See All Sunless Tanners

Neutrogena MicroMist Airbrush Sunless Tan

*Est. $10 for 5.3 oz.
Reviewed
July 2012
by ConsumerSearch
Neutrogena MicroMist Tanning Sunless Spray

Pros
  • Smooth finish
  • Good for hard-to-reach areas
  • Colorless formula
  • Dries quickly
Cons
  • Strong odor
  • May streak if not rubbed in

Spray-on tanning formulas like Neutrogena MicroMist Airbrush Sunless Tan offer a convenient, at-home alternative to more costly professional spray tans.

Easy coverage for hard-to-reach spots

Experts say that sunless tanning sprays are excellent for hard-to-reach areas. Neutrogena MicroMist also has a 360-degree nozzle that can be sprayed at any angle to make the application even easier. Reviewers at MakeupAlley.com say there's a bit of a learning curve, however. Users say that following instructions is crucial for an even, streak-free tan. Furthermore, manufacturers say the formula doesn't need to be rubbed in. Paula Begoun says that unless you can apply it perfectly even from head to toe, you will need to rub the formula in to prevent streaking.

Strong odor

Consumers say Neutrogena MicroMist, like all sunless tanners, has a distinct odor. That odor is exacerbated by the propellants needed to make spray-on formulas spray. Users recommend opening a window when applying MicroMist, because its odor is very strong.

Dries fast

Spray-on formulas like Neutrogena MicroMist Airbrush Sunless Tan are a boon to consumers who don't like waiting for sunless tanner to dry. Experts say it dries in about five minutes.

The bottom line

Although we found good reviews for Neutrogena MicroMist Airbrush Sunless Tan, consumers say you may ultimately obtain better results from a rub-in formula.  Most expert reviews for the formula are rather dated. The sunless tanner is included in Paula Begoun's online database of reviews, Beautypedia.com, as well as evaluations done by ConsumerReports.org. Lifescript.com also tests tanners, though not as thoroughly. We also found user reviews at MakeupAlley.com and Drugstore.com to be useful.

Where To Buy
Neutrogena Micro-Mist Sunless Tanning Spray Medium - 5.3 oz

 (24 reviews)
Buy new: $11.49 $10.49   23 New from $6.98

In Stock.

 
Featured StoresStore RatingNotesTotal Price
eBayeBay rated 3.85 (1252 reviews)1,252 store reviewsIn Stock. Earn 2% eBay Bucks on qualifying purchases! Backed by eBay Buyer Protection Program. Terms and Condi$28.02
myotcstore.commyotcstore.com rated 4.04 (2131 reviews)2,131 store reviewsIn Stock. One-touch spray works at any angle and dries in less than 5 minutes.$8.50
Soap.comSoap.com has not yet been reviewed0 store reviewsIn Stock. $11.50
 

Our Sources

1. Beautypedia.com

Writer Paula Begoun is critical in her review of Neutrogena MicroMist, saying that it contains too much witch hazel, a skin irritant. Begoun is an expert on beauty products and their ingredients; we didn't find user reviews of skin irritation with this product.

Review: MicroMist Airbrush Sunless Tan by Neutrogena, Paula Begoun, April 12, 2012

2. MakeupAlley.com

Reviews at MakeupAlley.com are mixed for Neutrogena MicroMist, with some who absolutely love the self tanner and others who hate it. Those that hate it say that it streaks and leaves an unnatural color, but others say that when applied correctly and rubbed in afterward, results are fabulous.

Review: Neutrogena MicroMist Tanning, Contributors to MakeupAlley.com

3. Drugstore.com

Consumers posting to Drugstore.com say that Neutrogena MicroMist works best when it is applied in a circular motion and rubbed in following the application. Several, however, mention that the resulting tan is faint and that it may take multiple applications to reach the desired color.

Review: Neutrogena MicroMist Tanning, Sunless Spray, Deep, Contributors to Drugstore.com

4. ConsumerReports.org

ConsumerReports.org editors test six self tanners on 14 people; results are compiled in a ratings chart. Editors recommend spray tanners, like Neutrogena MicroMist Tanning Sunless Spray, for people who want immediate results.

Review: Sunless Tanners Put to the Test, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, June 2007

5. LifeScript.com

Testers at LifeScript.com say that the online tutorial video for Neutrogena MicroMist Sunless Tanning Spray is easy to follow and helps prevent streaking. The reviewer says the odor is strong but likes that the nozzle works from any angle, which is helpful for hard-to-reach areas.

Review: Beach in a Bottle: We Test 5 Top Bronzers, Carly Young, March 8, 2008

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