‘Tis that time of year friends when I’m ready to look a little tan.
Ha!
I don’t know what it is, but if we get one sunny February day, I immediately think it’s spring (even though ironically this week is the coldest week we’ve had all season!), and I start to work on my faux glow. I don’t know if you’ve noticed or not (many of you have commented/emailed/DM me lately)…
…but I’ve been extra glowy because I wanted to do a Faux Glow Review for you!
So…that explains the heavy tan on this cold winter day.
It’s research, people.
Good old-fashioned lather yourself in tanner research for you girls. 😉
I broke my research up in two categories (body and face) and am sharing the final results today. Basically, if you want a little tan right now, this post is for you.
Now, as a rule of thumb, no matter which self-tanner I use, I always apply it the same way:
First, I apply it at night so that the color can develop overnight while I sleep. I often get asked if the color rubs off on my pajamas or sheets and the answer is “not one of these below”. Any self-tanner that rubs off on my sheets gets tossed. I shower, dry off, apply my tanner (to both body and face), let it air dry about five minutes and then put on my pajamas. The next morning, the color has developed and I’m good to go!
Second, I shower like normal after I use my self-tanner. The morning after, I’ll probably work out first and then shower.
Third, I pretty much apply self-tanner to my face year around (see details below), but I only apply it January-ish through April-ish on my body. After that, I’m out in the sun and naturally get a little color or it’s the fall, and when pumpkins are out, I don’t care about my tan 😉 .
Fourth, I get asked a lot about how I apply it to my back and the answer? I don’t worry about it. Is that wrong? Should I be worrying? I don’t. I always feel like something is better than nothing, so I hit the areas that I can reach and don’t worry about all of it. This time of year, I’m wearing lots of layers and clothes, so really, you don’t see that much.
Fifth, sometimes I use a mitt to apply the tanner and other times, I’m lazy and just use my hands. I always wash my hands thoroughly after applying and hope for the best 😉 .
Here we go, after trying several (and tossing a few)…these are my favorite self-tanners for a variety of different reasons:
#1: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Intense Glow Pad for Face (20-count)
Well, you know I’ve been raving about these little glow pads for YEARS! They’re individually wrapped and already soaked with the tanner. They’re about the size of an alcohol wipe and all you do is open one, rub it around on your face and neck and you’re good to go. I always get great results when using these pads! I particularly love them for traveling because it’s not a liquid. You just toss one in your bag and bam! Instant color! I always rub these pads into my hairline to avoid any weird lines on my face. One pad does my whole face and neck. The next morning, you’ll see results! There is no strong odor with these wipes, and your glow lasts about five days.
#2: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad for Body (8-count)
Speaking of the pads, I’m a huge fan of the body ones too! Now, there is a learning curve here. It’s the same as the face pads but they’re much larger. One big wipe (about the size of a wet wipe) is all you need for your entire body. You rub it all over and the next morning, you have a nice faux glow. The only complaint I’ve heard over the years from blog readers is that sometimes, they miss a spot and don’t know it until the next morning (because it goes on clear). I honestly think practice makes perfect. I never miss spots now that I’ve been using these so long, but if you do, you can either open another packet and hit the spots you missed or take one of the other tanners here (that are liquid/mousse) and apply them to the area. I think this color is great because it doesn’t appear orange…it’s very brown instead. I love these!! They also last about five days and only have a very mild smell when applying.
#3: Isle of Paradise Glow Clear Self-Tanning Mousse
This was a new find for me!! Last year, I tried their “water” and liked it okay, but this year, I tried this new glow clear mousse. I liked the texture of this one (very light and airy), I really didn’t notice any scent at all, and I thought it went on really easily (plus, a little went a long way). I bought the medium shade (the green one), and it was by far the most “barely there” tan out of all of them. The next morning, I noticed some color, but it was very subtle…which is good sometimes. I liked this one well enough and thought the subtleness was what many of you like, that I’m including it today.
This one is super fantastic! Erika noticed how overly faux glowy I was at the gym and told me that I should try this one here that she loves from Amazon. Girls, it’s a keeper!! This was the last product I tried and really one of my faves. This one sprays on to a mitt (the mitt is included with the bottle). First of all, it smells really nice (tropical…not too fragrant, but a very pleasant smell…like you just applied lotion) and goes on darker so you can see where you’re hitting and where you’re not. At first, I thought I was going to have to spray a ton, but really, a little goes a long way. I think I only sprayed twice on to the mitt for each leg. I am a big fan of this tanner right here!
