I have tried a LOT of lotions and when I say a lot, well....lets just say the owner of the regular salon I visits calls me a "Lotion Junkie". I wear that name with pride. Now there are good lotions, REALLY good lotions, and there are also some lotions to avoid. A quality lotion purchase is a big investment and I always wished there was an easy-to-follow site that gave honest reviews of lotions. Well, I guess I'm just going to have to start one myself, right here on the ole' blog. Hopefully, reading this will help you decide on the lotion that is best for you so you can make a confident purchase....unless you get cheap and try to buy outside a salon, then I can't be held responsible for the "surprise concoction" you may be getting.
REVIVAL
Features:
Thoughts:
Thoughts:
This may well be the best lotion I have ever used. One of the natural bronzers used is Henna root and the color it delivers is superb. The subtle cooling effect is perfect, not too strong but not too light.
NOTE:
Liberate is #1 of my top 5 favorite picks.
Masquerade
Features:
Thoughts:
One of the creamiest lotions I've tried and if you love the smell of Orange and musk then you'll fall in love with this one immediately. Like most Designer Skin lotions this leaves a natural looking color.
Ravish Me
Features:
Thoughts:
This is another great lotion (can you tell I'm a big Desiger Skin fan?), especially for those who want to enhance their color without using chemical bronzers. Yes, it does actually work and I thought the color was amazing given that their were no "instant bronzers" in it. Well worth it for those that prefer a more organic approach!
Sinfully Black
Features
Thoughts
If you are on a tight budget but know you need a good lotion (like everyone needs), this is hands down the one for you. It's moisturizing and leaves your skin extremely dark. You really can't lose with this one.
Mood Indigo
Features:
Thoughts:
If you want a top-of-the-line scent that delivers fast dark results and also helps de-stress with its aromatherapeutic properties, this is the one. The scent alone was enough to talk me into it. Not to mention the moisturizing properties.
JWOWW
Features:
Thoughts:
I admit I am not a Jersey Shore fan (except Snooki, something about her tickles me) so I wasn't expecting much from this lotion but I was wrong. It is a great lotion for the price and provides good results if you aren't looking for any extra frills like silicone. It also soaks right into your skin so you don't have any greasy residue. The predominant berry in the scent is Black Currant, widely known for its sensual and arousing aromatherapy properties.
Going Ga-Ga
Features:
Thoughts:
For a 20x bronzer, this is another budget-friendly lotion that is right up there with the best of them. It produces a nice dark color and, for those of you who enjoy shimmer, it leaves a light shimmer after you tan that stays on until you rinse it off. Excellent moisturizer.
Domination for Men
Features:
Thoughts:
One of the best lotions I have used and the price is too good to be true for the quality. Gives an incredibly dark tan and really does continue to darken with its "kept-secret" blend of bronzers. Great masculine scent and it doesn't matte your body hair so you can slap it on without a second thought.
NOTE:
Domination is #2 of my top 5 favorite picks
Features:
Thoughts:
The silicone emulsion complex feels amazing before, during, and after tanning. If you've never used a silicone-based tanning lotion, TRY THIS ONE! The benefits to your skin combined with the benefits of UV light make it a no-brainer! Plus, it smells great before, during, and after tanning!
Browning Silk Facial Bronzer
Features:
Thoughts:
Hands down the BEST facial lotion I hace ever used. Leaves skin soft and supple with a natural glow. Not too dark which is good for your face. I've tried a lot of facial bronzers and this is superior to all other ones! It is also very budget friendly!
