We tested four drugstore self-tanners from L’Oréal to Jergens – watch out or you could be left streaky and stinky
SUMMER is right around the corner and, for me, gearing up for the summer season means tanning before the tan.
Finding the perfect self-tanner may be easier and cheaper than you think.
The U.S. Sun did the dirty, slightly streaky, work for you by testing four drugstore brands for the latest installment of our Bang For Your Buck series.
I hit up my local drugstore in New York City and purchased the following brands: Bondi Sands, Tanologist, Jergens, and L'Oréal.
Judging on three simple factors, smell, ease, and streak, I was pleasantly surprised with the results - with the exception of one streaky body part.
The helpful store clerk reminded me to always make sure to moisturize and exfoliate before applying.
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This will remove any dead skin which makes applying the tanner easier and last longer.
In addition to the tanners, I also purchased an applicator mitt so my hands didn’t get streaky.
However, that went out the window after a few failed attempts.
If you’re like me and choose to ditch the mitt, just make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after.
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I did the test with my best friend who has a very different skin tone and type than me.
She has a beautiful dark skin tone while I'm as pale as they come.
While the results were slightly varied, both of us had some streaky patterns leading to an easier choice.
Below are the rankings starting from worst to best.
4. L'ORÉAL
- Price: $20 for five ounces
- Score: 15 out of 30
The L'Oréal Sublime Bronze Tanner is a water mousse that I was excited about until I saw the cloudy liquid in the bottle.
The mouse-based tanner seemed to be a newer trend in the self-tanning game but this one is not worth the price.
For $20, you only get five ounces and may be left with the dreaded streaks.
In addition, the smell also was not very pleasant.
Like most, the bottle said it has a fresh coconut fragrance but was quite the opposite as the smell was pungent and slightly nauseating.
My advice, spend one more dollar and grab the Tanologist brand.
3. JERGENS
- Price: $19 for six ounces
- Score: 16 out of 30
The Jergens Instant Sun came in third as it lost points on ease and streak.
While I was happy with the quick color, it also meant that the mistakes followed.
I followed all the directions exactly but was still left with the streaks just mere hours after applying.
Another mousse-based tanner, this one was slightly cheaper and came with more product, which is why it wasn't in last place.
The scent was actually quite nice but still not enough to take the second spot.
Despite its fast-acting color, my advice stands - spend a few bucks more and get the Tanologist for a massively better product.
2. TANOLOGIST
- Price: $21 for 6.67 ounces
- Score: 27 out of 30
This product was only one point away from taking the top spot as it went on smoothly, had a nice smell, and left no streak.
Plus, for only $21 you're given almost seven ounces which is more than the bottom two brands.
When applied, it felt very light and dried quickly, erasing any fear of getting on clothes or furniture.
Plus, this product is for everyone as it's vegan and cruelty-free.
The company describes the tanner as a water-to-foam tan mousse and should last up to seven days depending on how much water you're in.
I will definitely be purchasing this one again as it left a beautiful glow, had no streak, and didn't break the bank.
1. BONDI SANDS
- Price: $29 for 7.04 ounces
- Score: 28 out of 30
The top spot was taken by the fairly new Australian brand Bondi Sands.
This one had a nearly perfect score as it hit all my markers.
It went on clean, smelled wonderful, left no streak, but also acted quickly.
The only downside was the price as it was the most expensive of the rest coming in at $29.
However, it also had the highest amount of product with 7.04 ounces in each bottle.
When applied, the tanner looked really dark, but once it was all spread out left a nice glow.
Plus, this company has tons of different products for nearly every skin tone so you get a tan that matches you perfectly.
FINAL THOUGHTS
While choosing between the top two was difficult, ultimately the Bondi Sands had to take the top spot.
Tanning might be a luxury item so I understand that spending almost $30 might not fit within your budget.
However, if you are planning on purchasing one and in a pinch, my advice is to fork over the extra $10 as the other two are sure to leave you stinky and streaky.
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