I try to make my reviews as varied as possible so hopefully you'll be interested in reading at least...
I try to make my reviews as varied as possible so hopefully you'll be interested in reading at least one of my reviews!
Member since:08.06.2006
Reviews:57
Members who trust:57
*Introduction*
The St Tropez autobronzant is a thick lotion which you apply on your face and body, and then leave to absorb for 4 hours before washing off to reveal your tan. It promises to be 'non-greasy' and 'quick drying' with a 'relaxing aromatic scent'. It comes in one shade only, but you can reapply two nights in a row to deepen the tan. I have really pale skin that doesn't tan at all naturally, so I have to be careful what fake tan I use as I can be left with orange coloured skin!
*Packaging and Price*
The packaging is quite simple and whereas most fake tanning products come in a brown or orange bottle, it is distinctive as it comes in a white bottle with black writing. When buying, look carefully at the bottle to check you have the right product though as the St Tropez body polish comes in a very similar bottle! The bottle has a pump at the top.
The prices are as follows:
120ml - £17.50 240ml - £26.50
I
don't think I've ever any of St Tropez's products on special offer in Boots or in any discounted stores, so you may be stuck buying them for full price, unless you buy from Ebay where they often sell for half the RRP.
*Preparation For the Lotion*
Before you first apply the tanning solution, it is recommended that you exfoliate your skin and apply moisturiser in areas where your skin is most dry, such as elbows, ankles, wrists and knees. Although St Tropez also do exfoliator and moisturiser products, cheaper versions from places such as superdrug do the job just as good. So first I exfoliate my skin in the shower using a boots ownbody scrub, then I apply some creamy body lotion. I apply body lotion all over and then apply extra in the parts which are extra dry. When doing my face, I dab vaseline over my eyebrows and along my hair line, as I find that this helps stop me having orange eyebrows and brown marks framing my face!
One thing I should point out is that it is not a good idea to apply the lotion straight after you come out of the shower as your pores are opened up from the steam and you will be left with brown dots all over your skin!
To apply I use St Tropez latex gloves, a mitt to apply to my face and hands and an applicator for my back. It is important that you cover your hands with gloves so that you are not left with bright orange palms. When I first started using this lotion, I used to just wash my hands every couple of minutes, but I was still left with orange palms and worse.. brown fingernails!
The lotion itself is a chocolate brown colour and when applied to the skin looks very dark and streaky. Don't be alarmed though as this looks nothing like the end result. One big advantage with it being a wash off tan is that you can see where you have already applied. I find it really easier to apply to my back in particular because of this, whereas with some fake tans you are often left with white patches as you can't see where you have missed out!
There is a very helpful section on the St Tropez website (www.st-tropez.co.uk) which details how best to apply the tan.
The lotion takes forever to dry, I usually wait 15 minutes before getting dressed and it is still slightly wet then. It will get on your clothes so make sure you wear something you're not afraid of staining. It is very sticky for quite a while afterwards so make sure you apply it a good couple of hours before you go to bed otherwise it will be horrible to lie in!
*End Result*
When I wash the lotion off in the morning, I'm greeted with healthy looking golden skin! The colour makes a big difference to my pale skin, if you have darker skin you may need to apply two nights in a row. In the summer I tend to apply two nights in a row to look even more tanned.
To keep your tan maintained it is recommended that you moisturise all over your body everyday. This works and helps your tan to fade evenly. If you don't moisturise the tan will wear off horribly leaving white and brown patches all over the place! My tan lasts for about 5 days before it has faded enough to apply again, although if you use a gradual tanning lotion, such as Johnson's Holiday Lotion it can last longer.
*Disadvantages*
The biggest drawback for me about St Tropez lotion is that you have to leave the product on for at least four hours before washing it off. I tend to put mine on before I go to bed and sleep in it, but this is not pleasant at all, especially if you share a bed with someone! I tend to find that it comes off really easy on your bed sheets and pillowcase leaving you with brown stains in the morning. If St Tropez were to develop a home product which you could wash off after one hour then this would be a big improvement and a lot easier, as at the moment it's a very messy product!
The smell is quite strong, especially when you first apply it. It's not too unpleasant but it is a very fake smell. After you wash the lotion off, the smell does fade but you can still smell it for a good few hours after which it disappears completely.
Another drawback I have found is that it tends to wear off faster in certain areas, such as the hands and face. This is probably due to the fact that this areas are washed more thoroughly and is probably the same with all self tanning products. Also if you wear an underwired bra then you can be left with white bits under your chest! The only way I have found to combat this is apply product more often to these areas.
Occasionally, I am left with slightly brown elbows where I have not moisturised my skin enough, I find that there is a cheap way of getting rid of this and that is by rubbing estringent to the area!
*Overall Impression*
The tan is expensive, but worth it if you want to achieve the flawless, professional look. It lasts longer and fades more evenly than most other fake tans out there. The colour is deep and I love how it gives colour to my pale skin, it is great for boosting your confidence! Unfortunately like all things it has it's disadvantages, it is messy and the smell a little strong. But all in all a great product which I recommend to everyone who uses fake tan!
♠♠♠♠♠♠Very Interesting Review You Have Here ,Craig :D♠♠♠♠♠♠
superpammy 16.05.2007 15:02
Thank you so much for this review. I have always wanted to try St Tropaz but never been sure if its worth the price. I'm definitely going to try it now!
jomarley2 18.04.2007 22:44
I've always been nervous of self-tan, never used it before but what with all the health warnings about sunbathing and sunbeds i'm veering towards it. If i do decide to use any self- tans i will definately try your vaseline tip. Thanx
St Tropez Tanning Essentials Tinted Self Tanning Lotion Step 3 120ml - St. Tropez tinted ... more
self-tanning lotion works instantly for a streakless application that will last for days. This aloe vera based lotion is non greasy and quick drying, with a relax...
St. Tropez tinted self-tanning lotion works instantly for a streakless application that ... more
will last for days. This aloe vera based lotion is non greasy and quick drying, with a relaxing aromatic scent. Conveniently formulated in one maximum strength sha...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Step 3 of a 3 step system to cleanse, rehydrate and tan your skin! St Tropez Bronzing ... more
Lotion is the most luxurious way to give yourself a radiant tan, with no sun needed! Giving tan instantly and intesifying more over the following 3 hours, this is n...
Postage & Packaging: Check Site. Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Get a golden brown tan without stepping foot in a tanning bed! This award-winning original ... more
formula works instantly for a streakless application that lasts 7 to 14 days. The Aloe Vera based lotion is non-greasy and quick drying, with a relaxing aromatic...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: fabulous colour, much better for you than sitting in the sun Disadvantages: smell, colour when developing, messy, more expensive than other tans - but well worth the extra
Advantages: nice fragrance, relatively easy to apply. Disadvantages: turned out orange on my own skin, is not completely even and streak free, expensive, messy.
.gif)
Apr 10th, 2007
exceptional by (3%):
very helpful by (97%):
