Are you tired of self tanners that leave you looking like an orange pumpkin? Do you want that gorgeous sun kissed glow without the damaging UV rays? You are in the right place.
The Rodan + Fields Essentials Foaming Sunless Tanner has been creating buzz in the beauty community. This review breaks down everything you need to know about this premium self tanner.
We tested it ourselves. We compared it to top Amazon alternatives. Get ready to discover if this product deserves a spot in your beauty routine.
Key Takeaways
- Rodan + Fields Foaming Sunless Tan uses RF-D Cell Technology with Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract for extended tan longevity and natural looking color development
- The white foam formula provides no instant guide color which makes application tricky for beginners but eliminates transfer concerns on clothing and bedsheets
- Color development takes 4-6 hours and the tan typically lasts about 3 days before fading which is shorter than many competitors
- Price point sits around $30 for 4.2 fl oz making it more expensive per ounce compared to drugstore alternatives but comparable to other premium brands
- Amazon offers excellent alternatives like Bondi Sands, St. Tropez, and Jergens Natural Glow that deliver similar or better results at various price points
- Application technique matters more than brand for achieving streak free results so invest in a quality tanning mitt regardless of which product you choose
What Makes Rodan + Fields Sunless Tanner Special
Rodan + Fields created something different in the self tanning market. The Essentials Foaming Sunless Tan stands out because of its unique white foam formula. Most self tanners come in brown or bronzed colors.
This one looks like regular shaving cream. The brand uses RF-D Cell Technology which sounds fancy but actually works. This technology comes from dormant narcissus bulb extract. It helps your tan last longer than regular DHA based tanners.
The formula dries super fast. You can get dressed within minutes. No sticky feeling. No transfer onto your clothes. The product contains skin loving ingredients like glycerin and butylene glycol that keep your skin hydrated. Hydrated skin holds color better.
This means your tan fades more evenly. The company originally created this for their consultants and customers who wanted safe sun kissed skin. Dermatologists developed the formula. That explains why it feels gentle on sensitive skin.
How to Apply Rodan + Fields Sunless Tanner Correctly
Application makes or breaks any self tanner. Start with clean exfoliated skin. Shave or wax at least 24 hours before. Shake the can well. Dispense a small amount into your tanning mitt.
Never apply with bare hands unless you want orange palms. Work in circular motions. Start from your ankles and move up. Use light pressure on knees, elbows, and ankles. These areas grab too much color.
The white foam can be tricky because you cannot see where you applied it. Work in good lighting. Do one section at a time. Let each section dry before moving to the next. Wait about 10 minutes before getting dressed. The tan develops over 4 to 6 hours. Avoid water during this time.
Your first shower should be lukewarm. Hot water strips color. Pat dry instead of rubbing. Apply the tanner every other day to build color. One application gives you a subtle glow. Two applications create a deeper bronze. Most users need 2-3 applications for their desired shade.
The Real Results You Can Expect
Color development happens gradually. After 4 hours you will notice a light golden tint. By 6 hours the color reaches full development.
The shade leans warm and natural. Not orange. Not muddy. Just a healthy vacation glow. Fair skin tones get a believable tan. Medium skin tones get enhanced warmth. The color looks most natural on light to medium skin.
The tan lasts about 3 days at peak intensity. Then it starts fading. Some users report the fade looks patchy. This happens when you skip moisturizing. Dry skin sheds faster. Your tan goes with it.
Daily moisturizing extends wear time. The product works on face and body. Facial application needs extra care. Use less product. Blend thoroughly around hairline and eyebrows. The formula will not clog your pores. It stays lightweight even in humid weather.
Top 3 Alternatives for Rodan + Fields Sunless Tanner
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam: The Budget Friendly Winner
Bondi Sands comes from Australia where people know their tans. This foam costs about $27 for 6.76 fl oz. That gives you more product for less money.
The formula includes coconut scent that masks the typical self tanner smell. Application feels smooth. The guide color helps you see where you applied. This brown tinted foam shows you exactly where to blend. Perfect for beginners.
