Product Reviews Rated 3.93 out of 5 stars
131 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review This stuff is a godsend I have a pretty pale complexion all year round and this summer hadn't gotten much sun. I really wanted that sun kissed look without it looking orange/streaky and for a reasonable price. I saw this at Ulta and decided to give it a go. I was hesitant at first but once I saw the results I was truly amazed. I rubbed it all over after my shower, and used it sparingly on my face and when I woke up in the morning I had a beautiful even tan all over. I got a lot of compliments saying how natural it looked. I washed my hands right after and had no problems with staining. It does develop that fake tan smell eventually so beware of that. It also does take a lot of product to cover your body so you do end up going through it quick but it's 100% worth it!!! This was my first time self tanning and I was very pleased.
Most Helpful Critical Review Not for beginners... Let me start by saying that I am very fair. All winter long I rock my porcelain like it's nobody's business but in the summer it feels good to have a little color. I'm not super familiar with sunless tanners so I was hoping a "gradual" tanner would be forgiving enough for me. I was drawn in by the brand (have several friends that swear by this line!), the delicious watermelon scent, the packaging, and the words on the bottle, "Gradual Tan".
When I first put this on, the watermelon scent was wonderful & summer-y, unfortunately that smell was quickly replaced by your typical self tanning scent (I was prepared for this...) Then it occurred to me that the white lotion rubbed in to my skin so well that I couldn't really tell if I'd missed any spots. I had hoped that the tan would be gradual enough for me to hit any missed spots on the next day before anyone could notice. Later that day, I could already see a difference in color. Unfortunately, that meant that I could also see all of the spots that I missed and streaks caused by my fingers. It was way less gradual than I thought. The tan was beautiful in color but gathered by my elbows & knees, was streaky (again, user error), and the scent lingered.
For a beginner, I would recommend a gradual tanner that is tinted so you don't end up making the same mistakes as me (they all end up smelling the same anyway!)
Will be returning today. Still in search of the perfect sunless tanning lotion.
Reviewed by 131 customers Horrible scent 3
Neesh from Chicago
This smells good and after like 30 min it starts to smell horrible. It makes your clothes and sheets smell too. It's too bad because it does work well
Best sunless tan lotion ever 5
B from Seattle, Wa
Smells delicious. Easy and even application. I just slap it on and I never have any problems with streaking or blotchiness. Beautiful, natural light brown tan color. My skin is sooo soft.
Very strong tan and very moisturizing / use bw mousse 5
Hazel from Pittsburgh
This is a very strong and very moisturizing gradual tan. I love it! Put on bare skin and it will certainly turn you tan. But my fave way to use is in between mousse tans. It deeply moisturizes which you need since tan dries your skin, smells nice and keeps your tan going strong. DO NOT use bare hands!!! No matter how much you scrub them, they will be darkened. I use rubber gloves out of shower then place on tops of hands etc. I also put a deep non tan lotion first on ankles, knees and elbows. I alternate this w coconut oil or a nice light lotion, or the not as strong in the tan or moisture department bondi Sands gradual milk. Do not use this daily! Too strong. My tan is on point.
Good but be careful with transfer staining 4
Loz from TX
I always shower at night so Ive been using it before bed. It's easy to apply (I did have a bit of patchiness around my ankles at first but that was user error. I try to wait as long as possible to get into bed to give it time to dry. But after using it for a few weeks I do notice a slight stained area on my light blue sheets.
Good Product - not foolproof 4
MiniMoni from CO
This was my first self tanning product in a really long time. I recently started using Retinoids & so I prefer not to get a natural tan & I wear sunscreen daily. I got this bc it was reccommended to me by an Ulta employee. She had mentioned that since it was my first time that a lotion might be more forgiving to try. So I got it. I did all of the things that you are supposed to before a self tan: exfoliate, moisturize dry areas, etc. The initial smell is nice, it smells like Jolly Rancher Watermelon :). Then of course as it sinks into the skin, you do get the usual self tanner smell. That smell never bothered me though (I weirdly kind of like it). Overall, application was easy enough; I did use a mitt as I did not want to deal with orange hands. It got patchy only on certain areas on my feet (user error as I am still not good at applying it there). Gives a really nice looking tan. I would buy again but I would also try other products from St. Tropez & see if I like anything else.
