My 3 Favorite Products for a Perfect Summer Tan

VersaSpa Gradual Tan Moisturizer | St. Tropez Self Tanner Bronzing Mousse

There’s nothing that compliments a summer look better than a fresh tan, am I right? We’ve had a lot of warm weather the last few weeks, so I’m pulling out all of my shorts, dresses, and short sleeves, but also pulling out my three of my favorite products that keep my tan looking fresh (but also natural) all summer long.

I’ve tried a lot of products over the years, and these are my three favorites that get the job done, look natural, don’t smell weird, don’t wash off instantly, and give me a perfect summer glow.

1. VersaSpa Gradual Tan Moisturizer. I’ve only been using this face moisturizer for the last 6 weeks or so, but I absolutely love it and recommend it. I’m also nervous to try new products on my face (especially tanning products) because I have acne prone and problematic skin. Plus, I want my face to look the most naturally colored, with just a glowy tint. This has exceeded my expectations. I haven’t had any breakouts or problems, it’s very moisturizing, and it gives me just enough color. Because it’s a gradual tanning product, it goes on clear, and adds color over time, and I’ve found that washing my face every day keeps it from getting too dark and unnatural. You also only need a small amount, so it will last a long time!

You can use code “Merrick25” for 25% off any of their products through the end of April!

2. St. Tropez Self Tanner Bronzing Mousse. I’ve been using this tanner for almost a year and although I’ve tried a lot of other self tanners, this is definitely my favorite. The color has green-ish undertones, which sounds weird, but it counteracts any orange and makes your tan come out very naturally olive. I also love that it’s a mousse, so it comes out very evenly and goes on really smoothly. I find that as long as I let it completely dry before getting dressed, and wait 24 hours before showering, it doesn’t wash off and it doesn’t get on my clothing. It sometimes will get on my sheets at night, or on my white towel, but it washes right out without any staining.

I typically do 2 pumps per leg, and 1 pump per arm, and if I’m looking for a darker color I’ll let it dry and then repeat. And if I’m prepping for a vacation where I want a nice tan, I’ll start 4-5 days before we leave and do it every night to get a really good base tan that won’t wash off while we’re on the trip. They also sell a darker tan!

3. It Cosmetic’s Sunshine in a Compact. I’ve been using this bronzer for over a year, and I’m still working on the same compact because it’s so big! Definitely worth every penny. The color of this bronzer is natural and beautiful, not shimmery (which tends to look juvenile), and goes on so smoothly. When it comes to a nice glow on your face, this is the best for a little extra color and definition.

Do you have any other products you can recommend? I’d love to hear!