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4you Beauty Board Tests Sunless Tanners

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 6, 2008

If ads for popular beauty products leave you skeptical, relax. Our 4you Beauty Board's veteran testers are ready to try the latest and greatest when it comes to all things beauty. We'll share what worked and what bombed with the hope of making your life a little easier. This week: sunless tanners. Will we be bronzed and happy or orange and crushed?

Check out our online database of reviews at TBO.com, keyword: Health.

Solerra Sunless Silk Spray Tan

Available at www.solerra.com; $25.99 for 5 ounces

"Unique spray tan will deliver natural dark tanning results while deeply moisturizing your skin through the Invisicare polymer delivery system."

Rating: C+

Michelle says: Patience is a virtue I do NOT possess. On my first round with the Solerra spray tan, I didn't allow it to "absorb until dry." A few hours later, instead of the overall bronzed look I was trying to achieve, I got freaky orange streaks all over my legs that screamed "FAKE TAN!" The next time I followed the directions, standing naked in front of a fan for 15 minutes to make sure it had properly soaked in. Even though Solerra promises a "natural-looking, healthy tan that lasts up to 10 days," the effect fell short of that glowing promise. The color came out OK, but it didn't fool my sister, who called me "tan-in-a-can lady" all weekend at our family reunion. Note: Use this product with the Drench Post-Tan Moisturizer ($11.99) by Solerra. It will boost the tan's staying power.

Michelle Bearden, 53, covers faith and values for the Tribune.

Banana Boat EveryDay Glow SunDial Self-Tanning Lotion for Lighter Skin Tones

Available at Walgreen's and other retailers, online at www.bananaboat.com; $11.95 for 6.7 ounces

"This dual-action formula combines self-tanning ingredients with an advanced priming moisturizer for an even sunless tan that's streak-free."

Rating: A

Kim says: The hook with this new product is the dual-delivery system. Want just a hint of color? Turn the dial on the can and you'll get mostly moisturizer and just a little tanner. Want to go darker? Twist it the other way and you'll get more tanner than moisturizer. I started out toward the moisturizing end, but quickly turned to full-on tanner (I probably should have used the kind for medium skin tones.) I wore latex gloves - rinsed and saved from a hair-color kit - and that worked great. The color was natural and streak-free. A little lotion goes a long way; just make sure you are completely dry if you put it on right after you get out of the shower (which most brands recommend, also that you shave first). The odor is much subtler than the L'Oreal product I've used, and the tanner works faster and lasts longer.

Kim Franke-Folstad, 49, is senior features editor at the Tribune and editor of 4you.

Neutrogena Sun Fresh Sunless Foam

Available online at www.drugstore.com and www.amazon.com; $9.99 for 4 ounces

"A fresh new approach to maintaining a carefree summer color any time of the year. This ultra-light formula goes on easily, absorbs evenly, and looks absolutely radiant - never fake or flat. What's more, the delicious scent features hints of grapefruit and nectarine for an overall fresh experience. For a healthy, smooth color you'll feel great about.

Rating: B

Sherry says: When the Beauty Board asked, "Who's the palest person we know?" somehow my name came up. And rightly so. I've tried just about every sunless tanning cream there is. After many years of orange palms and uneven splotches (operator error, I'm sure) I have to say this one went on evenly, dried faster, smelled better and didn't stain my clothes. The price was right, and I think this would be a good complement to already tan legs. I'm not so sure the color alone looks that natural. I had the brilliant idea to apply the cream to only one leg to compare the color. Needless to say, I won't be wearing shorts anytime soon.

Sherry Hayes-Hutchinson, 46, is the features design team leader. And she is still very pale.

Jergens Natural Glow Express

Available at most retailers, supermarkets and online beauty stores; about $8 for a 7.5 ounce tube

"Only Jergens Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer is formulated with our exclusive Glow Perfecting Complex. This proprietary blend of skin tone specific color enhancers and antioxidants is designed to give you natural-looking color in less time."

Rating: B+

Stacey says: I was a tanner dilettante, too afraid of turning orange to graduate from lightly tinted moisturizers like Jergens' original Natural Glow to a "real" self-tanner. The Express product gave me the best of both. After the advertised three days, I had built up enough color that friends were asking whether I had spent the weekend at the beach. The thick lotion gave me control around my elbows - with some practice - and kept my legs moisturized. I just wish the results lasted longer than the time the tan took to build.

Stacey Shick, 30, doesn't see much sunshine in her job as night editor at the Tribune.

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