Tag: face self-tanning

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!

Self Tanning Towelette Winners

The best way I’ve found to tan streak-free and on the go this summer is using the self-tanner towelettes. Two brands have become my favorite and they are ever so slightly different. But I will definitely be keeping both of em close by over the summer. That and loads of SPF.

Kate Somerville Somerville360°Tanning Towelettes and Somerville360° Face Tanning are champions at a quick and even tan. They have a lighter, natural looking glow that appears in about 2-4 hours. You can go deeper in color with another application. But their subtlety makes them perfect for those on the fairer side. They are so simple to use. I wear latex gloves when handling the towelette to keep my hands from being overly tanned. Just swipe the back of hands right as you finish application. Give yourself 10 minutes to let the product soak in and then you are ready to go. The paraben-free formula contains:

  • Anti-bacterial Melaleuca Alternigolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
  • Calming Cucumber Fruit Extract
  • Soothing Vitamin C and E antioxidants

The face tanning pads are just as easy to use. Place two fingers in the sleeve of the self tanning pad. Peel off the seal to expose product. Using circular motions, gently apply to clean, dry face and neck. The effect is also natural and just sun-kissed. The formula works with your skin’s own proteins to cater a perfect color. It also has anti-aging properties (peptides that can diminish fine lines). I’ve found that the color is on the lighter side, again ideal for the fairer complexions. You can deepen the color with a second application.

Exfoliation always improves self-tanning results. Try ExfoliKate for the body and face before using the Somerville 360.

Now, at Neiman Marcus you can receive Two 360 Tanning Towelettes and ExfoliKate, 0.5oz with any $150 Kate Somerville purchase.

I’m equally smitten with Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Glow Pads and Glow Pads For Body With Active Vitamin D. These pads deliver slightly more color than Somerville 360. I use the same application technique with latex gloves. Both the body and face pads contain Active Vitamin D, which helps in absorption of other anti-aging and anti-oxidant ingredients. The pads exfoliate with Alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, tightening pores, eliminating blackheads, and fading existing sunspots. Microencapsulated DHA and soy proteins deliver color deep into the skin to prevent fading. And believe it or not, these pads contain Capislo™ which can reduce the need to shave by minimizing hair texture, length, and growth. The final result is a deeper and very even tan.

This product is gentle enough for all skin types, vegan, and cruelty-free. And slightly more affordable of the two options.