When I first heard about the St Tropez In-Shower Tan, it sounded too good to be true. A gradual tanner that you slap on in the shower, rinse off and it develops over the next few hours. For someone who finds tanning a chore (don’t we all?), it sounded like the dream. Despite hunting high and low for it before realising that Boots have the exclusive on it (currently on offer at £9.67), I eventually found it, gave it a good go and let you in on my first impressions in last week’s video. Having given it a bit more a of test, I’m coming at you today with an in-depth review of this in-shower set-up…
THE PROS: Once you get used to the application it’s so ridiculously easy. The formula is thick and creamy so doesn’t move once you’ve massaged it on and it rinses off quickly too. The claims on the bottle that it doesn’t streak ring true as well because I’ve used this a tonne and have yet to find a strange swipe of deeper colour or no colour at all. Although there isn’t an immediate effect, give it a few hours and you’ll see a hint of a warm glow appear, though…
THE CONS: It really does leave just a hint of colour to the skin, so if it’s a big dollop of sun-kissed limbs you want – here, is not where you’re going to find it. Also three minutes doesn’t seem long but when you’re in the shower, butt naked, let me tell you – it’s cold! It can be difficult to time the 3 minutes too. I end up using the mini clock my electric toothbrush came with to keep an eye on the time. I do find that the day you use it there is a bit of a biscuit-y scent that hangs around, although it’s not too offensive. Finally, the more you use it, the more you have to watch out for build-up on the usual areas; especially around your knees, ankles, elbows and neck.
A few other little things to add in are that I tend to take a hair band in the shower with me so I can tie my hair up and ensure no dripping happens. Also remember to rinse off your hands after you’ve slapped it on everywhere. It sounds like a lot to remember but after one go you’ll be a pro. Trust.
Formulation-wise this stuff is pretty groundbreaking in the world of tanning. If you’re a newbie to tan, like slow-and-steady gradual tanners or have a tan already and just want to top it up then it’s definitely worth hunting out, but if you like a hefty wallop of tan then stick to your traditional tanners (I love the Xen-Tan Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe and St Tropez’s Express Tan). For me I think I’ll use this most as a top-up on holidays or during the winter when I just want something that takes the edge off without a tonne of effort. I’ll just make sure to have the bathroom heating on…
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