Self Tanners: the Great, the Good, and the Bad

Self Tanner by sprinklesdan featuring a TanTowel sun care

TanTowel sun care, $27 
St Tropez sun care, $30
Kate Somerville beauty product, $45
Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs - Medium Glow : Target, $12
Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer - 4 oz. (Medium... : Target, $7.89
Jergens Natural Glow for Face, $7.89
Clinique Self Sun, $21


I'd like to consider myself practically an expert on self tanning because I've tried so many products to create that faux sun kissed glow most are searching for. While I do enjoy the very occasional day laying out or getting some fake color in a bed or a spray tan, protecting my skin is my number one priority. That's where self tanners should make the difference. I'm going to break these seven down into the great, the good, and the ugly to make it simple for you to spend your money where it makes sense.

The Great: 

• Jergens Natural Glow Express- This is my holy grail gradual tanner. It works wonders in just 3 days which is perfect for a last minute glow before a big event or vacation. I almost never get streaks from this moisturizing lotion made for medium to tan skin tones and I see a big difference with everyday. It is gradual, so it will need to be reapplied to maintain color, but it looks natural which is the ideal look.
• Tan Towel- These are a recent find and they're seriously wonderful for instant color! It's literally a moist towelette that you use in circles all over your body and face! They are the instant gratification you're looking for in a self tanner. At Sephora, they're $24 for 10 towelettes in either Fair/Medium or Medium/Dark. But they sell individual towelettes at various locations like Beauty Brands! Even better, there's no streaks for a really even tan!

The Good: 

• St. Tropez Everyday Gradual Tan for Body- This is a really nice, non scented and really moisturizing lotion that is great for building a gradual tan. It works, but it's subtle and takes a lot longer to build up than the Natural Glow Express, but it's a great alternative for those with fair skin because there is one specifically for those with lighter skin tones. It's just pricier at $30, I would go straight for the Self Tan Bronzing Mousse if you're going to fork out the money.
• Kate Somerville 360 Face Self Tanning Pads- These are wonderful. They only made the good category because of the price. ($10 for 2 or $48 for 8!!!!!) They're great, but not that great in my opinion. The pad gently exfoliates while applying the color without streaks. It looks natural, but just not worth spending that much money.
• Sally Hansen Salon Airbrush Legs- This is a bathroom cabinet staple for me, but it should be used with caution because it's literally "leg makeup." I use it not only on my legs, but also on my arms if I want that really deep bronzed look really fast. It's messy and can streak very easily, but if you're looking for instant really dark color in a pinch, this is your guy.

The Bad:

• Jergens Natural Glow Healthy Complexion Gradual Tan for Face- Again, I love the  Jergens Natural Glow line and this one is geared specifically for your face, but it won't give you the color you're dying for. It is best used to maintain color you get from being outside which really isn't a self tanner/gradual tanner in my opinion. It won't really add anything in my opinion. I don't see that much of a difference.
• Clinique Self Sun- $21 should be spent elsewhere because honestly it did nothing for me. It boasts instant color and a deep "tan" in a few hours. I saw nothing even over night or using it for a few days. Save your money.

I hope this was a helpful guide if you're looking to safely look like you've been in Mexico on vacation. :)

Love - Danielle