Sunless Tanning: Reviews

While 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 easy… 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. Some common complaints: Since Clarins is colorless, there is no tint to show where you've already applied. As with all DIY tanning products, users need to wait a few hours before their tan will completely develop. But once the tan fully develops users say it will last over a week. Some complain about Clarins' strong chemical smell. However, all tanning products emit an odor stemming from their active dyeing ingredient, DHA.

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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.… (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 most highly 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.

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If you like the idea of a spray tanner you can apply at home, reviewers suggest L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Pro Perfect Self Tanning Mist. Users say it only takes about five minutes to dry (other formulas can take up to 30… minutes) and it imparts a nice, natural color that remains for up to a week. Although Sublime Bronze has a slight odor, as is true with all sunless tanners, users say it isn't as offensive as most. Plus, while its DHA reacts with skin to impart a tan color, it won't stain clothing and other surfaces. Still, some complain that its tint-less formula makes it hard to tell where this tanner has been applied.

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If you want to touch up an existing tan, Tan Towel Self-Tan Towelettes are tiny, totable pouches -- good for simple touch-ups like covering tan lines. 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, reviewers say Tan Towels are better for smaller spot applications 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.

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Reviewers frequently rave about Mystic Tan UV-Free Spray-On Tanning. This spray tanning service, which users say is more cost-efficient than many other services, can be found in tanning salons nationwide. Although more… expensive 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 evenly positioned shower jets, easily covering the most hard-to-reach areas. 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. Due to 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.

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