Emily Maynard

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CLARINS Intense Bronze Self Tanning Tint  ST. TROPEZ Self Tan Bronzing Mousse DR GROSS SKINCARE Beauty To Glow Self Tan Kit LOREAL Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Towelettes PERFEKT Body Perfection Gel

If You Can’t Tone It, Tan It

April 5, 2013 by emily 45 Comments

Can I tell you all something without being judged? Ok… I used to lay in the tanning bed. I know, I know. Totally gross and I’m embarrassed. My mom would always tell me how awful it was for me,  but I told myself I’d deal with the age spots and wrinkles later on down the road. I just wanted a tan.

It wasn’t until I saw a story on the “Tanning Mom” that I promised myself I’d never lay in another tanning bed for as long as I lived. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, google it.  I’ve even decided that if one day Ricki wants to lay in one I’m going to put  pictures of the “Tanning Mom” on her mirror. Clearly, I’m not above scare tactics.

If you’re like me and would like to have a healthy tan without looking like The Grinch by the time you turn 35, try some of my favorite self tanners.

 

Filed Under: Beauty Tagged With: Beauty, makeup, Self Tanners, Tanning

Comments

  1. Kayla says

    April 5, 2013 at 10:49 am

    I use to tan all the time too. Totally not going down that road again.. yuck!
    Thanks for sharing your self tan picks! I will have to try some of these! : )

    Kayla
    http://www.lovelucygirl.com

    Reply
  2. Laura says

    April 5, 2013 at 10:50 am

    I’m so glad you posted this! I seriously was planning to send you a tweet this morning as ask if you could recommend any good sunless tanners. Thanks! 🙂

    Reply
  3. Lindsay says

    April 5, 2013 at 10:52 am

    What is the best way to apply these without looking all blotchy? Thanks, love your blog!

    Reply
  4. Ginny says

    April 5, 2013 at 10:53 am

    Oh my goodness! I have JUST heard about Loreal’s Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Towlettes! I can’t WAIT to try them! Seriously, I think they might be a lifesaver. I wish you would give us your opinion about each – are the towlettes easier than the lotion? Do they streak? How do they compare with Dr. Gross’s? I would really like to know that because of the cost difference. Thanks!

    Ginny
    http://www.moderncommonplacebook.com

    Reply
  5. Lia says

    April 5, 2013 at 10:56 am

    Check out Vanity Glo in Charlotte! My cousin, Zoe Politis, will give you an incredible spray tan. I’m 26 from Atlanta and all of my girlfriends get her to ship us our “Glo on the Go” – their Infinity Sun product. We all use it before we go out on our face, décolletage, whatever and it does not smell or streak. It is a beautiful bronze – NO orange – and looks very flattering in pictures. Very easy to do at home and they are incredibly professional and great girls if you want to stop by their salon. Zoe has even said they can come to your house to spray you – or if a bunch of girls wanted to do it they will accommodate large parties!

    http://www.vanityglo.com

    Reply
  6. Trish says

    April 5, 2013 at 10:58 am

    Fake Bake is also an amazing self tanner. It does not streak at all or smell. I too have decided to never lay in another tanning bed so i use this product weekly! Loving your blog Em! xoxo

    Reply
  7. Ashley says

    April 5, 2013 at 11:01 am

    I am a big fan of spray tans, but they can be expensive. I have recently started using
    Tan Towels (medium/dark) and really like them.
    You do not get streaky at all!! I purchase mine at Ulta. Great to use when they have a coupon 🙂 Have a blessed day everyone!!

    Reply
  8. Mallory says

    April 5, 2013 at 11:05 am

    I’m also swearing off tanning beds forever. I bought the St. Tropez mousse and haven’t looked back since.

    Lindsay- I recommend getting the mitt that comes with most self tanners. It makes the application process easy as pie and very natural. Plus, you never have blotchy hands! 🙂

    Reply
  9. Samantha says

    April 5, 2013 at 11:09 am

    It would be interesting and beneficial for someone like me (who knows little about self tanners) which product you like for what reasons. What were your experiences with them? Thanks!

    Reply
  10. Hannah says

    April 5, 2013 at 11:12 am

    I love Tan Towel brand! Super natural looking, and really easy to apply. I also love VersaSpa spray tans, which last about a week.

    Reply
  11. kbb1016 says

    April 5, 2013 at 11:13 am

    Living here in the South I’m finding it difficult to find some of these products. Where you get yours in the Charlotte area? I’m in South Carolina so hopefully they are some stores here. Help!

