Are you looking to be a sun-kissed goddess this Summer? Well, I’ve got two skincare products that help you maintain a gorgeous bronzed glow, without sun damage.
Let’s dive into Institut Esthederm Self Tanning Gel and Bronz Impulse Face and Body Spray!
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Institut Estherderm Self Tanning Gel
Like most people I enjoy a bit of a tan, it certainly makes me appear healthy (something I sorely lack!) but we all know that a tan from UV rays equals skin damage and while we may not see that damage immediately, it will surface at some point. So, how can we achieve our bronzed goddess vibe? Well, we fake it of course! Enter…
Institut Esthederm Hydra-Boost Self-Tanning Gel-Crème. Before I seeped into this severe crash health-wise, I was quite schooled in self-tan and gradual tan. I used gradual tan several times a week and had a few favourites. At the moment, I’m in my “ghosty” era, one where I’m simply too knackered and too poorly to do said goddess routines. I have, however, tested this product for you and WOW! It was worth writing up to share! Just wait until you see my before/after pics!
Institut Esthederm Hydra-Boost Self-Tanning Gel-Crème
This is a gradual tan that creates a beautiful, golden tan. Using DHA, the tanner builds colour gradually, while pentylene glycol helps to maintain the tan’s longevity.
The gel cream is formulated to provide hydration and moisturise skin while leaving a glowy tan.
Institut Esthederm suggests using the gradual tan 2-3 times a week.
Claims
- Works to create a beautiful, golden tan
- Helps to provide long-lasting hydration
- Tan builds up gradually
- Suitable for use with all skin tone
My Thoughts
I’m pretty blown away if I’m honest! The gel-creme applies very easily and has an immediate bronze to it. Not so much a “guide colour” but enough that you look like you’ve caught the sun.
The next day I have a natural-looking tan that is streak-free and hasn’t clung to any dry areas.
I tried a second application three days after my first. I did apply quite a lot of gel by mistake ( I was filming the application and looking in my viewfinder to check the focus rather than paying attention to the product and the amount that squeezed out – you’d be surprised how often this happens 😆). The tan is more intense with this application. It still looks natural but more like I’ve had a sunny holiday abroad.
Scent wise the Institut Esthederm Hydra-Boost Self-Tanning Gel-Crème is pleasant to wear. About 4hrs in I can detect a hint of the ‘biscuit’ tan smell, however, it is not overwhelming and wouldn’t put me off using it.
I have worn white and slept in white sheets while testing and there has been no transfer! Bravo!
A week in and my arm is still looking beautifully tanned! The gradual tan lasts! As it is beginning to fade, it is doing so naturally and isn’t patchy at all.
I’m very impressed with this! I also love that it can be used on the face as well as the body making it a multi-use product.
Institut Esthederm Hydra-Boost Self-Tanning Gel-Crème £44 available here*
Institut Esthederm Self Tanning Gel Results
I tested one forearm; my left arm is my natural skin tone. As I am severely affected by my health conditions I am forced to spend all of my time indoors, therefore there is no natural Summer colouring to my face or body. Dracula would be proud, I would like a life… but that’s another story!
As you can see the results really do speak for themselves, especially for a gradual tan! This really is effective. One thing that I do like is the tone. Even after 2 applications where I have a great depth of tan, the colour is really nice and still looks natural, especially in person.
Institut Esthederm’s Bronz Impulse Face and Body Spray
Institut Esthederm’s Bronz Impulse Face and Body Spray is a mist designed to prepare the skin for sun exposure by minimising the damage caused by free radicals, inflammation, and harmful UVA/B rays.
Institut Esthederm claims that using the spray seven days prior to sun exposure not only enhances natural tanning processes but boosts the skin’s ability to protect itself.
KEY BENEFITS
- Boasts a fresh mist texture that’s light on skin
- Fights the effects of free radicals, cell damage caused by the sun, and inflammation
- Works to protect skin from the sun’s rays
- Helps to enhance and reinforce a long-lasting, natural tan
- Suitable for all skin types
My Thoughts
While I haven’t had an abroad holiday to put this spray through its paces, I have applied it a few times now so can remark on the application.
The spray is very lightweight. It feels smooth to apply and is non-greasy. More of a mist than a heavy spray, it is refreshing and hydrating; therefore I believe it would be a treat in warmer climes.
I really like the idea of boosting the skin’s antioxidant protection, I think this is so important in our everyday skincare as it is, so think this is a great addition to bodycare.
Institut Esthederm’s Bronz Impulse Face and Body Spray £50 available here*
Price
Institut Esthederm is at the higher end of the price scale.
Institut Esthederm Hydra-Boost Self-Tanning Gel-Crème £44
Institut Esthederm’s Bronz Impulse Face and Body Spray £50
Institut Esthederm
I’ve been very impressed by this duo that landed on my beauty desk! Of course, neither has UV protection so please remember to wear your SPF!
If they sit within your budget then I think these are great options to prep your skin and to great a natural goddess sun-kissed glow, without the damage.
You can watch a video of both in action over on my instagram here!
