Ever since I was in high school, I’ve been using self-tanners to give me a healthy glow for events (I used L’Oreal Sublime lotion for prom…ahh the memories) since I’m so paranoid about wrinkles, aging, and that big thing called skin cancer. I’ve never been one of those girls that will go to a tanning bed and never will be! It’s just so much easier this way! Since I spent my spring break recovering from getting my wisdom teeth removed, I decided it was time for a little TLC and needed a light tan to get me feeling glam again which inspired me to write this post! Note: I’ve tried every product listed here but my holy grail self-tanner will always be St. Tropez! Pricey but worth it. Anyways, here are all of my favorites:
Under $15:
L’oreal Sublime Bronze Tanning Lotion – This was the first self-tanner that I’ve tried back in my high school days which is under $10 at most drugstores and makes you super dark quick. I would say to apply it in LIGHT layers so you can control how dark you want to be because this stuff is super pigmented. The only cons is that it has subtle sparkles and a floral scent which I personally don’t like but for the results and price, it’s worth it for a special occasion!
Jergens Instant Sun Mousse – I love Jergens tanning products because the results look super natural and if you’re looking for something subtle for the winter time then this is the best product. It’s also great for beginners since mousse is easier to apply than cream and dries quickly so you can get going in the mornings.
Kardashian Sunless Tanning Lotion – Yes, I tried a product from the Kardashians. I know, I know. I was at Ulta one day and bought this on a whim (I think I even did a review of this product when I first started my blog haha!) and believe it or not, I actually like it. It smells a hell of a lot better than most self-tanners (it has a tropical scent) and despite being a lotion, it soaks into your skin quickly and gives you a natural glow in under an hour. My only complaint is that it lasts for 2-3 days then it starts fading compared to other drugstore products.
$20-$25:
Sephora Collection Tinted Self-Tanning Body Mist – I love this body mist since it’s so easy to apply and not mess up. Plus you can use it on your face and not have to worry about streaks. For $18, it’s a great quality product that I recommend beginners try first!
Paula’s Choice Sun 365 Self Tanning Foam – Two words: odor-free. If the smell of self-tanner makes you want to vomit then this is the product for you. It gives the most gorgeous olive tan and one coat lasts for about 5 days and fades away naturally instead of leaving your skin messy.
$30+
St. Tropez Tanning Mousse – Oh St. Tropez, how I love you. If only you weren’t so expensive. For 4 ounces, it’s $32 at Sephora but the results are so. freaking. natural. People will constantly ask you if you went on vacation when you have this on! And I swear, it almost looks like I have more freckles when I put this stuff on as if I’ve been in the sun all day. It’s weird cause once it fades away, those freckles disappear as well! Am I just imagining things? I don’t know but I can’t say enough good things about this product. Did I mention it dries in under 60 seconds? Alright I’ll stop now haha.
Tarte Brazilliance Plus Self Tanner – This is a new one that came out and I received a generous sample of it and what’s unique about this product is that it makes your skin feel amazing and moisturized! It also has no parabens and is vegan so for $40, you are paying for a product that’s a lot better for your body than anything else that’s out on the market. The best part? The smell fades away after application! The one downside is that your tan will take a couple of hours to develop so I recommend using this at night.
Hope you guys enjoyed this post! Have you tried any of these self-tanners?
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