#5: Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops
Speaking of big fan…you all know that these drops here are my absolute fave. I reach for this bottle year around and it never disappoints. About every 5 days, I add three drops of this into the palm of my hand along with my nighttime moisturizer. I mix those two together and then apply my moisturizer like normal. Wash your hands after and the next morning, the best little faux-glow. Truly, this is my favorite product in the bunch!
#6: St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse
This brand is just iconic faux-glow, so I had to try their express bronzing mousse. I know the bottle says you can apply it day of, but I always prefer to apply it the night before. It also goes on light and airy like the other mousse, but this one isn’t clear, so you can really see where you’re applying it. The color is nice (more brown, less orange), and I think this one lasted the longest on me (although, it’s hard to really determine that as the number of showers I take varies day by day). I typically use a mitt when applying this one, but sometimes, I get lazy and just use my hands. As long as I wash them well after each application, my hands don’t turn a weird shade.
So, that’s my little lineup of self-tanners for your dreary winter day!
Is there another type of product you’d like to see me try? Please comment and tell me!
Don’t forget, you can see my Dry Shampoo Review HERE and my all natural deodorant review HERE.
I hope you all have a great Thursday! I’ll see you here tomorrow!!
Lauren says
Yessssss! This post is just what I needed for a dreary, rainy day here. I bought the Isle of Paradise per your suggestion and use it all the time! I do 1 big drop added to my lotion every other day. That way I don’t go from super pale to super tan in a matter of hours ? I use the Dr. Dennis Gross ones sometimes too, again, per your suggestion. Basically if Shay suggests it, I’ll be trying it– hah!
Have a great day!
Anonymous says
Same!!!! I caught myself the other day saying to my husband, “you know my friend Shay?? She told me about ___” LOL. Love her even though I don’t know her! Total goals!!!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
You look so good! Thanks for the review! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Alexis Murrell says
I have some of the Dr Dennis pads in my bathroom cabinet- I need to pull them out tonight!! I’ve been thinking Spring this week too and have been ordering all things Easter and bathing suits 🙂
Elspeth says
Definitely going to keep this post in mind when I’m in need of some color! Thanks for the review!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Erika Slaughter says
Give me all the faux glow!! I don’t worry about my back either. Often times I don’t even swipe my stomach-no one is seeing that!
Elizabeth Feldpausch says
I was shocked when you first said you were trying out new tanners because I said to myself “She always uses Dr. Dennis Gross” and low and behold…#1 and #2 ? sees
Mix and Match Mama says
I simply COULD NOT beat ’em!
Sheaffer Sims says
The Fake Bake is what I use too! It really is the absolute best. So easy to use and so natural!!!!
Susan says
Two hints or tips. For your back, you can literally buy a three inch roller from Lowes/Home Depot/Menards..for your back. Secondly do not sleep on this faux tanner from Tanwise Dark Bronzing Mouse from Sally Beauty supply. Color is perfection! Also the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Sunshine Drops are wonderful. You mix it in with your foundation/ tinted moisturizer.
Chrys says
Yes!! I just bought the Drunk Elephant Sunshine drops and mix it with my moisturizer in the morning, and voila, a slight tan. But I also use the Isle of Paradise drops!
Carly says
Yes! I had Tanwise on when I went to my Dermatologist for my mole check and he got onto me for tanning ?. I was like, “NOPE! It’s a fake tan.” It even fools the expert!
Jessica McNamara says
Love this! It’s still ridiculously cold here In Kentucky, but having a glow makes me feel so much better! I use this to apply to my back – it works really well!
Back Lotion Applicators, Apply Lotion To Back Easily, Back Buddy Lotion Applicator For Back Self Applicator, Work With Self Tanning Mitt, Non- Absorbent Band. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MZSPCDL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_7CPXGSW04AQ44VZ7Z4A8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Lois says
I love your glow and wish I could replicate it! However, I always struggle with the transitions and especially cannot figure out what to do with my hands, sigh.
