Self-Tanners Worth Purchasing

Let’s talk self-tanners!

Ever since I first started using self-tanners 2 years ago I have absolutely loved it and cannot imagine going without. As a born and raised Seattleite you can only imagine how pale my skin is (it is pale AF and so blinding, especially in the wintertime!). I use my self-tanners at least 1-2 times per week and love having a natural glow and tan skin, it really changes so much about your appearance that I never would have even thought of. Because of my fair skin, I don’t like to have noticeably dark skin and try to stick with more medium-toned self-tanners to the point where I have a nice tan that isn’t too dark for my complexion.

Over the years as I have experimented more with different self-tanning products, I’ve finally come to narrow down my favorites that I will be rounding up in today’s post.

1. Jergens Natural Glow (Medium to Tan Skin Tones)

I’d say if you’re new to self-tanning or want a nice buildable and natural tan, the Jergens Natural Glow Tanning Moisturizer is your best bet. On weeks where I want just a little bit darker skin and not a full-on noticeable tan, and even during the wintertime, I use Jergens Medium to Tan Skin Tones self-tanner. Another reason this is my go-to tanning product during the wintertime is that it is super moisturizing for dry skin during the winter. It is the perfect way to hydrate your skin and get a little bit of color during the cold months! Plus, I also cannot stand how pale my skin is during the winter, it really is so blinding.

The tan takes a couple days to build, so each day after I get out of the shower, I put on the tanning moisturizer all over and usually by the third day it’s at its darkest and provides a very natural tan. As it is also a moisturizer, this is probably the best-smelling tanning product you can get. The lotion is more moisturizing than tanning which makes it smell so much better than a majority of other self-tanners. This tanning lotion also doesn’t require using an applicator mitt as well which makes it super easy to apply with your hands after getting out of the shower.

2. Loving Tan Self-Tanning Mousse (Medium Tone)

With the exception of Jergens tanning lotion mentioned above, I have come to find that tanning foam/mousse is my favorite method of self-tanning because it is SO easy to apply, and, in my opinion, is easier to make sure you’re getting everywhere and not missing any places on your body. I’ve tried just about everything when it comes to self-tanning (oil, lotion, foam) and out of all of these, the foam is by far the best and is what has worked the best for me. All summer I have been using the Loving Tan mousse 1-2 times per week and absolutely love everything about it.

For a full-on self-tanner, this is probably the best smelling one I’ve tried. While it has the scent of a self-tanning product, it is very minimal compared to lots of other products I’ve tried and doesn’t leave you with that stale-coconut scent. I typically apply 2-3 pumps on the applicator mitt for each part of my body (minus my face which I typically only use a half or one pump for) and blend in circular motions. The tan appears right away on your skin which is convenient for a last-minute event you’re getting ready for or if you’re in a hurry, and it also builds over a couple hours as well. I typically apply 1-2 nights per week, sleep on it, and wake up with a great overall tan that lasts about 5 days. I always wait 5-10 minutes before I get in bed to let the mousse dry and it doesn’t leave any kind of streaks on my bedding which is great!

3. Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam and Eraser

The Bondi Sands self-tanning foam products are probably my second favorite self-tanners because they work just as great as Loving Tan. The main reason I would rank it as second is that it smells stronger of that stale coconut scent which can get a little annoying, but overall, love the color it provides and how well it works! I actually got this one in dark just to try something different and love it on days where I want to look like I just got back from a vacation lol.

Bondi Sands also makes a self-tanning foaming eraser which is just pure genius. It is so easy to make mistakes when applying self-tanners and the eraser is the perfect way to erase your mistake and do it over.