Seeking a Good Self-tanner

Updated on July 27, 2007
C.K. asks from Phoenix, AZ
49 answers

Hi,
I'm new to this site and hoping someone could recommend a good self-tanner. I've never tried anything before so I'm not sure which ones would leave streaks. I would appreciate anyones opinion. Thank you!

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So What Happened?

First off, thank you so much for all the helpful advise! I couldn't believe how many responses I received. After reading over everyones suggestions, I decided to try the Jergens. I liked the idea of having a gradual increase in the tan, and the price was perfect. I have been using it for 6 days now and its worked great!! So, thank you again to all those who responded. I would've been lost without you all!

Featured Answers

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J.C.

answers from Colorado Springs on

C.,
I am a stay at home grandmother and a Mary Kay Sales Director. I have no time to fake bake and believe it is not good for you. I have been using the Mary Kay self tanner for 11 years now and no one know the difference!! Let me know if you want the tan reciepe.

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S.S.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Hi C.,
My name is S. and i am a consultant with Mary KAy Cosmetics. We have a awsome self tanner. I could send you some infor on it if you are interested. I have heard from customers that it is awsome. No streaks, no orange. hope to hear from you soon.
S.

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D.L.

answers from Denver on

Hi C.,
I have a self-tanner from Mary Kay that works well. I should preface by saying my clients say so, I do not need it as I was born tan (Black). Let me know if you want me to send you some to try. ____@____.com

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M.

answers from Minneapolis on

st tropez...It's a little expensive, but you don't turn orange or strek. You can buy it at Ulta for under 30 dollars

1 mom found this helpful
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J.R.

answers from Phoenix on

St. Tropez lotion. You can pick it up at Ulta. Leave it on for approx. 3 to 4 hours then shower for best results vs. leaving it on over night.

1 mom found this helpful
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R.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

Arbonne has many great products... self tanner lotion go check it out at www.arbonne.com

R. L.

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B.B.

answers from Phoenix on

The active ingredient in every self-tanner I have found (including the lotions - they just have less of it and spray on tanning booths use it too) is dihydroxyacetone. It is a chemical that reacts with your skin to give a healthy looking "glow." The problem with this ingredient is that it is very strong and needs to be thinned out and mixed in evenly or it will streak. If there is too much of it or if your skin is dry, it will orange. That is why the ingredient is mixed with moisturizers. If you want to get more bang for your buck, you can try thoroughly mixing a straight self tanner with a moisturizing lotion. I do this on my face when I feel that I need more color. I don't have a problem using self-tanners on my face, upper body or arms, but I have a really hard time using it on my legs. No matter what self-tanner I use, my legs ITCH!!! So far, I like the Nicole Miller and Neutrogena continuous spray tanners. Neutrogena has more shades to choose from, but Nicole miller has some really good skin-loving ingredients in it. Even so, I still can't use it on my legs without being in continuous torture for 2-3 days afterwards.
If anyone has any tips for avoiding the post self-tanner (or shaving for that matter) itch, I'd love to know about them.

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L.

answers from Denver on

I've been using the Jergen's one and been really happy with it and have gotten complements from my friends as well, who have started using it. It's very reasonably priced and I just rub it on like any other lotion and haven't had any trouble with streaks.

L.

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S.Y.

answers from Portland on

Hi,
My sister-inlaw reommended the Aveeno self tanner. I had trouble finding it because it is not with the other self tanners and it does not say "self tanner" on it. It is with the other aveeno products and has a brown/tannish cap. It is called "continuous radience moisturizing lotion."
I finally tried it and it works really well. Subtle natural color and no streaks. It does take a little longer than other self tanners and is not as dramatic but I do recommend it.
S.

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S.W.

answers from Omaha on

I believe the key with any self-tanner is preparation before application. Shower, shave and exfoiliate well then apply moisturizer. Next liberally apply your tanner. (I have even applied my tanner right along with my moisturizer.) It goes on smoothly this way and doesn't settle in "typical" areas like the elbows, knees, ankles, etc. Make sure you apply evenly all over your body and wash your hands WITH SOAP to avoid staining on your hands, wrists, nails, etc. I've used a number of different products, some expensive, some not. My favorites are Avon and Neutrogena. Good luck!

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H.

answers from Provo on

Hi C.,
I am going to preface this by saying I am in Mary Kay so automatically my opinion is biased :) I do not use a self tanner but I have several customers that really like the one from Mary Kay. :) They get it every year. Now having said that - any kind of cream that us use you want to exfoliate first (shave your legs or use an exfoliating scrub) so that you are getting an even surface to put your tanner on. I have also heard that if you ad a little lotion to the tanner it will go on more evenly and you won't have to worry about streaks as much.

