Up until a year ago I never wore self tanners for two reasons: The first reason being I didn’t want to be orange, the second reason being I didn’t want my tan to be splotchy. I tried out Isle of Paradise a year ago I was so impressed! It gives my skin a beautiful natural bronze glow and no streaks! It also stays on very well. I apply this 1-2 times per month during the cooler months. Up until a month ago I used the Isle of Paradise Spray water. I recently switched to the tanning butter and drops and I cannot decide which one I like better! Both give the same results. Here are some things I noticed differently between the two:
- The tanning water is “stronger” in color – the Tanning butter can be customized to your liking with the tanning drops
- The tanning water is a spray – the butter acts as a moisturizer and leaves your skin soft which I love.
- The tanning water required a mitt – the butter you can apply by hand.
NOTE: The tanning butter is exclusive to QVC until June. It cannot be found anywhere except for their site. The tanning drops can be found at QVC and other stores like Sephora. For QVC sometimes the links can expire. If the link below does not work for the butter on QVC’s site, search “Isle of Paradise Butter” to see if they have a special going on.
SHOP ISLE OF PARADISE:
I get the shade “Dark” I am darker complected so get the shade that works best for your skin tone.
SELF TANNING STEPS (for both butter and spray water):
1. Exfoliate and Shave
Make sure exfoliator has NO oils or sulfates in it. This can cause streaks and blotchiness from tanner. You want your skin to be as clean as it can before applying. I love the Alba Botanica Exfoliating Body Wash and Billie Razor. Billie Razor is a razor/body product delivery service as low as $9 every other month. It is worth the hype! I would suggest not shaving the first shower after you apply. However, I don’t want you to be afraid to shave anytime after that. The tanner stays on very well!
2. Apply
FOR SPRAY WATER: Spray by section and then rub in with mitt. Make sure you get through EVERY section thoroughly. Once you are finished allow to soak in for 60 seconds.
FOR BUTTER: Rub in smoothly into skin. Make sure you rub all the way in especially around your knees, elbows, feet, behind your arms, etc. I section my body by right upper leg, right lower leg, left upper leg, left lower leg, right arm, left arm, chest, stomach, back shoulders.
IF YOU WANT TO ADD MORE DROPS WITH THE BUTTER: Mix a few pumps of lotion with 2 tanning drops in your hands before you apply to each section. For my face: I will mix in 2-3 drops with my Tula Day and Night Cream and apply on my face and neck
*APPLYING TO BACK: I have long arms so I can reach my back (ha I am a freak) But if you do not have long arms then I suggest asking a friend/spouse or using a long loofah sponge to apply.
*APPLYING TO HANDS: I use the leftover when applying to my hands and feet. I never use one pump of tanner on them. I barely put any on and wash hands with soap after. Make sure to get inside crevices.
4. WASH YOUR HANDS.
Because nobody likes streaks on their hands. (if using the mitt wash the mitt under water)
5.Put on loose clothing.
I wear shorts/tank and will wear loose sweatpants to bed. Tan should start to show in 5-7 hours. There will be a slight smell before you take your first shower. All tanners smell and its impossible to avoid. Once you shower, the smell goes away.
More tips:
I like to apply in the morning on a day I know I will be at home all day. I do this mainly because I do not want any tanner to rub off on my sheets. I have yet to get tanner on my sheets, but I have never applied before bed. If applying in the morning is not possible, I recommend applying before bed or evening, or as soon as your can during the day.
If you see splotchiness: In the shower smooth out uneven areas with exfoliator and for very bad areas use micellar water to take off tanner.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
IS THERE A SMELL? In short, Yes. EVERY Tanner has a smell. That is inevitable. However, once you take a shower the smell goes away and the tanner stays on. The way I see it, I would rather smell while I sleep (for 5-8 hours) and be tan and not smell later than to not at all.
DOES IT GET ON CLOTHES + SHEETS? I have never had any experience getting it on clothes or sheets. I cannot speak for everyone but there are so many factors that could go into this. ( how much you apply, when you apply, etc). I apply in the morning and wear sweats to bed so there is a very small chance of it getting on my sheets. If you apply right before you go to bed there may be a higher chance, I have not done that before so I cannot say.
SHOP MY SELF TANNERS:
I get the shade “Dark” I am darker complected so get the shade that works best for your skin tone.
BEFORE AND AFTERS:
ISLE OF PARADISE SPRAY WATER:
(Disclosure: I was more pale before applying the water than I was with the butter, so be aware when comparing the two)
ISLE OF PARADISE TANNING BUTTER + DROPS:
