My Secret To Curing Seasonal Blues Is This Self-Tanning Water

I used to think that self-tanners were too finicky and messy to regularly rely upon. A juice not worth the squeeze, one might say. Sitting out in the sun and risking all sorts of skin-related concerns certainly wasn’t the best answer either. So, I felt unsure how to proceed and unconnected to those who swore by weekly spray tans and self-tanning sessions at home. Surely it couldn’t be worth the trouble. A subtle glow courtesy of the stifling Southern sun in the summer, even when not seeking it out, was enough for me to get by. At least, for a while. 

That is until the seasonal blues became too much to bear. I was feeling less than confident and even more so a bit drab—in need of something, anything really, to give me an attitude boost until the natural serotonin of spring and summer could sustain me. While I couldn’t put my finger on why I always felt more radiant and alive during summer, I copped it up to being much more cooped up and sedentary during the colder months. However, as someone who tries not to put too much value on surface-level attributes, the answer surprised me. Turns out, I didn’t need a big change in my life, and I wasn’t sad. My skin was just dull. I needed a not-so-serious perspective change. I needed a good self-tanner. 

What is Self-Tanning Water?

Now, I’m not desperate enough to grab just any self-tanner that will turn out streaky, orange-hued, or with me smelling like burnt biscuits. After vigorous testing, I found the cure to seasonal blues and shaky winter self-confidence, and it lies in a clear, nontoxic, water-based bottle. When I tried Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water, I instantly knew it was something I could actually see myself using more regularly than just before a special occasion. A feat for a relatively lazy person when it comes to beauty maintenance. 

Instead of the common tanning lotions or mousses that you see on the beauty aisle, this formula is a water spritz of sorts that is easy to apply (thanks to the spritz bottle applicator) and doesn't result in color transfer onto clothes and surfaces (since it's clear). Overall, I've found it to be much more low-maintenance than other types of self-tanners, as well as easier to use on your face as well as body.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water

Why I Love the Formula

The calling card of Isle of Paradise’s nontoxic collection of self-tanning products is its color-correcting technology, which basically minimizes redness for a result that looks more glowy and bronze than orange and faux, as well as evens out skin tone overall where it varies in redness versus dullness. I also found that the clear water formula made me feel better about not staining my clothes and sheets, though it’s still recommended to allow it to dry fully before putting on tight clothes to ensure no streakiness. 

Since it’s cruelty-free, 100% vegan, and made using certified organic ingredients, you can feel good about putting this anywhere on your body, including your face. Particularly given the product’s low pH level and hypoallergenic ingredients, your complexion won’t be stressed and overwhelmed with the harsh chemicals that many other self-tanners are made from. Not only did this make me feel more comfortable using it regularly and on my face when desired, but it also toned down some of the unsavory side effects of other self-tanning options such as foul smell, strong dyes, and chemical residue. 

For the best results, I recommend exfoliating in the shower beforehand. Since it's a spritz bottle in lieu of a lotion or mousse, you can simply spray directly onto your skin. Just make sure to apply liberally and blend it for a seamless finish.

How I Chose the Right Shade

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water (like most of the brand's products) comes in three shades: light for a sunkissed glow, medium for a golden tan, and dark for a bronze tan (and extra suitable for darker skin tones). Per the seasonal blues mentioned beforehand, I chose to start with the medium shade instead of light, and couldn’t have been happier with the results. It didn’t appear faux or orange at all, but rather like my skin—but better. I can only assume the color-correcting helped with that, getting rid of unevenness and even camouflaging a few dark spots and small blemishes. For those with rather pale skin tones, it might be best to start with the light shade to ensure a natural finish; however I veer light-medium in my base skin tone, and the medium shade was perfect.   

The boost of confidence, as surface level as it may seem, was entirely welcome. No shame in feeling good, glow and all. Still staunchly committed to staying out of the sun, I’ll be returning to these self-tanning drops all year round.