Even though there are hundreds (thousands?) of self-tanners out there, I’m pretty lazy about using them. It’s just so much work to exfoliate, wipe on the tanner, and wait for the tan to build. I want instant results, dangit.
More or less, that’s what Victoria’s Secret Bare Bronze Gleaming Self-Tan Body Tint ($18) provides. This self-tanner lotion provides a shimmery tint right away, all the while working on the actual faux tan as well. When it comes out of the tube, it’s a disarmingly artificial shade of deep bronze. Fortunately, though, it spreads out evenly and smoothly on skin, and then it’s subtle (even on very pale complexions).
To see a before-and-after photo, read more.
I decided to “tan up” before the Sugar girls’ Sex and the City premiere party. But of course, because I didn’t exactly think ahead, I also used this opportunity to test the product. This means that I wound up having one naturally pale leg and another tan one. Sexy!
Here’s a really, really flattering photo of my untouched leg and my Bare Bronzed leg immediately after application. As you can see, the treated leg has a little bit more shimmer and just a hint of color.
And here’s my leg just three hours later, shot from an equally attractive angle. It isn't a super-deep tan yet, but I can tell it's deepening.
I like Bare Bronze because it gives immediate gratification, and the eventual tan color isn’t orangey. I’m not so crazy about the fragrance; like so many Victoria’s Secret products, this one’s scent is too strong. All in all, though, it’s a good choice if you want to take baby steps into the world of self-tanning — and if you want to see a difference right away.
See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!
Golden Goose
Pieces
Take-Two
Thanks Bella! I've been thinking about self-tanner, having never used it before, but am worried about how weird it might look.
Way to take one for the entire Sugar team and not only try this on one leg, but also take pictures!
1Did you think it had a weird smell? Every self tanner I've ever used has smellled like Saltines or teriyaki chicken, but maybe this one is different. I'm curious to find out.
2I only really care for those gradual self-tanners, like Jergen's Natural Glow.
And I agree, JackieA, that self-tanners have a terrible smell. All of them do.
3I like that this is instant. Also, it looks natural, I'm pretty pale so self tanner always looks fake on me.
And on a completely unrelated note, I like your shoes.
4Check it out you guys. It's got a nicer smell than a lot of them. The fragrance is strong, but not bad.
5Yeah, it has a vague self-tanner smell, but it's fragranced, so it doesn't smell awful. It's just stronger than I would like, but it's not an olfactory assault or anything.
Thanks, Brittanyk. They are Chie Miharas that I got on sale (as I get everything on sale) a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, a catering waiter spilled cucumber soup on them and now they smell vaguely spa-ish like that. :/
6Thanks for the pics, the color is perfect and sounds easy to use.
7I've never used a self tanner. I don't believe in trying to change one's skin color.
8the smell of sunless tanners really kill it for me. i've tried so many but i can never follow through with the routine because i cannot stand that smell. i kinda wanna try this though
9Self tanners always appeal to me, even though I already do have a natural tan :S
But I can never stick to using them because of the smell. I thought it was just the Jergens one at first but I realized it's all self tanning products, which is a shame...
10I've learned to embrace my pale skin. Smelling funky and having it stain clothing or bedding isn't worth it to me.
11I'll have to give this one a try for a little color in the summer. I'm super pale and I always come out orange. I like that it's instant so you know if the color works for you or not.
12Thanks for reviewing this Bella! This is actually on my "things to try" list. Right now i'm using Clinique's Self-sun face/body SPF15 self-tanner. This one builds up color gradually as well. It says 100% fragrace free, but it does have that smell that all self-tanners have. It doesn't bother me much though.
13i'm not into the self tanner stuff because i always wonder... how am i supposed to get my back? and all of the parts of me I can't reach? lol
14yeah the back part is always tough, how can you do it? only by asking help.
15from so many self tanners, which ones do actually work? cause I´m very pale.
I tried the Jergens one, for two weeks +, and never saw a difference!
16I wondered about their self tanners. I really like Neutrogena Summer Glow-it is similar to the Jergens type but it does smell a smidge better and I really did see a difference within 2 days. I may have to try this one though. Thanks!!
17I just bought the Victoria Secrets Bare Bronze spray mist & I love it, it doesn't have a bad smell either, however if you don't like the smell you can put on any lotion after it dries some to cover up the smell (this goes for any self tanning product). The only thing I don't like about the spray is that most of it will wash out when you shower, so you have to use it almost daily, but it does give you a great natural color. They also have a gradual tanning lotion for those who prefer that method, which Im thinking about buying to use with the spray.
18this is the best self tanner i have ever used i swear by it!!!!!!!!!!!!i wont go out with out it!
19I LOVE it!!!!! I wish I would have bought more bottles when they were on sale for $4 at the semi annual sale. I got airbrushed at a salon and I actually liked it better when I did it myself with this spray and it was $40 cheaper and I got to do it mutiple times.
20I am going to start tanning in a tanning salon but i have the bare bronze lotion, do you guys think its a bad idea to use it as the tanning lotion?
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