Self tanner drugstore or more expensive??

M

momto2bratz

Cathlete
Hi everyone,

I have decided to try self tanning this year. I am bad and love the tanning salon. I usually go around April & May to start off for the warm weather I am really trying to avoid going this year, so I really need recommendations. A few of my friends use the Neutrogena, but I tried it last year and I was streaky. I did go to sunless.com and read some product reviews. Do you think the more expensive brands such as Estee Lauder etc are better or do you think the drugstore brands work better?? I really need some input because I really don't know which route to go. Thanks in advance!!

Aila:)
 
I don't usually do the tan thing, but I am going to this yr. Someone I know hand sprays the tanning stuff on you, so your not in a shower like thing. Her tan looked real good, and its gonna cost me 20 dollars, she said it lasts for about a week, so I am gonna give it a try, I don't like the sun burn thing...... Rhonda:7
 
Hello! I wanted to let you know that Clarins is a more expensive brand, but if you ever decide you want to try it, they will give you a sample (I received one yesterday!). This topic is brought up every now and then here, and people have a lot of great advice. I actually break out using certain brands, and someone here who breaks out as well recommended Clarins. This was probably not much help, but others will be able to lead you in the right direction.

Teresa
 
I used to self tan regularly (am currently in a lazy phase so pale is winning for the moment). I have tried many a self tanner and these 4 were my all time favorites.

Paula's Choice Almost The Real Thing- super consistency (more of a gel)and lightly tinted so you can see where you put it. No streaking whatsoever (although I think applying any tanner with gloves helps eliminate this problem). No real odor. Good color.

Beach Coconut Rum- regular lotion that sunk in right away so you didn't have to spend time 'drying'. Scent likes sun tan lotion. Impressive dark color! Available at www.tanforless.com.

Ocean Potion Sunless Tan in Dark- great tinted lotion (more tinted than Paula's Choice) with good color results. Unbelievable price (I think it was $5-6). Doesn't develop weird self tanner smell hours later. Available at www.opotion.com and maybe at www.tanforless.com. Ocean Potion also makes wonderful sun blocks!

John Abate Sunless Tanning Lotion- hands down the best smelling sunless lotion I've ever smelt. Wonderful lavendar scent. Regular white lotion that sinks in right away with minimal 'drying' time, if any. Down side is it is fairly pricey. Available at www.tanforless.com.

The only down side of getting sample of products is that you often need at least one full ounce to get decent coverage. If the salesperson is willing to give you enough for a full application, then it's a good opportunity. Most samples must be requested at the sales counter for the particular line.

Post what you decide!
 
Hey Aila (what a neat and interesting name!)! I got my free sample from the Clarins counter at Dillards. The sales lady game me 2 little tubes, and she assured me that it was enough to do my entire body and face. This is all the info I have!

Teresa
 
Aila,

I've used several self tanners over the years, from Lancome to Neutrogena and have found them to be very similar in what they're tasked to do.

The one problem I have with most all of them is the odor. I'm not exactly sure what chemical is producing that odor after a couple of hours or if it's just how the stuff reacts to my body chemistry but I don't like it. I find it offensive.

The Neutrogena spray in dark is what I've found to be priced right, work good and the least smelly!

Is it just me, girls?
 
Hi Candi,

I tried the Neutrogena cream and it didn't work for me last year. Left me a little streaky. Did you try their Instant Bronze foam(Neutrogena)??

Aila

:)
 
Hi Sabine,

I actually read about Paula's choice and heard that was pretty good. I think I will end up trying a few until I get one that works for me. I went to tanforless.com and they had a good bit of products. I will check out the other sites too. Thanks for the info.!!

Aila:)
 
Candi- I'm not sure what the smell comes from, but I've found it w/almost any self tanner I've used including Mystic Tan (where you go into the "shower"). It was driving me crazy one time where it seemed especially strong and I got used to it thinking it went away. I was embarrassed when my husband and I were watcing t.v. and he asked what that funky smell was! I'm not sure why or if it reacts more to certain people. If you find out, let me know.

Sabine, thanks for the web sites!
 
Yes, Aila, I tried the foam and like it alot. I usually have good luck with Neutrogena products.
 
I have a self tanner question. Do any of you notice the self tanner rubbing off on your clothes, especially after a workout when you've been sweating? (and it stains!!) I always exfoliate before applying the tanner and allow for ample drying time, but it still happens. Any suggestions on brands that don't do this or better ways for applications??

Thanks guys,

Becky
 
I have used many different products and I think Paula's Choice worked the best for me. The lotion is a caramel color so application is easier with less streaking and it dries to a natural tan color. I agree with Brenda that they all smell to some degree. I read that all self tanners use the same ingrediant to cause the color change and the smell intensity is determined by how it reacts with your skin. My biggest complaint is when I workout and sweat, the color comes off in areas that rub up against clothing (bra lines, socks etc..) and that makes me look splotchy. Still, it beats laying in the sun for hours and it makes me look thinner}(

JJ
 
Hey Becky,

I just posted that this happens to me too. It's frustrating! Last year I went to Florida and used a self tanner for a week before I left. I was looking good until I started running everyday and all the tanner rubbed off from my ankles and feet plus around the bra straps. I looked hideous with a splotchy chest and ghost white feet! Next time I'm bringing my lotion with me so I can do touch ups. So it's not perfect but it's better that getting sun damage.

JJ
 
I guess this is another case of where we are all so different. I've not been aware of my self tanner ever rubbing off. I don't know if it's because I make sure it's dried real good before I put on my clothes.

Because of the smell, I only wear it on my legs. My complexion is mostly olive but for some weird reason, my legs are lighter. So, when I wear the self tanner on my legs, I look evenly tanned.
 
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