Bronzed and Moisturized

I love a nice tan, but have been trying to limit my sun exposure, so I've been trying out different gradual self-tanning moisturizers throughout the past couple of years. I like moisturizers much better than full-on self-tanning sprays and lotions, as those dry out my skin, often become blotchy, uneven or orange and the they stink. While many of the moisturizers don't smell that great, some aren't too bad and I can bare the scent at night. Of all I've tried, I think there is only one I am willing to wear during the day, however. Generally they all give even color and are more subtle than those that are strictly self-tanners. Here are my reviews on the tanning moisturizers I've tried - all from the drugstore or supermarket and under $10.

My top 2:

Nivea Body Sunkissed Firming Moisturizer


I really like the color the Nivea moisturizer gives, and it didn't take long to build color. The scent isn't nearly as bad as some of the others, but I still don't think I've ever used it during the day, as it does have a slight self-tanner odor. I didn't notice any firming action going on with my skin, but its a pretty good moisturizer and absorbs quickly.



Aveeno Active Naturals Continuous Radiance Moisturizing Lotion

By far the best smelling out of the bunch. I can't even detect any self-tanner scent. Its a really good moisturizer that absorbs quickly and the consistency is more like a "regular" lotion. Natural looking color.



And the rest:


Olay Body Touch of Sun Daily Body Lotion

The Olay Touch of Sun doesn't give the best color out of the bunch. Definitely not a golden hue. I would say its more yellowy. The smell is alight - I didn't mind it when I first put it on, but then it seems to intensify.



Hawaiian Tropic Island Glow Daily Moisturizer


Hawaiian Tropic Island Glow's scent is more tolerable than some of the others. The color is fine, but it wasn't very noticeable and took a while to appear.


Dove Energy Glow Beauty Body Lotion

I do not like the smell of the Dove Energy Glow. The lotion is thinner than I prefer and doesn't feel that moisturizing. It gives okay color.



Banana Boat EveryDay Glow, Tinted Moisturizing Lotion

I like the color the EveryDay Glow gave me. Again, it had a tanning smell, but it wasn't awful, but also wasn't pleasant enough for me to use during the day. It absorbs easily and feels moisturizing.



Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer

Jergens Natural Glow is the one I've used the most, only because of the color it provides. I really can't stand the scent anymore though - it's too strong. I only use this one before bed and I can't wear the same PJ's the following night because the smell is still lingering. It also takes a while to absorb and can be slightly greasy feeling.