Best Lotions*
*based on moisturizing properties, skin benefit ingredients, quality of bronzers (both natural and chemical), and scent (after tanning, most of these dont change scent and if they do, its still good....no "tanning bed smell")
TAN SAFE TAN SAFE TAN SAFE TAN SAFE TAN SAFE TAN SAFE TAN SAFE
Designer Skin brand Lotions
REVIVAL
Features:
- bronzer complex comprised of Tyrostan (a derivative of tyrosine, thought to aid in melanin production), an amino acid that Black Walnut Extract, melanin-boosting peptides
- enhanced with caffeine and stimulating ingredients to increase cellular stimulation
- antioxidants and nutrients to give a healthy glow
- scent: Orange Sandalwood
Thoughts:
This is a great lotion for every skin type and it is especially "beginner-friendly". The scent of a lotion is very important to me, not only before you tan but after as well because some lotions change scent in the process. The best ones don't. This one smells AMAZING before and after with a hint of citrus and a touch of creamy sandalwood. The two scent notes unite and neither is overpowering. I've never heard anyone say they don't like the scent.
The color is very natural. If you are going for a super dark tan then this is not going to be your best pick. If you want a healthy glow, look no further.
NOTE:
Revival is #3 of my top 5 favorite picks
Aphrodisiac
Features:
Thoughts:
NOTE:
Revival is #3 of my top 5 favorite picks
Aphrodisiac
Features:
- Luxurious Shea & Cocoa butter formula
- amino acid complex for strengthening the bronzing process
- infusion of apple, chocolate, and black cohosh provides a sexy glow
Thoughts:
Great lotion for those who prefer no bronzer in their lotion. It has an extra thick consistency but is not greasy and leaves your skin feeling smooth the whole day. Again, if you are going for a dark color this lotion will not provide it but if you want a natural color and are need extra moisture, you'll find it right here!
Liberate
Features:
- Dark Natural Bronzers
- Skin Guardian Complex, derived from the leaves of the candle tree
- Gentle Cool Burst Botanicals
- Scent: Unisex (think CK Be for Men and Women)
Thoughts:
This may well be the best lotion I have ever used. One of the natural bronzers used is Henna root and the color it delivers is superb. The subtle cooling effect is perfect, not too strong but not too light.
NOTE:
Liberate is #1 of my top 5 favorite picks.
Masquerade
Features:
- Patent Rapid Release delivery system for fast results.
- Luxe Creme formula covers skin in a velvety Cocoa/Shea butter blend
- Abyssine and Rhodiola extracts added for their potent antioxidant powers for protection against free radicals
- Scent: Ruby Orange Musk
Thoughts:
One of the creamiest lotions I've tried and if you love the smell of Orange and musk then you'll fall in love with this one immediately. Like most Designer Skin lotions this leaves a natural looking color.
Ravish Me
Features:
- Dark Natural Bronzers
- Antioxidant-loaded to fight free radicals and boost collagen production
- Scent: Exotic Orange Raspberry Fusion
Thoughts:
This is another great lotion (can you tell I'm a big Desiger Skin fan?), especially for those who want to enhance their color without using chemical bronzers. Yes, it does actually work and I thought the color was amazing given that their were no "instant bronzers" in it. Well worth it for those that prefer a more organic approach!
Australian Gold brand Lotions
Sinfully Black
Features
- Advanced Dark bronzers work together to create fast results
- Vitamin/Non-comedogenic oils help soften skin
- Hemp Seed Oil nourishes skin
- Scent: not specified but it reminds me of Bath & Body Works Sensual Amber body lotion
Thoughts
If you are on a tight budget but know you need a good lotion (like everyone needs), this is hands down the one for you. It's moisturizing and leaves your skin extremely dark. You really can't lose with this one.
Mood Indigo
Features:
- 10x bronzers for a super dark tan
- ColorSurge technology that delivers rapid results
- Wild Indigo extract, known for its calming/centering properties help with peace-of-mind if you are one who seeks tanning in order to relax
- Scent: Wild Indigo (if you've never smelled Wild Indigo then let me tell you, it is one of the prettiest, calming scents next to lavender)
Thoughts:
If you want a top-of-the-line scent that delivers fast dark results and also helps de-stress with its aromatherapeutic properties, this is the one. The scent alone was enough to talk me into it. Not to mention the moisturizing properties.