When you only tan your face, how do you get a non-obvious transition to your neck? And what about the hands? When you apply tanner on your arms, do you also apply it to the back of your hands? If I do that and wash my hands well afterwards I end up with visible dark lines around the sides of my hands… what‘s the secret I‘m missing? ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Okay, I think part of why it works well for me is that I’m not too picky. I very much go for a “it’s better than nothing” approach when applying. Also, I always use “medium” shades instead of “dark” as the transitions are much easier when there isn’t a huge difference. I lightly rub my hands at the very end (but then wash my hands as well), so they’re not super tan, but I think it works. I think the secret is lower your expectations and hope for the best. Ha!
Tina says
Shay, this post is cracking me up, because you’ve had me wanting a tan lately too!? I love Dr. Dennis Gross! When I only use the face ones, I go down my neck (front and back) and onto my chest. So, there’s no noticeable transition. I also use the face ones to touch up where I miss with the body towels. It doesn’t feel as wasteful as using another towel.
Laura says
I’m not Shay, so you may not want to hear from me, but I have some tips for dealing with transitions and hands.
For transitions: when you have that first blob of tanner in your hand (this works for a spray too), apply it to those areas the sun hits first and work up or down from there. For instance, when doing your arms, apply to your shoulders and/or forearms first, since those are usually darkest on a real tan, then blend up and down and around without applying more product. Or for the face, apply to the top of the cheeks, the bridge of the nose, the top of the forehead and then blend out. Hope this makes sense!
For hands: (I left a comment way below but I’ll say it quick again) I use latex gloves and not a mitt to apply tanner. Start from the feet/legs and work your way up the body so no weird tan creases form! At the end, peel the gloves off and apply a small dab of tanner to the back of your hand and rub the backs of your hands together, and wrists too. All done! No tan palms!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank you, thank you Laura!!
Erin Hernandez says
One other suggestion for the back of hands, I make sure to rub just a bit of what’s left at the end on my ‘love handles’. After washing my hands, I just do a quick back handed swipe across those areas which hit the high spots just lightly- much as the sun would do!
Stacy says
This is a great post. I have only been using the Isle of Paradise based on Sheafer and your recommendation and I see such great results with that product. Really evens out my skin tone too when you have a fake tan. I can not wait to add in another product.
Jenny says
I used Dr. Dennis Gross’s Glow Pads for years and still to this day love them but started testing other products a year or so ago. I tried sooooo many but fell in love with St. Tropez Classic Self Tan Mousse. Have you tried the classic version? I was curious how it compared to the Express Bronzing Mousse. Thanks! 🙂
Valerie Allen says
Thanks so much for this post, Shay! I have a question about the Fake Bake. Do you use it solely on your body or do you also use it on your face, too?
Mix and Match Mama says
So far, just on my body!
Amy Androff says
I wish I could wear Self Tanner but I broke out in a rash to my surprise. My skin has become more sensitive and I am allergic to what ever ingredient that allows you to tan. I wasn’t always like this. So my suggestion to your readers is to apply just a little and see what happens. Don’t do like me and rub all over and then be miserable with redness and itchiness.
Crystal says
Can the drops (number 5) be used on your face? Like in your evening moisturizer? Thanks for this review! This is great!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! That’s what I use them for…on my face at night!
Traci says
Do you use these on body too??
Mix and Match Mama says
The Isle of Paradise drops only go on my face. I would use their mousse for my body.
Traci says
Thanks!!
Which is your favorite body one you are using at the moment. Debating which one to get! I love the isle of paradise drops!
Do you have a fav between the mousse and the fake bake?!
Mix and Match Mama says
ohhhhh…I’m really into the Fake Bake one right now. It seems to be the one I’m reaching for the most.
Traci says
thanks!! i have the drops (from you from last year! ) and love them.
Debating which to do for body (had been using the drops in my lotion also)
Which would you go with?!
Mix and Match Mama says
Try that spray from Amazon! I really love it!
Traci says
Thank you!! Done.
Sorry for all my posts! It didn’t show the first went through!??have a great day!!
Keri Brown says
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07THG181X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This is great for the back. I use the mousse and just put a pump of it in the center of this and that gets my back!
Lauren says
Tip for the body wipes is to cut them into quarters so you know you’re evenly applying it to your body.
