At Home Spray Tan vs Self Tanner Review

Hi friends!! Here to update you on my self tanner routine as its changed since the last time I shared this post. I still use the amazon spray tan machine before trips to really get an even tan all over. I have that tutorial saved to my IG story highlights under “Self Tan”. Day to day I use the loving tan in dark.  It is the BEST.  I like it better than any of the others.  I even use it for my face. I used to use the tan luxe drops for my face but have stopped using it because when the tan wears off it looks splotchy. On the other hand, the loving tan fads evenly and naturally.  I usually apply it every 3 days using this tanning mitt.

I am leaving my review for the Loving Tan 2 Hour Express and Tanologist Express Tan review below for anyone who is curious about the pros and cons of each. reference, I use the ‘dark’ shade in both. I use these self tanners solely for my body. Also answering some frequently asked questions about self tanning at home below !

Loving Tan 2-Hour Express Review

This is a self-tanning mousse so it is easy to apply, but it’s not quite as forgiving as Tanologist. Make sure to put the mousse on your mitten versus directly on your skin as it will cause your tan to be uneven otherwise. Photo below for reference. You will be able to see color within 2 hours. The color is a deeper and darker tan than Tanologist.

Tanologist Express Tan Review

I love that this one is a clear mousse. It’s easier to apply out of the two and you can put it directly on your skin versus with a mitt. A lot of self tanners have that tanning scent, but this one is formulated to minimize the funky smell. That said, it does smell better than Loving Tan.

I use this over Loving Tan when I don’t already have a tan or if I am going out that night and don’t have time to shower because again, it does not smell at all 🙂 Downside is that you will see the final color within 4-5 hours so it takes a few hours longer to show than Loving Tan.

Which Self Tanner to Choose

Overall, I love the color of Loving Tan the most! It literally looks like you were at the beach all day. However I do use them pretty equally depending on the situation. Here is a breakdown of which self tanner out of the two is best depending on what you’re looking for.

Best Self Tanner for Beginners

Winner:  Tanologist

Best Self Tanner for the Darkest Tan

Winner:  Loving Tan

Best Self Tanner for Quickest Tan

Winner:  Loving Tan

Best-Smelling Self Tanner

Winner:  Tanologist

Frequently Asked Questions About My Spray Tanning Machine

Do you exfoliate before tanning?

I do not exfoliate before.

Can you workout or shower after self tanning? And does it stain your white sheets?

I don’t recommend sweating after you apply the tanner, but you can put on your regular clothes on right after you do it. Avoid sweating though. I wait a minimum of 5 hours before I shower or workout. I self tan in the morning and shower before bed at night and it doesn’t transfer color !

For the Tanologist and Loving Tan tanners, in my experience, I don’t think the longer you keep it on the darker you get.  You can see max results within a few hours.

How often do you self tan?

Once a week ! In the winter, I will do twice a week.

How do you do your hands? My hands always get so much darker than the rest of me!

I actually don’t spray my hands unless it is the dead of winter and I barely spray at a distance. I can’t stand over sprayed hands LOL

Does it get all over your bathroom or stay in the tent? Do you have to wash your tent?

No, it all stays in the tent 🙌🏻 and I have not wash my tent.

I hope this was helpful! If you have any questions, just let me know 🙂

xo, Jaime