UMMM.
THE UNICORN DOES EXIST!
An awesome at-home sunless tanner that is natural, non-toxic, and a great color that lasts!?
Who. Knew.
It’s my most recent discovery–called Vita Liberata’s Fabulous Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion.
Have you ever heard of this brand before? I hadn’t. I can’t take credit for this discovery though, because I actually read about it on Cupcakes and Cashmere–I bought it on a whim, and I loved it so much that I had to dedicate a whole post to it–just as she had!
It also comes in a Starter Kit on Nordstrom for $25, which includes a smaller size of the lotion plus the tanning mouse and tanning mit! I kind of wish I’d bought that one so I could try both and compare!
Why I love it:
It develops gradually and comes out clear, not brown–going on like a lotion!
It doesn’t get all over your sheets and your clothes–it’s a zero transfer formula. This is my biggest issue with sunless tanners and why I don’t use them more often. This is a complete game-changer!
It doesn’t smell strongly–eventually, it does develop that hint of “sunless tan” smell, but not nearly as much as a lot of them that I’ve used!
It’s a very natural, not too dark, not too light color. It just gives you that *hint of sun-kissed glow*
It’s hydrating–made with Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter and Aloe Vera.
It actually LASTS for days! Another big pet peeve I’ve had with other at home sunless tanners (St. Tropez, Tarte)–this one actually lasts for days and days! The color is perfect for everyday–it’s not “Vegas pool party tan” but “I’m a normal everyday human who want’s a natural kiss of color.” I first applied it last Thursday and I feel like it just faded a week later–and also didn’t come off in that bad patchy way that a lot of them do.
How to apply it:
I exfoliate in the shower with an exfoliating mitt or loofah, and then apply a body moisturizer (I love this one!) to my feet, ankles, heels, wrists, knees and elbows–the spots that tend to get extra orange–this acts as kind of a barrier cream. Don’t apply lotion anywhere else, though–per the instructions.
Then, I apply the product itself with a sunless tanning mit–rubbing in circular motions all over. I’ve found this to be the key to an even tan. The key is to not rush through the application process–rub and rub so you don’t miss any spots and you get a nice, even tan. I also like that this ensures my hands don’t get too orange–just make sure you apply it to the tops of both hands! Leave on 8 hours before showering!
One watch out: I decided to get greedy and apply another round of it two days after my initial application, and rushed through it, leaving me with very orange streaky ankles 😂 I don’t know if this was because I rushed through it too quickly OR that it just was TOO many shades darker than my natural skin tone but I ended up with orange streaky ankles. So…I guess that’s a watch-out depending on how pale/dark your skin is, haha!
Also, I do not apply sunless tanner to my face–so I cant speak to that specifically. I apply it up to my neckline and under my jaw–but I’ve had bad experiences with sunless tanners making me break out (This happened with St. Tropez)–so I’m too nervous and I just add extra bronzer when I do my makeup to match. 😂If I do get brave enough to put it on my face, I’ll make sure to report back to let you know how it goes!
Looking for a spray tan instead?
Speaking of Vegas Pool Party tans–I’m off to Vegas today for a Bachelorette party! Wish me luck 😂
I actually took it one step further (you know, pool parties call for a whole new level of tan) and got a spray tan at Penny Kraft + Co. I would HIGHLY recommend Penny you’re in Chicago and looking for a place for a spray! They’re only $45 and if you mention my name at booking, you get $5 off!
For your day to day use though, you can’t go wrong with the Vita Liberata! 5 stars in my book!
