L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Gel > Reviews (33)

This has got to be the best self tanning substance I have tried. The fact that it is a gel instead of a lotion or cream, makes it easier to glide over your skin. Anyone can use this self tanner, it is basically idiot proof for all self tanning virgins, but on the other hand it is great for the professional self tanner, who has been applying for years. It gives a slight glistening effect when applied, this makes it easier to tell if you have missed a bit and how evenly you have applied it.

The application.

The only thing i would advise is that, if you have a shower or a bath and shave your legs, before the application, leave it an hour or so before applying the gel so your pores have chance to close, if not, what i find is that it doesn't absorb into your legs properly, your pores just soak up the gel and you end up with tiny dark brown freckles on your legs with nothing in between.

It's entirely up to you whether you moisturise before you tan, it all depends on how dry your skin is. I find that the best way to do it, if you have dry skin, is to dilute the tanner with the moisturiser before application. eg. As you are about to apply the tanner, squeeze the tanning gel onto the palm of your hand, about 10p coin, and the same amount of moisturiser, then rub your hands together until it is blended in together then apply straight away. You don't have to measure the moisturiser and tanner half and half, it all depends on the type of skin you have, you will have to play with the amounts until you get it right.

If this is your first time that you are self tanning or its the first time that you have used sublime then I would half the measurement with moisturiser and build the tan up over a few days or weeks, rather then it be too much after the first application. Believe me it looks a lot nicer building your colour up gradually than leaving work one day white then walking in the next orange.

You can either wear gloves, use a tanning mitt or neither. I find that the gloves and mitts make it more difficult to get an even application. I use my hands and wash them about every 10/15minutes (make sure you scrub them and ensure there is no residue gel left on them, this is how you get orange patches). I would advise that you apply from toe to head, because if you are anything like me, carrying a few extra pounds, you don't want to be applying it to your stomach then bending over to do your feet, again the gel will get stuck in your creases and you'll end up with lines.

So starting with your toes, without putting too much on your hand at once, I'd say about the size of a £2 coin, then rub between both your hands so you have an even lather, then massage into your toes, feet and bottom of your legs. I would advise that you dilute the application to your knees with moisturiser or apply moisturiser to the knees before application, as the skin on your knees is dryer then everywhere else, this also applies to your elbows.

Remember to massage the tanner in evenly. The first few times that you self tan, you may need to have a friend, boyfriend or mum, stood on call, as you will probably need help with the application to your back.

As mentioned before, if you have a few creases, run a cotton bud across them, blending the gel around the crease, if you don't, you will be left with dark lines in your creases, this also applies with wrinkles and anywhere where the skin surface is uneven.

Once all is applied wash your hands thoroughly, then apply the tanner to the back of your hands (NOT your palms) with a cotton ball or bud. Also make sure that you have no residue under your nails.

You should now find somewhere to sit, make sure it is comfy as you will be here for a while. I personally try to stay still for an hour, I sit on the very end of the bend so I am not creasing my stomach and have my legs stretched out. If you can not wait this long, I would say, don't put clothes on before 20 minutes after application. If you need to go, wear a baggy pair of trousers and a top, so they don't rub against your skin too much. After an hour, you will find that your skin still looks and feels as though it is wet, do not worry, it has soaked in.

This product is usually between £8-13, which may sound a bit much but is a lot cheaper than many self tanning products, although I think that sublime is the best value for money and the quality and end result is far above the rest.