Self tanning: spend or splurge?

May 29, 2011

Sarah S.

Hi everyone!
I am very pale and I hate it! I also burn in the sun and am very afraid of skin cancer and ugly photodamage. I want to use self tanner this summer so I don't have to be pale. The dilemma is this: I don't want my tan to be streaky or too orange but since I'll have to use a lot of self tanner (I'm VERY pale) I would prefer to not pay $25+ for a 4 oz package of lotion/spray/whatever unless it actually makes a big difference.


So basically here are my questions:
1. What are the biggest differences between a drugstore product vs. a department store/sephora product?
2. What are you fav brands/products and why
3. What is the best product type for self tanning? (eg. lotion vs. spray vs. mousse. etc.)

Thanks for the help, beauties!

ps by "spend" I def meant "save" oops.

May 30, 2011

Casey S.

Well I heard the St. Tropez is really good its a mousse and its more green toned than orange which sounds weird but meganheartsmakeup has a video on it. It is really expensive. The one I am currently using is Jergen's Natural Glow, but I really want one that gives more immediate results such as the St. Tropez

May 30, 2011

Heidi F.

I agree with Casey- I heard St. Tropez is really good. But, I have the best and even free option! Go outside! Of course wear sunscreen, but opt to go outside for at least an hour everyday and it's good exercise anyways! :) 

May 30, 2011

Shelly T.

I'm also pale; I'm not a massive fan of self-tanners. The only one I've used that I remotely like is ModelCo's Tan Airbrush in a Can (available at Sephora). Virtually every drugstore one I've tried has, ultimately, left me orange.

Overall, I agree with Heidi; if you don't like your pale skin, it's better to go outside (with a sunscreen on, obviously) and get some colour naturally from the sun. (Not to mention sun is a natural source of Vitamin D.)

Jul 21, 2011

Addie C.

Hey dolls! i just made this video! My tips and trick to how to achieve that perfect tan! please check it out! And you also get a 10% off! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5BLEK6kv1w&feature=channel_video_title

Aug 18, 2013

Lindsay N.

I like the brand "fake-n-bake". They sell lotions and mousse and usually cost about $25. the lotion comes with two rubber gloves that you wear when you rub it on. It's DARK, so you can actually see where you're running it in so you won't look streaky. It gradually grows darker in a few hours. the "flawless mousse" is my favorite though, by far. it comes with a mit and you spray the mousse on it and rub it on. It's a little harder to tell where you're rubbing it in because it isn't as dark in color but it ends up looking so much better once it develops. As far as store brand self tanners go. I've never been all too pleased with any of them. I'm VERY pale and I've always ended up looking orange, with dirty looking knees and elbows... I used to get spray tanned 3/4 times a week, and between visits I would use the "loreal instant bronzer" but I had somewhat of a base tan before. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone with a pale complexion.