- I have had a love affair with the sun, surf, and sand my entire life. I adore the beach and being warmed in the sun! The beach is part of my family life and without a doubt my favorite memories have taken place in a bathing suit on a beach.
- I am also very fair and have been seriously sunburned since birth (with lobster red skin, blisters, and peeling) more times than I can count on all fingers and toes. Seriously, from birth until my 20’s (when I finally started wearing sunscreen) I received innumerable BAD sunburns.
- My body is littered with a trillion freckles, moles, and sunspots.
- I had two basal cell carcinomas (slow spreading type of skin cancer) removed in my early 20’s.
- My dad died from skin cancer a year ago. He was a family physician in perfect health before his diagnosis and died 2 years after being diagnosed (which was a miraculously long time to live with malignant melanoma).
- My likelihood of developing malignant melanoma in the future seems very, very likely.
Skin cancer is no joke. It has affected my family in ways we’d never imagined possible. It robbed me of my daddy and my children of their grandpa. So today’s fashion and beauty tip comes from a serious place.
Admittedly, I am vain. I like to look cute. I like the way my skin looks with a tan. I like the fact that when I’m tan my fat looks less dimply, my eyes bluer, and my teeth and hair whiter. But I obviously love my life and my children and want to be around in this world for as long as possible. Sunless tanners are my obvious solution! Here are my favs:
1. Mystic Tan By far, my all-time favorite kind of fake tan is a Mystic tan. I get mine done at Hollywood Tans. The process is private, quick, less smelly, and gives the best results. It’s also the most expensive of course. I bought a package of 5 tans with some Christmas money which brought the cost down to about $17 a tan. You can opt for a bronzer, a fragrance, darker shades, etc. My advice is to skip the extras and to go as light as possible for your skin type. People tend to look like an oompa loompa when they go darker than they should.
2. Victoria’s Secret Beach Sexy Line I first tried this line when it came out last year and it remains my all-time favorite. It’s the least smelly which I love! My body chemistry reacts very strongly to sunless tanners and I end up smelling like cat pee. The Beach Sexy line works great, gives even realistic coverage, and smells less cat-peeish :).
3. L’Oreal Sunless Sublime Glow The con on this one for me is the smell. It is smellier on me than some of the others. The pro is that it’s cheaper, offers several different realistic shades, and looks great on your legs. I wouldn’t use this one on my face though because it makes you look too shiny.
4. Clarins Self-Tanning Instant Gel Okay, I haven’t actually tried this one because it’s pretty pricey. But it has received rave reviews so I’m including it in the mix. I’ve heard that it absorbs very quickly, offers great color, can be used beautifully on your face without the fear of breakouts, and is one of the best on the market. Have you tried this one? If so, tell us in your comments what you think.
5. Jergen’s Natural Glow I have to say that I cannot wear Jergens because of the cat pee smell factor. Again, I’m weird. My body chemistry reacts STRONGLY to all sunless tanners and that reaction apparently comes with a smell. A very bad one. That being said, this remains a favorite of most women so it was worthy of a mention. I think the best part about Jergens is that it’s gradual. I know, I know we want to look instantaneously tan, but that’s where everyone runs into trouble.
The more gradual the tan, the more natural looking it will be and the less you’ll have to worry about looking like this!
or this…
..or this…
Yeah. I think you want to avoid oompa loompaness at all costs! Looking orange is not in the spirit of going forth and being cute!
Maybe if you’re really adventurous you could look like this?
So how about you? Any self tanners you have been happy with? Any we should add to the list? Talk to me!
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Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out a lot.
I hope to give something back and help others like you
helped me.
I’ve tried the Clarins (and all the others listed too) Clarins gave me the exact results as the Loreal Sublime gel in Deep/Dark.
You mean we don’t all smell like cat pee with sunless tanner? I know I do. I liked the Neutrogena spray on for ease of use and it smells really nice right out of the bottle but after about an hour I can’t stand myself and have to wash it off. The Loreal Sublime has been the least stinky on me. I threw about 4 different kinds away earlier in the summer because i just can’t use them. Unfortunately, I am so pale and cool complected that none of it looks good on me. 🙁 Maybe I’ll try the Victoria’s Secret. I keep saying I have given up on the stuff but one can’t help but hope!
