Best Self Tanners 2011

L'Oreal Sublime
Bronze Pro Perfect Self Tanner Mist
If you are looking for an all natural
sunkissed glow you may want to look elsewhere. Although this
product definitely has a tanning effect my skin became a dark
orange that Paris Hilton wouldn't bother sporting. Unless you
roll with the likes of Snooki and Jwow my advice would be to go
for a more mild tanner, something that turns a pale shade of
skin a more natural beach tan. Had high hopes, really let down.
Epilogue: Wound up soaking in a lemon bath for two hours to get
this stuff to fade. Had to exfoliate like crazy for 2
weeks!!!
Sevin Nyne by Lindsay
Lohan
Well, you can't say Lindsay Lohan doesn't
use her own product. It's evident in this photo. Linds is
certainly a strange person to endorse a tanning product, mostly
because she switches back and forth from pale and freckled to
vaguely orange. I'm not a huge fan of Seven Nine but it
certainly isn't the worst tanner on the market. Easily streaks,
doesn't blend easy, but does the job. The price is certainly
too high for the quality but all in all it works- just use
caution while applying.
Clarins Self Tanning Instant
Gel
This self tanner is the best on the
market in my opinion. It's easy to use, hardly streaks and is
quite economical. If you're like me and have pale white skin
you need a product that doesn't take your tan to the extreme.
This is more of a sunkissed glow than a painted on orange look.
The most important thing you can say about a product like this
is that it is a natural look. One of my coworkers actually
stopped me and asked if I had gone away for the weekend after
using. I highly recommend.
Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing
Daily Moisturizer
This product is basically is moisturizer
with a little bit of self tanner mixed in. To give it a full
review I used it daily for about 2 weeks. This stuff really
does work. It's definitely subtle and doesn't have the instant
change a regular tanner may provide but if you work long hours
and can't afford to take a day off to hit the beach this is a
great alternative and works progressively. My only warning is
if you decide to stop using for more than a day your tan seems
to fade quickly. It's definitely a build up so you really can't
forget. The other tip I have would be to use this after a day
in the sun. It will definitely enhance and give you a gorgeous
glow!
The Great Pretender By
Origins
This stuff smells amazing. Gone are the
days of self tanners stinking up your entire apartment! Another
amazing an innovative product that doesn't turn you into an
obvious fake baker. This turns you to the shade of tan you
would be if you had the chance to lay out naturally. To me this
is pretty fail safe. Under $20, golden glow and no stain!
Awesome product!
Nutrogena Micro Mist
I'm an avid self tanner and I've probably
tried every single product you can buy at a local drugstore but
some of this stuff needs a professional touch. I do like a good
spray on application but it is not for the inexperienced and
certainly can backfire. Sprays can get streaky mostly because
they don't require you to rub in and cover all the skin. The
plus side to this is that you wont get any orange spots on your
hands but the down side is if you miss a spot your totally
screwed and look like a zebra. A great thing about this is that
it isn't a pore clogger so facial application feels safer for
acne prone skin. All in all it's an OK product but not for fake
bake virgins and use sparingly.
Lorac TANtilizer
This is an awesome boost if your natural
tan is fading and even a good option in the winter months. It
definitely gives more of a bronze outcome than mystic tan,
which is in my opinion far to dark and unnatural. The key with
this particular product is not to apply too much. Use sparingly
and let it build up over time like a moisturizer with tanner in
it. It can really take the accumulated color to a next level of
natural. It gives you a great refreshing glow!
Clinique Self Sun Body Tinted
Lotion
This product although labeled a "lotion"
definitely has the ability to muster up a dark tan. I highly
recommend to first time self tanners as it is a fairly mild
lotion with a lot of potential the more you use it. It's
certainly a great way to see how self tanner works on your
skin. The truth is everyone gets different results from
different products so if you're looking for a mild and easy
tanner to try out this is a great option.