The color develops in 6 hours. Results look natural and streak free when applied correctly. Over 40,000 Amazon reviews average 4.5 stars. Users love the value. The tan lasts 5 to 7 days with proper care.
That beats Rodan + Fields longevity. The formula contains aloe vera and coconut for skin nourishment. Multiple shade options let you choose your depth. Light, medium, and dark formulas cater to different skin tones. This remains a top seller year after year for good reason.
Jergens Natural Glow: The Gradual Tanning Champion
Jergens Natural Glow revolutionized gradual tanning. This daily moisturizer builds color slowly. No dramatic overnight change. Just subtle improvement each day. The Fair to Medium formula costs under $10. That makes it incredibly accessible. You replace your regular body lotion with this. Easy routine change.
The product contains collagen and elastin for skin firming benefits. Your tan develops over 3 to 5 days of daily application. The color stays natural looking. Maintenance becomes simple.
Just keep using it daily. Stop using it and the tan fades naturally over a week. Over 37,000 reviews prove its popularity. The formula hydrates while tanning. Two benefits in one bottle. Great for self tanner beginners who fear mistakes. Mistakes happen gradually so you can correct course.
St. Tropez Classic Bronzing Mousse: The Luxury Standard
St. Tropez set the gold standard for premium self tanners. The Classic Bronzing Mousse costs around $44 for 8 fl oz. Expensive but worth it for special occasions.
Professional spray tan studios use this formula. The mousse applies like velvet. Seriously smooth texture. The guide color shows exactly where product goes. No missed spots.
Color develops in 4 to 8 hours. The longer you wait before showering the deeper the color. Results look professionally done. Natural golden bronze without orange undertones. The tan lasts 7 to 10 days with proper maintenance. That longevity justifies the price.
The formula suits all skin types. Even sensitive skin tolerates it well. Over 18,000 Amazon reviews maintain 4.5 stars. The classic choice for weddings, photoshoots, and important events. The signature fragrance smells pleasant not chemical.
Understanding Self Tanner Ingredients That Matter
DHA remains the active ingredient in most self tanners. This sugar compound reacts with amino acids in dead skin cells. The reaction creates brown pigments. Safe and effective.
The FDA approved it for cosmetic use decades ago. Higher DHA percentages create darker color faster. But they also increase orange risk. Quality formulas balance DHA with color correcting ingredients.
Erythrulose often pairs with DHA. This second tanning agent develops slower but lasts longer. Together they create more natural results. Look for hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera. These keep skin moisturized during color development.
Antioxidants like vitamin E protect skin health. Rodan + Fields includes narcissus bulb extract. This botanical ingredient extends tan wear. Some formulas add temporary bronzers. These wash off but show immediate color. Guide colors help application but do not affect final results.
Common Self Tanning Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping exfoliation tops the mistake list. Dead skin cells absorb too much color unevenly. Exfoliate 24 hours before tanning. Use a gentle scrub or exfoliating mitt.
Pay attention to rough areas like knees, elbows, feet, and hands. These spots need extra exfoliation. Applying too much product creates dark splotches. Start with less. You can always add more the next day.
Not using a tanning mitt leads to orange palms. Your hands have more dead skin cells. They grab excessive color. Always use a mitt. Wash your hands immediately after application. Lightly swipe leftover product on hand backs. Rushing the drying process causes streaks.
Stay still for 10 minutes minimum. Avoid tight clothing until fully dry. Getting wet too soon washes away undeveloped color. Wait the full development time before showering. Not moisturizing daily makes your tan fade poorly. Hydrated skin holds color longer and sheds evenly.
Best Application Tools and Accessories
A quality tanning mitt changes everything. The velvet surface distributes product evenly. Blends seamlessly. Protects your hands from staining. Reusable mitts last months with proper care.
Rinse after each use. Let air dry. Replace when the fabric gets crusty. Some people prefer tanning gloves for better control. These give you more flexibility especially around tricky areas.
Applicator brushes work great for faces. The soft bristles blend product into hairline, eyebrows, and facial contours. Back applicators solve the hard to reach problem. These long handled tools let you tan your entire back without help. Body brushes with handles also work.
