I Need a Tan Fast~!

Updated on October 06, 2010
C.R. asks from Fort Worth, TX
17 answers

Any ideas on how to get a quick tan??? Im going on a trip to Cancun next week and I could really use some color on my legs. There isnt much sun out lately and the weather is cooling down so I cant go and lay out in the sun and I really cant afford to pay for a Tanning Salon. Any suggestions??? Tanning lotions, creams, home remedies??

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C.C.

answers from Dallas on

When I use to go to Cancun. I'd go get the spray on tan the night before, I left.
Sleep in it and wake up take a shower. I did that too often to count. Worked great and made me feel better in my swimsuit. Don't rub anything over it, my friends tan came off when she put on lotion.

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J.

answers from Dallas on

Try Xen Tan - sold exclusively at Nordstrom. It's the best self tanner on the market and doesn't have the typical "self tanner" smell. It is tinted so you see color instantly and more will follow. Hope this helps!

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B.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

My wife and I went to Cancun this spring. There are lots of untanned legs there. Don't worry about it. Your untanned legs will fit right in. Take some good, high SPF sunscreen.

If a sun tan is MANDITORY, take some clear plastic (Home Depot or Lowes) and stretch it between chairs and lay on a blanket between the chairs under the clear plastic. It will be warm and you can get a tan.

"Vanity, thy name is woman." ?;-)

Good luck to you and yours.

2 moms found this helpful
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D.S.

answers from Dallas on

I've also used Jergens. It is definetely the cheapest way to go. The tan builds up after a few days of use. It is best to put it on right when you get out of the shower after shaving your legs. Do mind your ankles. I have made streaks on the back of my ankles from not paying enough attention.

Make sure you use a good sun block in Mexico-remember the sun will be more intense than what we're used to in Texas...AND Have a blast!

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D.W.

answers from Gainesville on

Spray tans are usually too expensive, I don't think. I really like the Jergens self-tanning lotion. I use the express one. It gives nice color in about 3 days. and it's under $10. I use it on knees, ankles everywhere and don't have any streaks, orangieness or dark spots.

Health-wise you will be better off using the self-tanner(take it with you too) and apply a good sunscreen while you are there. I'm very fair and while I do go out in the sun it's only with a good sunblock.

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V.T.

answers from Dallas on

I recommend you AVOID the Jergen's gradual tanning lotion. I am very fair, and used this for a month and could tell no difference at all last spring. So if you're crunched for time this might not be enough. I have bought the Arbonne sunless tanning spray (Made in the Shade self tanner sunscreen). It's a bit pricey, but it will not cost anymore than a one time spray tan would and the bottle will last you for months. I used it twice a day for the first day I had it and my husband commented on the difference that first night. You can apply daily, or alternate days, or however often you need it to get the level of tan you want. The color is very natural as well. All you do is spray then rub in. I was nervous about a spray, but I've not had any problems with uneven coverage since you rub it in afterwards. I would order now though (you can go online to find a consultant if you don't know one, or I have a friend I could refer you to) because it may take up to a week to get it in the mail.

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S.B.

answers from Dallas on

I don't like the Jergen's...it takes too long and smells bad. Bath & Body Works has a great spray tan that doesn't stink - I think it's about $12. If you can spend a little more Ulta carries a product called Fake Bake - it's the best fake tan I've ever used - even put it on the night before my wedding! But it's about $30 - but works great - you sellp in it over night - looks very natural and doesn't streak. Good luck and hope you have a great trip!!!

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R.B.

answers from Dallas on

Neutrogena mist works AWESOME!

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E.M.

answers from New York on

I used a Loreal sefl tanning gel with bronzer this spring and I loved the results. It went on nicely and the tan looked natural and appeared within a few hours. If you put it on every day for about three days you will definitely look tan. Have fun!

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R.V.

answers from Dallas on

For about $35-40 you can get a spray tan from a good salon. Well worth it. I did it before my honeymoon cruise three years ago. I used Serenity Salon in Mansfield. No weird color or streaks and it lasted over a week. That's the way to go in my opinion.

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M.J.

answers from Sacramento on

Another one to recommend the Jergen's gradual tanner. I have very fair skin and it has never caused streaks or orangeness on me. Just gradually builds up to a nice color. You'd definitely be set in a week.

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Being where I live, and many tourists... you will not be the only one whose legs need a tan. You will get tan there quick.... but, use sunscreen or you will get really badly sunburned, and that is painful.

Jergen's from the drugstore... works. It is subtle.

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A.H.

answers from Dallas on

Actually some tanning places will let you "try" them out with a week of tanning for free. Just call around.

They also have spray tan in some salons that don't cost that much, maybe $40.00??? I went to Captiva in Denton & Karen there does a great job and she will make you as dark as you want....I was amazed.

And we went to Cancun the end of July 2010 and I saw very few people there on vacation that were tan. The natives were tan but the tourist were not. But a few days in the sun you will get tanned quickly! Have fun!

T.K.

answers from Dallas on

If you do the lotion i recommend shaving and exfoliating 1sr. Avoid your knees and ankles. Wash your hands quickly and often when you apply. Hands, elbows, knees, and ankles are all tell tale orange places that stick out like a sore thumb after self tanning. Maybe do one light swipe on all them and do a few more applications everywhere else. It usually takes a couple applications to build color.

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C.J.

answers from Dallas on

A friend used Sally Hansen air spray self tanner (not the one time, wash off kind) and relly liked the spray application. It looked great!
I use jergens, but if you are in a hurry, get the lotion for one shade darker. I have two bottles one for "heavy application" and one for daily use.
The daily use is my skin tone (medium) but when I need a boost I use the "darker" one for a couple days.
Have FUN!!

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E.H.

answers from Dallas on

Check into spray on tans. You can google them and there are some that will come to your house (not that expensive) and give you a custom tan!

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L.G.

answers from Grand Rapids on

I really like the Jergen's self-tanning lotion. It goes on evenly and not orange. I used it for my sister's wedding. :-)

**edited to say - I didn't realize the previous poster also liked Jergen's. :-) I say you should go with that!!

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