    Reply
  12. Lauren says

    April 5, 2013 at 11:16 am

    I use to indoor tan too and promised myself to never do it again! My new favorite self tanner is the versa spa in a can! I have gotten spray tans in the versa spa before and really liked it but the can is just as good! 🙂
    Love your blog!

    Reply
  13. Katie says

    April 5, 2013 at 11:19 am

    I also like the Tan Towels: http://www.tantowel.com/
    They are similar to the Loreal Towelettes, but I think they look more natural.

    Reply
  14. Laura H says

    April 5, 2013 at 11:33 am

    I’ve used the Loreal Sublime one for years and think it’s the best. I’ve tried most brands. I exfoliate with Kiehls scrub beforehand, then apply moisturizer then tanner.

    http://www.favoritesisters.blogspot.com

    Reply
  15. Kendall says

    April 5, 2013 at 11:34 am

    I love tanning beds too until I got melanoma at the age 25! So not worth the risks of skin cancer. I love the St Tropez one. I also love the Victorias Secret tanning lotions. Theyre great!

    Reply
  16. fefechristine says

    April 5, 2013 at 11:46 am

    Can you share your tips for application? Thanks for sharing your favorite self tanners…you always have the best tan!

    fefechristine.blogspot.com

    Reply
  17. Sarah says

    April 5, 2013 at 11:52 am

    Hey Emily! Thanks so much for posting this….I too love tanning beds, I feel that I am seriously addicted! Do you have any tips on how to overcome the post tanning bed blues?

    Reply
  18. Brianna says

    April 5, 2013 at 11:58 am

    Love your blog!!!! Thank you so much for all of your tips. Your style is so amazing and I couldn’t have been more excited when you started this website. I have already gone to The Container Store to get my makeup organized lol! and now I am going to try a few of your self tanning options 🙂

    Brianna
    briannamattias.blogspot.com

    Reply
  19. Rachel says

    April 5, 2013 at 12:03 pm

    I might have to try the Perfekt!!

    Rachel
    theoxfordstyle.com

    Reply
  20. Shauna says

    April 5, 2013 at 12:09 pm

    Lindsay-the key is to exfoliate your whole body in the shower before applying the self tanner. If you don’t exfoliate, the tanner seeps into dry areas and that’s where the blotches appear. 🙂

    Reply
  21. Sara says

    April 5, 2013 at 12:12 pm

    YAY! I am a lover of sunless tanners. I am a lifer when it comes to being pale, and tried every tanner out there. My current favorie is Sun Laboratories Overnighter. It has a great non-orange color, no bad smell and gives you an instant bronzer so you dont miss spots! Loving this new blog EmilY!

    Reply
  22. Julie Blake says

    April 5, 2013 at 12:32 pm

    Thanks, Emily! I use Dr. Gross Skincare and love the Beauty to Glow.

    Reply
  23. Lauren says

    April 5, 2013 at 12:44 pm

    Does anyone know if there is a specific one that works better than the others? So many options! Thanks! 🙂

    Reply
  24. Natalie says

    April 5, 2013 at 12:58 pm

    I recently got on TanWise from Sallys Beauty Supply store. Recently they had buy 2 for $20. They have a spray and a lotion. I bought both and switch back and forth and mix the lotion with colorless lotion when in a rush! This stuff is great and gives a great tan!! Even my 82 year old grandma asked if I had been tanning! Try it out! Thanks for sharing Emily!! <3

    Reply
  25. Sam says

    April 5, 2013 at 1:00 pm

    What about for your face?

    Reply
  26. Kelli Kadlec says

    April 5, 2013 at 1:10 pm

    Rodan and Fields has an AMAZING sunless tanning foam! Super easy to apply and looks great. Check it out at karlalaing.myrandf.com . You won’t be disappointed!!!:)

    Reply
  27. Christina says

    April 5, 2013 at 1:23 pm

    I’ve had great success with Tan Towels!

    Reply
  28. Stella says

    April 5, 2013 at 1:45 pm

    Guilty as charged I used to lay in those tanning beds because I wanted the natural tan look without orange streaks- I’m as fair as they come- I tried Per-fekt’s body perfection gel in tan and it has become my secret weapon! It retexturizes my skin hiding cellulite and veins giving a natural bronzed tan (no organge hue). I’m hooked, won’t leave the house in a dress without it!

    Reply
  29. Katie says

    April 5, 2013 at 1:48 pm

    I am an independent consultant for Rodan and Fields and we have a wonderful tanning foam! I absolutely LOVE it!

