sunless tanning

[littlebit0863]

I used to be a tanning bed queen until 30 hit and skin cancer scares got the best of me. I'm pretty pale right now and I would like to do a sunless tan right before my trip next month, but don't know where to begin. Airbrush? Spray tan? Mystic tan? I tried the Jergens natural glow, the supposed gradual one, and the next day was pretty streaky, so any DIY option is out for me. On the budget board, because although I'd like a method that works, I would also like the option with the most value for the money.

 

[jkgrant]

I know you said DIY was not an option for you, but this is what I use with success:

I like Neutrogena build-a-tan (has a soapy smell). I mix that with a little bit of Eucerin, and apply in a circular motion. I only apply to my legs to cover a vein.
It has worked well for me.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I once tried the Jergens; didn't like it as it rubbed off on everything. I like Fake Bake, which I bought on Amazon. It's easy to use and I didn't have a streaking problem.

 

[a1tinkfans]

I used to be a tanning bed queen until 30 hit and skin cancer scares got the best of me. I'm pretty pale right now and I would like to do a sunless tan right before my trip next month, but don't know where to begin. Airbrush? Spray tan? Mystic tan? I tried the Jergens natural glow, the supposed gradual one, and the next day was pretty streaky, so any DIY option is out for me. On the budget board, because although I'd like a method that works, I would also like the option with the most value for the money.

you really do get what you pay for.
The one that works for me and that looks very natural (not orange) is
Saint Tropez Self tan Bronzer Mousse. It is easy to use (go lightly) with a mitt (included) that you squeeze mousse onto and gently swirl all over (and I do my face too, very lightly) ...(for a first timer the mistake to avoid is to go lighter than you think, watch the knees, ankles, elbows and hands, people tend to rub too much on and it looks too dark in those areas) best to exfoliate (just use one of those scrubby thingies in the shower, no biggie) and then apply afterwards when fully dry. It does not stain, dries quick, no odor and looks very very real. As a person that likes a hint of sun kissed I no longer sit out in the sun and instead get my "fix" of color this way...

I purchase it on QVC (online or call) and they will even take it back no Q's asked if you do not like it...but if you look at the many many reviews, youll see how no one returns it.
Good Luck and Happy vacation next month (by the way my ONLY angst about it is that I wish it had a sun block in it) so dont forget your sunblock, even tho you'll be tanned before your trip Enjoy!
(oh, its 36.60 which will last and last and last and comes with the mitt, right to your door)

 

[jedijill]

I've done the fake tan a couple of times. First one was at a salon where you get in the booth and get sprayed....I was pretty happy with it...you have to rub in the droplets right after you get sprayed to get it even and then wash your palms and bottom of your feet (so you don't look like a freak!). I did a airbrush at the spa I go to before my last cruise. I combined it with a body scrub so I was nicely exfoliated. I didn't think the color got very dark (I'm pretty pale) and it only lasted a few days.

Whatever you do, make sure you exfoliate extremely well or nothing will last or look good.

Jill in CO

 

[littlebit0863]

Thanks all for your advice. I stopped by my old regular tanning salon and they gave me a 2 for one airbrush deal, plus a barrier cream (for palms and fingernails.) So I'm going to go with them, hopefully it will turn out good!

 

[4GoofyCrew]

Sorry but I sincerely feel that the chemicals in these 'fake' tanners are just as bad for you as being in the sun. (And NO, I am NOT a health nut, a granola mom, etc.!!!)

There is nothing wrong with being healthy. Look for a powder bronzer for your skin. Something that sits on top and does not soak in.

 

[littlebit0863]

Sorry but I sincerely feel that the chemicals in these 'fake' tanners are just as bad for you as being in the sun. (And NO, I am NOT a health nut, a granola mom, etc.!!!)

There is nothing wrong with being healthy. Look for a powder bronzer for your skin. Something that sits on top and does not soak in.

Normally I don't mind my pale skin, I've gotten used to it the past few years, but I hate the way my legs look in shorts and dresses. I really just want a tan for my Disney trip, and then I'll have up to a year to use my other free tan, which I think I'll use for my Las Vegas trip this spring.

 

[ellie05]

I have done the mystic tan twice and it worked pretty good. I think it stay for about 2 weeks and I didn't have any streaks. I also didn't look orange, it was a nice color.

 

[Debbie7452]

I tried a spray tan once but it came off too fast for me. Recently, I got a "body bronzing" done at a Spa where my DD had given me a gift certificate. They exfoliated me all over first and then massaged in the tanning cream (Decleor brand, I believe). Oh, it was heaven...I got a very deep natural looking color and it lasted for weeks! I was amazed. I am going to buy this brand of stuff and try it myself now. Normally, I'm a budget girl and used Loreal Sublime, but you really do get what you pay for it seems.

 

[pixiewings71]

I have very pale skin and I don't tan, I just burn and peel and sometimes then I tan but rarely. lol I have a friend who used to work at tanning salon, I asked him about spray tans and he said they only last for 3-5 days, since I shower daily it would probably be closest to the 3 days. He brought me a self tanning lotion that I have used and it works fine but I don't use it regularly so it doesn't last forever. It doesn't streak, but it is brand specific and pretty expensive I think. Good luck with your airbrush tans, I hope they last as long as you want them to.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

I love bottled tans I am very pale and don't want to even try to tan (and get all wrinklie and increase my cancer risk) so I wear lots of SPF.

I usually get a spray tan (neutrogena or loreal have good ones) in a light to medium tone. I use that 2 days in a row then switch to my favorite lotion - loreal sublime self tanning lotion with spf 20. The lotion gives a more even tan but the spray is easier to apply and quicker to 'dry'. The lotion can be very - moist.

AVOID WHITE CLOTHES!!!! Or if you want to wear white, sunless tan in the morning, shower in the evening, and wear white after you shower in the evening. If you do happen to wear white, wash it right away or use a trusty tide to go stick when on vacation.