Good luck and hope you find what you are looking for
H. P

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M.M.

answers from Great Falls on

Hi C.~ I would recommend "Made in the Shade" spf 15 self tanner from Arbonne. I am a red head, burn very easily, and love this self tanner, it doesn't stink, like some do, you can actually get sun protection, and a honey kissed look, it's very nice and lasts a long time!
e-mail me back if you'd like ordering info. I can direct you there!
Hope that helps, I love it!
M.
____@____.com

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B.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hi.
I use Arbonnes made in the shade self tanner. I have been using self tanners for years and Arbonnes is the best. It doesn't have the strong smell like other brands I have used. It also has spf 15 so I can use it while in the sun, still protecting myself from the dangerous rays and get a healthy looking tan.

I sell Arbonne and they are running a special on it that ends the end of the month.

Let me know
B. ____@____.com

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M.H.

answers from Billings on

A great self tanner is by clinique. I myself have tried this brand for the first time last month and it was great!! The color was perfect and no streaks... Good Luck

M. H

K.B.

answers from Salt Lake City on

C.:
The best I've found so far is the Jergens one. It does come in three different shades, so make sure you don't get one too dark for your skin tone. Also, its a gradual self-tanner. The Dove one might be an option as well (although I haven't tried it). I have a friend who uses the Sally Hansen spray on one for her legs if she needs a quick fix and doesn't want to wear hose w/dresses or skirts.
Have fun shopping for a tan!

Take Care,
K.

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T.M.

answers from Rapid City on

I just read this for the first time and just became a member of MamaSource. I found this self tanner that is AWESOME!! It's put out by Nicole Miller. (have you seen her clothing line at JC Penney?) I love it. She has the spray and the towlettes and they DO NOT streak. I came across them this summer '06. Now you can be tan all year AND look good.
You cannot buy them at the stores. I don't sell them but I know where to get it. Email me: ____@____.com

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M.

answers from Las Vegas on

My mother in law and i Both like the Jergens Natural Glow. It is a lotion you simply apply each day. The lotion is not colored and works with your skin to give you a nice glow.
Try it I bet you will like it and you get a decent size bottle for only about $6.00. You can find it at most any store.. like walmart or a grocery store.

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M.

answers from Omaha on

Hi C.! I actually have a great self tanner to recommend. It is from a company called Arbonne. It is a swisss health & wellness company that has all botanically based products. The self tanner also has an SPF 15 in it so I always use it before I go out to the pool also! If you have any questions about it please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
M. B

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M.V.

answers from Las Vegas on

Neutrogena has given me good results when I use it. But don't buy any of the srays, IMO they all streak. Get the lotion. Another tip: do it right after you get out of the shower and your skin is a little moiset
Happy tanning!

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G.L.

answers from Omaha on

Hi,
I am new to the site as well. Just joined today in fact.
I have honestly tried just about every self tanner on the market, sprays and lotions. The best I have found is Avon's spary on self-tanner. Of course I tried it because I am an Avon rep. But once I tried it, I bought 10 more bottles for the summer.

The key to which ever self tanner you use is to exfoliate well everywhere you plan to put the self tanner, before you apply it. If you try a lotion self tanner, wash your hands thoroughly after each leg, arm, etc. If you don't your hands will turn orange. Not the desired effect. If you choose a spray on self tanner you don't have to constantly be washing your hands. Also be sure to allow for the product to dry thoroughly on your skin before dressing. All the self tanners I have used all leave a coloring in clothes. It comes out in the wash, but still not appealing.
Hope this helps.
G.

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R.H.

answers from Sacramento on

I use L'Oreal Sublime tinted self-tanner and it works really well. It's just like Lancome's tinted self tanner (same company) but less expensive. Hope that helps :)

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S.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Mary Kay has a sunless tan lotion .We reasonably went to Disneyland and I work at a job that I get many bruises on my leg. and have been stop while shopping and told that there are places I can go to get help , so I wanted something that would hide them or make them not as noticeable, I sell Mary Kay and had some of her sunless tan open for class . Therefore, I tried it it worked great for me. It was easy to put on and know where it was going, so I did not get streaks. I found that I like it best when I put it on at night and then showered in the morning it seemed to give it a more natural look.
The pool or breach water had no effect in how long it lasted. On me it last about five days on my husband it was about two weeks.I hope this helps

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J.S.

answers from Pueblo on

Hey there my name is C. and for the last 8 months I was working for an international tanning distribution center and waht really worked for me was Brown Sugar Pinch it has just a pinch of DHA so it is fool proof and is also a moistorizer!! After about the third time off use you are able to see great color!!! If you are looking for an aresol there is also BS Sugar Coat which like with any other product you have to be careful with as to streaks!!! Let me know where you are located and I will get back to you with your closest ditributor! C.

