Neutrogena Sunless Tanning Foam: Foaming Subtlety
Written: Aug 06 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Less than 5 minutes drying time, fresh fragrance, non-streaking, fun foam
Cons: Even with "Deep" formula, tan is very subtle, so requires repeated applications to achieve a noticeable tan
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| tjarnold's Full Review: Neutrogena Sunless Tanning Lotion Medium |
I should have taken the manufacturer's claims more literally. When the bottle said "Get a healthy-looking glow with this safe alternative to tanning," I assumed the copywriter was just being poetic. However, after several applications of Neutrogena Sunless Tanning Foam, I can assure you that when they say glow, they do mean glow, and not tan. In fact, it is only with consecutive repeat applications (say once a day for a few days) that you will notice much of a tan. With only one application, you may notice as much difference as, for example, the variation between Ivory Fair and Very Fair on a cosmetic salesperson's foundation colorwheel.
That said, there are some distinct advantages to this subtle tanning approach, particularly for someone (like myself) with rather fair skin. Most obviously, the likelihood of error (streaking, in user's terms) is much lower than with a product producing a quicker, deeper tan. And if errors do occur, they will likely be noticed by no one but you and can be easily corrected with the next day's application.
Before proceeding to the meat and potatoes (or features and benefits, in retail terms) of this review, I should explain my goals in self-tanning. Because of my naturally fair skin, I consciously decided years ago that I would never be able to compete in the tanning game with much success. My best friend in junior high school had a beautiful olive complexion and, for her, tanning was a breeze. There was no way I would ever be able to catch up, so I decided not to play a game I couldn't win (a consistent theme in my life, but this probably isn't the place for self-analysis, is it?) This was years before anyone realized the dangers of tanning, not to mention the undesirable effect of wrinkling.
Therefore, when I buy a self-tanner, I am simply looking for a product to effectively reduce the glaring whiteness of my legs. I get enough sun on my arms to look "healthy" just by taking my kids for walks and doing my usual routine of outdoor activities. But my legs never seem to catch enough rays from the sun itself, and I have neither the time to lie out, nor the inclination to get sun damage and skin cancer.
In summary, I recommend this product with minor reservations. It is an effective and user-friendly self-tanner for the newcomer to the field, but as it requires constant reapplication, it is hardly economical at $9.99 a bottle. I will happily use the rest of my bottle of the product, but I may search for a quicker-acting alternative next time around.
Pros:
~Truly fast-drying (less than 5 minutes), so I don't have to budget much unclothed drying time into my already-rushed beauty routine
~Application of foam is fun (in the same manner as application of hair mousse)
~Non-streaking formula is successful with relatively careful application
~Fragrance is light, fresh, and completely non-offensive (not at all reminiscent of the lingering chemical smell of self tanners of old)
~Non-aerosol formula is better for the environment
~Tan (or glow) produced does not have undesirable side effect of increased risk of sun damage, premature aging, wrinkling, or skin cancer
Cons:
~Tan or "glow" produced is truly subtle and requires repeated application in order to be noticeable to anyone but self
~Product does not contain sunscreen, so need to apply separate product in order to protect skin if expecting to be outside
~Although product dries very quickly, results take longer than average to appear: label claims 2-4 hours, and my experience was closer to 4 hours
Directions:
Blend evenly over freshly cleansed skin. Apply sparingly around elbows, knees and ankles. Avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands vigorously with soap and water immediately after use. Avoid contact with clothing. Wait one hour before bathing or swimming. Sunless tan will begin to develop in two to four hours and last for days. Reapply as needed to maintain or deepen color.
Self-Tanning Tips:
1. As with any new cosmetic or personal care product, patch test first. Apply a small amount of product to an inconspicuous spot of skin, such as the inner forearm, and wait a minimum of a few hours to ensure no allergic reaction. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to check with your doctor or dermatologist before trying any new product.
2. Always shower or bathe before self-tanning, and, for best results, be sure to exfoliate the skin to be self-tanned prior to application of product.
3. Apply carefully and evenly, using small amounts at a time and blending thoroughly. Just to be on the safe side, do not try this (or any) self-tanning product for the first time before an important occasion, such as an important date, class reunion, or wedding. Murphy's Law suggests you may regret such carelessness. Better to get the hang of the product's usage before relying on it to produce an exact result.
4. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately following application, paying particular attention to areas around and under nails, between fingers, on palms, etc.
5. As this formula was not specifically designed for facial self-tanning, I recommend using it only on the body. There are many reputable products available for facial tanning, and they are much more likely to produce the desirable results without undesirable side effects.
For more complete self-tanning advice, see my review of Bain de Soleil Sunless Tanning Creme.
Ingredients:
Purified Water, Dihydroxacetone, Pentylene Glycol, Erythrulose, Decyl Polyglucose, Glycerin, Metthyl Gluceth-20, PPG-5 Ceteth-20, Methylpropanediol, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Citric Acid, Fragrance.
For further information, call 1-800-582-4048 (USA only) or check out www.Neutrogena.com.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
tjarnold
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Location: Connecticut, but I'm a Hoosier at heart
Reviews written: 83
Trusted by: 87 members
About Me:
Mother of two, manager of many. Whatever happened to the myth of "The Total Woman"?
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