Self-Tanner Review: How to Get That Glow

If something makes you feel good about yourself, do it for yourself. For me that something is being tan. I will confess, I am guilty of spending way too much time in the tanning bed back in the day (high school). Anyone else remember those tan stickers? My favorite was the state of Texas one. Anyway, tanning beds are bad. Don’t get in them. In college, I discovered spray tans. I still love them, but I can’t exactly afford them… so a few years ago I started my journey to find the best self-tanning lotion.

Within this list there might be a tanning lotion that you love and I don’t. Lotions work differently on different skin. I’m reviewing four different tanning lotions that I have used recently, including my favorite/current lotion to date.

1. Jergens: $9.99 for 7.5 oz
This is a pretty popular tanning lotion that you can find at most grocery and drug stores. It smells great and honestly develops into a great color. However, this lotion tended to rub off onto my sheets and clothes a little too easily. I apply lotion right after I shower, and if I know I’ll be wearing a dress or shorts the next day I will apply my self-tanner so it will develop by the morning. My light pink sheets started to turn brown when I was using Jergens. If you decide to go with this brand, I suggest being conscious of what clothes you wear with it. Be aware that it may come off on light colored garments. Overall: Decent tan for a decent price.

2. Banana Boat: $7.99 for 6 oz
Banana Boat is my #1 pick! This has been one of my favorite self-tanners for years. Like Jergens, it takes a little time for the color to develop, but this lotion did not seem to come off on my clothes and sheets much. I was restocking on this stuff every time I stopped in Ulta until I couldn’t find it in stores anymore. I thought they had stopped carrying it altogether, but I just found it online. I do know you can find it at Target (because what can’t you find in Target), and Walmart. If you’re trying to decide between this lotion and Jergens, they break down to be the same price per ounce, but I like Banana boat more. Love the color, love the smell. Final review: Buy it.

3. Ulta beauty: $9.99 for 6 oz
I stumbled upon Ulta’s store brand self-tanner when I couldn’t find Banana Boat in stores. The first time I purchased their tanning lotion it was a very dark lotion with shimmer. I was hesitant, but I decided to give it a try rather than return it. There were instant results after application, but it left my legs and arms feeling sticky. Despite feeling a little uncomfortable I kept using it because it looked great in pictures! Luckily, Ulta has changed the formula and it no longer has a shimmer or dries sticky! Tip when using this lotion (or any tanning lotion) be very thorough when rubbing it in. The first time I applied it I was lazy and I woke up with a brown smudge on my arm. Final review: loving it so far.

4. Mystic tan: $35.00 for 6 oz
I have this lotion from my spray tanning days. This is essentially an enhancing lotion for when your spray tan begins to fade. It is a little on the more expensive side, personally, for self-tanners, but it does an amazing job. I keep this bottle on reserve for special occasions like weddings and parties. My thoughts: worth the splurge.

What’s your favorite self-tanner?  I’m always willing to try different brands!