Self Tanner Question

[tarheelmjfan]

I purchased Clarins self tanner for my Alaska cruise in June. I used it twice, & it worked okay. The problem I had was when it started to fade. It started getting a rusty look & kind of streaked. That said...

Has anyone used a self tanner for a Caribbean cruise? I'm wondering how it would work with sun. Does the sun eventually cover the tanner? I'm very pale & need a little tan to wear my sandals. I don't like hose. My sister passed away in May from cancer, so I have no interest in tanning beds. I do like the sun, just not lying in it for hours trying to get a tan. :o Besides, I only have 2 weeks to work on it now. I'm hoping for a solution to the rusty look & streaking. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer. :)

[pennstater]

Hmmm....the ever elusive good self-tanner! I've used Neutrogena's Build-a-Tan with SPF 15 with good results. It allows you to make it as subtle as you want, and I never had a problem with it reacting to the sun or changing tone as it fades. Even more subtle (supposedly) are the new daily moisturizers with just a bit of self-tanner in them. I haven't tried one yet, but I'm planning to try one in a few weeks to get ready for my cruise. A tip: Make sure to exfoliate thoroughly for several days prior to applying the self-tanner--you may not see it when the tan is darker, but as it fades you will see the spots that absorbed the product more.

Hope you can find one that works for you! Have a great cruise!

[lszu]

The two self-tanners I like best are Sun Laboratories and Bare Escentuals Faux Tan.

I self-tan in the spring and summer just because I like the look better with shorts, capris, and short sleeved shirts. When I'm preparing for a cruise I usually do the tanning salon thing (yeah, I know, no lecture needed). My own personal opinion is that it's better to do that for a couple of weeks before a cruise than to go out and burn to a crisp on my first day in the Caribbean.

[canadiancruzr]

Well, I know that with my skin (generally pale, but can hold a light tan if the tan is worked on) needs some self tanner. A girlfriend of mine introduced me to a Mist-On Tan. Basically it's a booth you stand in and have tanner misted onto your body. The outcome is a natural colour and a long lasting effect. It may take a couple trys before you come out looking perfect (there are positions they suggest you take in the booth, however I don't use these anymore because I found that it creates streaks in places and leaves some places blochy or without colour) but once you have the hang of it getting a "spray tan" is a MUST for the paler crowd when preparing for a trip. It's a little pricey ($30 canadian) but worth every cent in my oppinion...then I never have to try and get my colour matching all over my body by myself, or have to even bring tanner on a trip for that matter, or spend money on tanning sessions trying to force my skin to take on a tan!
And to answer your question about how self tanner holds up in the warmer weather...for spring break I got a spray tan and used self tanner while I was in Florida - the stuff worked great, even with all the sand rubbing and chlorine water. And the tan looked even better when natural colour was added to it.

[tarheelmjfan]

Thanks for the advice. I may have found another solution, which I'll post about in another thread. If not, I'll be back to the self tanner idea. Thanks again :)

[HopSingh]

Tarheelmjfan-

I have also used both the Sun Laboratories self tanner in a spray as well as a lotion. I prefer the spray better, but only because I don't have to bother my husband to help me apply it. I'm a plus size gal with extremely fair skin, so I dfinitely have not had good luck with self tanners in the past. I have also used the Bare Escentuals Faux Tan. I still have a collection of all three and I know that no one has ever said my tan looked fake. In fact, people would ask where I just got back from vacation! I would suggest you research any of these. I happened to find it and order it from QVC, but I know for a fact that a lot of tanning salons have the Sun Laboratories product for sale. At least they have it here in the Atlanta metro area. Good luck on your quest. I am glad I finally have found some self tanning products that look good on me!:D

[tam-tam]

I'm very pale and I've tried tons of different self tanners and have never been satisfied--streaky, not long lasting, etc. I tried an airbrush tan a few years ago and even it didn't "stick" for more than a day. This past summer I tried Jergens lotion with self tanner in it. I was shocked at how well it worked. Over the course of a couple of days I applied it in the morning and developed a natural-looking tan. It's much less expensive than the other options as well.

[tarheelmjfan]

Thanks for the suggestions. :) I think I'm going to try one of the new bronzing beds. If that doesn't work out, I'll try some of the other options.

[Sassy Chassis]

I'm on day one of the Jergens moisturizer-tanner...I'll let you know how it works out.

[GioFamily]

My family always pre-tans before going to the "hot climates". The booths and beds are a safe way to limit your exposure, and prepare your skin. Moderation, Moisturization and Eye Protection can help you tan safely beforehand. Use a lotion made for tanning beds. Go to tanningtruth.com for info on safe tanning indoors. We still use a sunscreen on vacation and have never burnt so bad that it has ruined our vacation! Happy Cruising!

[CruzinTamela]

In the past I have used a self-tanner called Safe Tan, which can be purchased online at paintonsunlesstanner.com. It takes 2 people to apply it, but it fades just like a real tan and lasts between 5 and 8 days. I never got that look you spoke of in your post with it. It also held up well in sun and salt water - no streaking, etc. It does tend to have the usual self-tanner smell, which is why I try to steer clear of self-tanners altogether, but I highly recommend this one if you absolutely must have a tan.

[bethsheb]

Hi, since I am a Floridian I basically try to stay out of the sun and wear a sunscreen of at least 30 everyday. However, since I am in shorts most of the year I like to have some color. I used to be hooked on the "Tan Towels" which worked pretty well. I had trouble finding a bottled self-tanner that I thought was half-way decent as I tried many of them. Finally, believe it or not, CVS carries their own brand which I think works really nicely. Whenever I start to build a tan with it someone always seems to make a remark about how I look tan. I basically use it on my arms and legs and if you rub it in well it seems to work well. Of course before I hit my cruise I will self tan up and will use the week to lay in the sun (that is the only time I will really bake) and then continue self-tanning when I come back. Since it is winter here in Florida it is a bit cooler but once it warms up even wearing sunscreen you can't help to keep from getting some sun from just being outside. Anyway I would give the CVS brand a shot.

