Whether you're a self-declared fake tan expert (like me) or perhaps you're on the hunt for a formula that will unlock a healthy glow for the summer months, the St Tropez Luxe Body Serum might just be what you've been looking for - and this review has everything you need to know.
Many rely on the best self tans to mimic a golden glow that appears as though they've just landed from a week-long beach holiday or to boost their confidence. However, finding the right formula that works for you, whether that be best fake tan for pale skin or a buy that also boasts a plethora of other skincare benefits, can be a true trial and error process.
RRP: £35
Texture: Serum
Ingredients: Collagen, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C and E
Time to develop: 4-8 hours
Volume of product: 200ml
Having amassed thousands reviews, shoppers hail St Tropez's Tan Luxe Body Serum for its luxuriously nourishing formula that delivers a subtle sun-kissed glow - not to mention, it also earned a podium spot in our guide to the best fake tan for mature skin. So, naturally, I'm here to act as your try before you buy service, having put the formula in question to the ultimate test to see whether it lived up to its high star ratings.
St Tropez's Luxe Body Serum Self-Tan Review
First Impressions
Upon first impressions, I was intrigued by the texture of this buy. I've never tried a serum self-tan before, however this formula was slightly thicker than I had initially expected, which made it easier to apply. The bottle boasts a handy lockable pump that dispenses just the right amount of product at one time and helps prevent any unwanted spillages.
Its luxuriously silky formula effortlessly glided on the skin and I immediately noticed how nourishing this tanning serum felt on the skin after application. Although it doesn't have a guide colour, which typically would make application harder, its glossy finish easily allows you to see where you have applied the product, ensuring you're not left with a streaky tan.
How does it perform?
Unlike other self tans I've tried, from the best instant tan to gradual buys, this serum quickly absorbs into the skin, allowing for comfortable wear as it develops – so much so that I'm able to sleep with it on without any qualms. For those not wishing to wear self tan overnight, you'll be pleased to know that it also doesn't have that sticky-to-touch feeling, meaning it's dry enough to put clothes on just a few minutes after application.
Arguably the most important factor, the results reveal a subtle healthy glow that remains incredibly natural-looking. As you can see in my testing picture, I applied one coat of the tan to my left leg and not my right to see an accurate before-and-after comparison. My left leg has a natural glow to it and looks more hydrated, with noticeably less redness, blemishes and discolouration.
St Tropez recommends leaving this formula on for 4–8 hours to work its magic, although you can get dressed after it has taken a few minutes to dry down – with no transferring or rinsing needed. Another tip for knowing how to fake tan successfully with this product: you can also tailor your results by applying further coats of the product for a deeper tan.
It's worth noting that it did cling to dry, bony areas like around my ankles and knees. So, I'd recommend moisturising these areas prior to application before lightly applying the leftover product on your mitt on your elbows, ankles and knees to avoid the tan clinging to drier areas – one of the most common at-home tanning mistakes.
How does it compare to other self-tans?
While I haven't tried many other self-tan serums on the market, I must admit, I declare myself as a fake tan aficionado. If you spoke to me five years ago, I had my weekly self-tanning routine down to a tee. While I may have swapped my trusty tanning foams for one of the best gradual tans in recent years, I pride myself on having the ability to scout out a quality self-tan when I see one.
From time to time, I do opt for the Loving Tan Purest Tanning Mousse when in need of a deeper glow. That said, you'll most likely find me reaching for either the Skin & Tan Body Glow Blush Gradual Tan or Dove's Dermaspa Summer Revived Gradual Tan, as I prefer an easy application and natural bronzed finish. So, after hearing the stellar reviews of the St Tropez Body Serum thanks to its subtle, natural glow, you can imagine I had high expectations for this formula.
I would say it's almost a hybrid between a self-tan mousse and gradual tan. While I naturally find the lotion formula of gradual tans to be slightly more nourishing, I was very impressed with how hydrating this serum texture left my skin feeling - and moisturises the skin more so than a self-tan foam.
Despite developing in the same amount of time, this St Tropez buy definitely delivers a slightly deeper bronze than gradual tans, while remaining natural and healthy-looking. However if you're looking for a richer tan, I'd either recommend applying multiple layers of the serum or sticking to the best self-tan foams.
St Tropez Luxe Body Serum Self-Tan review - our verdict
St Tropez's Luxe Body Serum combines all the positives of a gradual tan and self-tan mousse, meaning it boasts an effortless application with a healthy glow finish in just a matter of hours. Packed full of vitamins, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and collagen, I found its formula left my skin feeling nourished and hydrated - despite drying down in a couple of minutes after application.
That said, the only reason it didn't achieve full marks is due to the two qualms I have with this formula, I wish it boasted a subtle guide colour to allow for easier application and that it didn't cling as much to bonier areas. While it is on the pricier side of self-tans, it's worth checking Amazon as you can most likely always find a significant discount on a bottle, in which case makes it a great deal.
As someone who has tried dozens of self-tan products, I'd say this is definitely a formula for those who prefer a natural, buildable tan. So, if you're a frequent fan of using gradual tans, you're set to love this product. If you're a self-tan beginner, the unusual serum texture and lack of guide colour might take some getting used to, but the results are very much worth it.
