Before I get into my thoughts on what the best and worst products are on the market, I wanted to say that I know that some people probably won’t like this article too much. Well, self-tanning isn’t for everyone, and while I love a natural tan with my schedule, it is nearly impossible for me to achieve. I can develop a nice tan, but it does take a while of constant being out in the sun, which we all know has a damaging side to it. So I turn to self-tanner for most of the year to keep some color on my skin. Let’s get on to what you really came for.
Pre Tanning
BodyBlendz Coco Luxe Coffee Scrub
Number one step to self-tanning. Exfoliate before. Some brands of self-tanner will tell you to wait a day in between, but I see no difference, so do whatever you feel is best. This is my current personal favorite, but any scrub will do. Make sure to moisturize your hands, feet, elbows, and knees before applying a self-tanner. You want to try to make these areas look as natural as possible.
Self Tanners from lowest to the highest-ranking
Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse
This was the first self-tanner I ever tried back in high school. While it technically works, I find the color and smell to be too much. It makes you look a little orange, which is never cute. I give it a 1 out of 5.
Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Mousse
The most affordable option in the lineup this mousse is overall great, except its color pay off is a little light for me. I love to look pretty dark, so this brand, while great works best for beginners or those who want something extremely subtle. It doesn’t really have a scent to it, which is a plus. 3 out 5.
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water
This next one is a bit tricky. I would not recommend it for a beginner, but it does give off a little more color than the Jergens but not enough to move from the middle of the order. It is a clear spray, so it is best to take your time and work in small sections with a mitt. I don’t love the smell on this one either, but it is doable. They also have excellent customer service. My original bottle stopped working halfway through, and they sent me a brand new bottle, no questions asked. 3.5 out of 5.
Bondi Sands Aero 1 Hour Express
The Bondi Sands Aero mousse is great for someone who wants to self-tan for an event the same day. It takes 1-3 hours to develop. Usually, I go for three as I didn’t see a difference after 1 hour. It feels like virtually nothing is on your skin, which, if you have ever tried self-tanner, you kind of remember it’s on the entire time. Now I loved this until the bottle was almost out, not sure if that means something, but I repurchase. I will note that you do have to work quickly with this product. So if you do use 4 of 5.
Loving Tan 2 HR Express Dark Self Tanning Mousse
This mousse is great. Great color pay off I usually leave it on for about 2-5 hrs. It is once again a formula that you need to work quickly to get great results. I would have repurchased but I wanted to try the next self-tanner on my list. This is the priciest option but worth it if you can spend the money and want to give it a try I would go for it. 4.0 of 5.
Bali Body Ultra Dark Self Tanning Mousse
This is my current favorite at the moment. It takes 4 hours to develop and doesn’t have a strong scent. It is also effortless to apply in the sense that you have more time to buff in the product. I feel that it doesn’t last as long, but if you reapply mid-week, the color looks just as good even better sometimes. 4 out of 5.
Accessories
Loving Tan Deluxe Self Tanning Applicator Mitt
My favorite way of applying self-tanner is with a mitt. There are many different styles and brands to choose from by I like the Loving Tan one because it holds up well even after washing.
Loving Tan Tan Removing & Skin Polishing Glove
Whether a rookie or an expert with self- tanning mistakes are bound to happen. This glove is excellent for blurring any harsh lines or removing Self Tanner a few days out. It comes with a dark side for more tough areas and a pink side for blurring and smoothing out your skin. There is a lot of back and forth as to whether you should tan your hands and feet. I say yes because if not, it can look patchy. Use any excess product on your hands and feet, and for a more blended look, try using a fluffy powder brush to buff in the self-tanner. And remember to stay away from your palms. Any other part of your hand will come off easier since you will wash your hands, apply creams, etc.. But your palms will stain for 2-3 days before you can completely take it off.
Skinerals Microfiber Back Applicator Mitt Band
This tool is a must for reaching your entire backside evenly. It is extremely affordable and easy to use!
Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser
Sometimes you just want a clean slate when it comes to your self-tanner. For days where you feel that you need to remove your self-tanner before it fades, this is the product for you. It is a foam, and you simply put it on for 5 minutes, rinse and wipe off the tan.
And that’s a wrap! If you are new or old to the self-tanning scene, I hope this blog post helps you solve any issues you might have been having or gives you new ideas. If you try anything on this list, I would love to read about it in the comments below.
