I have extremely fair skin. Fair skin that is incredibly prone to sun burns. During the summer I do tend to get a bit tan because I swim anywhere from 2-5 hours a day, but during any other time of year my skin is extremely pale. For the past year or so, self tanner has become my best friend. I love the ability to have a nice glow without being in the sun for 4 hours a day. I always wear sunscreen when I am outside and the ability to fake a tan is amazing.

My tanning routine:

For all of my fake tanning needs, I use Jergens Natural Glow Line. My favorite products are the Instant Sun, 3 Days to Glow, Natural Glow + Firming Daily Moisturizer, and the Foaming Daily Moisturizer.

I have used all of these products in the past, but currently I have been alternating between the Instant Sun and the Natural Glow + Firming Daily Moisturizer. I use the Instant Sun in deep bronze for when I need an immediate fake tan. It delivers even color in about an hour. The tan fully develops in around a day. I love using this before big events. I try to use it the day before, but sometimes I have to do it an hour before and it still gives me a nice glow and tans me about half a shade darker than my skin tone. It is very necessary to really blend in this tanner and make sure to wear gloves when you apply it. It can get patchy if you are not careful, and it usually takes a couple applications to get used to how the product works.




For a gradual and easier to apply tan I would recommend the Natural Glow Daily product. With this product it is a lot harder to get streaks. I would recommend wearing gloves during application, but they are not necessary if you wash your hands immediately after you finish applying the self tanner. Using this for a couple of weeks will get you to be around one or two shades darker for a natural tan.
For a quick easy gradual tan before a big event, I would recommend using the 3 Days to Glow line. Since the Instant Sun can be a bit hard to work with, it is easiest to use this product. It is fairly easy to blend, leaves little to no streaks, and is great for someone who wants a tan before an event such as prom. I used this for 3 days before my prom last year and it was perfect. I got my skin to be around 2-3 shades darker with a natural glow to my skin.


I have used the foaming product in the past and it is almost the exact same thing as the Natural Glow Lotion product. I find that it is a lot easier to travel with the lotion versions and that is why I have not re bought it. I would recommend the foaming version for first time tanners because it is a bit easier to apply than the lotion version. It is also easier to get a streak free look with the foaming one for first timers.

My Biggest Tips for a Flawless Do it Yourself Tan:

1) EXFOLIATE! I can not say enough how much of a difference this makes! By getting rid of any dry skin, your tan is going to stay on longer, look a lot less streaky, and go on easier. Also, if you have dry skin pop on lotion either on the rough areas (such as knees, elbows, etc) or all over if you are extremely dry. Also, if you shave before you apply it it also leaves the tan on for longer.
2) USE DISPOSABLE GLOVES!
If you go to the drugstore and purchase a box of disposable gloves it will lead to a much easier tan application. I always use gloves when I apply any form of fake tanner to make sure that I don't get orange hands. I apply my lotion all over with the tanner with my gloves on and then as soon as I am finished, wash the gloves. Then, I take a little bit of the tanner and rub it on my hands to even it all out.

I hope these reviews and tips are helpful!

xoxo,
monicamarie