Tag: St. Tropez

Self-Tanning Winners (Lotions, Sprays and Mousses)

A few weeks ago, I reviewed my favorite Self-tanning Towelettes. Towelettes are my new favorite way to tan because they give an easy, even color and are great for travelling. But I understand that towelettes aren’t for everyone. Many of you were skeptical about streaking. For those who want a lotion or spray, here are my favorites:

  1. Beautisol Summer Glow™: This stuff is a blogger favorite. The creamy lotion blends beautifully and gives a natural bronze color. It is tinted (which I prefer), so you know where you stand as far as blending and coverage. Also, it works great if you need some immediate color. And I literally cannot detect a scent with their Innovative Pure Scent odor eliminating fragrance technology. The pump bottle makes managing application and breeze. And the detailed application guide is tremendously helpful – it directs you how much product to use for each body part.
  2. Victoria’s Secret Beach Sexy Tinted Self-tan Body Spray: As much as it reminds me of being 14 years old, Victoria’s Secret Bath and Body products have come a long way. Spray dispensers are fabulous for getting to those hard to reach places. And this formula gives deep, rich color. Achieving even application with spray product is easier, but I still highly highly suggest blending with gloved hands (see tip below) after spraying on the body.
  3. Xen-Tan Deep Bronzer Luxe: Okay, I know I sound like a broken record because I am ALWAYS talking about Xen-tan, but it really is a fabulous product. You can use this on the face and body. It has a instant color so you can see where you have blended and applied. The final tan is natural looking and olive-based. And the vanilla scent is yummy. The formula hydrates and smooths with shea butter, Vitamin E, green tea and antioxidants.
  4. St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse: If you are looking for something long-lasting, I think this might be the ticket. Plus, there are loads of benefits to a mousse. The lightweight formula makes it easy to get even, streak-free color. And it dries immediately. I haven’t had any issues with transfer. The scent is slightly more detectable than the other products I’ve mentioned, but it still doesn’t bother me. The color is a lighter, bronzy glow that looks incredibly natural.

And a new tip that basically changed my self-tanning world. Why didn’t I think of this earlier? I have to credit the beautiful Sinead Norenius, founder of Beautisol. She suggested latex gloves for application. This allows you to blend thoroughly and layer without fear of yellow hands. You can also use a mitt (this one by Xen-tan), but I prefer gloved hands as they can get in between toes and underarms easier. When you are finished, just wipe the back of your hands as you remove your gloves and toss!

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.