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Sunless Tanning Ratings Comments on Reviews
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| 1.
Washingtonian
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Golden Glow
Kelly DiNardo
July 1, 2007
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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.
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| 2.
Consumer Reports
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How to get a good tan without the sun
Editors of Consumer Reports
June 2007
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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.
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| 3.
Prevention Magazine
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We Test It: Sunless Tanners
Denise Foley and Tanya Beers
June 2005
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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.
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| 4.
SqueezeOC.com
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In Search of a Subtle Glow
Iris Yokoi
Aug. 9, 2006
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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.
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| 5.
In Style
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The Golden Rules
Lisa Shin
May 2004
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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).
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Sunless Tanning Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.
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| 6.
iVillage.com
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iVillage Editors’ Favorite Self-Tanners
Editors of iVillage Beauty
Not Dated
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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.
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| 7.
Boston.com
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Glow Getters
Rachel Baker
May 1, 2007
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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.
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| 8.
LifeScript.com
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Beach in a Bottle: We Test 5 Top Bronzers
Carly Young
Mar. 15, 2007
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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.
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| 9.
Washingtonian
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Sunless Tanning
Kim Forrest
July 1, 2006
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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.
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| 10.
The Washington Post
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The Scoop on Self-Tanners
Janet Bennett
May 25, 2005
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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.
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Sunless Tanning Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.
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| 11.
In Style
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The Golden Rules
Editors of InStyle Magazine
May 2007
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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.
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| 12.
About.com
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Finally, a Self Tanner that Doesn’t Reek
Julyne Derrick
Mar. 29, 2007
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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.
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| 13.
The Palm Beach Post
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From Pale and Scrawny to Toned and Tawny
Staci Sturrock
May 25, 2006
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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.
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| 14.
StyleBakery.com
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Sunless Tanners
Mickey Williams
Not Dated
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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.
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| 15.
U.S. News & World Report
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Your Fake Tan Is So Real!
Michelle Andrews
July 3, 2006
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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.
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| 16.
Reader's Digest
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A Better Way to Bronze
Patricia Curtis
June 2007
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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.
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| 17.
Redbook
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Sunshine on Your Shoulders
Editors of Redbook
July 1, 2007
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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.
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| 18.
Harper's Bazaar
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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
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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.
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| 19.
Elle
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Fake Bake: Elle readers Say These Self Tanners Set the Gold Standard
Editors of Elle
June 2007
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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.
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| 20.
The (London) Independent
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The Ten best Fake Tans
Leni Rowles
May 2007
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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.
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| 21.
About.com
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Top Selling Self Tanners
Daniel Billett
Not Dated
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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.
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| 22.
Prevention Magazine
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Soften, Tan & Firm All Over
Editors of Prevention Magazine
May 2007
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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.
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| 23.
About.com
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Top 10 Self Tanning Products for a Safe Suntan
Susan Breslow Sardone
Not Dated
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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.
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| 24.
About.com
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Top 5 Self Tanners
Mike Hardcastle
Not Dated
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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.
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| 25.
RealLifeBlog.net
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Real Life Product Review – Jergens Natural Glow Firming Lotion
"Carol"
July 26, 2007
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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.
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| 26.
Drugstore.com
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Sunless Tanning
Contributors to Drugstore.com
As of Nov. 2007
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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.
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| 27.
MakeupAllcom
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Product Reviews
Contributors to Makeupalley.com
As of Nov. 2007
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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.
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