Commitment Issues: A Temporary Tan That Washes Away

Disclaimer: Until recently, I wasn’t the biggest fan of self-tanning. I blame a traumatizing experience from my days of magazine interning, when the formulas made you look more like an orange and less like a bronzed goddess. Fast forward to a recent trip with friends when I saw L’Oreal Paris’ Sublime Bronze Summer Express Wash-Off Body Makeup Lotion sitting on our bathroom counter and well, with the promise that I could wash away my mistakes, I was sold. Lucky me, our friends at L’Oreal Paris sent a sample to Skincare.com—and here’s the final verdict.

The Best Self Tanner for Commitment-Phobes

What I hated most about early 2000’s spray tans and self-tanning lotions wasn’t the streaks, it wasn’t the color, it was the commitment. Once that formula attached to your skin you either had to live with it until it faded away or take steps to remove the tanner, stat! So what I loved the most about this option was that if I didn’t love the results, or made a few amateur hour mistakes, I could simply hop in the shower and wash it all away.

This no-commitment-necessary, instant tan is perfect for a spur of the moment night out with friends, a day spent under the umbrellas poolside, or for anytime you plan to show your stems this spring. The lotion goes on evenly, resulting in a streak-free sunless tan—especially when you take the steps needed to prep your skin beforehand! What’s more? It offers hydration while blurring skin imperfections, bye-bye bruises!

If you worry that the wash off formula will melt away if you break a sweat, we’re here to tell you it won’t. So don’t feel the need to skip out on that game of beach volleyball, just be sure to lather on some SPF first.

When you’re ready to assume your former skin tone just wash the tan away with soap and water while you’re in the shower. Just like with other self-tanners, you’ll want to wash your hands thoroughly after applying and be sure to wait until your skin is dry before slipping into that killer dress!

L’Oreal Paris’ Sublime Bronze Summer Express Wash-Off Body Makeup Lotion, $10.99