b.tan Clear Self Tan Gel | Glow Your Own

Hi! I purchased this product to get a quick, noticeable tan and to avoid long hours of needless sun or UV rays exposure and the expense of tanning sessions. This was my FIRST experience with a self-tanning product of any kind (e.g., lotions, gels, mousses, serums, etc.). Overall, the glow this tanning gel gives you is AMAZING. As a clear gel, you probably wouldn't anticipate the results this self-tanner provides. Ultimately, the product will bronze your skin, but it will also leave a faint orangey undertone. Importantly, both a downside and an upside of this product IS that the gel is clear. So, although it is transfer-resistant, there is no guide to show where you have and have not applied the product. Below are longer explanations related to the product's moisturization, scent, and use. When first applied, the product's scent is coconut-like and pleasant. However, an hour after the application, the dried gel smelled odd. Unfortunately, the smell does not disappear. Instead, it clings to you. I could smell it on my skin and asked a friend whether or not they could detect the odor. Admittedly, my friend pressed their nose almost directly against my skin, but they could also smell it. Although scents rarely bother me, eventually, the product began to smell undeniably unpleasant. At last, I showered and scrubbed myself twice, but the smell lingers. If you are sensitive to smells or odors, reconsider purchasing and using this product. Fortunately, the product did not irritate my skin. Although the product claims to "give you the juiciest, moisturized glow," I did not find it moisturizing. But the gel did NOT dry out my skin either. Admittedly, I did not purchase this product for its supposed moisturizing benefits. Ultimately, its lack of moisturization does not upset me. Indeed, other customers might have thought it to be moisturizing. Overall, there are several points I want to address. First, I want to emphasize the "rinse-free" label. The product states that it is a "rinse-free" tan gel, and IT IS. However, I experienced some confusion during my first application. I purchased a bundle that included the tanning gel and an application mitt. The two items arrived together in a plastic package that directs you to rinse off the gel after setting it for several hours. During my first application, I only applied the gel to my legs. Eventually, I rinsed off (i.e., without using soap) and dried off with a towel. I discovered large, discolored smears where I had wiped the gel off my legs. Although the gel was dry, it did not react well after rinsing. Overall, IF you purchase the tanning gel and mitt bundle, please DO NOT RINSE ALTHOUGH THE BUNDLE BAG INSTRUCTS YOU. The Glow Your Own Way bottle states that it is rinse-free. After my second application on my upper body, I wore the gel for twenty-four hours before showering. So, how did the tan react to a complete shower (i.e., with soap)? It reacted well! My skin has a moderate bronze tone. Several of the uneven dark patches disappeared. Ultimately, I cannot guarantee the longevity of this tan. But I predict it will last three to four more showers. The second point I want to address is the non-transfer guarantee. I found the "transfer-resistant" claim to be TRUE. Since the gel is clear, immediate transfers will not happen. However, I recommend waiting about thirty minutes until the gel absorbs before lying or sitting on furniture. I did not test that hypothesis; it is merely precautionary advice. My clothes did not stain. However, I did rest my forearms against my thighs several times, and the gel did transfer to my skin while it was tacky. The last point I want to mention is the method of application. Although the bottle encourages you to, I did not use my bare hands to apply the product. (Considering how it stained my skin in several spots, I do NOT suggest using your bare hands). Instead, during the first application, I used a rubber glove. If you use a rubber glove, you will not waste as much product since the gel does not absorb into the mitt. However, you will NOT need to dispense as much product onto your rubber glove. If you use a tanning mitt, you will use more product as it absorbs into the fabric. However, as a first-time self-tanner, I found the application easier with a mitt than a rubber glove. I believe I applied the gel more evenly with the mitt. Therefore, I recommend using an applicator mitt with this product.