Barrier cream protects areas that grab too much color. Apply to cuticles, between toes, eyebrows, and any dry patches. This prevents those telltale dark spots. Some brands sell complete kits with mitt, brush, and barrier cream included.
How to Make Your Tan Last Longer
Moisturize twice daily minimum. Morning and night. Use a fragrance free lotion so it does not interfere with your self tanner. Focus on areas that dry out fast like elbows, knees, and shins. Avoid hot showers. Hot water opens pores and strips color faster. Lukewarm water preserves your tan. Pat dry instead of rubbing. Aggressive toweling removes color.
Avoid exfoliating products while tanned. This includes scrubs, loofahs, and chemical exfoliants. They speed up fading. Skip chlorinated pools if possible. Chlorine bleaches self tanner quickly. If you must swim apply a waterproof barrier. Reapply self tanner every 3 to 5 days.
Touch ups maintain color without building up too dark. Apply to areas that fade first like arms and legs. Use a gradual tanning lotion between full applications. This extends the life of your main tan while keeping skin hydrated.
Comparing Price Points and Value
Rodan + Fields costs approximately $30 for 4.2 fl oz. That equals $7.14 per fl oz. Premium pricing for a premium brand. The bottle lasts about 10 to 12 full body applications with careful use. That breaks down to $2.50 to $3 per application. Not budget friendly but reasonable for occasional use. Special events justify the expense.
Drugstore options like Jergens cost under $10 for 7.5 fl oz. That gives you $1.33 per fl oz. Amazing value. The gradual formula means you use it daily so bottles empty faster. Still the overall cost stays low. Mid range options like Bondi Sands balance quality and affordability. Around $4 per fl oz.
Luxury brands like St. Tropez cost $5.50 per fl oz. Consider your usage frequency. Daily tanners benefit from affordable gradual formulas. Occasional users can splurge on premium instant tanners. Calculate cost per application not just bottle price for true value.
Sensitive Skin Considerations
Self tanners generally suit sensitive skin. The reaction happens only in dead skin cells. No penetration into living tissue. But fragrances and certain ingredients cause irritation for some people. Fragrance free formulas reduce reaction risk. Look for products labeled hypoallergenic. These minimize common irritants.
Rodan + Fields tests well on sensitive skin. The dermatologist developed formula avoids harsh chemicals. But individual reactions vary. Patch test new products first. Apply a small amount to your inner arm. Wait 24 hours. No redness or itching means you are good to go.
Face Tanning Tips and Tricks
Facial self tanning needs special attention. Face skin is delicate. More visible. Mistakes show clearly. Use less product than you think. A little goes far on your face. Blend thoroughly into hairline. Skip eyebrows unless you want them darker. The formula stains hair too.
Mix your self tanner with facial moisturizer for foolproof application. This dilutes the product slightly. Creates more forgiving results. Perfect for beginners.
Apply with clean hands or a makeup sponge. Blend in circular motions. Pay attention to jaw line and neck. Blend down onto neck to avoid a tan line. Let face tan develop fully before applying makeup. Most formulas need 4 hours minimum.
Wash hands immediately after facial application. Use a gentle cleanser around hairline to remove any excess. Some people prefer self tanning drops mixed into their regular moisturizer.
Winter Versus Summer Tanning Strategies
Winter tanning serves different purposes than summer tanning. Cold months leave skin pale and dull. A subtle tan brightens your complexion. Makes you look healthier. Less vitamin D from sun exposure shows on skin. Self tanner compensates visually. Winter clothing covers most areas. Focus tanner on visible spots like face, neck, and hands.
Summer tanning extends your natural color. You already have some base tan from outdoor activities. Self tanner deepens and evens that color. Fills in tan lines. Creates all over bronze.
But summer heat and swimming challenge tan longevity. Sweat and water exposure fade tanner faster. Reapply more frequently. Every 2 to 3 days instead of weekly. Use waterproof formulas when possible. Spray tanners work great for summer because they dry completely before any activity.
