Tan in a bottle?

[Shirin.]

I want to try some of those tan in a bottle, but I'm not sure which one is the best and easiest to apply by yourself. I'm willing to try about anything not too expensive (hopefully not more than $20).
Have any of you ever used those body washes with the color in it that builds every time its used? I think its by Dove, but I cant remember the name.

[mish_mish]

I like the Jergens Natural Glow lotion because it's not as powerful--so it takes longer to work but if you put too much in one area, it doesn't get all orange-y looking. Other peole have said the Dove version smells better. Natural glow has that "self-tanner" smell (but I kind of like it!).

[soirse]

I swear by Le Tan's Fast Tan. It's $11 a tube and comes in a lighter shade and a darker shade. I have been using fake tans for years and I find this one to be one of the best - even better than the $50 ones!

[kina]

I've read the neutrogena's foam tan is good.

[rakkasah_barbara]

I have used the Dove tan in the darker shade a couple of times and it really helps. You do have to wash your hands carefully afterwards not to look like you've played with henna. And the tanner does smell nice, but after applying your body will smell a bit like you've been to the solarium. They say you must use the tanner in the morning, but I use it before I go to bed and then put on some clothing so my linen doesn't get dirty.

B

[nimah]

I really like the Jergen's Natural Glow lotion. It gives a very natural, even color. Unless you're uber pale, I'd suggest not getting the lightest shade, and go for the medium shade. It does smell like a self-tanner, but it's not horrible. Be sure to get the body lotion and the special lotion just for your face, because using the body one on your face will likely cause a breakout.

If you use it right before bed, just be aware that some of it will come off on your sheets. If they're a dark color you probably won't notice, but my sheets are a sage green and they look kinda dirty after a few nights. It comes out in the wash though.

For very special occasions, I splurge on a Mystic Tan. It doesn't get any easier than that, and they look fantastic. I usually do that two days before the occasion, so I have a day to exfoliate any uneven spots if I need to.

[Zsuzsanna]

I've used the Jergens and the Dove. I'm a fair skinned blonde and use the "light" on my face and the "medium on the rest of my body. The Dove variety definitely smells nicer.

[LauraLevana]

I have really fair skin, and L'Oreal's sublime bronze and the Coppertone stuff that comes in a double-chambered bottle are the most natural-looking. I don't have the patience for the slow-building lotions.

[zumarrad]

I've never used them, but I know people who really like the Dove. Also, a friend of mine who is also pale (but more olive pale than me) used to use the Clarins fake tan with much success. It really didn't make her look orange or brown, just a nice healthy-looking colour - and never any streakiness or patches.

[Samirah-NH]

I like the Coppertone Endless Summer (dual-chamber) for instant color & the Jergens Natural Glow for maintenance.

But my big question is... how do you do your own back?? 'Have someone else do it' is not an option. Does anyone know of any sort of long-handle applicator that could possibly be used?

[mish_mish]

Originally Posted by Samirah-NH

I like the Coppertone Endless Summer (dual-chamber) for instant color & the Jergens Natural Glow for maintenance.

But my big question is... how do you do your own back?? 'Have someone else do it' is not an option. Does anyone know of any sort of long-handle applicator that could possibly be used?

I have always just let my hair cover my back and I haven't put the tanner on my back...

[micamica]

I prefer Banana Boat, yep, the cheap stuff! I find that the foam just drys too fast for me, and looks streaky. I have fair skin, and have never had any problems with this brand. For me personally it beats out the more expensive brands-builds up gradually, smooths on like sunscreen, and isn't streaky.
Nikki

[Aradia]

I like Loreal Sublime bronzer, smells like apricots. If you are going to do a photo shoot or something important, then I suggest getting your tan airbrushed on, it's more expensive, but the result is fabulous, and they can airbrush contures into your body to define stomach muscles, etc.

[GeorgiaGal]

Originally Posted by micamica

I prefer Banana Boat, yep, the cheap stuff! I find that the foam just drys too fast for me, and looks streaky. I have fair skin, and have never had any problems with this brand. For me personally it beats out the more expensive brands-builds up gradually, smooths on like sunscreen, and isn't streaky.
Nikki

I like the Banana Boat too and I've tried dozens! Loreal Sublime gives a good color but it fades really patchy on me. The Savage Bronze foam from Sally's Beauty and the Neutrogena Micro Mist spray are also good.