NOTE:
Mood Indigo is #5 of my top 5 favorite picks.
JWOWW
Features:
- A combination of DHA, black currant, and kukui oil helps provide dark results that last.
- Vitamin and Hemp Seed extract deliver extreme hydration for soft, supple skin.
- Scent: Sensual Dark Berry (mainly Black Currant, well-known for its aromatherapy benefit of Arousal and Sensuality)
Thoughts:
I admit I am not a Jersey Shore fan (except Snooki, something about her tickles me) so I wasn't expecting much from this lotion but I was wrong. It is a great lotion for the price and provides good results if you aren't looking for any extra frills like silicone. It also soaks right into your skin so you don't have any greasy residue. The predominant berry in the scent is Black Currant, widely known for its sensual and arousing aromatherapy properties.
Going Ga-Ga
Features:
- 20x Natural bronzer combination for deep, dark results
- Silver extract for skin rejuvenation, antioxidant, and skin-renewal properties
- Silver and pink mica combine to leave a glowing after effect
- Scent: Fresh and Clean
Thoughts:
For a 20x bronzer, this is another budget-friendly lotion that is right up there with the best of them. It produces a nice dark color and, for those of you who enjoy shimmer, it leaves a light shimmer after you tan that stays on until you rinse it off. Excellent moisturizer.
Supre Tan Lotions
Domination for Men
Features:
- Advanced Black Bronzing Blend of DHA and Natural Bronzers dramatically darkens skin even AFTER UV tanning
- Ultimate Tan Maximizers help provide dynamic color density and darkness.
- Innovative emulsion system goes on smooth and won't matte body hair during application.
- Non-comedogenic
- Advanced blend of natural skin supplements help provide moisture to renew & revitalize skin
Thoughts:
One of the best lotions I have used and the price is too good to be true for the quality. Gives an incredibly dark tan and really does continue to darken with its "kept-secret" blend of bronzers. Great masculine scent and it doesn't matte your body hair so you can slap it on without a second thought.
NOTE:
Domination is #2 of my top 5 favorite picks
Ed Hardy Lotions
Ghost Skull
- Bronzing/Blush formula for a deep,dark tan
- Silicone Emulsion complex for smooth, ulta-silky skin
- CoEnzyme Q-10 reduces wrinkles and fine lines as well as fights antioxidants
- Scent: Fresh Citrus
Thoughts:
The silicone emulsion complex feels amazing before, during, and after tanning. If you've never used a silicone-based tanning lotion, TRY THIS ONE! The benefits to your skin combined with the benefits of UV light make it a no-brainer! Plus, it smells great before, during, and after tanning!
NOTE:
Ghost Skull is #4 of my top 5 favorite picks.
Love Kills Slowly
Features:
- Unique Blend of Silicone and Coconut Milk provides superior moisture
- Time-released DHA combined with natural bronzers keeps you tanning after your session in the bed
- Caffeine targets cellulite and fights fat cells on target areas
- Scent: Citrus Crush
Thoughts:
This almost made it into my top 5 list since it is similar to Designer Skin's Revival, however I don't have cellulite (benefit of being a guy) and no fat to fight so I picked Ghost Skull over it. However, for those of you that do want the aforementioned properties, I did notice a gentle firming of my skin after applying thoroughly so it does what it says it does. The smell is AMAZING and does not change while tanning. Imagine Orange and a hint of Fresh Balsam Fir mixed together. I especially like this in the cooler months because Orange and Fir are a great holiday combination (but its great year round, particularly for those nostalgic for anything holiday-related)
Swedish Beauty lotions
Browning Silk Facial Bronzer
Features:
- Deep tanning extracts
- Vitamins A, C, and E act as antioxidants for superior skin protection
- Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic for most users
- Scent: Unscented
Thoughts:
Hands down the BEST facial lotion I hace ever used. Leaves skin soft and supple with a natural glow. Not too dark which is good for your face. I've tried a lot of facial bronzers and this is superior to all other ones! It is also very budget friendly!
