With whatever product was left over at that point, I also tanned my face, using smaller, circular motions to cover all the nooks and crannies. I’ve also used the Lusso tanner on my face, and it’s never caused breakouts. That aside, if you want to use a tanner made specifically for the face, Dolce Glow offers tons of options.
After the self-tanner was fully absorbed, I threw on my favorite comfy sweats and waited for the two-hour minimum. (FYI: You can leave the mousse on longer, up to four hours, for a deeper finish.) The color develops gradually, so when it’s time to rinse, hop in a warm shower until the water runs clear—don’t use soap!—pat dry, and you’re done.
How the Self-Tanner Performed
Having tested dozens of self-tanners, my standards are high, and yet The Express Self-Tanning Mousse scored high across the board. It’s silky on the skin and the dark tint makes even application foolproof. Stepping outside while you soak in it might make you feel like a bronzed fish out of water this winter (due to how dark it looks during the development period), but after the two-hour dry time and a rinse, I was rewarded with a glow so natural, it could’ve fooled anyone into thinking I’d just come back from a beach vacation. The best part? No trace of that dreaded self-tanner smell! Instead, it has a light floral aroma that makes it far more enjoyable to apply and sit in.
Five days, plus a few workouts and showers later, my tan still looks fresh. One coworker even stopped me in the office to compliment my glow—without guessing it was fake, which, for me, is the ultimate win. My face has faded due to daily washing, but my body tan is still very much intact, which lives up to the brand’s claims (tans should last a full five days before beginning to fade). After giving it a few days to compare to the Lusso, I find that its staying power is just as strong, despite the shorter (and more convenient) development time. The only hiccup I noticed was a little patchiness on my hands—but I blame my still-amateur application skills for that. I’m confident that, with a bit of practice, I’ll figure out how to get into all those tiny crevices.
My Final Thoughts
Considering how well my tan has lasted the past five days without any stench, streaks, or patchy fading, this has officially become my go-to for my weekly tan—or, frankly, anytime I can’t spend hours marinating in self-tanner—since it only requires a minimum of two hours. Compared to up to six hours for the Lusso, that’s a huge win in my book. (For a deep tan, you’d leave Lusso on for six hours or more, while the Express delivers the same depth in three to four hours.) The Express’s finish looks just as even and bronzed as the original, with no visible differences. I do wish it were a bit less expensive (it is $2 cheaper than the Lusso), but after all’s said and done, it’s hands-down the best rapid self-tanner I’ve tried.
Dolce Glow
Express Self-Tanning Mousse
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