Season also affects your shade choice. Winter calls for lighter natural looking tans. Too dark looks obviously fake against winter skin. Summer allows deeper bronze that matches the season. Adjust your product or application frequency accordingly. Your skin tone changes throughout the year. Your self tanner routine should too.
Is Rodan + Fields Worth the Investment
The answer depends on your priorities. Quality wise this product delivers. Natural color. Fast drying. Non streaking when applied correctly. The unique white formula prevents transfer. Great for people who cannot wait hours before dressing. The botanical ingredients add skin care benefits beyond just tanning.
But the longevity disappoints compared to price. Three days seems short for a $30 product. Competitors offer longer lasting results for less money. The lack of guide color challenges beginners. You need confidence in your application technique. Experienced self tanners appreciate this. Newbies might struggle.
The product excels for special occasions when you need reliable fast results. Wedding weekend. Photo shoot. Important event. The fool proof formula delivers.
But for regular maintenance cheaper alternatives make more sense. Bondi Sands or Jergens give you better value for routine tanning. Consider Rodan + Fields your special occasion tanner. Keep a budget option for weekly use.
What Real Users Say About This Product
Amazon reviews reveal mixed experiences. Many users love the natural color. They praise the non orange results. The fast drying formula gets consistent compliments.
People appreciate using it on face and body without breakouts. The lightweight feel works well in hot humid climates. No heavy greasy residue.
Complaints focus on the short wear time. Users expect premium products to last longer. The fading pattern bothers some people. Patchiness appears around day 3. The white formula confuses beginners. They miss spots and only notice after color develops. Several reviews mention the price feels too high for the longevity. Reapplying every 3 days uses product quickly.
Professional reviews from beauty editors generally rate it positively. They highlight the clean ingredient list. The dermatologist approval matters to health conscious consumers.
But most conclude better value exists elsewhere. The product works well. Just not well enough to justify the premium over excellent drugstore options. Total Beauty readers voted it a best self tanner. That proves it has loyal fans who swear by results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Rodan + Fields self tanner take to develop?
The color develops over 4 to 6 hours. You will notice a slight tint after 2 to 3 hours. Full color appears by 6 hours. For deepest results wait 8 hours before showering. The longer the product sits on skin the darker the final color becomes. Most users shower after 6 hours for optimal results without going too dark.
Can you use Rodan + Fields sunless tanner on your face?
Yes the formula works safely on face and body. The lightweight texture will not clog pores. It stays non greasy even on facial skin. Use less product on your face than your body. Blend carefully around hairline and eyebrows. Mix with your facial moisturizer for more foolproof application. The gentle formula suits most skin types including sensitive facial skin.
Does this self tanner have a strong smell?
The product has minimal self tanner smell. Much less noticeable than many competitors. The scent is light and fades quickly as the foam dries. You might notice a slight chemical scent during application. But it disappears within 30 minutes. Most users report little to no lingering odor. This makes it office friendly unlike some self tanners that smell for hours.
How many applications do you get from one bottle?
One 4.2 fl oz bottle provides approximately 10 to 12 full body applications. This assumes you use recommended amounts. Light handed application stretches it further. Using it only on visible areas like arms, legs, and décolletage extends the bottle life. Face only applications last much longer. Expect 20 plus facial applications. Build color gradually to maximize product usage.
What should you do if the tan turns out too dark?
Exfoliate immediately to lighten overly dark tan. Use a scrub or exfoliating mitt in the shower. Focus on the darkest areas. Lemon juice mixed with baking soda creates a natural lightening paste. Apply to dark spots. Leave on 5 minutes then rinse. Baby oil helps break down the tan. Apply generously. Let sit 10 minutes. Shower with exfoliating gloves. Repeat daily until you reach desired lightness.
Can you swim or exercise after applying self tanner?
Wait at least 4 to 6 hours before any water exposure. The tan needs time to fully develop. Early water contact washes away undeveloped color. Light sweating after 2 hours is usually fine. But avoid intense workouts that cause heavy sweating. Swimming should wait a full 8 hours for best results. Once the tan develops fully normal activities resume without issue.
