Libby and I just set back up our at home spray tan machine. It’s been put away since the girls all left for school in August. Since I can’t spray myself with the machine I’ve found the absolute best alternative is Tanologist self tan water. Here is a repost of last years blog on my review and how to.
Reposted from December 27, 2019
We look and feel better with a tan but the sun is harmful and damaging to our skin. Getting that glow isn’t safe. That’s why over the years I’ve purchased and used self tanner lotions, wipes, foams and gels to get that summer glow year round. I‘ve even went so far as to purchase a full spray tan machine and have an entire salon set up in my basement for salon look spray tanning. Recently, I may have found something better. Here is a Tanologist Self Tan Water review and how-to.
My Experience
In my experience, self tanning foams, wipes. lotions and gels are smelly, messy and streak easily. The spray tan machine provides a consistent, even, amazing tan but requires set up and clean up time and I cannot spray myself (it has been great for spray tanning my 3 daughters and all their friends over the years for parties, dances, proms and graduations). This machine has paid for itself many times over BUT no one can spray me to my liking (cuz I’m picky and you need practice to be good at the machine sprayer) so I’m left to use the over the counter stuff! For my spray tan machine click HERE.
When my daughter Ella told me about Tanologist Self Tan Water (she said all the college girls at Univ of TN use it) I didn’t have high aspirations. Figured this self tanner would be no different than others I’ve used. As I set the bar high of what is considered good since I’ve personally provided hundreds of spray tans from my machine with amazing results. Since I can’t spray myself I use over the counter products with little satisfaction. That was until Tanologist Self Tan Water. This stuff provides a salon worthy spray tan look. I tested the product by spraying one leg for comparison to the other (non sprayed) leg. See my results, review and some tips below.
How to use:
Spray directly onto dry skin. Blend using a tanning mitt in large circular motions to rub in. For this post and comparison, I sprayed one leg (my right) once daily for days 1, 2 and 3 in the morning after my shower. Days 4, 5 and 6 pictures are to show how much the tan faded while not re-applying it. I did not shower or rinse off until the next morning’s shower.
Day 1, Step 1: Showered, shaved and sprayed right leg only. Spray enough to thoroughly coat the area being sprayed as shown here.
Day 1, Step 2: With self tanning mitt make large circular motion to rub spray tan water into skin evenly. Avoid spraying direct only dry areas of body (elbows, knees, feet). Go over those areas with the mitt for a lighter coverage on those spots.
TIPS
- Shave, exfoliate or salt scrub prior to 1st application.
- Apply thin layer of lotion to dry areas prior to spray (knees, elbows, feet, hands). Make sure it is rubbed into skin prior to spray.
- Avoid direct spraying of hands, feet, knees and elbows.
- For legs, OK to sit on towel and spray. For full body, stand in shower so overspray does not get everywhere!
- Wash hands after spraying.
- You may look tan but you are not! This is not a sunscreen or prevent sunburn so wear your SPF sunscreen every day!
- I usually purchase mine through Amazon. Target sometimes carries the water version but usually only has the foam. Do not buy the foam. It is not the same! For link to purchase HERE.
- Rub in using a tanning mitt that is made for spray tanning. The one I use HERE.
Sprayed the right leg 3 day in a row. Above is day 4 color from three previous morning sprays. Did not use any spray on days 4-8. Can see how the color accumulates and gets richer with daily sprays. From day 4-8 stopped spraying to show the rate of tan fade.
The above series of 4 pictures shows the rate of fade after 3 consecutive days of sprays as no further sprays were done on days 4-8. In comparison to the non sprayed left leg, even after spraying is discontinued, the tan fades slowly and evenly.
Another comparison of the self tan spray vs no self tan spray. This was day 6 or 7. This color from only 3 days of spraying the Tanologist water!
Review:
This is very easy to use. One leg application takes less than 1 minutes. A full body application takes about 2-3 min. It is practically goof proof with no streaking or darker areas when you use a sunless tan mitt (I use this one HERE) and rub in circular motions evenly. No transfer (meaning it did not rub off on any of my clothes). The resulting color is natural with a real tan appearance (I used shade: Medium). Can be layered (used for more consecutive days) for darker results. Is inexpensive. Is a vegan and organic product that leaves skin feeling hydrated. Says there is no odor but I do detect a slight odor but not near as strong as the spray tan machine products or other similar products I have used in the past.
If you are looking for a self spray product. Give this Tanologist Self Tan Water a try. It’s as good as a salon spray without the smell, time and cost!
Sophie was just saying she didn’t like her current tanning lotion. I’ll let her know about this product!
Let me know what she thinks! I have used them ALL and this by far is the best I’ve tried. I’m sensitive to the smell of other products and the odor is minimal. It is streak free and easy to apply too.
Where can I get a mit local?
Target, Walmart, Meijer prob have the mitts. I ordered mine from Amazon. Link is in blog for exact one I use.
I’ve NEVER had a spray tan ! This sounds like it’s a must for me this winter ! Thanks for sharing !