Choosing the right self tanning mousse can help you achieve a natural-looking tan without the harmful effects of sun exposure. Here are some steps to help you choose the best tanning mousse for your needs:
- Determine Your Skin Type:
- Consider your skin type and any specific concerns you have, such as sensitive skin, dryness, or oiliness. Tanning mousse is best for normal to oily skin. Dry skin will do better with a lotion formula.
- Research Brands:
- Look for brands who specialize in self tanning products. If you're looking for a dark tan, choose professional strength brands that disclose their DHA % (active ingredient that bronzes your skin) and look for concentrations of 10%+.
- Check the Ingredients:
- If you have sensitive or dry skin, avoid products with harsh chemicals, alcohol and fragrance. GlowPro Tan's is an viral favorite for fake tanning with sensitive skin.
- Consider Your Desired Level of Tan:
- Self-tanning mousses come in various shades/DHA concentrations. Consumer brands will label their colors light, medium, or dark while professional brands will label them by the DHA concentration. Expect drugstore brands to have a lower DHA concentration that what spray tan salons use. For example, 10% DHA is considered "medium" by spray tan artists but 6-8% is what is usually in consumer "dark" formulas. 14% DHA is the maximum amount of DHA your skin can absorb. You can find a DHA guide here to help you select a shade.
- Take Transfer Into Account:
- There is no such as transfer-resistant tanner, despite what some marketers might tell you. If you're concerned about transfer, choose a clear or honey-colored formula. The darker the mousse is when it pumps out, the more transfer it will produce. Note* the color the mousse pumps out does not indicate the color the ran will be. DHA is a clear ingredient. The color of the mousse is instant bronzer.
- Smell:
- All self tanners will produce some odor naturally due to the reaction between DHA and the skin. You can choose whether you want a product with added scent (vanilla, cherry) to try to cover up the DHA smell or choose an unscented formula for a lighter, less overpowering fragrance. I always recommend unscented, like these tanners.
- Price and Size:
- Look at how many ounces is in the bottles you are interested in. For comparison, Loving Tan is $35 for 4oz while GlowPro Tans is $34 for 7oz.
- Consult Reviews:
- Read reviews from other users to get insights into the product's effectiveness, application process, and longevity.