Let’s Talk Self Tanner

Ok ladies, let’s get real…who doesn’t love a tan?! I have to admit that I’m just a wee bit addicted to a summer glow and thus below is what my collection of sunless tanners has come to. For shame. Since it’s been raining for 1,398,658 days here in Charlotte (no, lie it’s depressing!) and lounging by the pool with a nice little umbrella drink it’s really possible with a 6 mo old ANYWAY, I really only have one option. Don’t get me wrong, for special occasions, I will surely make my way to the salon for a professional airbrush, but the below products are what I use day to day. So, since it’s obvious that I’ve tried just about everything…here are my favorite picks for a perfect summer bronze. 

1. Banana Boat Summer Color. 

A great lotion that’s lightweight and gives a pretty good color. The deep, dark option is pretty dark though, so depending how dark your skin tone is, I might start with the lighter shade. I like to mix this with my daily all over moisturizer. 

2. Banana Boat Air Brush Color

A pretty good spray, that gives good color but takes a little while to build up. The mist could be finer, thus I’ve had a few streaks. Of them all, this one definitely smells the least offensive.

3. L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Airbrush

This is the best fine mist. It’s easy to apply and is least likely to streak. I also like the color, but geez it stinks. My husband seriously thought that there were illegal substances involved after the use of this one…it smells awful…

4. L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Gel

If I’m going somewhere and need some color in a pinch, this is AWESOME! It doesn’t take multiple uses to build up, gives an awesome glow in one use, and doesn’t smell offensive.

5. Salon Bronze Airbrush Tan @ Sally’s Beauty Supply

Okay, obviously I was a little sceptical about this one, but after reading many great reviews I decided to give it a whirl…I mean for $12 it was absolutely worth a try. For the first application I convinced my sister to spray it on me…and, well, we were laughing so hard we she definitely botched the job. Either way, I loved the color. After the zebra stripes disappeared I’ll admit it took some courage to try it again, but I’m so glad that I did! I was able to airbrush it on myself, and again, love love the color. Looks very natural, but on the darker side. ((Make sure to shake well and get the mist going before pointing at your skin)). It’s definitely my go-to tanner of choice these days and the refill bottles are only $8…I’m hooked!

So, tell me, how do all of you ladies stay bronzed during these Southern summers?

Cheers to “if you can’t tone it…tan it”…hehe