Best in Bronzing

  1. Victoria's Secret Baked Mineral Bronzing Powder

 

This is my favorite bronzing makeup by far, and I've tried many! I use the Goddess shade, which is listed as Medium on the VS website. It's not too orange or too shimmery; it looks natural and blends in well. Overall it's just fantastic and at $16, it's a pretty good bargain.

2. Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer 

It's an oldie but goodie. There's a reason this has been around for years, and there's a reason I've been using it pretty much every day since it came out. I've tried a few other brands, including copycat store brands, and I just think this is the best in its category. I like that it's not sticky or streaky and acts just like a regular moisturizer. They apparently reformulated the scent, but I think I'm immune to it by now, so I don't notice a huge difference. I use the "medium to tan firming." I really doubt it does much for my cellulite, but I guess it can't hurt! 

3. Flash Bronzer Tinted Self-Tanning Leg Gel

This really does make you look TAN! It's the best tan I've ever gotten from a bottle. After just a use or two, you get pretty deep color compared to other self tanners. It is a little shimmery, so beware if you don't like any shimmer. I use the leg gel on my entire body. I've tried the "body" version and it just doesn't work as well. The drawback is that it's $40.

4. Palmer's Sunless Tanner & Instant Bronzer SPF 15

This is a little different than other self tanners I've used. Max's mom introduced me to it, and I like it even though it might not be my all-time favorite. It smells chocolate-y, which is great. And it's definitely a nice brown color instead of orange; it's not shimmery. I like that it has SPF, but I think that's what makes it a little on the greasy side. That's the biggest drawback. Another negative is that I've only seen in online, not in stores. But the best part about it is after just one application your really do see a tan and not one that rinses off when you take a shower.

5. Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion

This is my newest find and I'm really liking it! At about $7, it's a great value. It doesn't really give you "deep dark color" as it says on the bottle, but I definitely notice a nice, brown tan. It's not shimmery, orange, streaky or sticky. It's as easy to apply as regular lotion, and it has a pleasant smell. I applied it two days in a row earlier in the week, and I still have a nice tan. 

There are several self-tanning products I still want to try, including some from St. Tropez and Clarins. I would love to hear your favorites!