Best Drugstore Self Tanners of 2011 - A Review

      Now that Spring is in the air and the sun is beginning to shine, you might start noticing your pasty white skin emerging from turtlenecks and down jackets ... and slipping into shorts and tanks.

     No time to get to the beach?  No desire to lay down in a tanning bed?  On a budget?  Look no further because as a self-proclaimed tanning addict and a former tanning salon employee, I have put together a review on the best - and the worst, "self tanning" lotions and gradual tanning lotions in my collection. 

    First up, gradual tanners:

Jergen's Natural Glow:  This was the first gradual tanner I ever picked up.  I purchased it a few years ago when it was newly released and thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread.  After about 2 years of new and improved gradual tanners,  I don't think the same of it anymore.  This is something nice for the fair skinned person.  If you have the slightest bit of color this will not do much for you.  It smells decent when applying, however after a few hours of developing,  it stinks like the usual self tan smell.  I would not suggest applying in the morning seeing as the scent of the developed tan is highly potent.  On the positive side,  it is true to it's claim " gradual tan."  For the light skinned skeptics, I would recommend this as an introduction into the self tanning world.  I have tried both the light and dark variations of this product and did not see much of a noticeable difference between the two.  Prices vary usually between $7-$10 however I think it is worth a heftier price since the lotion itself is thick and will last a while.  Warning:  This product may streak if you do not blend thoroughly.

Jergen's Natural Glow Express: This is the "express" version of the above product.  I would have to give the same description as it's big brother, the regular natural glow.  Once again,  you will not see much of a difference in your skintone unless you are fair.   I don't see how they can call this product "express."  For around $6-$7 a tiny bottle,  I'll pass. 

Moist "Hemp" Bronzing Moisturizer:  This is a pump bottle of gradual tan I picked up from Sally Beauty Supply, and I was pleasantly surprised.  It has a very nice, subtle, light banana-y scent, but not the artificial kind, ie banana syrup in a milkshake.  And to my surprise, this product does not let off the "I just self tanned" stink,  even hours afterward.  I would go so far as saying I would apply this before going to work or on a date night.  It does not provide GREAT color,  however it is packed with moisturizing hemp seed oil and lots of other beneficial ingredients, so to use as an after-beach moisturizer for around $8 for a large pump bottle that lasts me all year,  this is a great buy ... seeing as the more moist your skin is,  the deeper your tan will be, and the longer it will last.

Skin Drench Daily Radiance Moisture Glow Lotion: This was another great steal from Sally's.  As a "knockoff" of Jergen's Natural Glow,  this lotion packs a big punch.  The color is great and shows up within a matter of days as the product claims, even on olive skin.  The fragrance is nice while applying, and although it does not STINK while the color develops, it is not the best smelling gradual tan.  For a few dollars cheaper than the "brand name" product,  this is definitely worth it to me. 

Hawaiin Tropic Island Glow:  I am not sure if this product was discontiuned or if it got a makeover with new packaging.  Whatever the situation may be,  I frankly don't care.  This did nothing for me.  No color, no scent, random streaking on arms.  This product is not for me and probably isn't for you either.

Now on to true "self tanners" .....

Tan Towel Self Tanning Towelette:  I am not sure if this can be considered a "drugstore item."  I know it retails at such places as Sephora and Ulta, however I have spotted it at local beauty supplies as well for around $3 a towel.  This is a very fickle product for me to discuss.  It was one of my first ever self tanners.  For the low maintenance tanner,  I would suggest this.  The scent is not amazingly pleasant during application and is certainly not pleasant whatsoever during developing time.  However, the color is realistic looking if you are olived skin - medium skin tones.  For the fair skinned consumer, stay far away.  This will produce a very orange tone on your skin.  All in all,  this product is decent.  You must be very careful while applying seeing as you WILL streak if you do not pay very close attention to where you are applying.  The self tan product in this towelette is not very quick drying, so beware of any activity while drying before re-dressing.  Lastly,  I would like to add that this is in fact the original self tanning towelette, so if you can find an individual single use towelette for a good price, give it a try, you might end up loving it.

Banana Boat Summer Color Lotion:  This product is my all-time favorite. This is something I have re-purchased again and again.  It is on the cheaper end of the drugstore tanners, and is well worth the mere $6 you may pay for it.  Firstly,  it is tinted, so you can see where you are applying.  The scent is described as "citrus."  Although I wouldn't agree with that, it is very light and clean smelling for a self tanner.  And, the processing smell is barely detectable.  That already gives it an A+ in my book.  The color develops in about 3 hours and will last about a week.  Seeing as I am already decently tan,  it usually takes a few applications for me to be as dark as I'd like, but since it doesn't stain and it doesn't stink, I don't mind applying often.  And since it comes in multiple shades, it is perfect for everyone. 

Neutrogena Micromist Tanning Airbrush Spray:  This was the first and the only spray I have ever tried.  For starters, this spray is clear so it is very easy to receive streaks since you do not know where you are applying.  It is not quick drying,  it has the typical stench of a self tan, and it is on the higher end of the drugstore prices,  so I am not pleased with it all.  I would not recommend this to anyone.  In the future I would consider purchasing a tinted airbrush spray, that way I can see where it is going. 

And that is the extent of my collection.  I hope this helps! As always, exfoliate before applying any self tan and do not forget to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize to maintain the life of your healthy glow!  Happy tanning, tanners, and happy Summer 2011!