Sunless Tanning Reviews

Google
  Web ConsumerSearch.com   
Reviewing the Reviews Home Category Index Shop Newsletter Search About Us

Sunless Tanning Reviews

The reviews below are assigned ratings by ConsumerSearch. These ratings are based on credibility in testing, evaluating and identifying the best Sunless Tanning. See our ratings criteria

For recommendations of best Sunless Tanning, see our Fast Answers page, which summarizes what these reviews say. A longer summary and analysis appears in our Full Story report for Sunless Tanning. Our Where to Buy page contains information on retailers and Sunless Tanning prices.

Sunless Tanning Reviews Reviewed

Review Ratings

Citation

CS Credibility Rating

Sunless Tanning Ratings
Comments on Reviews

1.  Washingtonian Golden Glow

Kelly DiNardo


July 1, 2007
reviews rating Three bartenders, each with a different complexion, test seven self-tanners, rating them for ease of application, smell, the look of the tan and how much they like the product overall. Both Jergens Natural Glow and Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel receive the highest ratings overall. Other products included in the test are Kiehl’s Sun-Free Self-Tanning Formula, Lancôme Sôleil Flash Bronzer, Banana Boat EveryDay Glow SunDial, Bliss A Tan For All Seasons and Tan Towel.
2.  Consumer Reports How to get a good tan without the sun

Editors of Consumer Reports


June 2007
reviews rating Consumer Reports tests six self tanners on 14 people, saying that the best products are also the least expensive. Products are individually rated on fragrance, color, length of tan and ease of use, and each gets an overall score. Application tips are included. This review is helpful, but the Washingtonian review above is more detailed.
3.  Prevention Magazine We Test It: Sunless Tanners

Denise Foley and Tanya Beers


June 2005
reviews rating Prevention Magazine tests 30 sunless tanners on 30 volunteers "in the dead of January." Nine products produce favorable results that compare with a $50 salon tan one tester got in New York City. The nine winning sunless tanners are rated by ease of use, as well as appearance and duration of color, but they are not ranked. Coppertone Endless Summer Gradual Tan Moisturizing Lotion is deemed "the most even, streak-free tanner of the bunch." Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer, Neutrogena MicroMist and Estee Lauder Go Tan Towelettes also make the top nine. This review would be more useful if it were more recently written.
4.  SqueezeOC.com In Search of a Subtle Glow

Iris Yokoi


Aug. 9, 2006
reviews rating The author tests five different daily moisturizers, all with a hint of self-tanner in them, on five different people. Each sunless tanning moisturizer was tested for a week; testers note the smell and the resulting tan on the first day, midweek and on the seventh day. Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer and Aveeno Active Naturals: Continuous Radiance Moisturizing Lotion have the only formulas that produce a tanned appearance over the course of a week. Interestingly, the tester didn't like L'Oreal Sublime Glow. Though it made her skin sparkle, she didn't develop a noticeable tan.
5.  In Style The Golden Rules

Lisa Shin


May 2004
reviews rating In Style's Beauty Department tests and rates 20 self tanners, including sprays, mousses, gels and lotions. They also interview beauty experts about application tips, and ask chemists about how self tanners work, whether they're safe, and why they can have an odd odor. The top pick for face tanning is no longer available, but the runner-up, Neutrogena Instant Bronze Sunless Tanner, is still current. St. Tropez Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion is best for the body (runner up: Coppertone Endless Summer).
Sunless Tanning Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.
 
Review Ratings Citation CS Credibility Rating Sunless Tanning Ratings
Comments on Reviews
6.  iVillage.com iVillage Editors’ Favorite Self-Tanners

Editors of iVillage Beauty


Not Dated
reviews rating Five editors at iVillage, all with various skin tones, test several self-tanners and choose their favorites. Each editor gives a synopsis of their favorite product, covering its ease of application, fragrance, color of resulting tan and how long it lasted. Their favorites include tanners from Estee Lauder, Clinique, Neutrogena, Bobbi Brown and Banana Boat. The five winning self tanners are not ranked, and it’s not clear how many different self tanners were tested.
7.  Boston.com Glow Getters

Rachel Baker


May 1, 2007
reviews rating The ten self tanning products listed in this article are not ranked in any order but they are rated for their "orange factor." Each product is given a ranking, 1 through 4, with 1 being the most realistic tan and 4 being the most orange. Anthony Logistics for Men Self-Tanner with Anti-Aging Complex has an orange factor of 1 and is said to work just as well for women. Although each of the self tanners was tested, it is unclear who performed the testing for this short article.
8.  LifeScript.com Beach in a Bottle: We Test 5 Top Bronzers