[WHYTSHLDRZ]

Have you all tried Mystic Tan??? We have it all over here in Calif. You go into a booth, and it sprays you on one side and then the other. My Mom and I have done this for the last cruise, and I have done it for special occasions, and it works and looks great. It will last for at least a week and a half. I usually try to go twice about 4 days apart, before my trip. It does your whole body, so you don't have to worry about your neck or face looking different.:p

It runs about $23.00 each session, or you can buy 3 sessions for $75. and if you want to be really brown, they charge a couple dollars more, and give you a more intense dose. There is a Mystic Tan dot com site~I think this is the best for very fair people like me...I hate getting burned, and perspiring trying to get some color~most of the time I just burn, so this works really well for my mom and I. :D

Am going this Saturday for my first session and then next Friday after Thanksgiving, and then onto the Sapphire on Saturday!!!! Can't wait, am soooooooooooooooo excited!!!!!

[beth4652]

Have you all tried Mystic Tan??? We have it all over here in Calif. You go into a booth, and it sprays you on one side and then the other. My Mom and I have done this for the last cruise, and I have done it for special occasions, and it works and looks great. It will last for at least a week and a half. I usually try to go twice about 4 days apart, before my trip. It does your whole body, so you don't have to worry about your neck or face looking different.:p

It runs about $23.00 each session, or you can buy 3 sessions for $75. and if you want to be really brown, they charge a couple dollars more, and give you a more intense dose. There is a Mystic Tan dot com site~I think this is the best for very fair people like me...I hate getting burned, and perspiring trying to get some color~most of the time I just burn, so this works really well for my mom and I. :D

Am going this Saturday for my first session and then next Friday after Thanksgiving, and then onto the Sapphire on Saturday!!!! Can't wait, am soooooooooooooooo excited!!!!!



Three DD's and I are planning to get the spray tan before our Christmas/New Years cruise. Why do you get it more than once? Does it last longer, give a better color, etc.?

[SugarFreeSheila]

What's easiest for me before a cruise is to get a Mystic spray-on tan the night before as a "base" ... then every 3-4 nights before bed, I apply self-tanner to maintain the fake tan throughout the cruise. I use latex gloves for application, & never use anything with a tint or color indicator. My favorites are L'Oréal Sublime Bronze Gel in the lightest shade from the chest up, Coppertone Endless Summer Foam in Light/Medium for the rest of the body, and Neutrogena MicroMist in Medium for the hands & feet. Everything blends beautifully!
http://a1468.g.akamai.net/f/1468/580/1d/pics.drugstore.com/prodimg/93422/200.jpghttp://www.zuckermanpharmacy.com/images/products/big/847913.jpghttp://a1468.g.akamai.net/f/1468/580/1d/pics.drugstore.com/prodimg/139764/200.jpg

For my dark-tan summer look, these (http://www.sugarfreesheila.com/images/BikiniSittingFaceFront1Cropped.jpg) are the results of these 3 self-tanners. I couldn't be without them - and they're all available at drugstores!

[WHYTSHLDRZ]

Hi Beth:

I usually get the Mystic tan done once, and then about 4 days later, get another session, just to make it a little darker, and know that it will stay through out the cruise. I don't want to be bothered to touch up once I am on the cruise~so this system works for me!

I know you will be delighted with the results. It's nice not to have to wear nylons if you don't want to...............and I just think a tan makes everyone look a little healthier and sexier!!!:D

[xznwfd]

I totally agree with the Mystic Tan users - it's the perfect fake tan. I do use Jergens "Natural Glow" the rest of the year, since I'm very pale and it doesn't give a real tan, just a bit of color. The Mystic Tan lasted me for my 9 day Volendam cruise last year, so you don't need to touch up on board. Price is only $10 for lightest dose here in Michigan, $15 for level 2. I get level 2 - 3 is too dark, and did flake off and left me looking blotchy the one time I tried it. Be sure to exfoliate really well before, and then use lots of moisturizer/sunscreen on your trip.

Have a great cruise!

[Liv4cruzin]

I agree w/ Bethsheb. Tan towels are the ticket. Yes, you can tan "over" the tan town solution. These moistened towelettes come in individually wrapped
pouches. It's easy to apply w/o streaking. When you apply, let it dry & reapply: it darkens beautifully. I prefer the regular Tan Towel over the Tan Towel Plus. The Plus is supposed to make you darker; but for some reason, I get darker using the regular. It will start to fade after 4-5 days. Just reapply. As with any tanner, be sure to wash your hands well after use.

I get mine from Home Shopping network; but I have seen them in some boutique type stores as well.

[celbercrz333]

Only problem I have with self tanners is this. How do you get your back done? My husband hates to use any kind of creams, lotions,etc on himself. He wouldn't do it for my back, I'm sure. A spray on might work, but can it go on evenly? Any advice?

[SugarFreeSheila]

Two words: latex gloves! That way, hubby can simply remove the gloves afterward and the story's over. ;)

[ashlyndalesmommy]

Arbonne International has a self tanner called "Made in the Shade". It is not streaky. It also does not turn orange. My mom is the WORST person to apply self tanners and she was able to do this without a problem. It's SPF 15. Botanically based. It is a spray. It really is good. (I know I sell it, but it TRULY does tan well. I have tried almost all of them!) :p