New follower from Honey I’m Home! 🙂
I enjoyed this post, because I am also very fair! I love to have color and look tan but can only get that way if I Mystic or use a self tanner lotion. My absolute favorite lotion is Ocean Potion’s gradual tanning lotion. It’s in an orange pump type bottle and it’s only about $4 at Walmart! I heard about it online and gave it a try.. boy, does this stuff work well! It has a pretty, light fragrance but definitely does not smell like cat pee! haha
I’ll have to try the VS line you mentioned! Sounds great.
I'm an official follower! Love your blog!
I use to use clarins it is VERY good -but, yes pricey! I have found that you get for what you pay for! I LOVE St. Tropez it is truly the best in my opinion! You can get it at Sephora i believe.. Runs around $30, but you WILL have a tan in just several hours! very natural, although it is alittle smelly but not like cat pee…LOL
Hey, Beth, I'm in the same boat you are. Fair skin, dad has had a LOT Of skin cancers. I had one cut off my back in my early 30's, so I don't do sun hardly at all any more. NOt worth it!
My fave is on your list: Loreal Sublime. Been using it for a few years & love it. It also has some pretty sparkles in it to brighten up your skin with that glow it leaves. Love it!
Hi Beth! So I am a fair girl like you and my mom actually had malignant melanoma, but thank goodness she caught it early. But I have to totally fake tan it as well. I love the Loreal Sublime Bronze towelettes. They take a bit of practice, so don't use them right before a big event, but if you use each side of the squares and kind of methodically put it on (one towelette covers the whole body) so you cover all bases, wash your hands, completely let it dry like 10 minutes. So for the color, the easiness, etc. it is by far my favorite. I try to get them for 6-7 dollars a box with coupons and there are 5 towelettes in each box. They do have a slight smell, but I haven't found anything that doesn't? Happy Mother's Day!! xo
i use the jergens gradual tanning. i am so afraid to use anything else, i get really dark on my ankles and it never seems to go away!
thanks for the reccomends though.
i just went to the dermatologist and he said the best anti aging you can use is sunscreen!
I'm with ya girl on the sunless tanning! I had a basal cell removed from my face last November(and now have a lovely scar;). Melanoma runs in my family too and I am so so sorry you lost your father to it. I have thought of doing a post showing the pictures of my initial skin cancer, the hole they left in my face removing it, and then the plastic surgery stitches and scar…just to get people thinking more about being cautious. I have always been very careful in the sun too, which was even more shocking when I discovered it.
Anyway, I have tried a bunch of self tanners and my all time favorite, to date, is the Victorias Secret Beach sexy as well! It is easy to apply and looks great and yes the smell is much more bearable. I've done 'Fantasy Tan' at the spa and like it as well.
Great post! Thanks for sharing:)
I just tried the Jergens too and I can't take the smell. For me it's not cat pee it's like a yeasty smell and it's gross. I hate smelling like that. I smelled it on my skin days after using the Jergens – and this is with showering everyday. Can't afford to mystic tan but I think I'll try the Victoria's Secret, I keep hearing good things about that. I also had a basil cell carcinoma in my early 20s so my hubby is on board with my fake tan and he applies it to my back for me 🙂 I make sure I wash my palms and in between my fingers really well after applying and then use a towel to really dry those areas.
Haha, this is cracking me up! Seriously though, thanks for the reviews! I always wanna try stuff but don't want to spend my money on something I'm not sure will work! I always like to hear what real people think of it. Great post!
I have an on-going love/hate relationship with fake tanners. I used to teach tennis 8 hours a day in the hot sun and had the best tan ever! Now since breast cancer, radiation and chemo – no more sun for me – UGH! I have used the Jergens and did not have any luck with it at all. I like the Loreal Sublime bronze – and the product specific for your face is awesome! But I miss my natural tan – awful I know but I now use SPF 50 and re-apply as directed! I am finally sun smart!
