Self Tanner

Updated on June 07, 2009
K.H. asks from Sarasota, FL
15 answers

Hi, Mamas! I would like to find a self-tanner. One that doesn't streak, look orange, or smell funny. I am fairly light skinned. Everything I've tried lately (for light-medium skin tones) you can't even tell I did anything! I want to look natural, but hope to hide some spider veins on my legs and just get a little bit of a healthy glow. Thanks for any advice. I'm just tired of buying products and being disappointed.

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D.D.

answers from Punta Gorda on

neutrogena build*a*tan I just got it last week, used it twice, love it. Good Luck First one that doesn't stink.

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M.P.

answers from Tampa on

Hi K.....I have tried Dove in the light and am now using the medium. I love it and honestly see a little difference but not much. The best thing to do it go to Planet Beach and do the Mystic Tan. It is a spray tan. I love it! That has made a huge difference. My hair stylist commented on my "healthy" glow!! Anyway, good luck!! M.

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J.W.

answers from Tampa on

Hi K.,

I hear you, I've had the same problem, mainly the nasty smell after a few hours of applying. I am currently using a Bath & Body Works product, I beieve they have since changed the packaging. I checked their web site and they have one called Strike Gold, that looks the same as what I have. It does have a slight odor but nothing like as bad as the others I've tried or at least on me it doesn't. Good Look.

Jo

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L.C.

answers from Naples on

I am exactly where you are, fair skinned, but more than just some spider veins! I love Subtle Tanning Lotion by Mary Kay. Yes, on the first day you use it, you can't hardly tell you put it on (like you said you don't want). However, this is designed to be a gradual tan, to seem natural as opposed to you being pale one day and tan the next. Then everybody knows what you've been doing. You use this every day until you get the desired tan level (and vein coverage) that you want. Then you just use it about once a week to maintian. It smells a little, but I have a very sensitive sniffer. Other people say they can't smell it at all. But it is so light, it's the only reason I CAN use it, because other tanners are so stinky, I can't stand it. Go to marykay.com/LauraCNaples, if you'd like to read more or purchase. GOOD LUCK!

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E.B.

answers from Tampa on

AVON has a line of Skin So Soft Self Tanners that you spray on while you have your bathing suite on and just let dry or you can just put it on like lotion. They come in Fair and Medium. Take a look for yourself at my AVON website at www.youravon.com/ebeatty or send me a e-mail and we can discuss it at ____@____.com When you go to my AVON website you can order products and have them delivered directly to you.

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J.B.

answers from Tampa on

Hi K.,
My name is J. Bellfy and I have a solution for you. I have just recently started my own business with MaryKay Cosmetics. And we sell an amazing subtle tanning lotion. Let me tell you a little about it. Our Mary Kay scientists say, "The Mary Kay subtle Tanning Lotion is a new type of product for MK that combines the moisturizing and subtle tanning steps into one, making the process easy enough to be part of a morning and evening routine." This lotion comes in a 4oz tube. It provides a natural-looking tan that won't rub off skin; makes your skin feel soft, smooth, and moisturized, and it can be used for all skin types and tones. This tanning lotion has a coconut/honeysuckle fragrance. When using MK subtle tanning lotion daily, you can build up a gorgeous color in about a week. How it works:MK Subtle Tanning Lotion contains hydrating ingredients to moisturize skin along with just a touch of tanner so your skin will develop a gradual, subtle, bronze glow that's natural enough to look real. This lotion may also be used on your face.

Our MK Subtle Tanning Lotion sells for $16. We have a 100% satisfaction guarantee where you can trade the product for something else or get your money back if the product is not working for you. Isn't that great?! Also, I want to offer you a compimentary facial and color makeover.

So if this sounds like something you might like to try, you can contact me at ###-###-#### or you may also go to my website: www.marykay.com/jbellfy. Either way, I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
J. Bellfy
MK Independent Beauty Consultant

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J.S.

answers from Sarasota on

Hi K.,

I've tried tons of self tanners. Most either had a really bad smell or left me feeling sticky. My favorite by far is the Micro Mist Spray by Neutrogena. The smell is minimal, it dries within minutes and looks natural. I would definitely try it if I were you :)

J.

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M.G.

answers from Tampa on

Hi there,
My g/f swears by the self tanner made by Jergens. It looks great on her, I didn't see any streaks and she says there isn't any yucky odor.

A little about me:
41 year old 1st time momma of a precious little 9 month old girl.

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C.F.

answers from Sarasota on

There's a great site that rates the safety of products used on the skin. www.ewg.org There's lots of research calling for more oversight due to many cancer producing and unsafe chemicals absorbed into our bodies through our skin. From what I've read, Self Tanners are one of the worst. There are a few better ones rated along with the worst on the EWG site (look for the Skin Deep link on the lower right of the home page). Good luck finding a product that works for you! C.

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K.C.

answers from Tampa on

I am a beauty consultant with Mary Kay. We have an awesome Subtle Tanning Lotion. I put it on at night after the shower and it works great. It goes on like a lotion and gives you color, so no drying out the skin. The best part is that MK offers a 100% guarantee on our product so if you don't like it, you can get your money back, no questions ask. The cost is $16. Go to my website and check it out..
www.marykay.com/kbranch2
K :)

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A.G.

answers from Punta Gorda on

I bought Bannana Boat spray for my daughters. It worked great, quickly, and smelled like tanning oil for the beach. we used it in a pinch, because my girls were in a wedding and wore t-shirts and got burned. We needed to cover the white shoulders for spaghetti strapped dresses. It was fantastic. It also cost about $8.00 a bottle.

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S.G.

answers from Lakeland on

K., I cut this out of a book I had that states that "At last Suntan Simulation Rivals the Sun". The online contact is www.nouriderm.com. Maybe this is good. I have ordered it. Hope this helps. S. G

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B.A.

answers from Tampa on

Mary Kay has a great self tanner, and they have 100% money back guarantee. If you use the whole bottle and are still unhappy, you get your money back. If you want to try it let me know and I can get you some. I sell Mary Kay on the side.

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C.H.

answers from Tampa on

Banana Boat or Neutrogena are the best. Also another good one is Tan Perfect, that you can order from HSN. I use self tanners all the time and these are the top 3 I like to use. Tan Perfect is by far my favorite! With the 2 others, get the spray type and after you spray it on, rub it in as well. This applies it better. Oh also, when you first start, apply the tanning product, then after it dries about 20 minutes, apply it again. Then wash it off the next morning. This will give you a good base to start off with. Good Luck!

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N.R.

answers from Lakeland on

Hi K.! I have heavy heavy sider veins - and have used all of the products. The ones that I prefer are the Neutrogenia micro mist spray - in medium, after I spray it on, I wipe it in with my hands to make sure that I didn't miss anything. I also like the Avon self tanners alot. I used to sell Avon so I have tried it all. I don't sell it anymore, but I have a friend who does, if you want her info I can pass it on, if you aren't in this area, she even has a web site that you can order from. Avon has a 100% money back satisfaction guarrantee also. Good luck!
PS: if you exfoliate your legs before you self tan, it will "take" better, and last longer as well. And moisturize in between they all fade after time with showering, shaving and natuaral sloughing of skin cells - it really is something that you have to maintain.

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