It would be impossible to determine exactly how many self-tanners editors here have tried over the years, but we’d venture a guess of, oh, every single one out there. We refused to stop in our search until we’d found one that is easy to apply, doesn’t streak, doesn’t look orange, dries quickly and smells so good. This Xen-Tan self-tanning kit fits all our requirements.
This stuff is foolproof. (Take it from someone who put it on her legs in about 60 seconds before rushing out the door to catch a flight to Mexico.) The mitt helps ensure that the lotion goes on evenly and doesn’t leave telltale streaks — even if you don’t exfoliate beforehand (which this editor did not).
And since smellivision has yet to be invented, we feel the need to tell you just how good the scent of the lotion is. Think of every other self-tanner you’ve ever tried and then imagine the exact opposite. It has a yummy vanilla smell, but isn’t overpoweringly sweet.
We know the price seems a little steep, but considering Xen-Tan is just a bit more than the cost of a booth spray tan (and way less than one professional spray), it’s totally worth the splurge. Plus, we’re hooking up first-time Joyus buyers with 15% off (enter STYLE15 at checkout).
Order the Xen-Tan self-tanner here and the mitt here. And be sure to tell us what you think of it.
Happy tanning!
–Zoë Ruderman
