POLL: Self-tanner recommendations?

[kabs]

After reading lindrusso's post on sun-exposure I thought I would ask if any of you use a good self-tanner that you would recommend. I am a self-described "vampire" and my skin does not react well to lots of sun. I have not been able to find a self-tanner that looks real, and it's often too expensive to buy and use once before throwing it away. I've tried some before that have turned my pale skin an awful orangey hue. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[m4star]

I use neutrogena's lotion self-tanner and it's pretty good. It has a slight odor, as do most self-tanners, but it's not offensive. I've also used Neutrogena's spray, but I didn't like the lack of control that I had with that. I've also used Coppertone, but the odor was WAY more than I could handle. I've heard great things about Clinique, but I personally can't afford to spend that much.

Also, make sure you apply it correctly. The biggest give away that you use the stuff is poor application. Exfoliate your skin before hand, and use caution to get it only where you would actually get tan. Too many people put it on the under-side of their arms or let it pile up on the back of the knee. I usually apply it then use a ratty old dishcloth or washcloth dampened in warm water to wipe off the "no sun" areas. Also, if you are really pale, remember to go light at first. You might not see a huge change with the first application, but it's better than being muppet orange!!

[This message has been edited by m4star (edited 05-11-2001).]

[KValley]

I agree with m4star about Neutrogena. I use the spray, but only because the foam is always sold out (it's new, I believe).

Also agree about the exfoliating. I moisturize before applying the self-tanner- it blends in more easily. I walk around the house in the buff for about half an hour after application. If my office only knew that I was responding to emails or on a conference call in my all-together http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[gabbyh]

For my face I wouldn't be without:
Bain De Soleil "Sunless For Face" Tinted Sunless Tanning Creme. It's brown so you can see where it has been, or hasn't been for that matter...blends in very easily...and has a nice smell.
For arms, legs, etc.:
Bain De Soleil "Sunless Light" or if you love coconut, Bain De Soleil "Mega Tan" sunfilter with self-tanner...it smells wonderful and gives you a beautiful NON-ORANGE color...

[This message has been edited by gabbyh (edited 05-11-2001).]

[Laura]

I don't use a self tanner on my body, but I highly recommend Estee Lauder's bronzing self tanner for the face. Because it is a bronzer you can see where you put it and I always get a very natural tan from it. It is expensive, but it doesn't have any smell and has never caused any problems with my skin.

[Grace]

I also suggest Estee Lauder's products. I have used a whole bunch of different self-tanners, in search of one that looked really good, and Estee Lauder wins hands down. It also smells a lot nicer than the other ones do. I have never used the one for the face, but the one for the body is outstanding, and it too, like the one for the face, is tinted so you can see it when you put it on (no streaks!).

[SueK]

I use the Neutrogena tanner, and I love it. It's afforable, smells good, and gives a nice, realistic tan. Also, it seems to dry faster than other brands I have used. I tan easily, and use the Deep Glow color, but they have other shades as well.

[daner94]

I like the Mary Kay Self Tanner. It gives a nice, natural color, although it does have kind

[kabs]

Thanks so much for your suggestions, everyone!

Kim

[foodiedelite]

Here's one more vote for Neutrogena.

I've used Estee Lauder (Medium), Lancome face and body, and the Essentials Self Tanner.

I always exfoliate prior. I also use gloves, hit elbows and knees sparingly. Don't use body tanner on face (too dark).
Estee Lauder was too orangey, and streaked. I didn't like smell either. Lancome was good and had a slightly better odor than Estee, but for the price I found Neutrogena has minimal odor and I don't have a problem with streaking or telltale lines.

I believe the May CL magazine had a feature on self tanners.

[Grace]

Foodie, I wonder if there is more than one Estee Lauder self-tanner? The one I use doesn't have a choice of light/medium/dark. It's called Go Bronze Tinted Self-Tanner for Body. Because it's tinted, you see where you put it so there are no streaks, and by no means does it look even remotely orange (maybe that's just my skin, though). Anyhow, I used to use Neutrogena in the spray bottle, and while the color was fine, because it was "clear" going on, I would miss spots occasionally, and therefore, it would show streaks (how embarrassing when I would miss a whole section of my leg! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif ) Anyhow, based on your description of your experience with Estee Lauder, it seemed to me it had to be a different product altogether...maybe I'm wrong...

[This message has been edited by Grace (edited 05-14-2001).]

[KLynn]

I always mix self-tanners with my regular moisturizer. It dilutes the effect, making it tons more natural. It takes two or three applications to see a result, but it is always smooth and even.

[foodiedelite]

Grace,

I should have clarified I used the Estee Lauder about 3 or 4 years ago. It sounds like from your description they have a new and improved product. It came in light or fair, medium and dark and appeared very orange (not brown or tan). It seems it came in a bright yellow tube with a sun on the front. It had kind of an iodine odor if that makes sense. I'm glad the formula no longer has the odor. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif