For the past few summers I have been enjoying experimenting with self-tanners. I am very wary of the sun and try to wear lots of sunscreen when I go out. Plus, I am not much of a sunbather anyway.
It has taken me these few years to get self-tanning right. It is so easy for skin to become streaky or blotchy after self-tanning. But if you exfoliate the skin and slather moisturizer on your hands and feet (these places can look uneven), plus use a fab product like the ones below, self-tanners can make you look great!
I have been receiving samples of self-tanners to review for my honest opinion. Here’s what I think of the gradual self tanners and instant self-tanners I have been using.
Supergoop! ‘Gradual Self-Tanning’ Sunscreen Mousse SPF 20 ($38 USD) – Antioxidant-rich formula improves skins appearance and provides a slight lustrous summer sheen to the skin upon application. Let Supergoop help prepare you for a day in the sun with this melt into your skin, gradual self-tanning mousse also delivering globally approved SPF protection, and rich moisture in one easy step. Sensitive, dry skin is soothed and restored; Wonderful and light, green tea plus cucumber scent.
Pros: Easy to blend, very moisturizing, doesn’t stain hands, spf 20, non-streaky
Cons: funky scent, takes a few days of use to see a noticeable difference (could be a pro if you want a light tan), spendy
Jergens Natural Glow + Protect Daily Moisturizer Sunscreen ($9.99 USD) – Spring has arrived, so it’s time to show some skin. Get natural-looking color gradually, with SPF 20. Jergens®Jergens® Natural Glow + PROTECT Daily Moisturizer SPF 20 is the only body moisturizer in the Natural Glow line with SPF protection. Try it today for A beautiful, safe, and healthy natural-looking color.
Pros: Nice scent at first, moisturizing, non-streaking, can see a bit of a difference the next day and deepens quickly with a few days of use, affordable
Cons: leaves a lingering mild chemical scent
Learn more at www.jergens.com. Available at mass market retailers near you.
tarte Brazilliance™ skin rejuvenating maracuja face and body self tanner with mitt ($37 USD) – A revolutionary maracuja-infused face and body self tanner. Achieve a healthy faux-glow while drenching your skin in moisture. This revolutionary hybrid gel formula, infused with pure maracuja oil, delivers replenishing essential fatty acids along with skin-brightening and youth-preserving vitamin C. tarte’s proprietary PUREshield™ scent-control technology allows for a pleasant, spa-like application that smells unlike any self tanner you’ve tried before. You’ll be admiring your newly bronzed bod, your skin will feel and look firmer, brighter and smoother soaking in all of the benefits of maracuja oil.
Pros: tinted so that you can see where you apply, comes with a mitt so hands won’t stain, nice scent, imparts a deep tan color, leaves skin very soft, worth the price!
Cons: scent turns chemical and stays on skin for a day or two
Purchase at www.tartecosmetics.com and http://www.qvc.com
Vita Liberata pHenomenal Self Tanner ($54 USD) –pHenomenal gives a longer-lasting tan – up to 4 times longer than any other tan, with a perfect, natural fade. Available in Fair, Medium and Dark.
Incorporates new technology (pHeno2) that works with unique Time Release DHA which slowly releases DHA over time to extend tan – lasts 4 times longer than any other tan.
Mousse formulation is quick-drying, light and airy to give a beautiful, natural bronze result which leaves the skin soft and moisturized.
Pros: foam is light, tinted and easy to blend, beautiful deep tan color, initial smell with application ends and there is NO scent afterwords, which I have never encountered in a self-tanner (worth the steep price!)
Cons: spendy (but worth it)
Available at www.vitaliberatausa.com, Availability: Sephora/Sephora.com
Kate Somerville Glow to Go ($18 USD) —
Somerville360® Body Self Tanning Towelettes make it easy to get a gorgeous glow with just a simple swipe. With a quick and easy application that prevents uneven tone or streaking, it’s the best way to get a healthy-looking tan. Best of all, because this advanced formula works with your skin’s own proteins, it gradually darkens to an ultra-natural, complementary color every time.
Somerville360® Face Self Tanning Pads are quick and easy-to-use while preventing uneven tone and streaking, plus they won’t stain hands. Specially designed for the face, this advanced moisturizing formula contains powerful Peptide K8™ and age-defying actives, designed to diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles, while creating a glowing complexion in two to four hours.
Kit includes:
- 2 Somerville360® Body Self Tanning Towelettes
- 2 Somerville360® Face Self Tanning Pads
- Kate’s tips for a gorgeous glow
Pros: Deep tan color is almost instant, easy to use – especially the face pads, leaves skin very soft
Cons: Chemical scent after tanning lasts a day or two, make sure to exfoliate and lotion up feet and hands because this can streak if not blended well
Somerville360 Tan Maximizer Tan Enhancing Moisturizer ($48 USD) -Stay gorgeous, golden, and glowing with a unique formula that conditions and moisturizes skin for a longer lasting tan. A specialized Peptide and Lipid Complex hydrates skin to help maintain a sun-kissed look after using self-tanning products or sun exposure. Black Snakeroot conditions, moisturizes, and soothes skin for after-sun recovery that prevents peeling and dryness. Rich natural Oils and Butters seal in hydration, making this essential formula a great year-round moisturizer to maximize and help prolong a healthy looking tan.
- Enhances the look of both natural and self tanning
- Prolongs the life and beauty of a tan
- Provides soothing post-sun recovery, replenishing essential lipids that condition and moisturize
- Helps prevent peeling and dryness by providing continuous
This is great to use after all self-tanning products (and from sun exposure, we can’t always stay out of the sun).
www.katesomerville.com, www.qvc.com
Enjoy!
Forty, Flirty & Fabulous 