Good, will buy again 4
Kdawg from Florida
This is a perfectly good tanning lotion, but don't be fooled by the 'watermelon infusion' on the package. This smells just like all tanning lotion smells, nothing like watermelon at all.
I really love this stuff, BUT has caused breakouts :( 4
Chelsea S. from Chicago, IL
I loved this product so so much. It smells so great and is super moisturizing. The longer you left it on, the more the tan built as well. Definitely had more golden/yellow undertones compared to other self-tanners with red/green that produces a neutral brown tan. If you prefer something more neutral, I'm not sure this is for you. Unfortunately, I have to stop using it. I'm quite positive that using this has caused me to breakout on my back. I've been using this product for about 9 months now, and I've linked the breakouts to the start of using this product. If you are more prone to acne/clogged pores/etc. I would say try a mousse instead, that's what I'll be switching back to. It makes me really sad though because I love this stuff so much!!
Smells great 4
Sweet t from Va
I like it okay. Definitely more streaky than the bronze colored bottle that kinda guides you. Blotchy on my wrists so I'll have to clean it up. I would definitely buy again! Next time I'll just pay closer attention to where the lotion is going.
Disappointed 3
Jade from Georgia
I was excited to try as this came recommended to me. At first, the smell was wonderful! About 30 minutes in it for the typical sunless tan smell (cat pee), but it was WORSE than any I've ever smelled. I had to wash it off immediately. I couldn't imagine wearing it as a moisturizer all day. Maybe it has more color in it than some brands? Not sure. I'll stick to my Jergen's Natura Glow.
Smells delicious 5
Tw from Maryland
I use this in between the St.Tropez original mouse. It dries quickly and smells incredible.
dries skin out 2
carolyn from Michigan
I really liked how well this worked at first and enjoyed the watermelon scent. but after about a week of daily use I noticed my skin was dry and itchy. then it started to get patchy due to the dryness. I ended up throwing it out. would not recommend and wouldn't buy again
Great color, good smell! 4
Alanna from Columbus, oh
Definitely not a gradual tan, I was significantly darker after applying it 2 days in a row which I liked. I hate having to wait a week of every day use with gradual products. The color was good on me and I was really pale before putting it on. I did get a little orange on my wrists, elbows, knees and ankles but all at home tanning products do that to me. Absolutely wash your hands after using or use a mitt, I just did a quick rinse the first time and my hands and nails were very orange. It smells like self tanner mixed with watermelon which I, and my boyfriend, liked but I like the smell of self tanner normally. I would definitely recommend as long as you use it correctly.
Works, but STINKS. Would use original tanning lotion instead 3
St. Tropez lover from Meridian, ID
I hands down think St. Tropez has the best self tanning out there. I've used many other self tanning products at comparable prices and think St. Tropez gives the best sub kisses natural look. I've been a fan of all their products except this one. The best way for me to use this product is to use after the shower in between using the tanning mousse. It helps me to maintain the tan from the mousse. I have learned to use this product at night, and will apply it making sure I got everything evenly, then I put a little normal lotion over this. The normal lotion over this helps me to prevent streaking, and helps aid in the terrible smell this starts to get. It smells good at first but I'd say it only smells good the first 30 mins. You're better off getting their normal product of the gradual tan, it smells better in my opinion and has the same payoff.
Smells like watermelon candy! Love it! 5
Tiffany from Stroudsburg, PA
I actually love how it smells and I love how quickly it gave me a soft tan. Before I applied it for the first time and first layer, I used a body scrub to ensure I get a even application throughout my body and get rid of dead skin that can cause patchiness. I'm a light skin Hispanic and my skin burns before it tans. This is a nice and safe alternative to look tan in the summer season without burning and damaging my skin. I also appreciate this brand for being vegan and cruelty free.
