With the short spurt of warmer weather last week, I got the itch for Spring. Yet there is nothing worse than wanting to wear a skirt only to have pasty, snow white legs. That’s when self-tanning is in order and I decided to give L’Oreal’s Sublime Bronze Luminous Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion a try. I’m a fan of L’Oreal products and since they make purchasing easy (completely affordable at $10 and found at my local CVS) it was definitely worth a shot. However, this time around I realized the $36 for Aqua Tan’s Body Milk really outbeat the results of this product.
Sublime Bronze is said to have “instant action” which really appears to be more of it first being a “tinted lotion” while the rest of it works with the pigmentation of your skin over the course of a few applications to bring out the tan color. And it really looked just like that–tinted lotion laying on my skin. I’m surprised that Mica is not listed among the ingredients as the lotion is full of glittery specs (or micro-particles), and quite honestly, overloaded with these shiny pieces. So much so that my hands appeared to be covered in a sheet of gold. That’s really not a realistic appearance of a sun-kissed look to me. Not to mention getting it all over my clothes.
On the plus side, Sublime Bronze didn’t have the typical self-tanner fragrance that most are known for. It was scented more like the perfume you would find on the counter’s at Macy’s. I don’t mind perfumey products, but someone with a fragrance allergy might. Still, if I was going to look like a glitter-fest from the early 90’s (remember rubbing sparkly products on yourself before hitting the clubs?) at least I smelled pretty.
I allowed the lotion to absorb and dry and then put on my jeans as usual and went about my day. Then at night as I slipped off my pants I noticed that the self-tanning had gone awry. At the upper part of my calves where my jeans bunch up when I sit, there was a very noticeably “ring” of brown around my leg–about 2 inches thick in diameter. It even duplicated the way my jeans look creased and folded at certain points in the ring. No where else on my legs were there any sign of self tanner except at this muscular portion of my calf–not even at my knee where self tanner loves to go overboard and look dark. I was mortified and a bit embarrassed. Thank goodness the temperature took a dip because there was no way I could wear anything other than pants now. It took about 7 days for the discoloration to go away and that was with scrubbing my legs with some fabulous exfoliators trying to will it away.
Now I know how to self tan–cleansing and exfoliating the skin before applying the product, allowing the product to absorb and dry before putting on your clothes; I’ve used self tanner plenty of times. It’s disappointing to have to say that this is not a good self tanner. I’m sticking with my original statement that Aqua Tan’s Body Milk is really the best self tanner out there.
Have you tried L’Oreal’s Sublime Bronze? Was your experience similar or different?
Other self-tanning posts on A Girl’s Gotta Spa! (sm)
- Self Tanning Tips from Dera Enochson, creator of Xen-Tan
- Aqua Tan Self Tanning Body Milk
- Aqua Tan Clear Self Tanning Treatment for Faces
- Neutrogena MicroMist Tanning Sunless Spray
I’ve never actually tried a self-tanner, because I always was afraid I’d turn out looking orange!
I’m glad that you reviewed this tanner so that hopefully other people won’t have the experience of weird creasing around the knees, as they’ll opt to not use it.
Phyrra - February 19th, 2009 at 9:24 amI recommend Jergens Natural Glow rather than your average sunless tanning lotion. It doesn’t give you the quick, dramatic results that a self-tanner does, but instead it gradually gives you a very natural looking, healthy glow. You use it just as you would any other body lotion and since it’s a light formula, you can apply it liberally without worrying too much about spotty results. The only downside is the smell. They have improved it since the product was first introduced (I’ve been using it for a while), but the scent is very similar to that of a sunless tanning lotion. The best part is that it won’t turn you orange– and it’s only about $8 and you can purchase it at just about any drugstore.
Jamee - February 20th, 2009 at 1:17 pmI used this stuff and I do not think I used it right or something. I followed the directions but it is all blotchy and you can see it too. Any pointers to help me?
Naomi - April 7th, 2009 at 9:31 amNaomi, I had the same experience…I think it’s the product and not at all how you used it.
Shannon - April 7th, 2009 at 9:36 amYou probably got blotchy because the way you applied it. It gives you a nice tan actually, but only last for days so you constantly have to keep applying it. I only got a spot once because I didnt even it out well. It was my bad.
Kelsey - April 9th, 2009 at 9:47 amI’ve been using self tanners for years, so I don’t think it had anything to do with the way I applied it. But that is just my opinion.
Shannon - April 9th, 2009 at 9:54 amI just used this, so I can only comment on what it’s like to apply this stuff. It’s awful. It’s sticky and the light-reflecting “particles” are glitter. Body glitter. I hope getting this stuff off doesn’t prove too difficult.
