Anyone Know Which Self-tanning Products Work Best?

I also have very fair skin coloring. I have tried many self tanners, from cheap to to very expensive. No matter what type I tried, I always got the "orange"look in the folds of my hands and elbows. I always applied evenly and rubbed in well, afterwards washed with soap/water to remove excess. The last time I did it, I said I was going to do the spray on tan at the tanning salon. I still haven't tried it, but will for the next upcoming wedding we go to.
Oh, and of all the brands I tried, I liked Neutragena the best.

1 mom found this helpful

Arbonne. I'll add to the messages below that it is a safe product as well~in case you're interested in that.
J.

Arbonne makes a great self tanner and also a tan enhancer. They both have spf, but the tan enhancer has a self-tanning element when you're in the sun. Let me know if you'd like more info. And have a great trip--how exciting!

N.

Hey M.! First of all I am very jealous of your trip! Have a blast! I use Loreal tan towels. Work great! For vacation I always go and get sprayed at the tanning booth. A little expensive but well worth it!!! Tanya

As a Mary Kay beauty consultant I know that our self tanning product does not leave any streaks and has a good smelling fragrance. If you are looking for some sunscreen we have that as well. A lot of people forget to add the sun protection to their lips and as a consultant I have that as well. You can check out my website at:

www.marykay.com/anstruve

I include free shipping and handling and add insurance that way you are not responsible if is to get lost or anything is to get broken.

i would suggest getting a spray tan at a tanning salon. they look great!

Hi M.-
Arbonne makes a GREAT self-tanner. It is subtle like the others mentioned below, but also good for your skin, so your skin will look healthier as well as a bit of color. Also, it has an SPF in it so you can wear it on vacation and help enhance any color you are getting from the sun while down there. It goes on as a mist, so you can either leave it like that, or gently rub it in for an all-over even look. The previous writer talked about exfoliating before putting on the tanner...excellent idea.

Don't know where you're located, but am more than happy to get it to you if you're interested. Just e-mail me if you'd like to try it!

Have a great vacation!

I haven't had alot of experience with self tanners, but the ones that I did use, I would not reccomend-because of the orangey-yellow-splotchy outcome. but that was just my experience, I would like to reccomend if your'e open to the option, and if its avaliable to you, tanning beds. If you go to a reputable place thats clean and maintains the equipment its not only the way to go, but its healthy for you too. You do get the benefits of a 'sun exposure' that you body will appreciate.(the vitamin d) You can do it in small increments as to not burn-you never want that, but get a base tan. You may not notice it very much, but will help you avoid being burned when you are in the real sun. Cost wise, you can get package deals so it works out to not be very expensive, it just depends on how many sessions you choose to do. Lastly, why not take 10, 15, 20 minutes for yourslef once a week just laying and relaxing while you tan.

Arbonne makes the best self-tanner.

I would try the Spray on tan - I went to Catch a Tan right before my sister's wedding and it looked great. You need to do it a day or two before you go on your trip though. They run coupons a lot (maybe look on their website). I just remember I was able to get a free tan for my first try. Can't beat that!

jergens, it's a white lotion so it doesn't streak and it doesn't look like your a pumpkin either

For the past 3 summers I have used L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Gel (med-deep). It is streak fee, quick dry and very easy to apply. I love it. It's also one of the cheaper ones you can buy at Walmart which is nice!

I too have used the tan towels. They are super easy and you get color in about 2 hours or so. They have two different kinds, make sure to read them. The ones I use are subtle color you can build upon to get desired shade. have fun on your trip!

Hi M.,
I have had really good results from Arbonnes Made in the Shade self tanner. It has an SPF of 15 and gives a wonderful look!
I have an informational brochure and would be happy to send it to you.
Best wishes and have fun!
M. W.
www.MartyWallace.myArbonne.com

I would use the Arbonne self-tanner. It is one of the only two self-tanners on the market that can be used on your face. It creates a great color that is not orange. I have a friend with very fair skin and Arbonne self-tanner is what she uses and she looks great. You may also want to look into using one of the Arbonne sunscreen for when you are in Maui. The suncreens come in SPF30 and SPF15. There are two SPF15 and one of them has a tan enhancer. If you have any question or are interested in ordering any send me an email.

J.