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S.

answers from Phoenix on

I've used the new Jergens lotion with tanning. You don't get a tan the first time you use it...you have to use it for a few days. I think I'm going to try the Spray Tan at tanning salons.

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J.E.

answers from Portland on

I, too, am in Mary Kay and recommend their Sunless Tanning Lotion. It's only $10! Let me know if you are interested and I can send you some (with FREE shipping!) Visit my website: www.marykay.com/samsmom

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L.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Jergens has a very good lotion/self tanner. Watch the ankles. But that is with any product. Good Luck.

Are you looking for a part time income you could still be a stay at home mom? Let me know.

L.

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S.P.

answers from Albuquerque on

AVON sells a great self tanner. Here is my website if you would like to check it out.
http://spasket.avonrepresentative.com/
Please let me know if you have any ?s :)
S. Pasket ###-###-####

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J.C.

answers from Minneapolis on

I am very fair and NeVeR get a tan...only freckles. I use Jergen's Heathy Glow and love it. It is a moisturizer and tanner...color builds gradually.

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H.

answers from Boise on

C.,
I have tried a few, and the self-tanner that I like the best is made by Arbonne and is called Made in the Shade, Self Tanner. It also has a SPF of 15. It doesn't have that orange look either.
Let me know if you have anymore questions,
H.

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C.

answers from Phoenix on

I'm assuming you mean for your skin, so you don't have to run around all summer being fish-belly white. I am a dark blonde with lots of gold tone to my skin and have yet to find one that doesn't tend toward orange tones on me. My friends with olive or even alabaster skin seem to do really well with Neutrogena and L'Oreal. Estee Lauder is ridiculously expensive, and Clarins too, but they are excellent. The truth is, it's hit and miss until you find the one that works with your skins chemistry. Good luck.
C.

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C.B.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi C.,

I use Vaseline Intensive Care Healthy Body Glow. It is the first self tanner I have ever used and I really like it. Occasionaly I will find spots on my feet or hands. I think it is just because I did not rub it in enough. This product was recommended to me by a wardrobe consultant.

I hope this helps. Christine

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A.O.

answers from Colorado Springs on

I have only found two products that do not make me orange with my fair skin. One is Cliniques and the other is Arbonne. If you are interested in Arbonne you can go to their website or I can give you the name of my consultant.
Both products are great. The Arbonne is made better and I have noticed it also smells better and last longer.
A.

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K.B.

answers from Portland on

C.,
I have used several self-tanners (lots of hand-me-downs from my mom and sister) and have not found one that works much better than another. The key for me is to use half self-tanner and half moisturizer and mix it together, then apply it to clean, exfoliated skin being very careful around areas of folded skin (ears, elbows, knees, etc). Blend, blend, blend. Start light and when you get good, use more.
I have used Banana Boat, Coppertone, Neutragena, and Clinique. The only problem I have with some is the awful smell, which I would suggest trying before you buy.
Good luck!
K. B

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J.K.

answers from Duluth on

Hi C.! I would recommend the Sunless Tanning Lotion by Mary Kay. I am a Future Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics, and had been using the Sunless Tanning Lotion before I started 4 months ago. I usually use an exfoliating Sugar Scrub first to clear the dead, dry skin, and then apply the Sunless lotion on after the shower. It builds your tan up gradually, so it's a smooth transition and i'm never orange or streaky. Hope this helps!

J. Kissett
Director-In-Qualification
Mary Kay Cosmetics
www.marykay.com/BeautifulSoul
office: ###-###-####

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S.W.

answers from Colorado Springs on

The one i have been using and swear by is Loreal's sublime bronze. I have tried many others but I really love this one. It goes with with a bronzer and you can see immediatly where you have missed places! Plus, you get the added benefit of the immediate color while your tan is developing and I only apply it once to twice weekly. It is not very expensive, $9.00 at wal-mart.

