Tag: selftanner

St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Spray

I realize that many drugstore offerings are just as good as their department store counterparts.  For instance, chemical formulations of self tanner are generally the same across the board. EXCEPT for delivery and scent. Wait…. delivery and scent are the two most important things, at least to me, in a self-tanner.  Now, most brands have figured out how to avoid the orange cast, so I am always focused on getting it on evenly and not smelling like a spray tan booth.  I am still a HUGE fan of Xen-Tan, but if you are more of a spray girl (or boy), then give this a whirl.

I’m not saying this isn’t a splurge – $35 for a can.  But considering I used to pay $30 a pop for professional spray in my San Francisco days, this is a bargain.  The can still feels full after three applications to my legs and arms over the last month.  (side note: self tanner should be discarded at the end of every season)

St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Spray is a fine spray, allowing for all the angles (important if you live in singledom).  The spray lasts approximately four of five days on me. There is a naturally looking depth of color, but the highlight is the scent. St. Tropez uses Aromaguard™ fragrance technology that eliminates “self tan aroma by a minimum of 70%”.

Smells good, easy to use, good color. Can’t really ask for more.

Xen-Tan® ‘Deep Bronze Luxe’ Premium Sunless Tan

Okay. I’ve made my point. I am over my pale skin. I need a shot of color desperately. I remembered my self-tanner from last summer and rescued it from under the sink this weekend.  I had forgotten how lovely the color is from Xen-Tan ‘Deep Bronze Luxe’. Over night, my legs and arms were gently tanned – not too brown and not too orange – a pretty olive undertone. There was zero streaking. The color of the tanner out of the tube can be a little shocking – a dark muddy green. But it blends in sheer.  And I actually like the fact there is some color to the cream because you are aware of where it is applied. It also contains shea butter, Vitamin E, green tea and antioxidants to smooth and hydrate.  And for the more adventurous of you, I also use this on my face. Downside: my foundation no longer matches. Upside: I don’t really feel like I need foundation! But here is the most important thing: make sure you get a tube with “Fresh Vanilla Scent”. It is really subtle and quite lovely.  I have another tube of the same tanner without the scent and it smells terrible. Happy Tanning!