I know that tanning is not healthy. I know that the sun is not our friend, at least not when we enjoy it without the proper protection. I know that the "healthy glow" which we covet is not healthy at all. I know that with my family history of melanoma and other less deadly but likewise damaging forms of skin cancers, I should stay far away from the sun. And the tanning bed.
But.
I like the look of tanned skin. I just do. I am very self-conscious about wearing summer clothes without a suntan. Call me vain, I can take it. Just don’t call me pasty.
So I have resorted to one of the biggest money-making schemes of the beauty industry — the self tanner. I have used many tanners over the years, and my favorites are the moisturizers with a subtle glow. Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer is my current favorite. Nivea Body Sunkissed Firming Moisturizer
is a good alternative. I’ve been dying to try one of the higher-priced brands, but I haven’t gotten around to shelling out the big bucks just yet.
With the tanning moisturizers, you don’t have to worry about the tell-tale orange knees and ankles. The effect is very subtle. You should still exfoliate first, and you want to wash your hands well after applying, but you can put it on as a lotion and watch your skin tone darken slightly over the next few hours. It builds up as you apply each day, and by day three or four, you have a nice, natural looking tan. After that you just need to apply every other day or so to keep up the look.
My only complaint about the Jergens is the scent. It is quite strong, and it takes some getting used to. I find the scent of the Nivea to be less off-putting.
If I need instant gratification, my favorite self-tanner is the Neutrogena Instant Bronze.
You do need to be more cautious when applying, but I find it goes on quite well. You want to apply first to the larger, smoother areas, like your arms and legs. And then lightly gloss over your knees and elbows so you don’t end up with the nasty orange sludge that will surely give away your artificial tan.
This week we will each be discussing our favorite self-tanners here on Chic Critique, and on Friday Megan will give us instructions on correct self-tanning prep and application. You won’t want to miss a single day, so be sure you are subscribed.
About Jo-Lynne
I just ordered a spray by mystic tan from Sephora.com, so I’ll be reading this carefully! Usually I buy the moisturizers and throw them away after the first few days because of the smell 🙁
I like the Jergens. Since I am sooo pale I can only use it every other day but really more like 3 times a week. To avoid funny looking knees and ankles I follow up with another, usually better smelling, lotion and that seems to ensure an even look.
I’ve been doing the Jergens since you recommended it a long long long time ago…but I still get a little orange, so I must be doing something wrong… 🙁 I’m anxious to hear the rest of the posts this week. Who has time to get a tan and I’m like you… i can’t do skirts or shorts without a tan
I bought some of this (Jergens Daily Glow Most.)about a month ago and have only used it one time. I was not sure how it was going to look. I don’t wan’t to look like I put fake tan on so was hesitant to use it. I should give it a try. I was really wanting one for my face but was not sure which brand was the best. Any suggestions for the face?
The Jergens makes one for the face, and my friend swears by it. Between you and me, I put the regular Jergens on my face. I KNOW! So bad. But it doesn’t make it break out.
The Jergens is very mild. In fact, it takes two or three applications to really show. So go for it! I think you’ll like it. 🙂
Oh, and for Heather, I emailed her, but for anyone else who might have the same issue — from what I understand, it depends a lot on your individual skin tone, so if it’s orange, maybe try the Nivea or another brand??
I love the Jergen’s, both the face and the skin versions. I apply regular lotion to dry places and callused places like my elbows and knees first, which works great. Oh, and the L’Oreal version gives a little more color, but I find the smell even more offensive than the Jergens plus it’s sparkly. I do not do sparkly.
Mary Kay just came out with Subtle Tanning Lotion – I LOVE IT! Subtle, no orange hands or knees or elbows, and it’s buildable color.
Just a small commercial!