This post is long overdue. If you’re anything like me, I love being tan without having to sit out in the sun. Don’t get me wrong, I love the summer and sitting by a pool, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve realized how damaging the sun is (and how IMPORTANT spf is!) I prefer using a sunless tanner since I know it is the safer (and quicker!) option. For years, I have been a tanning “guinea pig.” I have tried out all of the different tanning products to see what actually gives a natural tan and what leaves you feeling like an oompa loompa. With all my years of testing different products, I finally feel like I’ve narrowed the best products.
Favorite Self-Tanning Mousse
I have been using this tanning mousse for years and always go back to it after trying others. This brand has a few different versions. My favorite is the 2 hour express tan because the color develops quickly. I ALWAYS apply this with a mitt (This is the one I use.) As you apply the product, you’re able to see exactly where it’s being applied since it has a tint to it before the color has even developed. As the color develops you get a darker tan that can be washed off 2 hours later. I typically apply this at night before bed and then wash it off in the morning. I do like knowing that if I need to apply it day of the color develops quickly. The mousse comes in different shades as well. I typically use the shade “dark” since I have to use less product, but “medium” works great too!
Favorite Self-Tanning Drops
I use these specifically for my face. These drops are extremely easy to use. Simply put as many (or as few) drops into your face moisturizer as you want, mix, and then apply all over your face and down your neck. (Make sure to wash your hands well after applying!) I typically apply overnight so that it can develop as I sleep and then you wake up nice and glowy the next day. I use shade “Dark” because I feel like I’m able to use less product but still get my desired tan. The drops come in 3 different shades so you can achieve your desired level of tan. These drops can also be combined with your body lotion if you would like to use them to self tan your body as well.
Favorite Self-Tanning Lotion
Back in the day I used to be all about the self tanning lotion (Jergens was where it was at, and quite literally all I remember being available for self tanning) and then I found self tanning mousse and never went back. I randomly purchased this self tanning lotion off of Amazon because I had heard great reviews and it really did not disappoint. It has a nice smell to it (Comes in 2 different scents, I purchased “Rosewood”) and applies/ develops nicely. If you are someone who prefers a more gradual tan, this lotion is for you. Depending on how much lotion you apply, will depend on how deeply your tan develops. You can continue to reapply the lotion for a darker, deeper tan.
Best Smelling Self Tanner
I bought this off the recommendation of a friend and was not disappointed. If you are looking for a self-tanner that doesn’t smell like self tanner, this is a great one. It has a very summery smell to it (think fruity.) This will also give you a dark tan right away. It is tinted so it is easy to see where you have applied the tanner in order to get any missing spots. I will say this has a green undertone to it when you first apply it but once it develops and you shower it truly looks like you were sitting out in the sun somewhere tropical.
Favorite Tan Remover
For so long I would have to scrub my skin raw because NOTHING would take off my leftover self tanner. My raw skin is so thankful for this product that I no longer have to scrub so hard. This comes out like a mousse and you apply it wherever you have self tanner you’re looking to get rid of. Leave it on for at least 5 minutes and then rinse it off in the shower. You will still have to scrub your skin to get the leftover tan off, but this helps to take it off easily.
Favorite Exfoliating Mitt
I use this exfoliating mitt to help get any leftover tan off and exfoliate my skin for future self tanning. This mitt + the tan remover mousse make getting rid of any leftover tan SO EASY and pain free.
