From a SheFinds reader: I think I've tried almost every self tanning product out there and my problem is the smell. They all give me great color but after about an hour they reek! Until I find a brand that doesn't stink, I have a drawer full of useless tanning products and a lot of money wasted.
This is a great question that segues so perfectly with our Self-Tanner Guide. Test-driving all these bronzing lotions and build-a-tans has left me all kinds of brown and all kinds of stinky, and all my self-tanning friends have the same complaint—what's up with the stench?
Self tanners themselves aren't to blame—it's the science behind them that makes you smell like a sweaty, overripe fruit (yuck, just thinking about that distinctive odor gives me the willies!) Most self tanners contain an ingredient called dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. It's the DHA reacting with your skin's proteins that produces that natural-looking glow… and that heinous smell. I have found that the absolute worst offenders are the formulas, specifically lotions, that try to mask the odor under tropical, beachy top notes of coconut or banana. I don't want to smell like a spoiled pina colada, thank you very much.
One of the best I've tried so far (and I've tried a bunch) is Clinique's Self-Sun Touch of Bronze moisturizing body lotion ($18.50). It comes out of the tube virtually scent-free (it smells a lot like their famous yellow moisturizer) and—surprise!—stays scent-free even after the DHA starts working its bronzing magic on my epidermis. This is probably because it's a moisturizer first (and does a great job, at that) and a tanner second. It took a few applications before I saw a really noticeable difference, but since it didn't reek to high heaven, I didn't mind applying it every night before bed.
Now it's your turn: Have a non-stinky self tanner you swear by? Found a brand that does such a good job you're willing to deal with smelling ripe? Tell us all about it in the comments section.
And don't forget to check out our Guide to the Best Self-Tanners.
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Believe it or not, Famous Dave’s Tanner (sold exclusively on Ebay) is the best of the “non-smelly” self tanners. I do not work for Dave (I don’t even know Dave). I do own the product though, and while I don’t necessarily love the color of the tan, the product is WAY WAY WAY less nasty-smelling than most.
I like the Neurtogena spray on one. It doesn’t smell at all!
I love Xen-Tan products. I love the way they smell, and they have worked better than any other brand I have tried!
My favorite tanner is Jergens Natural Glow Express. Within 3 days you will have a gorgeous tan and not only that it smells very yummy, you almost want to eat the product. This is the only tanner I use and it moisturizes too!! Great product, you can get it anywhere and under $10.00 too!!!
ew, do not get Jergens Natural Glow. the smell is unbearable. like old lady.
Jergens Natural Glow Express. They new Jergens tanner!! I think it smells good, not old lady like at all!! It has the scent of coconut, if you like coconut then you will like this product!! It works very well and I like it or even Nivea has a good sunless tanning too that also has firming agent. It smells good too.
Jergens smells rotten and gross. Probably the worst one out there.
Actually I really like the new L’Oreal Sunless Sublime Glow Daily Moisturizer, Medium Skin Tones. This works very good, even if you ghost white. It will tan you in less than 3 days. Its naturally looking too! Love the smell of Mango Butter, Vitamin E and Sweet Almond Oil with a touch of shimmer. This I say is better than Jergens, but I still like Jergens too!!