L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-tanning Gel Tinted and Shimmering for Face Body > Reviews (9)

I have been an avid fake-tan fan for about 10 years now and have used pretty much every product on the shelves so I feel fairly well-equipped with fake-tan know-how. I was until fairly recently a St Tropez devotee. The St Tropez mousse in particular provides a natural, streak-free tan with easy application. However it is expensive and have always been on the look-out for a cheaper alternative that offered as good a result.
Sublime BronzeSelf-Tanning Gel exceeded my expectations when I tried it for the first time a month ago and since then St Tropez has been off my shopping list for good.

Sublime Bronze Gel is suitable for both the Face and Body which makes it great value for money as often you have to buy 2 separate products. I purchased it for £11.50 on offer - I think it is normally £15.00 but this is still a bargain compared to St Tropez or Fake Bake.

Prior to using this product (or any self tanning product) it is important to prepare your skin beforehand and apply it correctly to ensure great results every time. Here are my recommendations :-

Preparing for Fake Tan Application
1. Exfoliate your whole body, preferably using exfoliating gloves, or if you don't own these, use an exfoliating scrub (but not a harsh one) on your skin in the shower. make sure the water is not too hot in the shower - if your skin is red it is too hot! Also exfoliate your face using a warm damp flannel and a light cream cleanser. Do not use a body scrub on your face as it is too drying and will defeat the purpose of exfolating! Apparently one of the main reasons fake tans do not work well is that people do not exfoliate properly beforehand and tak it from me it makes the world of difference to the end result.
2. On coming out of the shower dry yourself off lightly with the towel and immediately apply an intensive moisturising body cream to elbows, knees, feet and any dry areas. Also apply a light moisturiser to your face. Remove any rings/jewellery and tie your hair up if it is long.
3. Wrap yourself in a towelling dressing gown/warm towel and leave the moisturiser to sink into your skin for about 15 mins.
4. Apply some vaseline to the palms of your hands.
5. Stand on an old towel and apply the fake tan from your feet, one leg at a time and rub in well, using small amounts as you go. With Sublime Bronze it is tinted so you can see where you have applied which makes it easy. Finish off with your face. Rub any off your hairline/eyebrows with a cotton wool pad. Ensure you remember to do the back of your neck and ears.
6. Rub the palms of your hands on the towel that you are standing on.
7. Rub a cotton wool pad over your nails and toe nails.
8. Let the product dry on you for about 10 mins before getting dressed and don't wear white! The product will stain your bedclothes if you get into bed so wouldn't recommend this. I always use this time to do a manicure and paint my nails.
When I follow the above steps my fake tan looks completely natural and lasts for at least a week as long as I keep my showers short and cool.

So many of my friends have remarked on how natural my tan looks recently which is the best way of knowing how good it is!

Hope you find this review and recommendations helpful.