I have tried all of the sunless tanners … I swear. Hands down, my favorite is from Paula's Choice. http://WWW.Paulaschoice.com
It is not smelly, or too dark. Her skin care line is fabulous too. Dr Oz recommends her products, especially the Alpha Hydroxy face products.
I like Rust-Oleum 1918830 Camouflage Spray, Earth Brown, 12-Ounce. One coat lasts me the entire summer.
hehehe
Seriously, my favorite is Clarins.
Your Friend,
Deborah
I've been a Banana Boat fan for 10+ years. It is my favorite. Although i haven't been able to find it at target or walmart in my area this year so I have been using jergens. Great post! Love reading other's comments about different self tanners to try.
A friend of mine shared her self tanning lotion with me last year and I've just purchased a fresh tube this year!! It is the very best to me! It has no smell and lasts for 2-3 days. It also wears off nice and gradually if you don't want to re-apply. It's Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion. It's self adjusting and streak free. I am not fair skinned and I tan easily. The shade I use is the Light/Medium Color.
Go Get it!! You won't be sorry!
LOL! That would make so much more sense! Oh, come to think of it, perhaps the Anne Hathaway pics are from that Bride fight movie?
How to apply it could seriously be an entire post in itself! I usually cover my hands and fingernails in a heavy lotion (or vaseline) before putting on the lotion. I go very light on the tops of my feet and ankles and sometimes even wash it off my feet when I wash my hands at the end. To get my back, I typically look like a contortionist! It's very challenging. I also don't worry about the undersides of my arms because I don't typically tan these areas. But again, if you can afford it or have it gifted to you, a spray tan takes care of all these problems!
Many thanks for starting my day with such a GOOD laugh!!! So funny…
"less cat-peeish" and the photo of Trump looking like a cheeto! Great post, Beth! Hugs to you.
My question is how do you put it on without having obvious lines on your feet, knees and elbows. And how do you get it on your back?
I've tried sunless tanners before and always have an issue with it being obvious.
Any suggestions?
I think the Anne Hathaway photos are from an upcoming movie. I hope that's not her just out and about in the city! I like the L'Oreal "sheets". They're about the size of a dryer sheet. You spread them out and go over your legs, arms, etc. and they work well. Slight smell, but goes away quickly. Look is very natural.
I love Sally Hansen's Sunless Tanner…it goes on TAN so you know where you are spraying! It is costly (14.00) and hard to find.
GREAT post, at this time of year too.. my question is… my self tanner from Last Year.. there is still half a tube left, is it still good???
I did Mystic a few times before my wedding and I did love it. (a few weeks ahead of time to test it out & make sure I would like it, and then again closer to the actual day) If we had more disposable income right now I would totally mystic tan all summer. The only downside is that it starts to come off in flakes once you stop, which isn't as bad as it sounds because it kind of loos like a natural sunburn flaking, but still kind of ewe. And it would come off on my clothes if I sweat too much. (my wedding dress has the orange-ish pit stains to prove it.)
The best is called FAKE BAKE and you can get it at Sephora! Doesn't smell, doesn't leave streaks, goes on smooth and leaves you with a bronze glow, NOT orange!
Great Post….I am using the Victoria Secret stuff now, and it gives a great "non orange" tan…it looks very natural, and your right….It doesnt smell that bad.
The L'Oreal Sublime Bronze is a a great product too. It stays on for about a week…starts to fade in the crease at your elbow and things like that….But non the less, is a good product.
I only use these two products cause the other ones stink so bad…..To me, these two are the best NON-smelly self tanners.
Beth! I bought a makeup sprayer for Christmas and some liquid tanner to go with it. Actually, I have yet to try it but after i do I will tell you how it goes.
Thank you so much for the recommendations! I am one of your fellow cat-pee types. Unfortunately, I experience the same problem with lots of scented products, including many perfumes. It's bad to spend a lot of $$ on a new fragrance and end up smelling like a litter box!