Dove Energy Glow Moisturizer with
Subtle Self Tanner
Another great way to accelerate a natural
tan. This is definitely better than using your run of the mill
every day moisturizer, but not recommended for those of us
looking to see a real difference in skin tone. This product
fails in comparison to Jergens' formula. Mostly because it
stays true to it's title and the tanner is very subtle.
Difference is nothing special.
Xen Tan Transform Luxe Self
Tanner
This product definitely is effective
after multiple uses but the only downside is the price and the
amount you need to use to see the difference. This makes it a
really expensive tanning option BUT on the plus side it works
and does give you a natural glow. It takes quite a few
applications which makes it so expensive that you might as well
mystic tan. Not worth the cost.
Kate Somerville Self Tanner Somer 360
Towelettes
These little toilettes are super
expensive but you do get what you pay for. With just a little
swipe you definitely get a natural looking glow within 2 hours.
The only problem is these things are addictive. You strive for
a darker tan but it takes so many little wipes to get there
you'll spend hundreds before you get enough of a tan to notice.
Great, but suggested for deep pockets.
Pro Tan Sunless Tanning
Lotion
Pro Tan Sunless tanning is an above
average tanner. It certainly gets the job done and is super
economical. A great tan for under 20 dollars? You can count me
in. I can't say that the glow/color is everything I hoped for
but not bad considering the price.
Pevonia Botanica Fitness Glow
Hydrating Self Tanner
The best perk of this tanner is that it's
oil free. For people like me with acne prone skin self tanners
can be greasy and irritating to say the least. This product is
pricey and runs in the $50 range. But I have to say the results
are great and the glow is natural. It should be for this price
anyway.
Orlane B21 Anti-Wrinkle Self Tanner
For Face and Body
OK, $80 for self tanner!? I know it's
insane and it's out of most of our price ranges, mostly because
tanner is addicting and you will always need more to maintain.
But of course, just as you imagined this tanner works great.
Obviously at this price it needs to.
Hawaiian Tropic Island Radiance Self
Tanner
This is a very economical option. It only
equates to a few dollars each tan. It doesn't break the bank
and it certainly gets the job done. I can't say there isn't a
major streak risk here. This stuff can get messy but if you are
looking to tan on a budget it may be a good fit. Definitely not
the worst on the market for the price range but not exactly a
color tone that is natural.
South Seas SkinCare Tahitian
Glow
This is an off the beaten path brand that
I personally found on Amazon.com. It's under $20 which is
certainly a plus but thought the product claims to be streak
free it can actually totally streak if you are not careful.
Word to the wise: remember to wash your hands WELL after using
this product! Apply carefully! This is very thick and will
definitely streak your clothes if it's not fully
dry.
Lancome Flash Bronzer Anti Age Self
Tanner
This product had a good solid result. The
texture is really smooth and the color is fairly natural. I
highly recommend using this in the sun. It has a built in SPF
and anti aging formula which really accelerates tanning in the
sun in a safe way. The self tanner works to give you a darker
and more enhanced tan. This is a perfect product for people
that are concerned about premature aging and brine
easily.
Lavera Faces Calendula Summer Glow
Moisturizer
Being that this is a natural product I
immediately doubted it's ability. Mostly because words like soy
extracts are not something I expect from a self tanner. But I
was pleasantly surprised by the subtle result. If you are a
person that prefers natural products this is an ideal tanner
for you. it's gentle on sensitive skin and certainly lives up
to being streak free. Not great if you want an instant dark
tan, but a nice alternative to harsh self tanning
products.
Dior Bronze Self Tanner Natural Glow
Body
I really like this product. It goes on
easy and gives a really bronze tone to your skin. Keeps skin
smooth and doesn't go on greasy. This deepens your color with
each use and my big tip to those of you looking for fast
results would be to use this once in the morning and once at
night then break for a day or two. It's not a daily application
but if you find the right recipe for your skin tone you can get
incredible results. This same brand tanner is Lauren Conrad's
favorite and I can see why.
