Hi lovelies,
Winter is upon us in Canada and I don’t know about you, but I feel much prettier with a bit of a glow! I used to use self-tanners from the drugstore but could never get past their horrible, strong smell (thank god my Jergens phase is long gone). I received a sample of Vita Liberata’s pHenomenal 2-3 week tanning mousse about a year ago and loved it so much I bought the full size. Today, I am reviewing their Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion.
THE DEETS:
Vita Liberata is a natural-based luxury tanning brand originating out of Ireland and has made a name for itself for its odourless, long-lasting formulas and natural ingredients. The brand uses organic ingredients and is completely non-toxic and paraben free. All of their products are vegan and cruelty free with the exception of the Night Mask which uses beeswax in the formula. The original pHenomenal 2-3 week tan mousse is a great product but I don’t always want to use a tanning mitt, and I like the idea that this is also a moisturizing lotion. I purchased this product from Sephora for $38CAN for the 200mL bottle.
TIPS FOR APPLICATION:
-Shave and exfoliate prior to application
-Do not moisturize right before applying or the product may not develop as effectively
-Wash your palms after if you don’t use a mit, or they will be orange
PROS:
-The first ingredient is organic aloe vera
-My skin feels soft and moisturized after using, without feeling greasy
-No gross smell
-No transferring onto sheets or clothing
-Cruelty-free
-Natural glow without streaks
-Fades nicely
THE CONS:
-I do notice a slight smell once the product has developed
-The lotion itself doesn’t smell ‘good’, but more like aloe
OVERALL:
4.5/5
I love this product! I love it even more than the 2-3 week tanning mousse. I find that the smell is very, very subtle once the product develops whereas with the 2-3 week mousse I do notice a smell (though not as strong as drugstore self-tanners). You are supposed to shower after 6-8 hours anyway so this is not a big deal. I do wish they added some other fragrance to this product because it doesn’t really smell like anything when you apply it, but it is a natural brand so perhaps that’s why they didn’t.
After one use, I have a nice sun-kissed glow but if I really want to look tanned, I’ll apply this two days in a row. This absorbs quickly into the skin and never transfers onto my pajamas. I like to apply self-tan in the evening when I’m at home and then rinse it off in the morning and I’ve never noticed streaky tan marks on my white sheets. Overall this is a great product and I feel good about using it because of all the lovely organic ingredients that nourish the skin.
xo J
