I’m 99,9% sure that while you’re reading this blog post, I’m walking around on a beach somewhere in Cape Town (or Hermanus). I’m probably sipping on some type of slushie or smoothie too, since the weather report tells me it’s going to be a nice & warm in Cape Town for the next 2 weeks (I’m writing this blog post in advance).
Anyway, it’s the time of the year where we all talk tan. Whether you’re into sunless tanning, or perhaps you’re a mermaid who likes to bask in the sun – I got you covered (no pun intended). I’m currently testing out these 3 products from Tropitone – 2 sunless tanners and 1 tanning oil. I know some of you cringe just thinking about a tanning oil (tanning in the sun is almost like swearing these days), but the truth is: A lot of people still like to sunbathe. The key is to use great sun protection, so that you don’t turn into a pink lobster!
I’m not someone who likes to sunbathe, I personally can’t stand the feeling of the hot sun on my skin – the sweat, the heat, the burn…no thanks! I’m more of a faux tan kinda gal, and I’m always on the hunt for a sunless tanner that will give me that French Riviera-esque bronzed glow.
I initially only tested the Tropitone Sunless Bronze products on my legs (I’m cautious like that), because I had a very ‘patchy experience’ with an old Tropitone self-tanner about a year ago. Granted, the self-tanner had been sitting in my cupboard for about a year (or maybe 2) before I used it, so it’s my own fault!
The Sunless Bronze range will help you to achieve a healthy, natural-looking tan without setting foot in the sun – now that’s my kind of product! You can choose between Medium or Dark tan colours, and I find Medium gives just the right amount of colour to my fair skin. I’m someone who likes to SEE a difference after just one application, and the Medium shade is just perfect (not too light, not too dark, not too orange).
You can also choose between pump-action or aerosol spray formulas, and although both give a natural-looking tan, I like the lotion version just a little bit more. I find it is easier to apply (especially if you’re a selft-tan newbie) and blends into the skin easier too since it is a lotion and not a fine mist. You can apply either of these with or without a tanning mitt but if you’re not using a mitt, make sure you wash your hands really well afterwards. The aerosol version distributes a fine mist, making it easy to cover those hard-to-reach areas and develops in just under 3 hours. The lotion is a creamier version and develops in 4 to 6 hours. Both are enriched with milk extracts to prevent streaking, plus they don’t smell too much like your typical self-tan products (a huge bonus for me).
Both these faux tan products give buildable coverage, so you can apply the initial layer on the first day (which will give you a natural glow) and then build it up to a deeper tan shade on the second or third day. For me personally, a tanning mitt is essential for even coverage. If you’re using a self-tan lotion or mousse, apply the product directly onto the mitt and then blend into the skin. When using an aerosol spray, use the mitt to even out the product after you’ve sprayed it directly onto the skin.
Top Tip: Apply the aerosol sunless tanner in the bathroom, as I find the mist tends to go everywhere. Also, make sure you exfoliate and moisturise really well in the days leading up to your sunless tanning application – this will ensure an even, professional-looking tan.
I do like to take advantage of the occasional ray or two on my pasty legs (when they’re exposed), so I’m looking forward to testing out the Tropitone Tanning Oil while we’re away on holiday. I’ll let you guys know what I think about this lightweight dry oil once I’m back, but for now I’ll give you a bit more info on it: This tanning oil maximises your skins natural tanning potential, while offering moderate UVA and UVB sun protection with an SPF of 6. The bottle has a no-mess, no-fuss pump-action spray for quick, easy application. My favourite thing about this oil is the scent – it smells like a refreshing Piña Colada cocktail (yum!). The fast-absorbing formula is enriched with Coconut Oil to accelerate tanning, whilst moisturising the skin as well.
Tanning in the sun is, and always will be, damaging to your skin. You can ensure safe sun exposure by using an appropriate SPF and not baking in the sun day-in day-out all year round. The unwritten rule is: If you’re not sure whether you’ve applied enough sunscreen, apply some more!
Tropitone also has some great sunscreen products ranging from SPF 20 to SPF 50, as well as a cooling After Sungel. So, if you’re planning on frolicking in the sun this holiday, be sure to check out their products at leading retailers. The Tropitone Sunless Bronze products retail for R 84,95 & the Tanning Oil retails for R 69,95.
Tropitone sent me a hamper containing some of their products and Neal immediately scooped up the sunscreen products as he’s constantly in the sun training for mountain bike races. He did the Wines2Whales mountain bike stage race this week & applied his sunscreen like a good little boy. *chuckles*
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