It's almost summer and now is the umpteenth time to bare that sun-kissed glow and tanned skin. Naturally fair, I shun baking my skin under the sweltering sun and tanning salons. Aside from photo-aging and skin cancer connected to both, I opt for a more subtle "beach- goddess- radiance". Enter the self-tanners.
Last week, I started to use
Clarins Instant Smooth Self Tanning (Lisse Minute Autobronzant) for my face and
Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel (Gelee Auto-Brozante Express) for my body. To achieve best results, I followed the instructions to a T. (1) Exfoliate or scrub face and body to slough off dead skin cells. (2) Moisturize to smooth out dry areas of the skin, in particular elbows, knees and heels (3) Apply self-tanner ideally at night time to allow the product to work while dozing off.
Clarins Instant Smooth Self Tanning is fool-proof. Application is easy sans mirror, I must say! I used it after my normal skincare routine:
Wash (exfoliate),
Tone,
Moisturize. It has a luxurious scent which is reminiscent of caramel with a touch of vanilla. The bonus point- I did not have breakouts. It can be used daily or until desired color/ tan is achieved. I used it for three consecutive nights. I love how my tan progressed each day. Not overly dramatic but noticeable enough to fish compliments from friends.
 |
| I woke up to a radiant sun-kissed glow |
Additional Product Information:
- Size: 30ml / 1 oz. net wt.
- Packaging: Brown/bronze bottle jar
- Color: Tinted brown
- Consistency: Light, smooth, silky, dissolves onto skin fast
- Key Ingredients: Acacia micro pearls which act to fill in lines and wrinkles
- Dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic
- Price: About $32.00
Clarins Self Tanning Gel can be used for face and body based from its packaging directions. I intentionally used it solely for my body to distinguish the results from the other self-tanner. I applied it all over my body, from neck to feet after shower (exfoliant) and moisturizer. It is colorless which feels like a lotion when applied. It has a lingering caramel scent- I can still smell it the morning after. I did not experience rashes after three consecutive uses. It produced a natural glowing tan which I absolutely love.
Additional Product Information:
- Size: 125 ml / 4.4 oz. net wt.
- Packaging: Brown/Brown plastic tube
- Color: Colorless
- Consistency: Gel, feels like a lotion when applied, dries fast
- Key Ingredients: DHA (dihydroxyacetone) and erythrulose (for natural looking tan); Larrea divaricata plant extract (prolongs tan)
- Price: About $33
As the cliche goes, the proof of pudding is in the eating! Here are some before and after photos of myself. All these photos were taken in natural light.
 |
A day before application.
Click photo to zoom |
 |
1st day of use
Click photo to zoom |
 |
3rd day of use
Click photo to zoom
|
Note: These self-tanners don't protect against sunburn. Apply sunscreen in the morning or before going out.
Finally, my Kissmark analysis for both:
Disclosure: Product samples were provided by manufacturer for PR review. I am not paid to express personal opinion. I based my honest reviews from my own experience. For additional product information, visit Clarins USA website.
Click here . As with other products, stop using and consult your doctor in case of irritation or rashes.
I used Clarins "Gelee Auto-Bronzante Express Self Tanning Instant Gel" The results on my arms, face, neck and decollete were wonderful - natural, golden glow. The results on the rest of my body were minimal, at best. The results on the skin around my wrists, ankles, and feet were orange and splotchy. I followed the directions to a T - cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize. The results were not instant (took 3 overnight applications for noticeable results). So, my feelings are mixed: loved the golden, natural look where it took well. Not so happy with the lack of results some places and the splotchy orange spots on other places. Bad news for where I was happy and good news for those splotchy areas: It wore off quickly (within 3 days)....
ReplyDelete