Lotions to Avoid:
Wal-Mart's European Gold brand
yes it's cheap and for $4-8 a bottle its hard to turn down. Looking at the label even shows it has the same ingredients as some of the more expensive lotions.
But here's the thing: the QUALITY of those ingredients is inferior to those of more reputable brands. I mean, that should be obvious given the price.
I tried it ONE time and it left my skin tight and dry. It went straight in the trash afterwards.
yes it's cheap and for $4-8 a bottle its hard to turn down. Looking at the label even shows it has the same ingredients as some of the more expensive lotions.
But here's the thing: the QUALITY of those ingredients is inferior to those of more reputable brands. I mean, that should be obvious given the price.
I tried it ONE time and it left my skin tight and dry. It went straight in the trash afterwards.
Hawaiian Tropic's T2
Another case of "you get what you pay for", the biggest problem with this lotion is that it contains mineral oil which is known to damage tanning beds. If you want your tanning salon to give you the "stink eye" for messing up their beds (and possibly ask you to not come back), then grab this one and let the bad times roll.
Another case of "you get what you pay for", the biggest problem with this lotion is that it contains mineral oil which is known to damage tanning beds. If you want your tanning salon to give you the "stink eye" for messing up their beds (and possibly ask you to not come back), then grab this one and let the bad times roll.
ANYTHING not bought in a salon
Beware of websites that sell lotions for a significantly lower price than your salon. There may be a couple of legitimate sites out there but what bothers me is that even if they are legitimate, how are they making a profit?
There have been plenty of stories of people who purchased lotions from websites only to find out that they were diluted, expired, or something entirely different then the advertised product. They also often are diluted with things that damage the acrylic in tanning beds. Sensing a theme here? Unhappy tanning salon owners are not good. You want to have a good relationship with your salon because they take care of loyal customers. Damage their expensive equipment and that relationship is in jeopardy.
I decided to be cheap ONE time and bought a lotion of Amazon Marketplace. When I got it, I used it and noticed that I didn't seem as tan as I usually did using that lotion (from a salon). Upon closer inspection, I then noticed that the top had been pried off and put back on so clearly my "sealed lotion" was not so sealed after all.
I might have paid $20 for the lotion (and saved $30) but I ended up losing the $20 because I threw the lotion away and purchased it from my salon. Final cost: $50 for the salon bottle plus $20 lost to the impostor = $70 for a $50 bottle of lotion. Way to save money, huh?
So: if you thing you will save money this way, just look at the math on my part and think twice.
Beware of websites that sell lotions for a significantly lower price than your salon. There may be a couple of legitimate sites out there but what bothers me is that even if they are legitimate, how are they making a profit?
There have been plenty of stories of people who purchased lotions from websites only to find out that they were diluted, expired, or something entirely different then the advertised product. They also often are diluted with things that damage the acrylic in tanning beds. Sensing a theme here? Unhappy tanning salon owners are not good. You want to have a good relationship with your salon because they take care of loyal customers. Damage their expensive equipment and that relationship is in jeopardy.
I decided to be cheap ONE time and bought a lotion of Amazon Marketplace. When I got it, I used it and noticed that I didn't seem as tan as I usually did using that lotion (from a salon). Upon closer inspection, I then noticed that the top had been pried off and put back on so clearly my "sealed lotion" was not so sealed after all.
I might have paid $20 for the lotion (and saved $30) but I ended up losing the $20 because I threw the lotion away and purchased it from my salon. Final cost: $50 for the salon bottle plus $20 lost to the impostor = $70 for a $50 bottle of lotion. Way to save money, huh?
So: if you thing you will save money this way, just look at the math on my part and think twice.
So many choices! Thanks for taking the confusion out of it. Now I have some idea which ones will work for me. Thanks for this blog!! I love it! Keep up the good work.
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