It's a 10! 5
Liz from Northern Virginia
I love this product! I upgraded from a competitor product that you use while still in the shower, and I'll never go back. For reference, I am an NW20/NC20 for color comparison, and this product works wonders and smells so delicious.
Thank goodness I didn't have anywhere to be 1
LH from New Jersey
I have enjoyed St. Tropez products in the past, I think they are a good brand. This product, however, is the worst tanning product I have ever used. It is not a gradual tan at all, I woke up the morning after applying significantly darker than before I put it on. I didn't think i would need a mitt because it is a lotion and says that it is good for every day use and that it would be gradual, but it looked horribly streaky on my legs where I rubbed it in and was concentrated at my knees and ankles. I wouldn't recommend this product although the smell is more pleasant than some and if you want a gradual tan, look for something different.
Natural Tan 5
kas19 from TX
Lightweight natural tan lotion. I usually use this after shaving, and it leaves my skin smooth and moisturized without the fake tan smell or greasy feeling. The scent is faintly fruity, which is great too. I recommend it, especially for balancing out an uneven tan or just part of a daily routine!
Forever will buy! 5
ACW from Erie, PA
Best sunless tanner product I have ever used. I live in Erie PA where I can only lay in the sun a couple months out of the year, and I HATE being super pale/washed out! This product is amazing- as long as you follow the directions and wash your hands afterwards, you're good to go. Basically replaced my regular moisturizer. I also purchased the Purity Water to help the color on my face/neck area. Not sure what people are tripping about- I've used the Jergens products before and was not impressed. St Tropez is the real deal and I am certainly a lifetime customer!! 10/10 highly recommend. I legit FEEL better after using this product. Much love. XOXO
Like 5
Dan from Phoenix
I like it, an excellent consistency
Don't waste your time or money 1
mollyh99 from peabody MA
after reading reviews, i decided to try this. i was super excited to try the watermelon scent as i usually love anything watermelon. the scent immediately goes away as soon as it hits your skin. after a few hours, you can see how orange and streaky the product is. the lotion itself isn't colored as i read in another review so it makes it hard to know which spots have a lot and which have none at all. i usually use jergens ($7). jergens works WAY better, looks way more natural, smells better, and saves you a ton of money. i'll be returning this product.
Pretty Dang Good! 5
Jenna from Tempe, AZ
I put this on after a long bath or warm shower, as I find it applies better the longer I have been in water. I have applied during the day and find little color payoff... but if I put it on after my nightly bath, I wake up pretty tan in the morning! It's not super dark, but it does help me adjust my shade for wearing my favorite, slightly tanner foundation! I wish the watermelon scent didn't fade into a self tan smell after a day or so because I feel like other people can smell it if I can!
Love it 5
Jjs from Ohio
I'm surprised there are so many reviews saying this leaves an orange color. On me it's really a nice bronze color. I really love this self tanner. It isn't as gradual as some I've used but it's not immediate either. I'm pretty fair and I feel it takes a few uses to get my desired color. It's so moisturizing. Yes the luscious watermelon smell does fade into self tanner smell but it's really not that bad. Better than most. I like using it in the winter when I just want to not look pasty white 😳. Love this. Will continue buying! ❤️
No thank you! 1
Fifi from Santa Cruz, Ca
The $3 Jergins brand is way better even though the smell isn't as great it goes on more even this this. Plus I seriously looked like I had orange candy cane legs!
not my fave 2
awol from ohio
I am super super pale, as pale as you can get and it made me look yellow.
I buy this product again and again... I love it! 5
Creative B from Albuquerque, New Mexico
I like to apply this after I shower at night, let it dry for 10 minutes or so and when u wake up u have a perfect sun kissed glow that's looks natural!