Paige - May 6th, 2009 at 10:39 pmI’m pretty sure I just turned into one giant sparkle. This stuff isn’t even dried in yet and it sucks
Raelene - May 9th, 2009 at 5:17 amWell I’ve tried several different kinds of those lotions & now I’v been using that L’Oreal stuff for a yr. It looks nice at first then gets blotchy & there’s no going over it to make it look nice, shoot!!!
delores - May 24th, 2009 at 11:15 amAbsolutey terrible. I have read mixed reviews on this product and decided to give it a try.. big mistake. The product starts to dry quickly but is sticky. After applying the product it looked like someone had dumped glitter on me. Also, the colour is not very nice.. sort of orangey. I would not recommend anyone trying this sunless tanner. The ONLY good thing about this product is the smell.
Courtney - June 21st, 2009 at 5:04 pmI tried Loreal sublime last night, and I woke up with streeks all over me, OMG! SO glad I am not planning on going anywhere. This stuff is bad!
Jamie - July 21st, 2009 at 5:43 amI used this product wasn’t too bad the first application. Just a bit glittery but I just let it dry while i sat in shorts and a tank then about 3 hours later I’d take a shower to get rid of the glitter. It didn’t give be streaks.. I kept rubbing it in each area til it was feeling dry then move to the next area. And I had a nice tan. But then I decided to do one more application the following day. It ended up a little orangeish. I think I’m gonna give that aqua tan stuff a try. It is kinda expensive though.
Kiki - July 25th, 2009 at 3:51 pmKiki–it’s expensive but worth it.
Shannon - July 25th, 2009 at 4:29 pmOMG…I wish I would have ran in to these reviews earlier =(
Brianna - July 25th, 2009 at 9:01 pmThis stuff is AWFUL! it is still sticky and I applied it almost 2 hours ago. I also have to agree about the whole glitter thing. It is all over my love seat now too. ARGH
[...] look overdone and it certainly is not glitter-looking either (such as the case was with L’Oreal’s Sublime Bronzer). For those of you allergic to talc, you’ll be happy to know that Radiant FX is talc-free (as [...]
Review: Cover FX Skin Tint and Radiant FX | A Girl's Gotta Spa Beauty Blog! - August 4th, 2009 at 8:11 amOk….ladies seriously? You’re essentially applying a dye to your skin. You CANNOT put on clothes directly after and go about your daily lives! Apply at night in the early evening, avoid laying down and give it a couple hours to properly sink in.
You cannot judge a self tanner’s streaking based on your own stupidity! My gosh…..putting on jeans!? Hello use your head.
Knowshowtoselftan - August 20th, 2009 at 11:13 amFollowing the directions of the product, you don’t have to wait several hours. I waited until it was absorbed. But regardless, it is the glitter that did me in. Not a fan of looking like I sparkle.
Shannon - August 20th, 2009 at 11:15 amI have problems with ALL bronzers. I do use them but I find I look unnatural with them on and I always have rings around my ankles no matter how well I blend!
Tina - August 22nd, 2009 at 12:33 pmI am also not a fan of sparkle! A woman in her forties does not need sparkle! lol
Tina - August 22nd, 2009 at 12:34 pmi love sparkles but i hate orange. all tanners turn me orange. and the smell just kills me. I tried Loreal spray tanner and I turned the color of fruit orange with streaks all over. people laughed at me at school. i avoid tanners now!
Anna S. - August 22nd, 2009 at 5:28 pmI’m so glad I looked on this website before buying this! My friend had used it on her legs before going to the lake and it looked good…so I was going to try it myself. But it sounds like most people have had bad experiences with it! I think I will stick with my L’Oreal. I’d rather have a subtle glow than be sparkly orange.
Shelly - August 28th, 2009 at 12:42 pmI’m so glad I looked on this website before buying this! My friend had used it on her legs before going to the lake and it looked good…so I was going to try it myself. But it sounds like most people have had bad experiences with it! I think I will stick with my Jergens. I’d rather have a subtle glow than be sparkly orange.
Shelly - August 28th, 2009 at 12:44 pmive been using loreal sublime bronze tinted self tanning lotion medium natural tan for years. I love it and have to say i think its the best sunless tanning product ive ever used. ok yeah there is the sparkle but its not that bad once you dry the sparkle wears off. and if you do it at night and shower in the morning you wont have any sparkle.
amber - October 11th, 2009 at 1:44 pmI did try the Loreal sublime bronze medium natural tan. I attend college and dont have the money like i did in the summer to pay for months of tanning so i got this stuff,. $9 ,. and enough for at least 3 applications. I put on the stuff and its got glitter in it ,. kinda the “summer glow” i suppose , thought it was kinda of cool. I even moisterized and scrubbed before this. I basically had to play beat the clock trying to get the stuff off my hands which still turned out orange and my nails as well. The stuff was sticky and gave me streaks and looks aweful,. kinda glad its cold right now so that i can fully cover up .
jenny - October 18th, 2009 at 8:22 pmalso,. i applied this at 11:30 p.m ,.washed my hands but didnt put on anything or sit for 2 hrs,. finally i sat and watched t.v for 3 hrs,. then went to sleep (only in a robe and still have streaks,.ugh
jenny - October 18th, 2009 at 8:30 pmOh my gosh the same exact thing happened to me. Great. Hahah and I have a dance coming up!! Advice?
