I actually like this a lot. You have to rub it in well but it does look natural. I only use it when I'm dressing up/wearing a dress, not everyday. You have to let it completely dry before you get dressed. However it's not really an alternative to tanning because it only lasts until you wash it off. It washes off easily in the shower (and off your hands too). It sounds like you may be looking for a self-tanner.