[samiramirage]

Loreal Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion is the best I've tried.

They just released a new formula, the smell is MUCH better than the older formula. You will know its the new formula you are buying because of the telltale "NEW" in bold print on the front of the tube. I've tried a number of more expensive brands but this is by far my favorite. I have an olive complexion and it works on me...my friend has a more rosey complexion and it looks great on her too.

I love this stuff, it doesnt streak and has a really pretty subtle glittery look that us dancers tend to appreciate.

In order to reach the middle of my back (if there is no one around to help), I sometimes use the Neutogena spray on tan (i am not sure of the exact name). I use the Loreal Sublime Bronze on the rest of my body and fill in the back with the Neutrogena spray.

The good news is that both of these products are under $20!!!

[tamrahennatx]

Originally Posted by samiramirage

Loreal Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion is the best I've tried.

They just released a new formula, the smell is MUCH better than the older formula. You will know its the new formula you are buying because of the telltale "NEW" in bold print on the front of the tube. I've tried a number of more expensive brands but this is by far my favorite. I have an olive complexion and it works on me...my friend has a more rosey complexion and it looks great on her too.

I love this stuff, it doesnt streak and has a really pretty subtle glittery look that us dancers tend to appreciate.

In order to reach the middle of my back (if there is no one around to help), I sometimes use the Neutogena spray on tan (i am not sure of the exact name). I use the Loreal Sublime Bronze on the rest of my body and fill in the back with the Neutrogena spray.

The good news is that both of these products are under $20!!!

Hi Samira,

I made a thread about you, please drop by! http://www.bhuz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=521

TH

[tamrahennatx]

Fake-bakers - any advice for how to get the best results? Exfoliation? Application techniques?

[bdaddiction]

Originally Posted by tamrahennatx

Fake-bakers - any advice for how to get the best results? Exfoliation? Application techniques?

Do it after you shave.

I like to wash my body with scrub, before use.

Wash hands with a nail brush to remove lotion, so it doesn't cause marks.

It depends what type of lotion you use for technique. I have tried foam, it is easy to apply. Lotion I just make sure that I apply it well, and not too much on the knees or elbows.

BTW. Posters thanks for the suggestions, can't wait to try them this year. So far I have tried Avon's Skin So Soft's lotion, it takes time and doesn't come out too dark.

[mish_mish]

Ditto the nail brush--it seems like the self-tanner sticks under my nails and little crevices around my nails--a dead giveaway that the tan is FAKE.

I also use an old ratty washcloth to gently rub away excess lotion that might be left on my knees, elbows and ankles.

[Shirin.]

after reading about your experiences, and thank you everyone who responded, i decided to go ahead with the Dove Natural Glow lotion. I'm on day 2 now, and the color is looking pretty good. It's a little more orangy than I thought it would be but maybe thats just because I'm so pale. maybe it'll get better with time- i hope. if not, then I'm going to get the Loreal Sublime lotion.

[Bellydancingcaroline]

It might be orangy because you are putting on too little (a paradox). A colleague of mine at work had this effect and said when she put on more it was less orange. If you totally mess it up, wait a couple of weeks and start again. Do they have st Tropez where you are? I think this is the most natural looking.

Caroline.

[sumayasaahir]

What are the ingredients in things like fake tans? I know sun is bad for you, and so are the beds, but whats in the lotion? Im wondering if its not good for you either.

[Bellydancingcaroline]

I read somewhere that fake tan is carcinogenic if you inhale the spray ones. I regularly inhale it when I am applying, and have reasoned that since I have never smoked, or sunbathed, this is the lesser of other evils.

[fayzah]

I use Dove, the darker shade. I´ve been using fake tan for years and those less powerful are better as they won´t leave stains as easilly as the other ones. Johnson´s-Johnsons´s Holiday glow or Holiday skin (cant remember the name) are also good. Both are moisturizers and you dont need to moisturize before you use the product.

Fifi

[Souzan]

One thing to be careful about is that the self-tanners can enhance the appearance of hyperpigmented skin like freckles and age spots! I've always had a lot of freckles on my arms and hands and sunless tan makes them really POP out! Damn redhead skin!

Souzan