I spent the entire summer trying numerous self tanners, here are my top picks for 2015:
The BEST Professional Brands
Playboy Celebrity Glitz (yes, playboy brand)
This medium-consistency cream requires care when applying because of its ultra-dark color and potential for staining hands, but is so worth it! Wear gloves and/or apply with a slightly dampened sponge-mit for best results.
Pros:
• darkest and best tan
• not-orange
• no scent
• bronzing
Cons:
• Will stain hands, cuticles, everything - even if you're quick to wash after. Wear gloves or a mitt!
Norvell Dancing with the Stars Mousse
I have a new-found love for foams this year. Cleaner than sprays or airbrush, and quicker to dry than creams or lotions, I found myself defaulting to foams and mousses often. This one is my fave!
Pros:
• quick drying
• slightly bronzing
• clean finish, not dewey or heavy
• beautiful tan result!
Cons:
• must use gloves or a mitt
• doesn't smell awesome after it starts working. I like this one for overnight use only,
Tip:
• I hear the Norvell brand foam without the "dancing" endorsement is just as good and a little cheaper, but have not tried it yet. You'll save anywhere from $3-10 for trying the standard, not-endorsed formula.
The BEST Store-Bought Brands:
Victoria secret BRONZE:
This creamy, bronze lotion leaves a pretty and subtle gleam without being sparkly. Whenever I wear it, everyone always asks me what it is and where to get it!
Pros:
• bronzing
• medium consistency
• smells good
Cons:
• too many applications in a row can start to look orange
If you are in a hurry and want something fast from the store, I usually go with
Loreal Sublime Tinted Self Tanning Lotion
Pros:
• bronzing
• light sheen/shimmer
• budget-friendly
• this line also features a towlette, which I sometimes use when I'm in a hurry
• satisfyingly dark level of tan-result
Cons:
•takes quite a while to dry
• the smell (it's not terrible, but you can certainly detect that good ole' self-tanner smell after the fragrance wears down)
• a misleadingly sheer consistency and great slip when applying leads me to think I've spread it on evenly each time. Don't fall for it and take your time!
By far, the best store brand is the new Jergens Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse
Pros:
• bronzing
• Dries FAST!
• budget-friendly
Cons:
•This is a gradual tanner, so you'll need to build it up slowly over the course of several days.
• the smell (it's not terrible, but you can certainly detect that good ole' self-tanner smell after the fragrance wears down)
• This product is QUICK to stain hands - even if you immediately wash after. I underestimated this. Be sure to wear gloves or a mitt!
This is a great tool for maintaining a professional spray tan, also!
The BEST New Concept:
St. Tropez Gradual Tan In-Shower Lotion
This innovative new product is a lotion you apply IN the shower (once you're finished up, with the water off). Wait 3 minutes and rinse: Wah-Lah! It's formulted with sweet almond oil so it leaves your skin smelling sweetly and feeling conditioned by not greasy. Love it!
Pros:
• No need to wait for it to dry
• No icky self-tanner smell
• No streaks!
Cons:
•This is a gradual tanner, so you'll need to build it up slowly over the course of several days.
• I am a wimp, and get cold in the shower even when it's on. Despite only needing to wait 3 minutes, I get cold and find myself skipping it some days.
I hope you found a new product to experiment with from this review!
Until Next Time, Practice Safe sun and Stay Fabulous My Friends!
Thought I'd share one of my faves for comforting the skin post-laser, post-chemical peel, or to refresh and cool when you are just feeling HOT! (Although we know you're always hot! :))
La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, seen here for $13.
We used to carry this at the plastic surgery institute I worked for. We loved it! The company tells us that it has a pretty neutral pH, (great as a toner) and it's rich in Selenium, which is to help skin heal faster! Pick it up the next time you're in need... saw this at Walgreens.