One time when I was getting a spray tan, someone DM’d me saying ‘but you’re brown!’ Honestly, I wish my pasty-ass legs could hear her and take on a naturally olive shade. But alas, it seems as though my genetics have no effect on the color of my legs. My legs are so pasty that they are two shades lighter than my face. So come dress season, like everyone else, I’m out here browning my legs. Sunlessly, of course. I’ve tried so many self-tanners through the course of my life, and have landed on three definitive favourites which I wanted to share:
Vita Liberata Invisi Foaming Tanning Water
This tanning mousse is completely invisible. It’s a clear coloured mousse, fast-drying mousse which does not transfer and develops beautifully. Also Vita Liberata is a clean brand which uses a ton of botanicals in its formulas. I find that this one is super hydrating. However, remember to apply this the night before you actually want the tan to appear because it takes a little while to develop.
James Read Fool Proof Bronzing Mousse
I’m a big fan of James Read products. I have most of the line, and have loved every product I’ve tried so far. His formulas are so luxe and they combine skincare and beauty which is always a plus. This particular product is super moisturizing and just feels so nourishing. It’s fragrance-free, fast-drying, and streak-free. It develops in about 8 hours. I find that this mousse looks super natural – a super subtle but pretty golden situation, ya know? Plus the packaging is stunning.
Nuda Self-Tanning Lotion
I cannot deal with how chic the packaging is for Nuda. So I have their exfoliator, tanning lotion and moisturizer and love all three products. While the other two products I’ve mentioned are mousses, this one is a straight up lotion. It’s streak-free, but does take about 6 hours to develop, after which you need to shower to take the cosmetic bronzer off. I wouldn’t recommend wearing white in those 6 hours because it does transfer a little bit. The tan lasts about a week and gives you a really golden look. Plus it’s a clean brand!
PS – if you liked this post, check out the dark spot corrector that actually works and why you need this cult favourite toner.