The only acceptable way to tan is in this tube
We're in agreeance (yeah?), baking your skin under the hot Aussie sun is out, not to mention incredibly dangerous. What's in is getting that "summer glow" (if you're desperate for it) without risking skin cancer, or ageing your skin, with a good-for-you tanner. Preferably one that does a little more than tan your skin and doesn't have that 'fake tan' stench.
As a self-proclaimed firming lotion fan, I've always preferred to moisturise my body with quality products that hydrate, instead of drying my skin out with fake tans that wrinkle my body's largest organ only to fade out in weird patches. So I've never been satisfied with tans, no matter how many "celebs" vouch for them. If it's asking me to give up my Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream even for a day, I'm out.
Then BodyBlendz Face and Body Gradual Tanning Anti-Cellulite Lotion landed on my desk, and I've since reconsidered my staunch views.
Billed as a gradual tanner that firms and hydrates the skin, I was skeptical. Already there are too many products on the market that can barely deliver on just one of those promises. All three? I'll believe it when I see it – I said as I opened the tube, ignoring my Bum Bum cream for the first time.
What's BodyBlendz Face and Body Gradual Tanning Anti-Cellulite Lotion like, really?
Open the tube for the first time and you do notice a slight tan smell, not over-powering just enough to remind you to be careful when applying because after all it is a gradual tan (right?). The consistency is creamy and the colour is white.
As a chronic instruction avoider, it wasn't until I began lathering my ankles, shins and calves with a large helping of lotion that I realised I needed to focus more on my thighs, butt and tummy – my bad.
Once you apply as per the directions – in gentle, circular motions – your skin feels nicely moisturised, like you've just put on your favourite moisturiser and not like you've applied a tan. After about 20 minutes it absorbs into the skin. I still avoided light coloured clothing and put a towel down on my white couch before sitting – I've been tricked by cowboy tans promising "no colour transfer" before.
The first time I used it, I applied it in the morning and within an hour I forgot what I just did and decided to go for a long walk. A combination of summer, sunscreen, tight activewear, sweat and humidity didn't seem to make an impact. I had a hot (always) shower once I was done and my skin still felt moisturised. I resisted the urge to slap on some Bum Bum Cream and just left my skin, as it was, to really test out its "up to 72 hours of hydration" claim. Five showers and almost two days later I cracked and had to apply more. Impressively, my skin didn't feel dry before I caved, so I consider that a win.
I've consistently used the lotion each morning for two weeks, in combination with my usual moisturisers at night and I've been pleasantly surprised by how easy application is, and how streak-free the tan is. Even around hands and feet it doesn't leave obvious smear lines.
I'm weary of anti-cellulite claims. I have cellulite, I don't care that I do, everyone does, all I'm here for is the hydration and gradual tan, and on both accounts I highly rate BodyBlendz.
Enough about the body, what about the face? (I hear you say)
I've dabbled in face tanning drops, creams and spritzes and I've got a lot to say about each, but the overall theme is: if it stops me from applying my skincare I'm not interested. I might give it a go once, for a special occasion, but I feel like I've betrayed my usual routine and quickly revert back, apologising to my skincare lineup like a weirdo.
This lotion was slightly different.
I applied it once, for the first time, lightly. Waited as long as I could stand (10 minutes) before applying my usual serum, moisturiser and SPF. One thing I did notice was my skin felt firm, hydrated and definitely not dry (could that have been my skincare? Or a combination of both? It's hard to tell). The expected bonus was a nice, fresh, glowy complexion, which meant once the colour completely developed I didn't need to worry about applying my CC cream.
My tip: apply it every second day for a consistent glow through summer. Or on the days you want to be makeup free. Sound excessive, but in between face washes and applying skincare your glow will remain consistent.
Finally, is it worth it?
For $49.99 (now $21.24 in the Black Friday sales), the tube looks on the smallish size, coming in at 150mL. Given it's for the face and body, you're going to need a decent amount to cover all areas twice a day, as the directions suggest. But as someone who is only using it now in the morning, on alternate days I would say it's worth the money. A little goes a long way, if you're one to buy skincare products based on value for money (hi! I see you).
Having used it religiously for around two weeks, and sporadically for three more, I've definitely noticed a difference in how my skin feels. It feels smooth and looks nicely hydrated, which gives it that firm appearance.
As for the tan, it delivers an even and natural-looking glowy tan, which is plenty – the only way you should be 'tanning'.
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