I am very picky when it comes to self tanners because I am so fair and you can really tell if the product streaks, if it’s patchy or the if it’s the wrong undertone for me. After trying a ton of different self tanners, I have decided a golden undertone works best for my fair skin. Sometimes I have used self tanners that look almost green but develop into a gorgeous golden color so I am fine with that as well. However because I am so fair, I ALWAYS mix every single self tanner with an unscented body lotion. This thins out the product, prevents me from getting any streaks and my skin feels extra nourished. It may take a few extra days to get the desired color that I want, but I am willing to do that in order not to have to deal with streaks or uneven patches.

I also find that diluting the formula with an unscented body lotion helps the tan fade more evenly. I also apply any body self tanners with rubber gloves. You don’t necessarily have to with these products but I find the process of applying it is much easier. I like to make sure I have exfoliated the day before and I will apply body lotion every day after tanning to ensure my skin stays hydrated and it makes my self tan look smoother.

Tan-Luxe Review

Tan-Luxe products have been on my radar for so long and I was able to try a handful of products from the line and I have a review of each one in today’s post. The entire Tan-Luxe line has elevated the process of self tanning and made it so much easier while delivering the most perfect and gorgeous sun kissed glow. While I ended up loving all the Tan-Luxe tanning products, The Gradual was hands down my favorite formula.

How Do Self Tanning Drops Work?

Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Gradual Tan Lotion

This is my favorite product out of the bunch and the one I plan to repurchase! It’s a gradual tanning lotion that contains skin boosting ingredients such as raspberry seed oil, vitamin e and aloe vera to help moisturize and condition the skin. I can see a difference the very next day after using this and it is JUST enough color. After using it for 2-3 days in a row, I really get a gorgeous golden glow and it lasts about a week on me – which in my opinion is quite a long time! I still mix it with an unscented body lotion which dilutes it a bit, but the color looks so even and is the perfect amount of tan for my fair skin.

Tan-Luxe Super Glow Body Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum

I am a huge fan of hyaluronic acid so I was super excited to test this out. It gives me the lightest color out of everything I tried. I normally  mix it with a body lotion but have used alone and don’t find that it streaks. However, the color you will get is VERY subtle even after applying it a few days in a row. I sometimes use this one day and the next day apply The Gradual which is a nice combo.

Tan-Luxe The Body Illuminating Self-Tan Drops in Light/Medium

This is the original product that made Tan-Luxe so popular and I can definitely see why. You can basically customize your self tanner by deciding how many Tan Luxe drops you will add to your body lotion. There are a few different shades to choose from which could work for a variety of skin tones. I get a medium dark color with using this so I have to be very light-handed or else it can be a bit streaky. And I normally apply one drop to each area of the body I am tanning. I like the color that I get but The Gradual lotion is still my favorite.

Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum

I was really intrigued to try the face products and while I liked them, I don’t think they are for me because I wear a medium coverage makeup everyday and it basically covers up the glow/tan I get from the tan luxe drops. This Hyaluronic serum is VERY subtle which is nice and gives my skin the tiniest bit of color so for the days I am not wearing any makeup, it is gorgeous.

Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops in Light/Medium

This definitely gave me the most color but since I would cover it up with foundation, I didn’t really see the tan on my face. I think both of these would be a great option for those that don’t wear foundation often or wear something very sheer so you would be able to see the self tan through the makeup. I only need one drop mixed into my daytime moisturizer to get a nice golden glow to my face.

How to Use the Tan Luxe Drops

  • Exfoliate the body or face ensuring you remove all prior self tanner
  • Use a unscented body lotion or moisturizer to mix with the drops
  • Only add 1-2 drops to start to test how much color you will get once it develops
  • I prefer to apply the drops + body lotion with rubber gloves because I can get a more thorough application and really rub it in
  • I apply less product on my knees and elbows because product tends to gather there and can look patchy and uneven
  • I apply product to my feet last with whatever is remaining on my gloves
  • I continue to moisturize each day after to ensure my tan stays looking smooth and fades evenly

How Long Does Tan-Luxe Take to Develop

Since I apply my Tan-Luxe drops at night, it usually it perfectly developed by the next morning. I’ve tried using it during the day but find that it takes 6-8 hours for the color to begin to show so be sure you give yourself enough time. There is a Tan-Luxe Express Self Tanning Water that develops in as little as 30 minutes if you need something immediate.

Related: Summer Glow Up Makeup Guide

Does Tan-Luxe Stain the Sheets?

Personally I have never had an issue with any of my Tan-Luxe products staining my sheets or my clothing. I typically apply at night and never have any product transfer onto my pajamas or sheets.

Does Tan-Luxe Expire?

Tan-Luxe products have a shelf life for 2 years after they are opened.

Are Self Tanning Drops Safe?

Self tanning drops are the best alternative to actually being out in the sun! A definite must to give you that gorgeous glow without any damage.

Tan-Luxe Before and After

(left picture is before using Tan-Luxe, right picture is after using Tan-Luxe)

I took these photos a few years ago but you can see the difference so well so I thought I would use them for this post. You can definitely see the difference between the left photo and the right photo and how natural the Tan-Luxe looks. My favorite formula is The Gradual and I mix it with my favorite unscented body lotion and it gives me the most subtle yet radiantly sun kissed glow!

Do Self Tanning Drops Really Work?

I’ve been using self tanners for almost a decade now and the formulations just keep getting better and better. Self tanning drops are the easiest way to create a customized tanning routine for yourself. If you are new to using them, start small with just one or two drops and build up to your desired intensity once you see how it develops on your skin tone.