One of my favorite things about the summer is basking in the warm sun. I know, I know — it’s not the healthiest pastime, and someday it will catch up to me. Now that I’m in my 30s, I’m definitely much more proactive about keeping my skin healthy. That includes limiting my sunbathing, wearing stronger SPF, and donning a wide brim hat — a glamorous one, of course! Who said being smart about skincare isn’t fun?
So, when Million Dollar Tan sent over their Summer Sun Tanning Mouse, I was so excited to test out their formula. Summer Sun has a higher percentage of organic DHA than any other sunless tanning product on the market. It contains 14% DHA, which is a lot higher than the 5-8% than most sunless tanners on the market provide. DHA is a colorless sugar that’s often derived from sugar beets or sugar cane. When applied to the skin, it reacts with the amino acids in the skin’s top layer turning it brown. The higher the percentage of DHA, the deeper the tan.
I’d like to point out a few helpful tips when applying your tanner. First, I like to exfoliate my skin in the shower using a nubby washcloth. Next, I apply moisturizer and finish with the application of the tanning mouse. The Million Dollar Tan team sent over a large blending mitt to assist with evenly distributing the product over the body. When I treat my face, I simply use my fingers to rub in the product.
The photo above is sans makeup, so you can get a better idea of the results. I’m so thrilled with my first attempt! The color is a deep, red-brown based tan, which mimics the natural tanning process. Other self tanners I’ve tried left me with an icky orange hue. While the smell is pleasant, there is a slight lingering aroma that I noticed on Day 2 and 3. This is par for the course, though, and it will happen when the DHA starts reacting with your skin. So far, my tan is still going strong on Day 3.
I’m really excited with my results and plan to use Summer Skin for the rest of the season. Million Dollar Tan also has great gradual tanners, such as The Mermaid Mousse and Mermaid Mousse Extreme, which contain 8% and 10% DHA, respectively. Their Summer Skin formula is sold only through the Million Dollar Tan website, but Nordstrom carries a great assortment of Million Dollar Tan products.
The company even offers Professional Spray Tanning, which I would love to test out next!
Disclosure: Product was provided for review, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.
