Believe me, this fake tan makes it look like I spent two weeks vacationing in the South of France.

Believe me, this fake tan makes it look like I spent two weeks vacationing in the South of France.

      Having been a fake tan user since I was 15, I’ve experimented with numerous self-tanners, experiencing a range of successes and failures. My skin and bedsheets have both encountered their share of fake tanning mishaps, leading me to be very selective about the self-tan products I choose. For over five years, I have consistently used Isle of Paradise Tanning Water (£19) and seldom strayed from it. However, this summer, I’ve decided to mix things up by revisiting one of the first self-tan brands I tried: St. Tropez Luxe Whipped Crème Mousse (£35). Renowned as one of the top self-tan formulas, I was eager to see how it performed. Keep reading for my candid feedback along with before and after photos of this famously user-friendly fake tan.

      **St. Tropez Luxe Whipped Crème Mousse Self Tan Overview**

      **Pros:**

      - Features a guide color for easier, even application

      - Dries to a non-sticky finish

      - Mousse texture is simple to apply and blend with a mitt

      - Offers a realistic tan that lasts about a week

      - Fades evenly and streak-free when the skin is properly prepped

      **Cons:**

      - Guide color may transfer to clothing or bedding if worn overnight

      - Has a mild 'fake tan' scent that lingers for a day

      - Takes 8 hours to develop

      - Pricier than other self-tanning options

      **The Formula**

      This is a self-tanner, meaning it develops on the skin over several hours, providing a glow that typically lasts around a week after washing off. Its mousse texture is luxuriously thick but dries quickly to a lightweight, non-sticky finish. A significant advantage of this product is the guide color, which allows users to see where they are applying it—ideal for beginners or those prone to missing spots with a clear tan. The formula includes niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, echinacea, and vitamin E to hydrate the skin during tanning. As I applied it, I found it very hydrating and it blended smoothly into my skin with the mitt.

      **Before and After**

      After shaving, exfoliating, and moisturizing dry areas, I applied the tanning mousse with a mitt to protect my hands. Due to the mousse's thickness, I broke it up a bit before applying it to my skin. On my first attempt, I didn't do this, which resulted in a large dollop on my skin that fell onto the bathroom floor. A tip: the mousse has a firm texture rather than a slip, so it needs some effort to spread.

      As seen in the middle photo above, the mousse immediately provides a deep bronze glow. Despite thorough exfoliation, I noticed uneven application in some spots, leading to concerns about the final result (though it turned out fine!). I was impressed with how well it dried on my skin—there was no stickiness. While I typically avoid wearing fake tan during the day, this one could likely be worn with loose clothing while it develops. Instead, I let it develop overnight, following St. Tropez's recommendation for an eight-hour wait.

      Overnight, I did notice some of the guide color transferring onto my pajamas and bedding, but it was less than many tinted self-tanners I've used. A faint fake tan odor was present but wasn’t overwhelming, and the product actually smells pleasant upon initial application. The next morning, after rinsing off the guide color, I was left with a subtle glow that was slightly lighter than the guide color. It resulted in a golden, honey-like tan that looked incredibly natural. Despite my usual struggles with uneven application on hands and feet, this mousse blended seamlessly and made my skin appear like I had just returned from a two-week getaway in the South of France. The color closely resembled what my skin would naturally become in the sun before I became more diligent with SPF. The fake tan smell lingered a bit post-shower, but it completely vanished by the next day.

      **The Verdict**

      It has been around a decade since I last tried a St. Tropez tanning formula, and I am now questioning why I ever switched away from the brand. This product has provided me with one of the best and most natural-looking results I've ever had from a self-tanner. With consistent moisturizing, I found it faded evenly over about a week. My primary concerns are that the guide color transfers onto bedding, which is common with tinted tans, and that the scent lasts longer than I’d prefer after rinsing off. Nonetheless, I have very few complaints. While it's priced higher than other self-tanners, I believe the results justify the cost. I can definitely see this becoming a staple in my fake tan routine.

      **Shop Now:**

      - St. Tropez Luxe Whipped Crème Mousse

      **Explore More St. Tropez Products:**

      - **Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water

Believe me, this fake tan makes it look like I spent two weeks vacationing in the South of France. Believe me, this fake tan makes it look like I spent two weeks vacationing in the South of France. Believe me, this fake tan makes it look like I spent two weeks vacationing in the South of France. Believe me, this fake tan makes it look like I spent two weeks vacationing in the South of France. Believe me, this fake tan makes it look like I spent two weeks vacationing in the South of France. Believe me, this fake tan makes it look like I spent two weeks vacationing in the South of France. Believe me, this fake tan makes it look like I spent two weeks vacationing in the South of France. Believe me, this fake tan makes it look like I spent two weeks vacationing in the South of France. Believe me, this fake tan makes it look like I spent two weeks vacationing in the South of France. Believe me, this fake tan makes it look like I spent two weeks vacationing in the South of France. Believe me, this fake tan makes it look like I spent two weeks vacationing in the South of France.

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Believe me, this fake tan makes it look like I spent two weeks vacationing in the South of France.

The most realistic tan I've experimented with.