Product Review: Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Mist from LOreal

In the ongoing search for the perfect home bronzer, I gave the new Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist from L’Oreal Paris a whirl. Granted, my first experience with a home tanning mist did not go well and I was initially hesitant to give it a try. The $20 bottle of airbrush tanner that I picked up previously at a local tanning joint was not worth the dough. I got more of the sticky brown formula on my bathtub than on my skin and although the color was fabulously rich, I ended up with erratic brown splotches all over my body. Think giraffe with blond hair and pink lipstick.

But L’Oreal has impressed me in the past (their Self-Tanning Towlettes are fabulous) and the under-$10 price point was manageable so I gave it a shot. The product promises a 360-degree continuous spray and no-rub, streak-free, quick-dry coverage. I tested whether it delivered on its promises after showering and exfoliating with my favorite new scrubbie (the Exfoliating Body Scrubber from CleanLogic, love it!). The bronzer applies via an ultra-fine mist that covers more area at a time than you might think. The trick is to first shake the bottle well and then keep the spray going at an arm’s length, coating your bod evenly. Getting to the back of my legs was tricky but the wide, continuous spray helped. The scent is pleasant and only has the slightest hint of tanner smell. The formula dried super fast and because the smell nearly disappears, I forgot I was a wearing a self-tanner after dressing and getting on with my day. Oh, and the mist is colorless so I didn’t have to hose down the bathtub after application. The next morning, I awoke to a sun-kissed, natural color.

On closer inspection, I did find a few areas where I over-applied but the color is so subtle that after another application, I was able to even it out. Once again, L’Oreal pulls through on its promises. Although not everyone agrees with me (read other reviews on TotalBeauty.com), my advice is that if you’re a novice self-tanner, go easy on your first application so you can build on your tan and perfect your spray technique. And if you do end up with streaks or blotches, keep a box of L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Perfector and Corrector on hand to even out your tan (I’ve heard lemon juice works too in emergencies).

Find the L’Oreal Paris line of sunless tanning products at most drugstores and mass market retailers or read more about it at www.lorealparisusa.com.