Review: Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Water
price: $28 at Sephora
type: a clear self tanning water
product call-outs: vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free
key ingredients: Coconut oil and chia seed oil are used to to hydrate, and the infused avocado oil helps the skin to absorb the product quickly, allowing for a faster dry-time.
texture: a light mist
dry time: around 5 minutes
scent: a subtle hint of eucalyptus
(hot) take on the tan: The tanning water goes on clear, smooth, and is non-sticky. It delivers a dark, natural tan within four to six hours.
how we applied: On the body: spritzed on the skin from about six inches away, totally saturating the skin until it was noticeably dewy. Then, used a tanning mitt to blend in circular, sweeping motions. I applied the water at night before bed and then let the tan develop throughout the night. Around nine hours later skin was left about three shades darker.
On the face: applied a light layer of daily facial moisturizer before spritzing the water on the face so the moisturizer acted as a barrier to avoid over-development in tricky areas. Complexion is left with a bright, even, sunkissed glow. Since the tanning water is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as hydrating and smoothing properties, it can also be spritzed on top of makeup and used as a set spray that tans the face in just a few hours.
brand background: When UK-based celebrity spray tan artist Jules Von Hep launched Isle of Paradise in 2018, he introduced the first color-correcting tanners to the market. Each of IOP’s three shades (peach=light, green=medium, and violet=dark) are formulated to reduce redness, brighten skin, and even out skin tones — all while giving you an amazing glow. But Von Hep’s products don’t just give you a beautiful tan, instead they make you feel beautiful from the inside out. The tanning expert is also a body positivity champion, ray of human sunshine, and someone you’d want as your BFF. Thanks to those traits, the co-founder has helped to create a brand that you’ll happily recommend to your besties, mom, grandma, and anyone who wants a little (or a lot) of glow.