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Self-Tanners - 3 of the Best

October 9, 2009

Self-tanning products come in all kinds of forms these days, including tanning sprays, foams and lotions. If you're like me, you'll probably find it a bit overwhelming sometimes.

To make it easier for you to understand the differences, I've compared 3 high-quality self-tanning products - a spray, foam and lotion - by 3 of the top international brands in sunless tanning.

They are all professional self-tanning products resulting in a natural-looking tan that will last for many days. The differences are in the way you use them and how they feel and smell.

Amber Sun – Sunless Spray with bronzer

Self-tanning sprays are great if you don’t want to get your hands dirty. This is an ultra-fine aerosol spray that is quick and easy to apply and gives you an instant tan. The self-tanning spray has an oil-free formula so it won’t clog pores.

Application: Stand in the shower so you can easily rinse off any spray that missed your body. Spray your skin evenly, holding the can about 12 inches from your body and not going over the same area twice. The aerosol spray works well at any angle. Because no body is flat and straight, it can get a bit tricky in certain areas. The spray dries very quickly on your skin.

Fragrance: This self-tanner actually smells good! Described as "raspberry almond", I think it just has a very pleasant, tropical smell to it.

Colour & Waiting: The result is immediate – a golden, "just off the beach" sun-kissed glow. You shouldn’t bathe, shower or exercise for 8 hours after application, so spraying in the evening makes sense. The cosmetic bronzer will wash off during your first shower. You can deepen the colour by applying a second layer the next day.

California Tan – Tinted Self Tanner Foam

Are you always afraid you’ve missed a spot? This lightweight tinted foam could be the solution for you, as it gives you an instant brown tint where you’ve applied the self-tanner. No more guessing, so you can be sure of a flawless, streak-free tan.

Application: Pump some foam onto your hands and blend a thin, even coat into your skin using circular motions. Use the instant bronze tint as a guide. Because the foam is absorbed very fast, make sure your skin is hydrated (apply after showering) and spread it across your body quickly. Wash your hands immediately and thoroughly after application.

Fragrance: The foam has a very light, fresh smell described as a "citrus fragrance".

Colour & Waiting: What you’ll see first is the "shows-where-it-goes" cosmetic tint, which will develop into a rich, natural-looking tan in 2 to 4 hours. If you want a darker colour, you can apply a second layer of the self-tanning mousse whenever you want.

Mystic Tan – MysticSunless Tanning Lotion

Most of us are very used to applying body lotion, so when it comes to self-tanners, nothing feels more natural than rubbing a lotion into your skin. This lotion is a rich, creamy substance that glides on evenly and spreads out fabulously just like a moisturiser.

Application: Spread the self-tanning lotion evenly across your clean, dry skin like you would with a body lotion. Use it only sparingly around your elbows, knees and ankles and wash your hands immediately after use. Don’t put your clothes back on until the lotion has dried completely.

Fragrance: The lotion has a light, pleasant “green tea” scent.

Colour & Waiting: You’ll see an instant colour that will intensify in 2 to 4 hours. For best results, it’s recommended you use the brand’s pre-tanning and post-tanning products as well. Wait 4 hours before bathing and at least 24 hours before you apply a second layer.

You can find these and many other products with full descriptions in our online shop under Self Tanners.