At Tannercentral, we strive to seek out only the highest quality tanning products and most natural tan enhancers to guarantee beauty and wellness benefits rather than chemical intensity. When St. Tropez Tanning Essentials Express Mousse Bronzer recently caught our eye with promises of 10 days of hydrated golden glow, minimal odor and a formula designed to enhance skin tones rather than spitefully orange them, we knew it had to be put to the test.
Pros:
- Provides the only self-tanner that looks truly natural on extremely fair skin tones.
- Streak-free formula with even color results when applied properly before bed.
- Buildable coverage that develops over time for a sun-kissed glow without an obvious tan line.
- Hydrating formula that won’t create a smell for many hours after application until the tan fully develops.
- Long-lasting results up to 10 days without fading.
Cons:
- Price may be deterrent for some though results and longevity justify the cost.
- Must be applied carefully and allowed adequate time to dry/set to avoid streaks, mess or an unnatural look.
- Hair removal may be needed for some “no maintenance” tan.
- Stains possible on clothes/sheets if not applied precisely.
- Sets in overnight so not ideal if an instant tan is needed to go out and about.
Manufacturer Claims:
- Provides a natural golden tan that lasts up to 10 days with an even fade.
- Easy to apply with minimal streaks or transfer. The tinted mousse helps guide application for seamless blending and coverage.
- Lightweight, non-sticky and hydrating formula. Infused with jojoba and skin actives for prolonged moisture and color.
- Rinses off after 4-8 hours to reveal a sun-kissed golden glow rather than an obvious fake tan.
- Has no strong self-tan smell. Features a light signature fragrance to enhance mood and the tan rather than mask chemicals.
- 100% clean, vegan and uses natural tanning agents rather than harsh chemicals.
- Adapts to a user’s skin tone for a tan that looks sun-infused rather than obviously fake. Works for both first-time tanners and sun-tanning enthusiasts.
- Award-winning formula that provides professional-level quality and results for at-home use. Seamless application and non-orange tone.
- Medium golden tan shade provides subtle enhancement rather than an intense dark tan. For those wanting minimal color or a natural glow boost.
- Quick-drying, non-sticky formula limits transfer and mess. Applies and blends easily with the included mitt for stain-free application.
- Hydrating ingredients hydrate skin while prolonging the tan. Helps skin stay moisturized for up to 10 days of color without drying out.
Check out The Ultimate Self-Tanning Guide for 2023
What We Think:
St. Tropez Tanning Essentials Express Mousse Bronzer stands out for its ability to deliver a genuinely sun-kissed tan without an obvious fake bronzed result or high chemical odor. This mousse tanner provides the type of natural, glow-from-within color that sunbathing aficionados spend hours achieving rather than a stark obviously fake tone.
The use of nitrous oxide and natural tan accelerators within the formula allows St. Tropez to develop color over multiple applications rather than an immediate dark, unnatural result. This buildable coverage provides subtlety and naturalness rather than intensity. There are no unsightly demarcation lines or crude orange undertones, even on those with deeply pigmented skin tones. When applied precisely and with expertise the end result is a luxe sun-kissed glow.
While some chemical smell is detectable, St. Tropez significantly reduces the foul odors associated with lower quality self-tanning and bronzing products. The tan itself is the star, not an overpowering fragrance used to mask chemicals. Color lasts up to one week with minimal touch-ups needed, improving convenience.
St. Tropez requires patience and proper technique to achieve flawless, natural-looking results rather than an obvious fake tan. When building color gradually over multiple applications, exfoliating first, applying precisely and allowing adequate time for each coat, St. Tropez can deliver a natural sun-kissed glow rather than bronzed obviousness.
For realistic color and sun-kissed glow without damaging sun exposure or chemical intensity, St. Tropez Tanning Essentials Express Mousse Bronzer provides benefits beyond standard self-tanning products. While the higher price point may be prohibitive for some, the quality, natural results and longevity could justify cost for those seeking a natural-looking tan. If an intensely bronzed, obviously fake tan is undesirable, St. Tropez merits consideration.
St.Tropez Classic Bronzing Mousse FAQ
Q: Who would benefit most from using this self-tanner?
A: Those with fair skin tones who struggle to find a natural-looking self-tanner would benefit most from this product.
Q: Does this self-tanner streak?
A: No, the formula is streak-free when applied properly.
Q: Can this self-tanner be built up over time?
A: Yes, the coverage is buildable and develops over time for a sun-kissed glow without an obvious tan line.
Q: Does this self-tanner have a strong smell?
A: No, the formula is hydrating and won’t create a smell for many hours after application until the tan fully develops.
Q: How long do the results last?
A: The results can last up to 10 days without fading.
Q: Is the price worth it?
A: The price may be a deterrent for some, but it is justified by the natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Q: Is this self-tanner easy to apply?
A: It must be applied carefully and allowed adequate time to dry/set to avoid streaks, mess, or an unnatural look.
Q: Do you need to remove hair before using this self-tanner?
A: Hair removal may be needed for some “no maintenance” tan.
Q: Can this self-tanner stain clothes or sheets?
A: Stains are possible on clothes/sheets if the self-tanner is not applied precisely.
Q: Is this self-tanner ideal for quick tanning needs?
A: No, it’s not ideal for instant tanning needs as it sets overnight.
St.Tropez Classic Bronzing Mousse Ingredients:
The main active ingredient is dihydroxyacetone, which reacts with amino acids in the skin to produce a brown color that simulates a tan. Other key ingredients include propylene glycol and glycerin, which help to moisturize the skin, and a variety of fragrances and coloring agents that give the product its scent and color.
There are also preservatives and antioxidants to prevent bacterial growth and discoloration, as well as thickening and foaming agents to give the product its texture.
Based on the list of ingredients, some of the fragrances included in the product could potentially trigger an allergic reaction in some individuals, so it’s always a good idea to do a patch test before using a new product and to consult with a medical professional if you have any concerns.
Full List of Ingredients: Aqua (Water/Eau), Dihydroxyacetone, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ethoxydiglycol, Coco-Glucoside, Caramel, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Metabisulfite, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Tocopherol, Linalool, CI 14700 (Red 4), Benzyl Salicylate, CI 19140 (Yellow 5), Hexyl Cinnamal, Caprylyl Glycol, Decylene Glycol, Citronellol, CI 42090 (Blue 1), Limonene, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Anise Alcohol, Coumarin, Sodium Hydroxide.*
*For informational purposes only. We cannot guarantee that it is up-to-date or free of errors. For an accurate list of ingredients, please refer to the product’s original packaging.
