Sunless Tanners: Reviews

Although do-it-yourself tanners aren't as convenient as professional spray services, they are a lot less expensive to maintain. Reviews identify Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel as the best do-it-yourself tanner -- it's… expandeasy to apply and it doesn't streak. Although it's more expensive than some other over-the-counter products, testers say a little goes a long way and the natural-looking tan it imparts is worth its extra cost. Compared to other brands, users say its formula doesn't feel sticky and it dries more quickly. Because Clarins is colorless, there is no tint to show where you've already applied it. As with all DIY tanning products, users need to wait a few hours before their tan will completely develop. But once it does, users say it will last more than a week. Some complain about Clarins' strong chemical smell. However, all tanning products emit an odor stemming from their active dyeing ingredient, dihydroxyacetone (DHA). collapse

Moisturizing body lotions that include a mild self tanner are gentle enough to use daily as a substitute for a regular body lotion. Tans gradually develop over a few days, and color is maintained with regular use.… expand(Discontinued use will cause the tan to fade over the course of four to six days.) In this class of sunless tanners, Jergens Natural Glow ranks highest in reviews, with users praising its simple, non-sticky formula and they appreciate its non-streaking, even application. Because this product is diluted with lotion, users say that it doesn't smell as strongly as other sunless tanners (which are known to emit chemical odors). Jergens Natural Glow also comes in two tanning shades, enabling users to better match their skin tone. collapse

Tan Towel Self-Tan Towelettes are tiny, totable pouches. When you rub a wipe over your skin, it darkens within two to four hours. However, because it's hard to control the amount of tanning solution that's being applied,… expandreviewers say Tan Towels are better for smaller spot applications, such as eliminating tan lines, rather than for the whole body. Many users also complain about this product's sketchy coverage -- it has a tendency to streak, especially when applied to large areas. collapse

All sunless tanning products, including those claiming to be more natural, rely on the same active ingredient: dihydroxyacetone (DHA). What sets Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunless Tanning apart from other mainstream… expandproducts is its high level of moisturizing plant oils and antioxidants that leave skin feeling soft. The formula is also free of any harmful chemicals or parabens (a controversial group of synthetic preservatives that some consumer advocate groups link to breast cancer). Reviewers say that it produces a subtle tan that can be built up for more intense color. collapse

Reviewers frequently praise Mystic Tan UV-Free Spray-On Tanning. This spray-tanning service, which users say is more cost-effective than many other services, can be found in tanning salons nationwide. Although more… expandexpensive than a do-it-yourself product, users say Mystic Tan offers more even coverage. Consumers step into a booth where a tanning solution is sprayed over their entire body by moving shower jet, easily covering the most hard-to-reach places. It also dries just a few minutes after application, and reviewers say results can be seen after just one session. However, Mystic Tan customers are encouraged to come back for another service every four to six days to maintain their tans. Because of this, some users say Mystic tans don't last any longer than other, less expensive products. Still, professional spray-tanning services like Mystic overcome the most common complaint about home sunless tanners -- that it's hard to get an even application on your own. collapse