St Tropez Everyday self-tan (St.Tropez)

Member Name: rrrrachel

Product:	St.Tropez
Date:	27/05/09 (388 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: No streaks, minimal smell

Disadvantages: £14 is a bit steep for me

Being a natural shade somewhere between 'milk bottle' and 'Caspar the ghost', I'm always on the lookout for that elusive product - the perfect fake tan. I've tried loads of brands over the years, but struggle to find one that isn't too dark, doesn't go streaky, isn't too expensive and (the big one for me) doesn't smell too bad.

Well, now summer's coming round again, I find myself drawn to that shelf in Boots again and overwhelmed by the choice on offer. I spotted St Tropez Everyday self-tan in the fair-medium shade as it was on offer at only £8 instead of the usual £14 or so. This is more expensive than the usual brands I buy (Dove, Nivea etc) but I'd heard good things about the brand, and thought just maybe, you might get what you pay for. I was also attracted as it claimed on the packaging to include ingredients which negated the nasty smell, so I thought I'd give it a go.

This product comes in a white squeezy plastic tube with the brand logo and details printed on in black. It's quite a good size unlike some of the luxury brands so I thought it would last a while. It also incorporates the lid at the bottom, so you can get the last bits out and not waste any.

When I squeezed it out onto my hand, my first impression was that it really didn't smell too bad. It wasn't exactly lovely and there was a hint of something chemical going on, but it didn't smell like burnt biscuits like so many tanning products. This is intended to be used like a body lotion and applied all over, over a period of days to build up the colour. I went quite cautiously and applied a thin layer to my arms and legs. It was very easy to apply and didn't feel sticky. It was very moisturising and sank in quickly, so I could put my PJs on and go to bed!

The next morning I woke up and was pleased with the results that had developed overnight. I had just a hint of a nice (non-orange) glow and wasn't streaky at all. The smell had intensified a bit, but was still much better than any other product I've used. I had a shower but I think the colour continued to develop next day, as I seemed a little bit browner by next evening. I think if you're as pale as me, you don't need to use this every day to get the desired effect - I've been using it every other day and am very happy with the results.

At £8 I might buy this again; however I can't afford to spend more so I really wish this was cheaper! I'll be looking out for special offers though as I really do think this is better than the cheaper brands.

Summary: The best gradual tan I've tried