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L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Review: The Best Self-Tanning Lotion?

Written by Lexi Carlson
Medically Reviewed by Denise Christine Bries, MD
Updated
L_Oreal Sublime Bronze Review_ The Best Self-Tanning Lotion_

Self-tanning products are literally everywhere, left and right – mousse, drops, mists, lotions, and more!

Yet, with the range of self-tanning products you can buy, do you still find yourself looking for one?

To kick off your tanning journey, we’ll help you find the best self-tanning lotion, starting with the L ‘Oreal Sublime Bronze Lotion.

Overview of the L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion

L’Oreal Sublime Bronze gives you this tinted self-tanning lotion product with shimmer for $10.99 that promises an instant deep bronze glow with a quick drying formula.

This self-tanner comes in two shades: deep tan and medium shade tan.

The tinted texture allows the self-tanner to be applied easily on the skin and body and is suitable for ALL types.

When applied, the self-tanner has glitters that make every stroke of the product shimmer on the skin.

It’s also infused with Vitamin E and Alpha Hydroxy Acid to rejuvenate, replace dead skin cells, exfoliate, and smoothen skin.

Specifications:

L’Oreal promises that their tinted self-tanning lotion with shimmer fully develops into dark or medium tan for 2-4 hours.

Also, with JUST ONE application, a color change is already visible! Aside from the mentioned details, this tinted self-tanning lotion has the following ingredients:

  • PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil – This is often used in skincare products as an emollient or moisturizer to keep your skin smooth! Yet, avoid this when you have a wound.
  • Propylene glycol – This humectant is an ideal component that retains moisture on your skin.
  • Cyclopentasiloxane – It’s the one responsible for the self-tanner to dry quickly.
  • Dipropylene glycol – This is used to make a consistent formula for self-tanners and add to their smell.
  • DHA and caramel – These achieve your desired deep brown colors by reacting to the dead cells.
  • Mica – If you’re ever wondering where the shimmer from this self-tanner comes from, it’s from this ingredient.

Pros

  • Vitamin E
  • Quick dry
  • Streak-free
  • Aluminum salts free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Easy application

Cons

  • May have unnatural orangey tones and streaks if applied improperly
  • Sticky feeling and shimmer when drying
  • Doesn’t have sunscreen component
  • Visible streaky lines when faded
  • May have a tanned smell

L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion Review

For an overall perspective of this self-tanner, here’s a detailed review of the looks, feel, smell, application, drying time, effect, and price.

L ‘Oreal Sublime Bronze Review Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Looks, Feel, & Smell

The formula has a good consistency and is a bit sparkly. It has glitters that would shimmer when used.

However, it can be removed when you shower.

With better consistency, it does feel light. Yet, when drying, it feels a bit sticky to the touch and leaves an unnatural residue if improperly applied, which makes your fake tan obvious.

It can also leave streaky lines when there are excessive products.

Moreover, this unscented self-tanner has no extreme tanning smell, but the review shows that it smells like a typical tanner with a hint of citrus.

The smell of tans in products is often unpleasant.

Self-Tanners Application Process & Directions

This L’Oreal tinted self-tanning lotion is easy and smooth to apply because of its quick process and the bronze color that acts as a guide.

Also, in applying, you only need to follow these steps:

  1. Exfoliate a day before self-tanning
  2. Apply lotion using hands, tanning mitt, & brush (blend until products absorb)
  3. Wash hands, mitt, and brush

Even if the packaging says that you can use your hands, some have noticed that it’s better applied with a mitt or brush for an even application.

However, other reviews showed that after 8 hours of applying, a white line appeared on her body after being in contact with a drop of water.

Drying Time

It takes more than 1 hour to dry out even with the help of a fan or blower.

However, others show they experience a drying time of about 25 minutes. To assure, wait for the product to dry before going to the shower or handwashing entirely.

Tanning Effect

On application, you can see changes in color as it’s a tinted self-tanning lotion. Moreover, a 2-4-hour period can give you a fully developed medium-shade tan.

Yet, there are reviews sharing that they had orange tones and streaks because of too much application of products.

They also experienced the same (streaky patterns) when the product faded.

Price

Its price is $10.99, which is typical for drugstore products. It’s also good for its price because of these factors:

  • The color is the same as the description
  • Color lasts depending on maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

When talking about your skin, you’ll indeed have questions. For that, we also have answers!

Is the L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion Safe for the Face?

YES!

You can use this tinted self-tanning lotion on your face. Ensure that after reaching your desired tan, use it only 1 – 2 times per week.

How Long Does It Take for the L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion to Develop?

It will take 2 – 4 hours for the tinted self-tanning lotion product to fully develop. However, there are already color changes immediately after applying.

Is the L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanner Lotion Good for Men?

Men can use it. However, if you don’t like glitter and shimmery tans in a product, then this one’s not for you.

Alternatives to L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion

If you have reservations left about the lotion (e.g., shimmer), don’t worry because there are alternatives from the same Sublime Bronze product line.

These can surely help you achieve the natural-looking tan color that you love.

1. L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Towelettes

This self-tanner is in the form of single-use wipes, with 6 wipes in each 10-inch package for only $10.98.

It’s a good buy when traveling because you don’t need to bring a bottle of tan product or self-tanners applicators.

However, it smells like chemicals and can smell like an onion which lasts until it dries up!

2. L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Tanning Mist

If your favorite is an airbrush-finish tan (even and natural), look no further because this tan mist at $10.99 is all you’ve ever wanted!

The 360-degree wide-angle applicator will give you access to hard-to-reach areas without using a brush or a mitt.

Spray it directly and wait for 2 to 4 hours to develop your desired tan glow. Yet, it may have a strong smell that subsides over time.

3. L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Drops

Are you looking for a mainly designed product for your neck and face? This one’s for you.

In a 30 mL bottle at $16.99, you can have a dye-free and non-sticky product that’ll make you achieve a sunkissed glow in 5 – 7 drops and a deeper bronze glow with 8-10 drops.

However, it has a typical tanned smell that you may dislike.

Final Verdict: Is This a Good Self-Tanning Product for You?

This can be your FAVORITE among self-tanners if you’re not using self-tanning products all year long for its low price and better color quality.

However, if you’re one of the men and women expecting a fragrant smell, no shimmer, no orange-y color, and no streaky patterns, this product isn’t a good buy.

Based on customers who reviewed it, it smells strong.

There can also be patches in the morning, even if you leave them untouched over the night or during bedtime.

Don’t invest in this if you expect a good morning beauty-tanned glow without shimmer. Instead, buy the alternatives in this article.