Okay… I don’t expect anyone that doesn’t live in Texas to keep up with the weather here, but it has been raining EVERY single day for the longest time.
Even when I went to the pool the Sunday before Memorial Day, it rained, just luckily it was after I came back inside! It has been cloudy and raining for so long, and well, I was planning on getting a tan this summer. Like a really deep, bronzey glow.
I even bought some melanin-amplifying products to use and review, but how am I supposed to use those when there’s no sun?
Ugh. But, I also bought a few different products from St. Tropez during a sale at Ulta (they always get me!). I have tried a few products from St. Tropez before, but just samples from Birchbox and it wasn’t anything I felt impressed over — at least not enough to mention.
The first product I have been using is the Gradual Tan Watermelon Infusion Body Lotion.
I have used several gradual tan products — drugstore style — and for the most part, I like them. Sunless tanning can be really difficult, and while gradual tan products are not exempt from that, I do think they are good for daily use.
Obviously, St. Tropez has plenty of tanning products, but I was really drawn to this one because it has Hyaluronic acid and because it’s vegan!
Hyaluronic acid has done wonders for my face, so I figured it wouldn’t hurt to use it on my arms and legs. Plus, I am into this watermelon thing for summer 🙂
So, the lotion itself is white and it’s got a medium-level of thickness, as far as consistency. Even though the lotion isn’t tinted, it’s pretty easy to see where you put it because it is really hydrating and, at first, leaves the skin feeling wet.
It does take a few minutes to dry down — this is always the most frustrating part about any type of sunless tanning for me. I usually stand in front of or underneath a fan to speed up the process.
The color from this was about a shade darker than I’d expect from a gradual tan. Think about the Jergens gradual tan — it’s so light and I feel like it takes three days to really achieve any sort of noticeable glow.
The tan from this looks natural, but I have found myself with some smudges and spots I missed. If you’ve ever gotten a spray tan, I think it’s wise to use regular lotion on your feet and hands to help the blend, but it’s never going to look like a real tan.
Honestly, I think this is a really great option. It looks natural, it doesn’t have that smell we all hate, and it’s actually hydrating so your skin benefits from it.
It’s obviously pricier than a drugstore brand, but depending on how much of your body you want tanned, I probably got 8 or so uses out of one bottle — much cheaper than a spray tan.
If you can catch a sale or a double points day at Ulta, snag it. They also have this same Watermelon Infusion but in a mousse form if that’s more your style.
What gradual tan products have you used that you really loved?
This beauty review is not sponsored — nor are any of the reviews on this blog. I am a beauty and skincare junkie and enjoy sharing the products I love right here! For more reviews and similar posts, please subscribe to the blog by clicking subscribe on the right side of your screen. Cheers!
The Bitter Lemon 
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