WHAT IT IS: Self-tanning mousse.

CLAIMS: Super fast drying tanning mousse with pHenO2 Technology for the longest lasting, natural-looking tan result with instant color and a tan that develops over 4-8 hours that lasts up to 2-3 weeks. It is also supposed to slowly fade away rather than causing those patches that we all dread when our self-tanner wears off. It also claims to be an odorless formula.

FORMULATED WITH: Certified organic and natural extracts for anti aging, skin enhancement and a natural tan. Eco-certified DHA tanning agent. Odor Remove™ Technology for zero self-tan smell. Moisture Locking System for 72 hour skin hydration. Flash Dry™ for instantly dry results.

FORMULATED WITHOUT: Parabens, Harsh chemicals, Perfume / Fragrance, Alcohol, Animal derivatives, Petrochemicals, Sulphates, Silicones

PRICE: $54 USD.

I have noticed this product on the shelves at Ulta several times, and I am always curious about it. When I ran out of my FAVORITE SELF-TANNER  recently, I purchased this one for a change just to give it a try. Because I like to be super tan, I went with the ‘dark’ shade.

THE GOOD:

First off, I absolutely love the ingredients. It doesn’t get any better than what this product is formulated with!

When I began applying, I immediately noticed how smoothly and evenly it applied. It didn’t leave any streaks. It dried almost instantly and it didn’t feel sticky. I actually put my clothes on and went to run errands afterwards which is something I cannot do with any other self-tanner because most leave that orange, fake, streaky look. Usually, once I tan, I am in the house to stay until it is time to rinse off. It was really nice to be able to go on with my day looking very natural after tanning!

This product didn’t leave a funky smell under my arms like most do (gross, I know). I actually couldn’t smell it at all after it dried.

I did notice my tan fading as it claims to do, rather than coming off in ugly patches which is a huge plus!

I most definitely give the packaging a 10/10. It gives such luxurious vibes. Every part of the packaging is on point.

THE BAD:

Since I have an olive skin tone, I like to use a more red toned self-tanner to get a deeper and darker tan. The first thing I noticed is that this product didn’t give me a deep and dark tan. It gave me more of an olive toned natural looking tan. That isn’t bad for someone who may be wanting just a touch of color, but for me, I am looking for A LOT of color. I don’t tan at all in the sun or tanning bed, so I NEED that extra dark bronzed glow.

The next thing I noticed is that it says on the bottle that for the longest lasting tan, you should apply three times over 12 to 24 hours, showering with water only before each application. Ok, obviously I barely have time to do it once, much less three times in 24 hours. But, for review purposes, I did it! Let me start by saying that applying it that much was exhausting for me. I am a busy woman who needs a one & done product! So, after applying it several times, the color didn’t get any darker. Fast-forward to today, I showered and noticed that my tan had faded. After all that work, I was getting pale again. Not what I was expecting at all! The color never reached my tan goals. It actually didn’t even get close.

The smell was not odorless as it claimed to be. It actually had a strong vinegar scent. Although it was not odorless, the scent didn’t bother me at all. I actually prefer that over other self-tanner scents.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

It was a miss for me. When paying $54 for a self-tanning mousse, I expect to be a bronzed & glowing goddess! There were many pros about this product such as smell, texture, ingredients, fade, application and duration. But one thing is for sure, I was extremely disappointed in the color, and that is the most important part for me. If the color isn’t on point, then it is unfortunately a quick no for me as a buyer. I truly think this would be the PERFECT self-tanner for me IF it came in a much deeper and darker color.

Please note that just because this product was a miss for me, that doesn’t mean it won’t be an absolute hit for you. I think it would be great for someone who just wants to enhance their existing tan, or for someone who wants a touch of color without looking super dark. Give it a try for yourself, and you can always return if it disappoints you. 🙂