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S.

answers from Minneapolis on

I really like the Lancome mousse self tanner. It's great for that I need color now! The only thing is (and I think it's true for most self tanners)watch out by the joints. (elbows, knees ankles fingers) Otherwise I think it's super easy to use and looks great-that kissed by the sun look!

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C.L.

answers from Sioux Falls on

As a Mary Kay Consultant I can recommend the MAry Kay self Tanner. It comes in a tube, contains spf, and does not turn the skin orange or streaky. It comes in a lotion and takes about 6-8 hours for full color to appear. You can put it on at night and sleep through and shower in the morning. Retails about 10.00 with tax.

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J.Y.

answers from Reno on

Hello C. K,

I commented to a girlfriend with very fair skin the other day how beautifully she was tanning this summer. She said it was a Mary Kay self tanning lotion. For the most part, I think the application of whatever product is the key to no streaks BUT her color was true to life, not orange or spotty.

I do not know the price. I could recommend a rep if you do not already know one. She's in Reno and not a "hard sales" gal.

J.

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E.

answers from Denver on

The key to no streaks is exfoliation, in the shower, with a scrubby or loofah and a type of cleanser with granules. Do this all over but concentrate on ankles, knees, elbows anywhere where you are very dry.

Try Nutrigena or Bannana Boat.

E.

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D.R.

answers from Pocatello on

I like the one from avon, as long as you don't put it on heavy around the ankles its ok. and I like the vasoline moisturizer/self tanner. You just have to be careful with ankles and elbows. I've wanted to try the spray on kind but I don't know. Sunsations and Native tan have the spray on booths and I think its about 20 bucks a session but it doesn't streak like the home tanners can. I hope this helps. I am a mother of 3 and I stay at home during the day and work nights.

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J.S.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi C.

I was turned on to a self tanner from my hair dresser and it is the best I have ever tried and I have tried them all ! No streaks, no orange, no smell and color is almost immediate and long lasting. You may be able to find it at upper end spas and salons or order it online at https://www.aucourant.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=SF...

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J.S.

answers from Omaha on

I have been in the cosmetics business for over 6 years, the best ones in my opinion are Lancome, Clarins and Estee lauder. I work for Lancome so I am a bit biased and think ours are the best, most counters will give you samples to try :)

J.

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J.L.

answers from Denver on

I swear by Nutrogena Air Spray, you can get this at Walgreens and I use the medium coverage. I spray all over and then rub in some more. It works great!

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L.E.

answers from Minneapolis on

C. - L. here... I use the Jergens (Natural Glow) product. My mother-in-law works at a local library and enjoys reading about products that are best for things the last thing I had her look up was the best vacuum and most recently she suggested the Jergens product. We bust moms have not time to sit in the sun or spend money at a booth so this is really great. What is really nice that it doesn't leave streaks. The one thing to remember is to wash your hands after putting it on. It states it on the bottle. The first time I used it I didn't and noticed between my fingers that there was small orange spots where I must not have washed it off right away. Hope this helps... it's most information than you needed I'm sure but that is the fun about this site! Later...
L. E.
New Market, MN

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S.B.

answers from Grand Rapids on

Hi, I have used the Jergens Natural Glow but found it wiping off on my bath towel after showers. I have also used Neutrogena build a tan, not so good. I am currently using the Neutrogena spray which I like. Not as expensive as others, I don't know your price range, but for the price I do like it.
S.

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K.C.

answers from Las Vegas on

Hi C.
I'm a Director with Mary Kay. We have a great gradual self-tanner. It's very minimal in the scent, which most others have very strong odors. I teach on how to use this product with our Satin Hands and Body Buffing Cream for even application on the tough areas such as elbows, knees, ankles and feet. Please let me know if you are interested in finding out more!
K. C.
###-###-####
www.marykay.com/kcole03

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J.

answers from Minneapolis on

My best friend in London is a total product junky and doesn't discrimate between high and low priced options. Her favorite for self tanners, which she uses constantly, is L'Oreal.

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M.Z.

answers from Denver on

Hi there C.!

I am very fair skinned and have had a hard time finding one that works too! I found that the Jergens gradual tanning lotion works the best for me. You don't get immediate results but after a few days of using it you will notice a difference. I use everyday after my shower. The best part.....no streaking!!!

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K.T.

answers from Salt Lake City on

A new one that I have found that works good is the new Dove Energy Glow Lotion. It takes a few days but that way your not just suddenly tan. You get darker the more you put it on, plus it doesn't look orange at all. I use it and I love it.

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