Carly Young


Mar. 15, 2007
reviews rating Along with application and upkeep tips, this article provides the results of unscientific testing done on five self-tanners. Each of the products tested is listed, along with a brief description of the author’s experience with it. Most of the descriptions are positive, and none of the self tanners is ranked. The author does, however, list Hawaiian Tropic Island Glow Daily Moisturizer as her favorite.
9.  Washingtonian Sunless Tanning

Kim Forrest


July 1, 2006
reviews rating Kim Forrest tests some popular sunless tanners, including a couple that were applied at the salon. She shares her experience along with the pros and cons of each. Overall, she prefers tinted facial moisturizers that wash off with soap and water. Of the tanning methods she tried, Forrest says Mystic spray tan was the easiest to apply. Jergens Natural Glow was cheapest and the most natural looking, but ultimately, Forrest concludes that she doesn't like self tanning much at all.
10.  The Washington Post The Scoop on Self-Tanners

Janet Bennett


May 25, 2005
reviews rating This article describes the experiences of six staff members who informally test and rate various sunless tanners. Products used include Neutrogena MicroMist Tanning Sunless Spray, Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer, Neutrogena Build-A-Tan, Clarins Self-Tanning Milk, Clarins Liquid Bronze Tanning For Face and Avon's Sun Self Tanning Spray. Neutrogena Build-A-Tan is preferred over Jergens Natural Glow, but in general, testers complain of streaks and short-lived color.
Sunless Tanning Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.
 
Review Ratings Citation CS Credibility Rating Sunless Tanning Ratings
Comments on Reviews
11.  In Style The Golden Rules

Editors of InStyle Magazine


May 2007
reviews rating InStyle editors pick their favorite self-tanners and give a brief description of each. They also include expert tips on how to apply them like a pro. Chanel Soleil Identite Perfect Colour Body Self-Tanner, Rodial Instant Glow Self Tan Gel and Olay Touch of Sun Overnight Body Lotion are listed, but the self tanning products are not ranked, and it is not clear whether or not the editors tested any other self-tanners.
12.  About.com Finally, a Self Tanner that Doesn’t Reek

Julyne Derrick


Mar. 29, 2007
reviews rating In this brief post, Julyne Derrick reveals her new favorite self tanner, Glow Fusion. Derrick describes it as "well worth the price" because it doesn’t stink, and she admits that she never liked self tanners before because of their foul smell. Derrick also lists four of her readers’ favorite brands.
13.  The Palm Beach Post From Pale and Scrawny to Toned and Tawny

Staci Sturrock


May 25, 2006
reviews rating This article recommends salon airbrushing as the most foolproof method of sunless tanning. Shop Etc. Magazine's top-ten list of sunless tanners is also cited, including Jergens Natural Glow, Estee Lauder Go Tan Towelettes and the Nuress Home Tanning Salon. The recommended products are neither rated nor compared against one another.
14.  StyleBakery.com Sunless Tanners

Mickey Williams


Not Dated
reviews rating In this article, beauty editor Mickey Williams lists the ten best-tested sunless tanners for 2007, along with application tips. The products are listed in categories, such as best face tanner, best gradual tanner and most innovative no-expert-required tan. It’s unclear how many self tanners were tested and whether any comparative testing has been conducted.
15.  U.S. News & World Report Your Fake Tan Is So Real!

Michelle Andrews


July 3, 2006
reviews rating This short article lists three sunless tanners, with a different benefit noted for each. Banana Boat's EveryDay Glow Daily Moisturizer works for just a hint of tan without streaking. Lancome's Flash Bronzer Glow 'N Wear gel dries almost instantly, yet gives deeper color. Estee Lauder's Go Tan Sunless Towelettes are easiest to use, with no mess. No other products are rated or compared.
16.  Reader's Digest A Better Way to Bronze

Patricia Curtis


June 2007
reviews rating This article lists product recommendations under five different categories for self tanners. Each heading is followed by a brief description of that category’s benefits. While some recommendations are made, it's unclear what testing was conducted.
17.  Redbook Sunshine on Your Shoulders