Nickel La Grand Bluff Self
Tanner
In my opinion this works far better with
natural sun light than on it's own. I've used this product
after a day at the beach and within hours my tan was perfect!
On it's own I'm not sure it has the same bronzing effect. I
started delving into orange tones and that is the ultimate deal
breaker when it comes to home tanning. It's possible that I
used a little too much so may be worth a shot. But for this
price I was expecting better results.
Fake Bake
I was really intrigued by Fake Bake after
reading that Britney Spears, Madonna, JLo and ultimate Fake
Baker Kelly Ripa used the product. I have to say I was
impressed. It definitely gave a dark golden result which is the
aim of pasty people such as myself. It's really easy for my
skin to go a fake looking route with a fair complexion but Fake
Bake, when used correctly can look like a week at the beach.
Great alternative to the sun!
Body Bling Tanning
Illuminator
Jennifer Lopez endorses this product that
comes in a sleek and super attractive bottle. I have to say I
wasn't sure this tanner would work at first but it definitely
gives you a nice subtle change after the first application.
Definitely not a streaky tanner. Being that JLO and I are far
from the same skin tone I was apprehensive but this definitely
worked well and worked fast. I would recommend but it is a bit
pricey so you may want to check Ebay for a good
deal.
Kardashian's Glamour
Tan
So when I heard the naturally tan
Kardashian sisters were endorsing a new tanning product I
couldn't help but roll my eyes a little. I mean these girls
have the ultimate skin tone to begin with! On top of that, I've
seen self tanned pics of Kim looking like a very hot oompa
loompa so I wearily put this on my skin. It's orangey, there's
no way around it and this ring bottle for $34.00 is a little
crazy to begin with. Much better tanners out here. I say go
with JLO Body Bling if you're looking for the celled
endorsement. Much better than this!
Body Drench Whipped Chocolate Self
Tanner
As self tanners go I don't think this is
the worst not he market but there are certainly better options
out there. In reality this went on smooth and I was expecting a
good result until hours later when I checked out the spotty
application and unnatural color tone. Better stuff out there
for the price ladies!
Famous Dave's Mist Tan - Airbrush
Kit
I love a good spray tan though novice
tanners beware of streaks! There is an art to spraying that is
usually mastered on the second or third application after
seeing the horror of missing a spot. When you don't rub in and
the tanner applies in a neutral or transparent tone it's really
easy to not notice a space here or there. But all in all I
liked the result of the tan itself. Pretty natural and a good
buy for the money.
Victoria's Secret Sunkissed Bronze
Instant Self Tan
I'm not a big fan a tanners that have an
overwhelming smell. When there is stuff on the market that
eliminates this unpleasant factor I would much rather go with
those. But I have to say aside from my bathroom smelling like a
tanning salon the outcome was good. I would recommend this
tanner- though caution users that it will smell and it WILL
stain your clothes. The gold color of the tanner itself it
definitely a nice touch. Nice natural bronze tan.
Glow and Steady by Bath And Body
Works
I think I made the ultimate mistake when
it comes to self tanning. That is trying out a new product
before I had somewhere important to go! Yes you guessed it!
This didn't work out, it streaked, it gave me an awful
unnatural color and worst of all I attended a very important
social event after and had to dress like it was 30 degrees
outside when in fact it was SPRING! I DO NOT
recommend.
Smart Shield All Natural
Tanner
This is definitely a product that works
better when used in the sun. I don't think just applying it
onto untanned skin made a bit of difference. Perhaps it was the
"natural" appeal that turned me off all together. I'm fairly
untrusting when the product doesn't have a chemical enhancer
that my skin is going to actuallly change color. So I gambled
with this and lost but for the price I suppose it was worth the
experience. This works with the natural properties in your
skin so there is no dying involved here. Great if you're
worried about chemicals and sun exposure!
Nature's Gate Sunless
Tanner
I was super surprised at how well this
product worked. I am very weary when it comes to cheap self
tanner, mostly because I'm scarred by many poor experiences.
