Since I was in high school, I’ve periodically gone to tanning salons to get a tan. I never have the time to go outside for a long enough period to get a tan – and forget about getting an even tan! To get that summer glow (with no tan lines), it made sense to go to tanning salons. However, over the years I have become more aware of the harms of going to tanning salons (mainly skin cancer). I started to look into self tanners but never actually purchased any because I always thought they would make me look orange.
Well after years of self-protest, I finally got some self tanners from St. Tropez. If I was going to do this, I might as well get it from the most well known brand of self tanners I know. St. Tropez has so many different types of self tanners available – from self tans, gradual tans, and tans for one night only. With so many options, it’s hard to find a reason not to use them!
The first two products that I tried was their Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse ($54 CDN), and Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse ($54 CDN). For the very first application, I used their Classic Bronzing Mousse with their Applicator Mitt ($9 CDN). I was initially scared because the mousse is a dark brown colour, with a tint of orange to it. I applied it all over my body and was initially shocked by the immediate difference. I was actually so happy with the results! I wasn’t orange at all, and I actually looked like I had a nice tan (without the red burn needing to fade into it). I left it on for more than 8 hours (overnight), and took a shower in the morning where some of the colour came off, but not drastic enough to notice any difference on my skin.
Over the next couple of days, I did notice some patchy areas where the tan seemed to be rubbing off – more so around where any creases are (elbows, fingers, behind my knees, etc). I just need to remember to exfoliate each time I take a shower and moisturize daily in order to have an even tan, and an even fade.
Left leg before application. Right leg immediately after application.
When I tried the Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse, I wasn’t sure what to expect. At first application, it looks exactly like the Classic Bronzing Mousse. However, for this self tanner, you leave it on for 1, 2, or 3 hours depending on the level of tan you want to achieve. I looked at myself in the mirror after 1 hour of wear, and I looked so dark! I thought I was going to be too dark, so I washed it off after the first hour. I was actually surprised to see a lot of the product wash off, and afterwards I had a slight tan. Now I know to leave it on for at least 2-3 hours before washing off!
Here are some photos of me with the tanners applied. I might look pale here, but these are with bright lighting and natural lighting, so trust me, I am and could be WAY lighter than this naturally.
Outside in natural lighting
Inside a bathroom with a bright daylight lighting
After trying just these two products, I have completely changed my view on self tanners. As long as you follow the instructions, and don’t apply heavily or too often, you shouldn’t fear about turning orange or having streaks! St. Tropez’s Applicator Mitt is a DEFINITE must if you plan on using these.. you don’t want to stain your palms afterall!
For $54 CDN each, the price is high BUT you’d spend even more buying minutes/packages at a tanning salon and you’ll avoid the harmful UV rays you’re exposed to from the tanning beds or the sun. I will definitely purchase these products again, as well as other products from the St. Tropez line because they’re fantastic!
Have you ever tried St. Tropez Self Tan Classic or Express Mousse?
PR Sample.
