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What We Tested This Week: HauteBronze Body Glow Gradual Tanner Body Perfecting Cream
Who This Is Perfect For: Those who want a summertime glow without the harmful sun effects
Without even looking at me, the fact that my last name is Fitzpatrick should clue you in on my complexion. Let’s just say that I tend to burn more than tan, which has led me to look for summertime glow alternatives.
For years now, I’ve gone to the same beauty section of the same grocery store to pick up the same bottle of tanning lotion. You could probably guess which $9 bottle I’m talking about, but I’ll leave it to the imagination, because, well, we’ve broken up.
Don’t get me wrong — my gradual tanning lotion and I had a beautiful relationship for years. It gave my legs a smooth, dewy look for when I wore dresses and helped me feel less ghostly on special occasions. We probably would have been together forever … if I hadn’t discovered HauteBronze.
The Ulta-exclusive brand features five tanning products that will give you a sun-kissed look without stepping foot outside. The one that I fell in love with was the HauteBronze Body Glow Gradual Tanner Body Perfecting Cream.
I like to use my gradual tanner on days when I need a little boost. So whether it’s a party, a wedding, or just a random Tuesday, I turn to this bottle for help. The biggest concern many people have about trying a new tanning lotion is how the color will turn out. I’m right there with you! Going from pale to Oompa Loompa status is not what I consider a glow-up. That’s why I was more than happy with my HauteBronze results.
There was a bit of a tanner scent when I started applying the lotion, but once it was on my skin, I didn’t notice any odor. So let that concern be pushed out of your mind. You rub it on just like you would any other lotion (I put it almost everywhere) and let it dry for a few minutes before putting on clothes. As the name suggests, the color slowly develops and suddenly you have a glow. The color lasted for days and had a noticeably more intense color than my old one.
It doesn’t cause my skin to look orange at all, except for the first time I did it and wasn’t careful enough between my fingers. The directions advise you to wash just the palm of your hands, which I did, but I failed to wipe between and on the sides of my fingers. But after making that mental note, I never made the mistake again, and I’ve been happy with my #BronzeGoddess status ever since.
When I mentioned earlier that I put the tanning lotion almost everywhere, it’s because I would never put it on my face. I find body lotions to be way too heavy on my semi-sensitive skin. Luckily, HauteBronze’s collection includes Sun Drop Self Tan Anti-Aging Serum and Face Towel Anti-Aging Self Tan Towelettes. The first is meant to be mixed with your moisturizer, to give your face a gradual glow, and the second is intended to be rubbed all over your face. If you’re looking for a lotion alternative, HauteBronze has a Tan in a Mitt and Tan Towel Half Body Self Tan Towelettes, which are pre-moistened towels you rub wherever you desire a tan.
HauteBronze Tanning Mitt
HauteBronze Face Towelettes
HauteBronze Body Towelettes
HauteBronze Sun Drops
I have tried various tanning lotions in-between my breakup and now, and at least one has left me looking blotchy and uneven. HauteBronze is the first one that has made it past one application, and now the $28 bottle is officially a staple in my beauty kit.
HauteBronze HauteBronze Body Glow Gradual Tanner
HauteBronze HauteBronze Body Glow Gradual Tanner
Pros
- Gives a pretty, even color
- Doesn’t leave a tanner smell
- Tan lasts for more than one day
Cons
- A bit pricey
Read More:
These Best Self-Tanners Will Leave You Glowing
Don’t Step Outdoors Without These Favorite Tanning Oils
These Off-the-Shoulder Swimsuits Allow for a Strapless Tan
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As the senior editor of social and social news, Caitlyn covers the tastiest, coolest, and strangest products for BestProducts.com, and she is the lead of social strategy for Popular Mechanics, Runner's World, and Bicycling Magazine; her work has also appeared in POPSUGAR, InStyle, Stylecaster, among others. In her free time (if there is such a thing), she’s probably watching reality TV, online shopping, or cuddling with her dog, Waffle. She is a Wawa-loving Jersey girl who went to Monmouth University for communication, journalism, and interactive media.
