Best Self Tanner & Celebrating 5 Years Free & Clear of Melanoma

Hey friends! Happy FriYAY!!! I’m always on the lookout for a good self tanner. As some of you might know, I was diagnosed with melanoma in 2011. After 4 surgeries (4 surgeries and 4 repairs) this momma avoids the sun like the plague.

Today I celebrate 5 years being free and clear of melanoma!!! I couldn’t be more excited to scream that!!! All the tears of joy today! I can’t help but think about the emotional roller coaster I was on for 2 years straight. I remember fear taking over me… thinking I wouldn’t be alive to see my son go to school, grow up, graduate. But with all that in the past, I’m so grateful and I would encourage you to get checked. My melanoma was scary bc it was the form of a freckle, not the normal melanoma spot. If you are wondering where to get checked, you can go to your local dermatologist. The visit should be covered by your insurance, so please, get checked once a year.

Even before I got melanoma, I was using self tanners or I would get a spray tan at the salon. I have been on the hunt for years… yes, YEARS for the best self tanner with the best price. I’ve literally tried it all from the Jergens Natural Glow, Palm Beach mystic in a can, Xen-Tan, tan towelettes to my favorite currently, St Tropez. And there are many self tanners that are not even worth mentioning. This is my review of the ones I’ve tried and if they worked, streaked, smelled ok and if the price is worth the product.

Jergens Natural Glow 

This is such a flop. It did absolutely nothing and actually smelled weird. It’s so cheap and clearly there is a reason. Save your money! It is not worth it.

Palm Beach mystic in a can 

 I liked this, but unfortunately it was streaky and smells bad. You have to wait the 6 hours like getting an actual spray tan before washing off. This option is supposed to be better than the spray tan as you get to use it several times before it runs out oppose to 1 Mysic tan. Although it is cheaper than the actual Mystic or VeraSpa spray tans, I personally don’t think it’s worth it since it streaks. The price is worth all you get in the can.

Tan towels self towelette 

I loved these. It didn’t streak, but it does smell bad. It is definitely a good option and I actually used these for awhile. The downside is you typically will use more than 1 towelette and it gets expensive. If you get this option, go for the full body towelette. I still think this is a pricey option for the use you are actually getting out of each towelette. It can also be a little streaky if you miss a spot.

Xen-tan 

This was my top fave until I found St Tropez. The older bottles smelled like coffee and the newer bottles smell like cake (clearly the cake option was WAY better). It stays on all day, but sometimes was a little streaky. It was definitely worth the price. Once it is rubbed in and dried your tan will look dark and natural. This is affordable and last for months.

St Tropez

 My holy grail self tanner and the one I currently use is St Tropez. It actually smells fine. It last all day and as long as you wait a few minutes for it to dry (typically it’s like 2 minutes, your good to go all day! Since it’s a moose, it doesn’t really streak. On my legs during the summer, I will sometimes reapply to get them more dark. How to use: Apply on the areas exposed and then let it dry for 2 minutes (you can feel when it’s dry). If you need it darker… reapply again.  Once dry, apply your sunscreen. Then put your clothes on. I usually put it on my face in the mornings then after it is dry I apply my make up. You can also apply at night and wash off in the morning and you will be good to go with a glow. Seriously my favorite by far and also affordable and will last for months.

I’ll continue to keep ya posted if a better self tanner beats out St Tropez. Much love, Sue

Blazer similar Blazer
Top (fits TTS, wearing M)
Skirt (fits TTS, wearing 29)
Shoes
Bag
Sunglasses
Belt