But I have to say this one was exceptionally better than the
others. It's a little thick so my suggestion is to only use a
very thin layer. This stuff is strong and a double coat could
easily push you into orange territory.
Sisley-Paris Self Tanning
Gel
For this price I expect the sun to
personally come down from the sky and tan me! This is really an
astronomical price for a tanner. I only decided to take the
plunge because I was the maid of honor at my cousins wedding
and wanted a really amazing tan for the photos (it was in the
middle of winter). I got what I wanted but I really broke the
bank. No way I could upkeep this tan in this price range. Might
as well mystic.
Clarins Delectable Self Tanning
Mouse
I'm usually on the fence about self
tanners that are scented. They always have this very artificial
smell that I get sick of smelling after the first application.
But I must say I was pleasantly surprised by this ones aroma.
It wasn't too musky or artificial but smelled natural. The tan
was good too. I recommend. Word of caution this product runs
over $40 a pop! Pretty pricey for the outcome, though I liked
it.
Body Drench Quick Tan Sunless Tanning
Mist
This tanner's scented allure was
completely lost on me! I was totally grossed out by the smell
and had to wash it off before it even dried. Unless you like a
strong vanilla body spray, I don't think you should bother with
this tanner at all. Couldn't tell you if it works tanning wise
only that it's simply not worth finding out.
Elizabeth Arden Quick Spray Oil Free
Self Tanner
This was a great product. Really works
fast! Couldn't believe how quickly I was seeing results.
Usually the pull picture takes some time but the tanning was
really accelerated here. I wish every self tanner worked this
way! Let's face it, no one enjoys standing around naked, trying
not to streak. Loved the product and great color
tones!
Flavours Self Tanner
This product worked well everywhere but
my face. I look like I'm wearing some kind of face mask and no
matter how much I ex foliate it's really not coming off. I
don't recommend using this on your face at all. My body came
out fine, nothing amazing, but it did the job. If you're going
to use this blend well at the neck so there is no demarkation
and buy a good bronzer.
Bare Escentuals Faux
Tanner
I have really sensitive skin and I
constantly am searching for a tanning that wont irritate it. I
think a lot of fair skinned people have this exact problem.
Bare Escentuals is definitely a good fit for us!!! I recommend
exfoliating really well before using. This is not greasy and
not a pore clogger so if you're worried about any of these
issues this could be a really safe bet!
Arcona Bronzer
I am so happy that there is a natural
looking tanner not he market that is also oil free. I'm so
tired of buying one tanner for my body and separate towelettes
to use on my face. It's annoying and costly to have to shop for
two different products that rarely get you to the same color
tone. I think I've found my solution as this didn't irritate my
skin or clog my pores at all!!!
Biotherm SunFitness
Autobronzer
I LOVE this product. I wish the price was
a little lower as I usually pay under $20 for a self tanner
this size but if you really want a no risk product that you
know will get the job done quickly this is it. I love that it
has a leg shaping gel that smooths out your skin- though this
made me hesitant to use it on my face- so I didn't try and used
another product line's toilettes. So great that they combined
anti aging with self tanning. Definitely a great
idea!
California North Titanium Self
Tanner
I really like this product because it is
formulated to use on your face. Tanners that I can't use on my
ultra sensitive and acne prone skin are a real deal breaker.
This is definitely a major perk of using California North. It's
not orangey, totally gives a natural and bronze based tan. I
recommend! TIP: Use while tanning in natural sunlight- it will
give you an amazing glow and has a built in SPF.
Glospa Gradual Glo Self
Tanner
Just as the title implies this is a
product that works gradually. About a week in I really started
seeing a difference. The only issue I have with this is the
pricing. At about $30 a bottle I feel like there are better
deals on the market for the same result. Jergens and Dove both
make gradual self tanners that essentially do the exact same
thing for less than half the price. I say save your money and
go with those.
