Firstly I'd like to state that I have very pale skin with freckles and I hate it when fake tans just cling to my freckles and blemishes making them stand out and look worse! Products I've tried in the past all do it.
Green People Self Tan Lotion:
200ml £19.95
This is nice to apply, just like a body moisturiser. I almost forgot that I was applying a fake tan and then realised I had better rub it in properly! It absorbs nicely and is a good moisturiser.
At first it has a nice natural smell due to the lovely organic ingredients used but once developed it does unfortunately have that unpleasant fake tan smell, which I really don't like, although it's not half as bad as 'normal' fake tans ( by normal I mean non-natural, synthetic ingredients.)
This develops in the time promised on the bottle which is 2-3 hours.
Result: It has a good colour, slightly more orangey than I would have liked but that's probably down to my very pale skin! I'm sure it would look nicer on tanned skin.
It's 89% organic, non- greasy or sticky, contains NO parabens, alcohol, perfumes or any other harsh chemicals.
A really good point about this one is that I didn't get any streaks or tide marks. It blends in really well considering how pale I am.
Overall I enjoyed applying this lotion as I didn't find it messy at all. it is very easily absorbed and it is just like applying my daily moisturiser but I just had to remember to rub it in properly! I really like this.
7/10
L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Fresh Feel Gel:
150ml £12.99
I had been using this product for years, before I discovered the goodness and health benefits of using natural, organic products.
As I still had some left I thought it would be a good idea to include it in my self tan review.
The self tan smell is very unpleasant from this product, I really don't like it. It is also full of harsh chemicals such as PEG's, parfum and alcohols, which unfortunately many of L'Oreal products are I find. It is a shame because L'Oreal do make some nice products, just wish they could use nicer ingredients.
However, the gel is easy to apply, though sticky when dried, and is a change from cream but it does dry quickly meaning you have to work quite quickly to avoid streaks!
Result: This self tan does give me a nice colour but it doesn't last long before I get dirty looking patches and an orangey colour. It does streak, does develop with tide marks and does smell. And I can't get past the nasty ingredients.
4/10
He-shi Express Liquid Tan:
150ml £20.00 BUT currently on offer at Boots for £13.33!
This is a great colour but be careful not to put too much on as it ruins the natural colour and goes that typical horrible orange fake tan colour.
When I put the first layer on I was really impressed with the nice natural, brown colour it produces and it didn't highlight any blemishes or dry parts of my skin (however it does if I put too much on!). Also I didn't get any horrible tide marks at all around my wrists, ankles and feet which is fantastic.
The colour develops quickly in about 2-3 hours and there is no odour! One massive positive for me is that He-shi products do not contain parabens or alcohol and are made from 100% natural DHA! Amazing, I was very happy to learn this.
It's not cheap at £20 for 150ml but you get what you pay for.
You don't need to moisturise first, which saves on time and much faffing about but the only negative point about the Express Liquid Tan is that it is MESSY! As described it is liquid, it's not a cream or gel, so you have to be so careful and quick, when squirting it out of the bottle and when applying! Oh yes! You will know what I mean if you try it but I suppose that is what the tanning mitt is for. I must get one! It's a medium colour stated on the bottle but suitable for my very fair skin.
Result: As long as you stand in the bath when applying this one, you cannot go wrong! Well done He-shi! I can't wait to try the rest of your self tan range.
9/10