    Reply
  30. Diana Sellers says

    April 5, 2013 at 2:12 pm

    I would like to recommend Rodan + Fields self tanner. It is a tanner created by the dermatologists that created Pro-Activ. It is awesome!!!…and is SCENTLESS!! If you don’t agree that it’s awesome you can return it within 60 days for your money back. No other tanner offers that. I have a bathroom cabinet full of tanners I didn’t like. If you would like to try it for yourself you can order it at http://www.dianasellers.myrandf.com

    Reply
  31. Kalli says

    April 5, 2013 at 4:19 pm

    <3 your new blog! I hate the self tanning process! Mitts… streaking… orange skin and next we even hear that DHA is a carcinogenic- really? I'd rather use a body bronzer like Per-fekt! Love the tan, it doesn't transfer and washes right off <3 no orange hands. Bring it on summer! xo

    Reply
  32. Steph says

    April 5, 2013 at 4:45 pm

    I really love your posts and I love all the options you list as your favorites, although, I’d love a bit more information on why you like each one and which is your real favorite! Write more details, please! Thanks!

    Reply
  33. Sue Z says

    April 5, 2013 at 5:20 pm

    The Loreal tan towels are ‘the bomb’! Just luv em’!
    Going for a airbrush body spray tan is the best of them
    if you are going on vacation! Tan forever!

    Reply
  34. Mildred says

    April 5, 2013 at 9:12 pm

    Your color always looks great. Do you spray tan or stick to these self tanners?

    Reply
  35. Lexie says

    April 5, 2013 at 10:14 pm

    I have tried and tested too many brands to count and found that I would have headaches and nausea from the nasty ingredients, but my favourite was at tropez until recently I found Naked Tan, an organic formula made from aloe Vera, I apply myself and also have spray tan’s on occasion using Naked Tan. I am in Australia so not sure if it has gone international yet but I would not consider anything else anymore. Definitely look it up a beautiful natural colour, you can shower after only two hours and it lasts over a week, there is a matching body wash and scrub also and they all smell like coconut. Divine!

    Reply
  36. The Enchanted Home says

    April 6, 2013 at 8:08 am

    Clarins is my favorite….its not orange-y and goes on really smooth, very natural looking. I think self tanners are the perfect solution, but like all things must be done in moderation!

    Reply
  37. Caitlin says

    April 6, 2013 at 10:58 am

    Have you tried Xen self tanner? You can get at nordstrom. Gives a really real looking tan and doesn’t smell like self tanner. Worth checking out.

    http://Www.caitlinconfidential.blogspot.com

    Reply
  38. Zoe Politis says

    April 6, 2013 at 3:55 pm

    The comment from Lia above, the correct website is http://www.vanityglocharlotte.com
    Check us out if you are in Charlotte!!! Get your GLO on!!

    Reply
  39. Erin says

    April 7, 2013 at 6:54 pm

    I also am embarrassed to say I used to be a tanning bed lover. I saw the same story you are talking about and it was enough to say “peace out” rather easily after witnessing the after effects of a job gone bad!!!!! Thanks for the tanning recommendations! My question is how often do you reapply? How long will a bottle last you?

    Reply
  40. Mackenzie says

    April 8, 2013 at 1:01 pm

    Try “Flawless Fake and Bake” works SO well!!

    Reply
  41. Tanya says

    April 10, 2013 at 10:40 am

    I have tried several, the mits the creams….and by far my fave is “So Bronze” available at beauty supply stores. It’s a lotion that is brown so when you rub it in you can see exactly where it is going and the exact color you will be. It doesn’t change over time, turn orangey or smell like a self tanner! Best part is, it’s under 20 bucks! It’s amazing, and I hated self tanners before I was introduced to this 🙂

    Reply
  42. trynda says

    April 10, 2013 at 11:20 am

    I’m loving your blog Emily! I used to tan all the time, I just felt like needed to. everyone looks a little better with a little color, especially me! So self tanners are my new best friend! I’m totally gonna try some of these nee ones out:)

    Reply
  43. Esther says

    April 10, 2013 at 5:22 pm

    I totally have to try these out I’m so pale!

    http://lovealwaysesther.com

    http://youtube.com/lovealwaysesther

    Reply
  44. Katherine says

    April 12, 2013 at 9:56 am

    Which of these would you recommend for your face? Going to try the Per-fekt lotion, I love their mascara!

    Reply
  45. best self tanner says

    January 26, 2017 at 11:44 am

    Thanks for sharing pics! i also using products for tan and very useful for me.

    Reply

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