Tarte CelluFIGHT
This is awesome! A self tanner that
fights cellulite? It's like all my prayers have been answered.
I can't tell you if the cellufight is actually working as I'm
new to this product BUT I can tell you that the tan looks
fantastic and my skin feels totally smooth. I put on a really
thin layer and it was great. I wouldn't overdo this one because
it's fairly strong and you can always do a second application
later. Great product!
Flawless Tan Self Tanning
Lotion
This product is really formulated for use
in a tanning salon. I used it before I hit the tanning bed and
it worked wonderfully! It is enhanced by ultra violet light so
it really gives you a dark lasting tan. Definitely make sure to
check for streaking under the UV light because one little
mistake would be VERY obvious here as the results are
serious.
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Self
Tanner
This is an amazing product. It's title
really says it all. The bronze color is really fantastic and
doesn't look totally unnatural. The best part is that you
develop a tan in about 40 minutes so if you are looking for a
quick fix before a night out in a short skirt Bronze Goddess is
an awesome option. Way better than the tanners that are double
the price at Nordstroms!
Pure Minerals: Get A Little Self
Tanner
This is a great tanner for pale skin.
It's definitely a gradual process and needs to be applied in
thin layers over about a week but the end result is totally
worth the wait. In 4 days I had a natural and golden tan in the
middle of winter. I really enjoyed using this and it
moisturizes your skin perfectly!
Keihls Sun Free Self Tanning
Formula
I trust Keihls products immensely and
before I even tried this tanner I knew I would love it. All of
their products go super easy on your skin and never clog pores.
Just as I suspected the tanner worked great as well. I highly
suggest exfoliating beforehand with their Pineapple Papaya
scrub as this will give you amazing results. Nice natural tan,
not over the top, just what I wanted!
Banana Boat Summer Color Self Tanning
Lotion Deep Dark
Oh Banana Boat, I think I've been buying
this product line since I was about 8. Of course I graduated to
their self tanners at 13 and learned then what I know now,
there's better stuff on the market. This tanner is streaky and
orange. I don't recommend- unless you're joining the cast of
the Jersey Shore. Apply then fist pump away.
St. Tropez Self Tanning
Bronzing
I really loved using this tanner. The
best and most notable part of the experience is that you
literally get an INSTANT tan. I'm talking 1 song on the radio
and you can see results. Didn't irritate my skin, went on easy,
streak free and natural color. A+ from me!
OC TEN X 5xExtreme
Bronzer
Woah! This stuff is insane! Of course
it's totally out of my price range, but the one time I decided
to try it out with a friend we got amazing results. My tan is
SO dark and natural people were asking me where I went away on
vacation! It even has an anti cellulite…..Can't ask for more
than that….except a lower price. My advice: Try Ebay - totally
worth it.
Salon Bronze Airbrush Tanning (With
Application Gun)
This is hardcore home tanning. The
tanning gun kind of freaked me out at first but I got the hang
of it and really evenly distributed the color. This, I would
imagine would be really hard for an inexperienced home tanner.
I would recommend graduating to this after mastering a spray or
a mist. It's something you really don't want to mess up or
streak because the tan is dark and lasting. It's also very
tough to correct the mistakes once you've made them. Great
product though, like a pro tan at home.
Nutregena Sheer Body
Tint
This stuff is exactly what it says. A
sheer tint. Totally lame product. Don't understand the point of
wanting a tanner that washes off after a few hours. I suppose
this could be good for a one time event but honestly not worth
it. Really didn't even give me a noticeable temporary tan.
Bronzing moisturizers work a whole lot better.
H20 Sunless Tan Body Lasting Self
Tanner Pump
This definitely gave me a natural looking
tan and it also smelled great and really moisturized my skin.
It made my legs look great, went on really even and wasn't too
thick or greasy. Love that it has an SPF so you can use it to
accelerate a tan when out at the beach or at the tanning salon.
This is great tanner with an extra added glow and gives you a
really healthy look. Love it!
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