So I have tried MANY self tanners and there are definitely some good, and some BAD. First, one of my number one things when searching for a self tanner is the smell issue. I absolutely hate the smell of home self tanner. I always apply mine at night since I do hate the smell and can't imagine wearing it all day, plus I feel like most have a weird sticky feel. But then I do not like to wake up in the middle of the night from the smell getting worse and worse as it sets in. Also, my husband is quite the complainer when he wakes up smelling like a spray tan, ha! The other big factor is obviously color, the orange look is not cute. I try to find ones that blend well, and have a nice "natural" tan. I probably can't even remember all I have used, but I will list ones I remember loving.. and not so much. Without a doubt getting a professional spray tan is the way to go- always even look, fully covered, and minimal smell. I have never used the booths, but always have a person spray me. These are going to be more expensive, but very convenient. One session runs about $25-$30, but most places have package deals. Here I purchase 4 for $80, and since I am so lazy with going, this lasts me awhile. I know you might think it would be extremely awkward, but it's really not near as bad as it seems. You can wear anything from a bathing suit, just bottoms, or nothing at all. I don't feel the need to tan EVERYTHING, so I do wear bottoms. All the places I have been are very professional- the girl is looking at the tan she is spraying, not really AT you. I would go more towards a spa/hair salon spa that does them versus a tanning place that just sells them for super cheap. I have never been to anywhere but a spa, but I have seen others and I feel you get what you pay for!
For the home tanners, I have used the lotions and sprays. My only problem with sprays is also one I have with the sunscreens, they run out SO fast. I do think the sprays don't have as bad of a smell and go on a lot more even, but they are harder to do yourself. Luckily Lance will give me an "at home spray tan". I do admit, I get scared every time he does it but he did reassure me, "I have painted a house with a sprayer, I can do a silly spray tan". Hmmm! haha I will say he has done a pretty good job the few times he has done it. :)
Now for the reviews..
Nature's Gate-- As I said smell is huge for me. Well when I found this on Amazon (my go to store!) I was very excited because every one's reviews were all about the great smell. Now this one is a little strange. The first few times I used it, the smell wasn't bad! It was a weird lemon cake smell. I am not sure if because I didn't use it fast enough or what, but when I went to use it once after a few weeks the smell was HORRIBLE. I think this one might be good if you buy it and use it quickly, but not sure what really happened here. The color was just OK to me even though the reviews rave of a perfect tan, so it wasn't a big loss to chunk the half used bottle. I did like that it was made with more natural ingredients. I wouldn't say don't get it, just be prepared the smell might change drastically. This one is always very well priced. The bottle pictured below is only $11.19 on Amazon.
Jergen's Natural Glow-- This is a double review. I have used this in the past and I did really like the fact that the tan wasn't instant, in case you did make some errors. The color always worked good for me and would even out as the days when on, BUT- the smell was awful. When I recently saw this advertised as "New and Improved.. No smell!" I just had to try it. I must say, good job Jergen's! So far, so good. When you first put it on, there is a slight fragrance smell and then once it settles in, you start to get the slight "self tanner smell" but nothing crazy. I just throw on some pj pants and a long sleeve shirt and it holds it in! I do get there will be somewhat of a smell, but I can not handle the over powering ones.. at all. I am currently using this on my legs every few days and really like it. The color is not really a "deep" tan, but more of taking away my stark white look. I think this will turn orange if you use it too often, so I wouldn't go crazy. In my opinion, this is best if you want to give yourself some color but not a crazy tan. There are different shades, so the darker versions might be different. I am always scared to use those again my lovely white glow! lol These normally run around $8 or so at Target, Walmart, etc.
Banana Boat, Deep Dark Color-- This I was recommended by a friend, and this definitely is one of the best color wise. One thing I really like about this tanner is the fact it goes on dark so you can see exactly where it is going and if you are putting it on even. I think the only thing that really bothered me about this was, shocker, the smell. I haven't used it in awhile, but I think it was just about average on the stink factor. This does come in a smaller container so I remember it running out fairly quickly. I would rank this one of my favorites color wise. Lotions are always a bit tricky, so I have kind of ventured away from them lately. The whole washing your hands quickly after without streaking them, or your arms, is not very fun. Plus, one thing about lotions I don't like is how long they take to dry. It's not easy standing around trying to avoid weird creases waiting on this stuff to dry. This one is also very reasonable priced, around the same, or a little cheaper, than Jergen's.
Now I will move on to my top 2, which both happen to be sprays. Both of these have to be bought at salons, or online.
Playboy, Glitz-- Now, I was a little thrown off at first since this is "Playboy" brand, but my hair salon back home highly recommended it. I think I paid around $20 for it, and that is about what you can find it online for. This was a very good color and went on great. My only complaint was this bottle ran out FAST. I'm not sure if since I used this one myself, I was spraying more into the air than on my actual body or what. The smell wasn't bad and it has a great dark, but natural, color. I did look for it recently online and it was a bit hard to find, so I am not sure if they still make it or what the deal it. If you can find it, I would recommend this one highly!
Toma's Airbrush Spray-- This is one I currently have and LOVE. This bottle is around $15 and great. It doesn't smell, goes on even, and is a wonderful color. Another thing that I noticed is when this one starts to fade on your skin, it just gradually goes away. It does not leave you with the blotchy diseased look like almost all tanners do. I also picked this up at my hair salon back home to take with me on my honeymoon. (of course I was too lazy to use it then and just got paler and paler as the trip when on! ha) One complaint, the spray is very hard to push down and is a little awkward when spraying since you are working so hard to get it out. Not good when your husband is wrestling with it and gives you a big brown blob right in your forehead (yes, this happened). I would say to do a few practice sprays into the air to get the hang of the sprayer first. This one has surprisingly lasted a few uses, and feels like it has quite a bit left. This would be my #1 recommendation on sprays. This is also on Amazon for around $15.
As you can see, I am one to try and find a good deal on these since in the summer you will use it a lot. I know there are tons of wayyyy more expensive ones out there at Sephora and other places like that. I do agree the same applies here as professional ones- you get what you pay for, BUT I also know you can find a good product for cheaper and make it look good as look as you know somewhat what you are doing. I recently ordered a new one from Groupon that I have heard a lot about- Fake Bake. This one comes with an applicator mit, which I have never used. I have heard this is a good brand, so I am excited to get it in and give it a try. I've also heard St Tropez is very good, so if you are willing to spend a little extra on your trial and error, I would look into that one. These are only a few of the ones I have tried, but the other's weren't really anything special or were just a waste of my time and money.
As I mentioned before, I do have VERY sensitive skin so I never put the lotions on my face, I will only use the sprays on them. They work really good and never irritate it or break me out. Some people might be ok applying the lotions on their face, but they are very greasy as well as full of chemicals. I can't use the lotions too often because it does irritate my skin some, but I have never had an issue with the at home sprays or professional.
Some TIPS when using self tanner- Never rub dry after a shower, only pat down! Lather up in lotion daily because it makes the tan last soooo much longer, and don't use body wash that exfoliates or has fragrance because it strips the tans quickly. The one thing that stinks about spray tan and the beach.. the ocean will take it right off, sadly!
I hope this helps and once again, pass on any recommendations you may have! :)
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