We love getting that summertime glow, especially when it has nothing to do with the sunshine at all. We test-drove the newest product to hit shelves to see how it stands up to the real deal. Leaders at perfecting the at-home tan, St Tropez pushes the bounds once more with its St Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower Lotion, promising a light, real-looking tan than gradually gets darker over the course of the day. We followed their instructions religiously, and here’s what we thought.
To be fair, the “in shower” aspect is a bit misleading. You have to shower as normal, then turn off the water, rub yourself down with the lotion, wait for three minutes, then switch the shower back onand rinse off with warm water and rinse off. It’s a bit of a process, to be honest. After showering, you’re standing there kind of cold trying to figure out how long three minutes really is (because who has their phone in the shower stall with them?). I recommend either braving the cold 
even more by opening the shower curtain and actually timing it or erring on the side of caution and rinsing off after a minute or two (three minutes is the maximum anyway). After a couple tries, we got the hang of it, but the first time was a little uncomfortable and very, very cold.
The product itself is actually very nice. It’s a lightweight lotion that was super easy to spread. It had only a hint of that at-home tanner scent, but otherwise the formula was hydrating and not the least bit drying. As for the tan? Well, I won’t lie… it actually worked (I shouldn’t be surprised–St. Tropez is truly wonderful in that home-glow department). After having gone to the beach this past weekend, I had some very visible tan lines. This didn’t totally nix them, but it definitely helped lessen the contrast. The glow lasted about two days before I noticed some fading, but if you are a diligent loofah-user, it might be less time than that. I also recommend using a good moisturizer after you’ve patted yourself dry–hydrated skin means happy, glowy skin.
If you’re going to a party or just need a bit of colour in the dead of these harsh Canadian winters, this is a definite winner and is less messy than many of the other at-home tanning products out on the market (even some of St. Tropez’s offerings–no mitt required here, though don’t forget to wash your hands immediately after application). Just be mentally prepared for a chilly three minutes.
St. Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower Lotion is available for $31 at Murale & Shoppers Drug Mart
