best face tanner for the pale and dry-skinned (Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel)

Member Name: siantone

Product:	Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel
Date:	29/05/09 (43 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: viscous gel goes on easily and is forgiving if you miss bits

Disadvantages: probably not the best for people wanting a dark tan

I have the Clarins self tanning hydrating gel specifically developed for the face in a 50ml tube with a secure flip lid at the bottom.

I am particularly pasty and like many pale types feel slightly uncomfortable in summer as I cannot take the sun without going straight to skin cancer and tire of the number of people who think I am unwell or look tired. As an inexperienced self-tanner I bought the Clarins because the light bronze glittery gel (not quite gel more a viscous cream) goes on very easily to pale dry-ish skin. Many other brands do not, either contributing to dryness or leaving a greasy trail!

The gel is particularly useful if you are not meticulous at application, so good if like me, you are not a religious exfoliator and sometimes get the gel on your eyebrows or do not spread the gel evenly. I get a warm glow ie a light tan that looks even without any noticeable patches. The instructions say don't get the gel on eyebrows on hairline of course, so do follow that advice, I am just saying that if you did smear some in the wrong place, this product won't show you up!

I don't mind the sweetish slightly chemical smell but do wash you hands afterwards, not just to remove the gel but to remove the smell as I think it's noticeably chemical after a couple of hours (I noticed it sitting in an enclosed meeting space). However, after I have applied make-up, perfume and hairspray, I feel confident the product on my face doesn't leave a lingering smell.

I would apply the gel every other day sparingly to top up my face and neck. If I left it a week, I would be back to my pasty self. I suspect for darker skins this product is just too subtle but for pale dry skins, I highly recommend it if a natural summer tan is not an option.

Summary: thank goodness I found this product as a pasty dry skinned person, makes me look healthy