10-12 full-body applications. Every other method leaves streaks and does not evenly apply the product to the skin. For elbows, hands, ankles, knees, and feet, I only use the remaining product that is one my mitt, or else these areas will be really dark. I also apply self-tanner on my face. Some people find that is is too drying, however I find it does not do anything harmful to my skin. Once the product is applied, I let my body dry fully (drying time varies from product to product) and put on my pyjamas. I do not come into contact with any water at all until the next day.
Maintenance
For some self-tanners, a shower the next morning is required to rinse off any excess product. Otherwise, the application will streak when in contact with water. I just stand under the shower head until the water draining has no more colour, and then I know I am good to go. Moreover, I make sure to moisturize every single day. Being exposed to so much chlorine, I have to reapply every 2 days, but I am a special case. If you are not in the same boat, I would reapply every 4 days, or as needed.
Below, I have ranked most of the self-tanners I have used from least to most favourite. Enjoy!
#10: L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Luminous Bronzer in medium
Price: $14.61
Application: The product is very liquid and sticky. Had a lot of glitter to it. Application was streaky. Took a long time to dry. Morning-after shower is required.
Result: Bronzy colour a little on the orange side. Finish is slightly glowy. Streaky.
Would I purchase again? No
#9: Jergens Natural Glow 3 Days to Glow Moisturizer
Price: $10.48
Application: Applies like a lotion. Smells really good. White in colour so it is difficult to see where the product will be tinting the skin. I used a mitt to avoid staining my hands.
Result: Added a slight tint to my skin. Not dark enough to make a significant difference.
Would I purchase again? No
#8: L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Tinted Self Tanning Lotion in medium
Price: $14.98
Application: The product is somewhat liquid and very sticky. Had a little bit of glitter to it. Application was streaky. Took a long time to dry. Morning-after shower is required.
Result: Bronzy colour a little on the orange side. Streaky.
Would I purchase again? No
#7: Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse in deep bronze
Price: $10.48
Application: A very liquid orange mousse. Smells like butter. Does NOT dry in 60 seconds as promoted. Morning-after shower is required.
Result: A tan look going more on orange. Almost no difference from the light tones.
Would I purchase again? No
#6: Just Nutritive Sunless Tanning Lotion in dark tones
Price: $38.71
Application: A buttery lotion that has no colour. Smells like coffee beans. Hard to apply since you cannot see where the product is being absorbed due to lack of colour.
Result: A moisturizing bronze colour more on the orange side. If not careful during application, will be streaky.
Would I purchase again? No
#5: St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse in classic
Price: $54.00
Application: Product is a dark green mousse. Is very fast drying, so work in small sections with a circular motion. Very little smell. Morning-after shower is required.
Result: A lightly-bonzed look going on orange with hardly any streaks. Great for transitioning from Winter to Spring or to start self-tanning for the season, but too light for Summer. However, at this price, it is not worth buying just for a transition shade for me. A little on the dry side, so moisturizer is a must.
Would I purchase again? No
#4: Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse in light bronze
Price: $13.06
Application: A very liquid orange mousse. Smells like butter. Does NOT dry in 60 seconds as promoted. Morning-after shower is required.
Result: A tan look going more on orange. Great for transitioning from Winter to Spring or to start self-tanning for the season, but too light for Summer.
Would I purchase again? Yes (for Spring only)
#3: St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse in dark
Price: $58.00
Application: Product is a dark green mousse. Is very fast drying, so work in small sections with a circular motion. Very little smell. Morning-after shower is required.
Result: A bronzed look with hardly any streaks. A little on the dry side, so moisturizer is a must.
Would I purchase again? Yes
#2: St. Moriz Tanning Mousse in dark
Price: $19.97
Application: Dark brown mousse. No odor. Dries really fast on application, so work in small sections to avoid streaks. Morning-after shower is required.
Result: A bronzy look going more on brown than orange. Even application with no streaks. Left my skin super soft.
Would I purchase again? Yes!
#1: St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse in extra dark
Price: $56.00
Application: Product is a dark green mousse. Is very fast drying, so work in small sections with a circular motion. Very little smell. Morning-after shower is required.
Result: A deep bronzed look with hardly any streaks. A little on the dry side, so moisturizer is a must.
Would I purchase again? Yes!
Self Tanners I would like to try next:
Lily Belf 
One thought on “Major Review of Tanning Products”