Sarah - December 1st, 2009 at 6:49 pmAs a 15 year old girl, I was able to apply this without any issues. The problem wasn’t with the product, but how you applied it..honestly. Putting on jeans?? The glitter lasts for a day, tops, and then dissapears. Everyone I knew found the color to be really believeable. It dried fast and even (as long as you applied it evenly), and smelled amazing. It’s a great product.
Lauren - December 30th, 2009 at 1:20 pmI love this stuff….Everyone else hates it, but I am a naturally tan person, and no self tanner is ever dark enough for me. This tanner shows up even after I showered ppl tell me how tan I look!! This is one of the only tanners than get me dark enough. I do get some splothces on my hand area, but you just have to be careful when applying this and rub it all in very well.
Laine - January 1st, 2010 at 12:52 pmI have always been very pale skinned and always burn in the sun, so I have tried my fair share of sunless tanners. They NEVER work, but atleast once a year I try out a new tanner thats out. I picked up the Loreal one today and tried it out. I figure its still cold outside so nobody will really see me if it turns me orange. Well it didnt. It gave me an immediate bronze effect. Yes a little glittery but not all crazy. It smelled good, dried quickly and did not stain my hands. As long as you keep rubbing in the lotion then you wont get streaks. That is the number one thing when applying ANY tanners! I think this product worked very well.
Katie - January 31st, 2010 at 11:36 pmI use this product all the time with great results. I leave it on for a few hours (usually overnight), but have to wash it off before going anywhere–the smell once it dries is faint but disgusting, and makes me self-conscious all day if I leave it on. Yuck. Glitter is no longer an issue that way, either.
sara - February 12th, 2010 at 5:27 pmI just bought this stuff today and have not yet put it on. I am naturally darker, but not to where I dont have to wear makeup, but I hate wearing makeup because it doesnt ever stay on all day and it gets really shiney after a while. I dont have the patience to lay in a tanning bed so I was going to try this out, but I dont know if I should based on some of these reviews. Some people love it and some hate it! Since I’m naturally darker do you think it would work better? I want to be sure before I use it and it ends up being terrible, I work everyday and cant afford for it to turn out bad and be embarassed!
Alex - April 7th, 2010 at 8:59 pmHi Alex, my personal opinion is to skip it.
Also, do you want any suggestions regarding makeup tricks for staying put longer, not being shiny? I have plenty of makeup artist friends, as well as skin care gurus I can ask to give some tips. Just say the word.
Shannon Nelson - April 8th, 2010 at 5:32 ami look like i have a skin disease because of the loreal sublime bronze product. When i was applying it it was so sticky, i also used the palms of my hands to apply it and made sure there was no streaking. The product did streak some but that was my fault. Also the coloring makes me look like an oompa loompa. Not to mention im splotchy and HAVE to wear a dress today for my chorus concert.
Anna Thompson - April 14th, 2010 at 7:51 amSorry to hear this Anna. And I agree about oompa loompa, I felt the same way.
Shannon Nelson - April 22nd, 2010 at 5:40 amIt sucks.
I bought it today, and I took a shower, dried myself fully and applied it, my skin feels really dirty and sticky, I feel like I haven’t showered for days with this stuff on.
If I rub it, it rubs off and it looks like mud.
Too much glitter it is disgusting.
I say SKIP IT.
Try Neutrogena Build. A. Tan it works really well and the color lasts long.
A - April 29th, 2010 at 9:59 pmI am a massage therapist and one of my clients had use this product I have to say it look wonderful and it smell good too I was a little scared I was gonna get it in my hands or I was gonna loor stay glittery but no I’m tempted to try it but I’m a little scared bcuz I’m darker skin and in the sun I get really dark but I want kind of the golden look…don’t know what to do now
maria - May 6th, 2010 at 5:24 pmI have had this product for awhile now.. & its has it positives & negatives. Its not like its my first time trying a self tanner, I’ve had my fair share of self tanner experiences. The positives to this product, is its cheap & if don’t correctly, it has a good color (if you don’t over do it). I had applied it before I went to bed & I woke up with a pretty tan color, but I had gotten to the point where I wanted to put more and more on & that was a BIG mistake. I had a very orange color & when it started coming off.. it was very ugly. The negatives to this product are, it has slimmer in it & I looked like a big sparkle. The other negative about this product is when it starts fading off it looks horrible. I am now looking to find the best self tanner out there. If you apply the self tanner right, you will have a pretty glow
kayla - May 10th, 2010 at 12:52 pmKayla if you do a search in my sidebar for Aqua Tan, to me that is the best self tanner. I have a review on the face self tanner and then their body self tanner. Kind of pricey ($36) but still the best regardless.