Jergins makes a good subtle self-tanner that is really natural looking, and doesn't make you look orange. And its white going on like normal lotion, so you don't get "brown stuff" on your clothes or anything. Have fun in Maui!

I love the Mary Kay Sublte Tanning lotion, and it is very inexpensive, smells great, looks natural, it is so subtle that you do not notice day to day, but after a week you have a beautiful glow not the pastey white anymore. I went through 4 bottles myself last winter because I just replaced my regular moisturizer after shower with it. Go to www.marykay.com/L..minnema and check it out. We also have SPF 30 sunscreen, after sun cooling aloe, and lipbalm with sunscreen. I have sold Mary Kay for the last 5 1/2 years, but have used and loved it since I was a teenager. 20% off your first order, plus 100% satisfaction guarenteed. So you would not be out anything to give it a try, unlike buying over the counter somewhere. What a great opportunity to go somewhere warm and beautiful!

Hi M.,
I have very fair skin too. I have been in search of a perfect self tanner for years!
My favorite one is Aveeno Continuous Radiance Lotion for fair skin tones.
It moisturizes and doesn't smell bad.
The color is subtle and builds up over a few days gradualy. Use it everyday like a regular lotion and it turns out pretty natural and evens your skin tone.
It's not going to come close to an island tan, but it keeps me from looking transparent.

You can use a body scrub to exfoliate before applying and I always take a little regular lotion and apply it around my knees, ankles, wrists and elbows before I actually apply the Aveeno. It softens the skin and keeps too much of the tanner from absorbing. Those areas always seem to suck up a bunch of color.

I've seen the results of the airbrush tan and they look great. Never tried it myself though. But, I think they only last a week or so.

Good luck on your tanner quest, and let me know if you find a product that works better than the one I suggested to you. LOL! Oh, and be sure to wash the palms of your hands well after you apply.

HAVE FUN IN MAUI!!!!!!

I really like a product called tantowel. It is by the company tan towel. You can get it on HSN or eBay. It comes on a towelette and is clear going on. You can use it on your face too. It is really natural looking. I hope you enjoy your trip.

I like the Jergens Natural Glow. They have 3 different ones designed for fair, medium, or dark skin tones. Make sure you take the time to rub it in well and don't use too much at a time. Put it on daily and you will see results in 5-7 days. I use it to start the summer or before I go on vacation in the spring. Have a wonderful time in beautiful Hawaii!!!

Dove line is the best and you don't turn orange they have fair medium and dark. They also have a body wash that goes with it.

I love love love Maui have a great time

You should go to Hawaiian Tanning and get a spray tan. Barb does a great job.

M.,
Mary Kay has an awesome subtle tanning lotion that doesn't require you to stand around naked for 1/2 hour before you can put your clothes back on. You reach full color in 7 days - and it is "subtle" - not orangy, and no one will accuse you of fake baking. Plus it smells good!

Lisa (mom of 4)

Hi
You should also checkout mystylefiles.com . This blog site has tons of info on skin care, fashion, make-up, etc. I'm sure she's got some great advice on what works best and is best for your skin. Enjoy your vacation
C.

I swear up and down to you Dove Energy Glow will work for you!! It's a lotion with hints of self tanner mixed in... with you having fair skin it will not leave you looking orange because you apply it every day until you have your desired tone. After I reach the tone that I like I just use it every other day to keep the color. I'm telling you it works so well that I can even confidently use it on my face without worrying about orange spots or streaks. Try it, you'll like it!

I might not be much help, but I bought these towllettes from my hair salon (Hair Excellence in Sun Prairie, WI). They worked really great (they do still have the tanner smell) but my hands didnt turn orange and it didn't give me an orange look. All you do it wipe the towel on you, and it didn't even leave streak marks. I was very skeptical at first, but they worked so much better then I thought they would. If I can remember the brand name I will let you know, otherwise someone else on here might know what I'm talking about.

I need the same advise you do. I will be checking your responses, I don't get to go until February.
L.

I've tried many self tanners and just cannot find the right one. I have very fine skin...I tell everyone that I glow in the dark. The last few times I needed some color I've just gone and done the Mystic tan at the local tanning salon. It cost any where from $20-$40, which you'd pay for with lotion over time. I go in about a day before I need it and I always get a little color that last me about 5 days.