Laurie says
Love all of your suggestions, thank you! I have a question about makeup in relation to faux tanning. When you wear foundation (or maybe you don’t when wearing these) and take it off at night, does the tan rub off with the foundation? And if so, do you just put more tanner on before bed? Thanks again!
Mix and Match Mama says
I always, always, always use the Hourglass foundation stick! It blends with my tanner since I use it year around.
Jill says
You should try Drunk Elephant’s D-Bronzi. You mix a little into your primer or moisturizer in the morning and you’re instantly tan! Added bonus, it comes off with your make-up, so if you mess up, you can just try again tomorrow!
Leiah says
Couple questions! Do you exfoliate before? And do you apply lotion at all after?
Mix and Match Mama says
I exfoliate randomly throughout the week, so not necessarily before I apply the tanner. And no, I don’t apply lotion until the next day.
Rebecca says
Shay, oh I so needed this post today!! Snowy morning here in Pennsylvania and am in need of a boost for sure!!
I’ve tried a few of these but not the Flawless- excited to try this, have you used this on your face? Thanks again!!
Jennifer says
When you use the tanning drops do you purposefully apply it to your neck and chest as well? And do you have to change your foundation shade when you are using these? I really want to start doing this but hate choosing foundation shades!
Mix and Match Mama says
Since I use it year around, I don’t have to change my foundation shade. I apply it mostly to my face and then the leftover goes to my neck and into my chest.
Tara says
So…. is it just me or does the weird smell bother anyone else? Shay, do you feel like any of these smell “less bad” than others? Wish it didn’t bug me so much but I just can’t get past it! Would love to try whichever you think would smell “the least” lol!
Mix and Match Mama says
The one Erika recommended from Amazon that you spray into a mitt, that one has the best smell. If they bottled it as a lotion, I would wear it daily. The Isle of Paradise drops for your face, have zero smell.
Morgan says
I love the Dr. Gross pads! they are the best – purchased off of your recommendation years ago. I got the Fake Bake last summer, and while the color is great, I notice that it gets in the pores where hair follicles are (if that makes sense?) and those are darker and it looks weird. I’ve exfoliated and shaved, exfoliated and not shaved, etc. and the same thing happens regardless. Have others experienced this??
MelanieL says
This is fun because I’m that vary pale gal stepping onto the beach/pool/boat for the first few weeks of summer and it’s not a good look, LOL! I picked the Isle of Paradise for my free Sephora gift but I’ve been afraid to use it and now you’ve given me courage especially since my face is the only thing showing these days and sometimes not at all thanks to masks. 🙂
Alisha says
TIP – get the isle of paradise tanning drops on QVC. They are almost always on there – and you get 2 bottles for $36 instead of one for $29. You can also always use a QVC code 🙂
Katie Loftin says
My friend developed an all natural ingredient, self tanner called gleaux girl. You can look it up on Facebook. It’s amazing.
Laura says
I haven’t tried your picks, so I can’t really compare, but I like Loving Tan 2 Hr Express. Also, I use latex gloves to apply (get a whole box for cheap at Sally Beauty). It’s maybe not the best for the environment but the gloves don’t soak up extra product like a mitt, and when I’m done with my body, I peel the gloves off and apply a small dab of tanner to the back of one hand and rub the backs of my hands together. My palms never have a chance of discoloring 🙂
Allyson says
I use either a glove mitt or medical plastic gloves, so when I’m doing my back (only if I’m in a tank or strappy dress), I apply the tanner to the TOP of my fingers, reach behind my back and I’m able to rub the middle of my back gently with the top part of my hand as opposed to the palm-side. Blessings everyone on this crazy winter weekend! (Keller didn’t close schools, so we braved the ice yesterday!)
Alison says
I’m so happy you posted this! I have the Flawless Self-Tan Spray and LOVE it, but I was worried about putting it on at night, afraid it would rub off on my pajamas or sheets. So, thank you!! 😉
Angie says
Oh how I need this! So excited to try a few of these with your wonderful tips!
Heidi says
I use toner at night as part of my skin regimen after I’ve washed my face and before I put on my serums. Unfortunately this step always seems to remove my tanner. How do you keep it from “stripping” your tanner off? Does this happen to you or anyone else? 🙁
Mix and Match Mama says
I would probably skip toner the first two days after applying just to maximizer the self-tanner.