Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel
- Easy to apply
- Good for face and body
- Color is not very deep
- If used frequently, may not layer well
- Some find the color unnatural
Bottom line
Although many reviewers complain that Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel is a bit expensive, some say that it is worth the cost thanks to its easy-to-use formula and natural-looking color. Reviewers both for and against Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel agree that the initial application only provides subtle color. While some prefer a light hint of color, it may not satisfy those with darker skin tones.
Performance
Quick, simple color, but not very buildable. Many reviewers are very satisfied with Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel, but it's not quite perfect. For example, some say it may take a couple of applications to reach the desired color, depending on your skin tone. Reviewers aren't in agreement about this; a few say that the tanning gel doesn't layer well and that no subsequent application looks as smooth and even as the first. Unlike a handful of the top-reviewed sunless tanners, opinions on Clarins vary greatly by skin type and condition, natural skin tone and the skill of the user.
Ease of use
Simple, lotion-like application makes it a reviewer favorite. Experts consistently rate Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel one of the best sunless tanners for its easy application. Editors at Allure magazine explain that you simply "massage a thin layer all over for a foolproof, almost-immediate glow from head to toe." The formula works well on both the face and the body, but as with all self-tanners, reviewers recommend exfoliating before using the tanner; doing so virtually guarantees streak-free results, according to users at MakeupAlley.com.
Feel and smell
Passable scent and texture. While a few users at MakeupAlley.com say that Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel leaves a sticky, greasy residue on the skin, most say that the lightweight formula absorbs into skin quickly leaving it smooth and hydrated. Paula Begoun says that the tanner has a "silky lotion base that doesn't feel thick or greasy." Furthermore, many users say that the odor is more tolerable than that of most self-tanners and it fades quickly.
| Clarins by Clarins: SELF TANNING INSTANT GEL--/4.2OZ | |
(48 reviews) In Stock. |
|
Our Sources
1. PaulasChoice.com
Paula Begoun gives Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel a rating of "good," which is better than many other tanners we found reviewed by her. Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel is rated for its ingredients, ease of use and tanning results. She notes the tanning gel is " a silky lotion base that doesn't feel thick or greasy."
Review: Self Tanning Instant Gel, Paula Begoun, Dec. 20, 2012
2. Allure
Allure editors and readers choose Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel as one of the two best sunless tanners after testing thousands of products submitted by readers. They say it gives, "a foolproof, almost-immediate glow from head to toe." Editors also note it works well on the face.
Review: 2012 Readers' Choice Awards, Editors of Allure magazine, Not dated
3. Elle
The editors of Elle Magazine say Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel soaks into skin immediately. They note it gives a healthy glow to both face and body, however, editors refer to the products listed simply as tried-and-true favorites, but don't provide additional details on how selections were made.
Review: Get Glowing: 12 of Our Favorite Self Tanners, Taylor Barringer, May 8, 2013
4. Harper's Bazaar
The editors at Harper's Bazaar asked the industry's top makeup artists and pros to share the best tans in a bottle. There was no ranking system for the selections, but there are descriptions of why pros love it for each of the 10 selections. Makeup artist Nick Barso also says there's no need to worry about overdoing it – the color appears almost instantly.
Review: Bronze Metals: The Top 10 Sunless Tanners, Kari Molvar, Not dated
5. MakeupAlley.com
Reviewers at MakeupAlley.com give Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel just under 4 out of 5 stars based on more than 200 reviews and say it imparts a natural-looking tan without streaking and with little to no odor.
Review: Clarins Gelee Auto Bronzant Express: Self-Tanning Instant Gel, Contributors to MakeupAlley.com, As of June 2013
6. Sephora.com
More than 700 consumers rate and review Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel at Sephora.com, giving it a high average rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Comments are similar to those found at MakeupAlley.com -- users say that it's easy to apply and creates a natural-looking tan without streaks.
Review: Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel, Contributors to Sephora.com, As of June 2013
Sunless Tanners Runners Up:
4 picks including: Health, Cosmopolitan…
2 picks including: Harper's Bazaar, Elle…
2 picks including: Amazon.com, Drugstore.com…
2 picks including: Elle, Sephora.com…
Fake Bake Flawless, 6-Ounce
Fab Products
New $7.35
(836)
Sun Self Tanning Lotion Ultra Dark Instant Tint - Dark 8oz/236ml
Sun Laboratories
New $9.99
(291)
Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion, Deep Dark Color, For All Skin Tones, 6-Ounce Tubes (Pack …
Banana Boat
New $13.70
(175)Nature's Gate Glow Lotion, medium skin tones, 16 Ounce Bottle
Nature's Gate
New $7.56
(94)
Body Drench Spray Quick Tan Tanning Mist Sunless Self Tanner 3 Pack
Body Drench
New $25.79
(51)Best Reviewed
Sunless Tanners
- Best sunless tanner St. Tropez Self-Tan Bronzing Mousse *Est. $42
- Best gradual sunless-tanning lotion Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer *Est. $9
- Best tanning wipes Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad for Body *Est. $45
Get info about new reports and updates