I'm thrilled to know about the VS product; I'd never seen it. I'll try it for sure! And I might just try a Mystic tan as well. Thanks for the low-down on all of these.
Thank you for the recommendations! I've used Jergens in the past, and I put it on every day and nothing happens and then Boom! One day I'm orange. I'm going to give the L'Oreal one a try!
I did the Mystic tan and loved it! I have used the Neutrogena foam and liked it for the most part. It does give you great color instantly, but acts as a gradual tan. I know that doesn't make any sense, but run with me here!
Thanks for these tips. I have paper white legs and don't have the patience (or desire for skin cancer) to get a real tan. LOVED the oompa loompa reference. I'm still chuckling :).
Thanks for this very useful info! And also a reminder that spring is here, summer is on it's way and mamma needs a little color so as not to scare anyone when the shorts and skirts come out. I always hated self tanners bc I felt like it was just too much trouble, but an actual tan is just too dangerous, so I'm gonna give these another shot!!!
I'm very sorry about your dad. Unfortunately I think most people don't take the sun too seriously unless they are personally impacted by skin cancer.
I'm very pale as well, and tend to burn and freckle without SPF 50 or so. My current quest is to find a reasonably priced, oil-free, fragrance-free face moisturizer with SPF that doesn't smell yucky and that my skin likes. Seems like I just can't have it all when it comes to my face cream.
I have found that the Jergens works well, although it is very gradual. The plus is that it doesn't seem to rub off on clothing, sheets, car upholstery etc. Smell is tolerable to me. (Notice I do not say pleasant!) I have a friend who swears by Loreal's Sublime Bronze, which looks good on her but comes out orange on me. Plus it rubs off on everything. To the point where if I know she's coming for a visit, I put away my prettiest bath & hand towels. I hate to admit it, and it sounds awful but there it is. Two brand new towels went into the garage ragbag after one visit. Think I can send Loreal the bill? 😉
I now use Tan Towel – its like a wet nap! Supposedly works with your skin's enzymes to create the same tan you'd get in the sun. Also comes in lotion form, which smells kinda floral but the towel smell is the typical "you've been sunless tanning" tolerable. Doesn't seem to rub off on clothing or sheets, once dry. It's my fave.
Great Post! I wish more people would embrace self tanning. You need to try VersaSpa spray machine. It has blowers that dry you too. And no orange ever!!
Visit their website to find a location near you.
I am hooked!! I found it thanks to Sunset Tan in Hollywood and Vegas. It is what the stars use. Giuliana Rancic from E goes their. And her tan always looks flawless.
Happy Weekend!! 🙂
I have been thinking of doing a fake tan lately and I really appreciate the info. I spent part of my childhood in the South Pacific and the rest of it riding a horse in my bathing suit top so I try to stay out of the sun.
I am sorry to read about loosing your dad but I like that you are turning it into something positive by reminding people of the dangers of the sun.
Traci
I've tried Jergens and I hate the smell also. I love fake bake! It has a smell, but not as bad as others. You put it on at night, it goes on really dark, then you shower when you wake up in the morning. It's a little messy, but it gives you a realistic looking brown tan, not orange that will last for about a week.
Hi there. This is a great post! Thank you!!! I am very sensitive to the fragrance in my skin products, too. This is a product I started using last year on my body:
http://www.drugstore.com/banana-boat-sunless-summer-color-self-tanning-lotion-deep-dark/qxp139721?tab=1
There is not a negative smell to this product at all, on me. I have not tried it on my face. Also, I am olive complected, and I buy the darkest one available. I just thought I would let you know so if you want to try it. Also, here is a review of the product by one of my fav beauty vloggers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgNu9pF1bcw
have a great weekend!
~natalie
I've only tried the Jergens but I also can't stand the smell of it (tho I'm not sure it smells like cat pee on me haha). I saw that people said they LIKED the smell…I put it on and couldnt stand smelling myself (so I put on some other smelly lotion on top which helped).
Thanks for your reviews on these–since it has been less than sunny/warm lately I am desperately struggling to get rid of my pasty winter exterior!
Happy Friday!
Jenn @ Going the Distance