Shannon Nelson - May 10th, 2010 at 12:56 pmok i have a wedding saturday. i have been using this loreal sublime bronze lotion since monday. Kayla- im nervous now that if i use it too much before the wedding il be orange, but if i stop, you said it looks horrible when it fades. What exactly does it look like when it fades? im nervous now
Clara - May 26th, 2010 at 9:46 pmI am thrilled with ur new sublime. The comments I’ve received about the look, ask if I tan salon. The glitter is awesome, and the eveness and distriution is perfection. I use the body one on my face as well and I look so healthy. I suffered with acne vulgaris all my life and due to the products I used destroyed my pigmentation, my face will not tan naturally! I never liked my looks but this has really given me a boost, I recommend it highly, I know for now on I can’t live without!!!!!Thanx for restoring my faith in tanners! Ur’s is the best without a doubt!
Mary Cross - May 30th, 2010 at 11:35 amI’ve used Loreal tanners b/4 and were fine but this one is terrible, I put it on and wash my hands right after applying it and they r stained orange and I’ve use self tanners all the time and that never happened, also after 2 days or so I start noticing my skin looks real blotchie, I look like a lepper. It’s terrible
Christine Joy Marmo - June 1st, 2010 at 7:55 pmAfter several successful years of using the lotion, which I can’t seem to find this year for some reason, I used the gel and turned orange. It streaked and looked just awful. I cannot in good faith recommend the gel but I had GREAT success with the lotion. Know any stores that carry it? I’ve tried Rite Aid, CVS, KMart, WalMart…??????? How about a refund?
jeri - June 10th, 2010 at 6:01 pmthe trick is: TO USE MEDICAL GLOVES WHEN APPLYING
it made this product go on my skin SO WELL. i look amazing. A+++++. I have used SO many bronzers, tinted lotions, hands down this one is THE BEST. NOT STICKY and AMAZING
Chrissy - July 5th, 2010 at 9:42 pmokaayyy im so scared noww!! i dont want to turn orange! im scareddd any other self tanners that really do work!?!!??!
zeena - July 6th, 2010 at 8:41 pmI bought it at Walmart, they didn’t have a lot of choices in self tanners. I got home and exfoliated, then used it. I love everything about it, but my favorite pleasant surprise is the smell. It is not chemical smelling at all. (That is important to more than anything if I am going to continue using it.) I think my “tan” is natural looking, and I was surprised at how soon after applying I looked dark. Plus it has lasted for days with only 2 applications. Love it and will buy it again, and tell my friends about my new discovery. Ps– the directions say only apply it once or twice a week after you get the results you want. I love that part too!
Rihanna - July 7th, 2010 at 2:02 pmomgggg the product is horrible!! i literally turned ompa lompa orange ! seriosly its horrible
zeena - July 7th, 2010 at 6:50 pmwell on my first time of trying the l’oreal sublime bronzer , i suffered a serious allergic reaction to where there were red upraised bumps all over my stomach , back , and neck . And it also caused streaks on my legs and the inside of my arms even though i applied it quite thourghly . i have used bannana boat summer color before and have gotten much better results , the only reason i switched was because i was running out of my previous self tanner . i GREATLY regret it .
Kaye - July 22nd, 2010 at 11:36 amOkay girls.
good luck and happy tanning! P.S. At most salons a spray tan is around $20!
Amanda - August 16th, 2010 at 10:57 pmFor one, if your not tan at all and are expecting a magic tan in a bottle, your wrong. Your gonna turn a weird color regardless. If you want a real looking tan I suggest you go get a spray tan at a salon. Ever hear the old saying “you get what you pay for.”?
You need to also take your time with your tan. Shave! & EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE! if your blotchy after a few days its bc you didn’t exfoliate well enough and its sticking to the new skin.
Everyone’s skin is different. Don’t let the negative comments stop you from experimenting and finding what works for YOU. But also, if you have a big event coming up, and your experimenting, I recommend trying it out at least a week before. Try a tester spot also on your inner thigh somewhere if your really unsure. I love L’oreal. It comes out the best on me! If your fairly white I suggest jergens. Not immediate results but you wont look like a pumpkin. Then go from there. And if your concerned with streaks and being a “sparkle”, mix it with your normal hand lotion and apply. Still isn’t working? L’oreal sublime bronze mist is the BEST. Make sure you spray from quite a distance and wait a few days in between before adding another coat to avoid over doing it. Common sense ladies