Editors of Redbook


July 1, 2007
reviews rating This article lists six self-tanners under six separate categories including "best-smelling," along with "for the less patient among us" and "individually wrapped." There are no comparisons or rankings, and it’s unclear if the author tested any other brands.
18.  Harper's Bazaar Get the glow (but save your skin!) All the best self-tanners and sunscreens for a safe sun-kissed look

Editors of Harper's Bazaar


May 2005
reviews rating Harper's Bazaar's beauty editors give their top picks for self tanners, but no comparison information, testing details or ratings are provided. Included are Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer, Coppertone Endless Summer, Dior Bronze Shimmering Glow Body and Nars Body Glow. Mystic Tan is mentioned as a Paris Hilton favorite, and at-home airbrushing is touted as a good alternative to salon tanning, although no specific products are mentioned.
19.  Elle Fake Bake: Elle readers Say These Self Tanners Set the Gold Standard

Editors of Elle


June 2007
reviews rating This article pictures each of the top five self tanners with its name and a few comments given by readers about its benefits. The products are not ranked nor is any comparison information provided.
20.  The (London) Independent The Ten best Fake Tans

Leni Rowles


May 2007
reviews rating This article lists ten self tanners with a few details given about each. They appear to be in no particular order, but St. Tropez Aero Bronze Instant Self-Tanning Air Spray is said to be the "granddaddy of the selection." It’s unclear whether the author tested the products herself or if she compared the products listed to any others.
21.  About.com Top Selling Self Tanners

Daniel Billett


Not Dated
reviews rating Daniel Billett lists his picks for self tanners, but gives only a short paragraph describing each and no ratings or comparison information. He claims to have used three of the products with good results and says his personal trainer has used a fourth. Self tanners making the list include Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel, Model Co. Tan Airbrush in a Can, St. Tropez Whipped Bronze Self Tanning Mousse System, Fake Bake Self Tanning Lotion, Tan Towel Plus and Decleor Aroma Sun Express Hydrating Self-Tan Spray.
22.  Prevention Magazine Soften, Tan & Firm All Over

Editors of Prevention Magazine


May 2007
reviews rating The writers of this short article mention a new trend in moisturizers: lotions that not only moisturize, but also tint the skin and leave it looking firm. They refer to three different brands, but no testing appears to have been conducted.
23.  About.com Top 10 Self Tanning Products for a Safe Suntan

Susan Breslow Sardone


Not Dated
reviews rating Honeymoons guide, Susan Breslow Sardone, warns readers about the dangers of tanning in the sun and in tanning beds. She suggests any on her list of top 10 self tanners as a safe alternative. Although there are no rankings or comparison information, she does provide a brief description of each product. No testing appears to have been conducted.
24.  About.com Top 5 Self Tanners

Mike Hardcastle


Not Dated
reviews rating In this brief post, Mike Hardcastle, provides a list of five top self tanners. Each product is followed by a descriptive paragraph telling readers, among other things, how long it takes for the tan to set and what kind of fragrance it has. The products are neither ranked nor compared to one another, and nothing appears to have been tested.
25.  RealLifeBlog.net Real Life Product Review – Jergens Natural Glow Firming Lotion

"Carol"


July 26, 2007
reviews rating In this blog post, "Carol" tests Jergens Natural Glow Firming Lotion on all three of its claims: soft, glowing and firm skin. She is very pleased with the moisturizing and slight bronzing effect this product has had on her skin, but she has not noticed any firming effects.
26.  Drugstore.com Sunless Tanning

Contributors to Drugstore.com


As of Nov. 2007
reviews rating Drugstore.com allows readers to post product reviews, including reviews for self tanning products. Products in each category can be sorted according to the average user rating (a scale of 1 to 5 stars). Most of the 5-star products only have a few reviews, but L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion receives an average rating of 4.5 stars based upon 64 reviews at the time of this update. This is a good site for gauging ease of use and odor.
27.  MakeupAllcom Product Reviews

Contributors to Makeupalley.com


As of Nov. 2007
reviews rating Makeupalley.com is an informative website that allows users to post reviews about different beauty products. It also lists tops picks, most popular products and best buys according to their separate categories. Reviews can be searched by category heading, brand name or product name and can be sorted by average ratings. One product that rates well (4.5 out of 5 based on 78 reviews), at the time of this update, is Neostrata Self Tan. The website does not offer any product information other than the user reviews.

Sunless Tanning Reviews