The hunt for the perfect body bronzer
26 Dec 2011 05:00 AM | Posted by bh'sOlivia
The body bronzers you NEED in your kit.
They say there’s nothing better than a spot of retail therapy – and whoever ‘they’ are, well… they’re not wrong!
So when I was feeling a little less than amazing over the weekend, I picked up a gorgeous one-sleeved white mini that was set to make my confidence soar.
Come 6pm on Saturday minutes before my girlfriends are set to arrive at the new crib for nibbles, I throw on my new frock, ready to make a splash in town – and suddenly I realise my lily-white legs and shoulders are oh-so apparent in my ‘mood-lifting’ new purchase.
I look through my beauty kit in a panic, surely I’ve got something, anything to give me the faux glow I so needed, but alas – only shimmering body lotion was at my aid. Good for already tanned skin, but not for providing the pigment I so desired.
I ended up applying a little face bronzer to the high point of my shoulders, my décolletage and down the front of my legs (because you know that’s a cool trick to make them look longer, right?) and that just had to do.
I walked out the door content, but not thrilled with my look. I vowed I would never let this happen again – so I’ll definitely be keeping either the St. Tropez Wash Off Instant Glow Body Lotion or glominerals gloBody bronzer well within reach in future.

What are your favourite body bronzers?
Love getting your faux glow on? Want to win some fab St. Tropez products? Watch Debbie does demos: St. Tropez Self Tan to reveal the secret question and go into the draw to win one of 10 St. Tropez prizes worth $60. Click here to watch the video…
Member Comments
(24)
Posted by:
Morrigan
(Australia)
Ughh every summer it's the same thing, I end up hiding under long skirts and shirts with short sleeves on them because I'm WHITE. I'm so white i'm sometimes blue!... And as far as bronzers go, I only use a little bit on my face but nothing below the neck area. Just don't feel I can pull it off, but would love to try!!
Posted on:
October 19, 2010 (Oct 19, 2010 8:27am)
Posted by:
littlemonster
(Australia)
I've just started getting back into the gradual tanner with Sunsense but I would love to try St Tropez!
Posted on:
October 19, 2010 (Oct 19, 2010 8:51am)
Posted by:
Roxymisha
(Australia)
I am in the process of reading all your product reviews of bronzers as I haven't used bronzer on my body for years. I should start again because there have been big improvements such as no horrible smell and bronzers come in different textures. So I think I will start with Le Tan mousse first - many good reviews on that one. Like Morrigan, I use a face bronzer but that is about all.
Posted on:
October 19, 2010 (Oct 19, 2010 9:48am)
Posted by:
softness
(Member since 2007, Australia)
There are so many good ones these days! Trust me, in the eighties you daren't touch them unless you were crazy. Now though, most have a great colour to them. Some of my fave brands are Garnier (plus I love their sugar scrub that really smooths the skin), Dr. Lewinn's which has an SPF15 in it and a lovely colour and I also love POD because of the colour and less of a smell than most and also has the SPF15.
Posted on:
October 19, 2010 (Oct 19, 2010 10:24am)
Posted by:
Chanellover
(Australia)
I can't be bothered to apply body bronzer.. Might consider it for the formal though. Love the tip about applying down the front of the legs.. handy!
Posted on:
October 19, 2010 (Oct 19, 2010 11:06am)
Posted by:
brissiebeauty
(Australia)
I have tried the Dove gradual tanner and it is quite good, although it takes a few applications until you see a result.... I think Model Co do a good instant tanner.
Posted on:
October 19, 2010 (Oct 19, 2010 11:21am)
Posted by:
dancr
(Member since 2008, Australia)
I like the sound of the St. Tropez
Posted on:
October 19, 2010 (Oct 19, 2010 11:27am)
Posted by:
BeachCakie
(Australia)
Ive tried many lotions and they all smell yucky!! which one have you girls used that smells the best?
Posted on:
October 19, 2010 (Oct 19, 2010 11:45am)
Posted by:
Chicklet
(Member since 2008, Australia)
St Tropez actually smells fine - they changed their formulation about a year ago so that it didn't have that fake tan smell anymore. It's one of my favourites, although I actually don't mind the Sportsgirl fake tan spray - it's a wash off bronzer with a nice smell and colour at a good price.
Posted on:
October 19, 2010 (Oct 19, 2010 12:55pm)
Posted by:
Divine Diva
(Australia)
I do love the daily moisturisers that contain a little tan that gradually gives you a sun kissed look. :)
Posted on:
October 19, 2010 (Oct 19, 2010 5:06pm)
Posted by:
Emilyvintage
(Australia)
I Love the Dove summer Glow and Sportgirls body bronzer ! VERY affordable and does the job! (:
Posted on:
October 19, 2010 (Oct 19, 2010 6:16pm)
Posted by:
Nidhi1
(Australia)
I don't like Bronzers..
Posted on:
October 19, 2010 (Oct 19, 2010 9:07pm)
Posted by:
VivaliciousChic
(Australia)
I love the dove summer glow too!!!
Posted on:
October 19, 2010 (Oct 19, 2010 10:36pm)
Posted by:
Beautalicious
(Australia)
Jemma Cosmetics use to have a brilliant set called Cookies and Cream. The cookies bottle was the dark bronzer and the cream bottle would give you a nice glow and if you put on too much cookies the cream would lighten it up. It smelt delicious and was my ultimate body bronzer.
I havent found a new body bronzer unfortunately.
Posted on:
October 20, 2010 (Oct 20, 2010 7:01am)
Posted by:
melmeko
(Member since 2007, Australia)
I have honestly never used a body bronzer, however I am really impressed with my instant tanning lotion and gradual tanner, the thing that turns me off about a bronzer is the thought of it rubbing off while I am out, I am confident in knowing that my fake tan will stay put. My wonder product is none other than Xen Tan Instant Bronze and Transform, gorgeous colour, gorgeous scent (think chocolate, hehe)
Posted on:
October 20, 2010 (Oct 20, 2010 8:20am)
Posted by:
melmeko
(Member since 2007, Australia)
OK after just checking out the Glo Bronzer I think I am a bit confused, I was thinking bronzer as in the bronzers like we put on our face (in my mind I had a BIG tub of loose bronze dust and a huge soft brush for application) but seeing the Glo it looks just the same as a tanning lotion, I am guessing the only difference is that it washes off???
Posted on:
October 20, 2010 (Oct 20, 2010 8:22am)
Posted by:
Prettykitty1
(Australia)
I'm planning to hit the exfoliant hard this weekend and get some fake tan happening next week-I have an event on Thursday night and I'm pasty as all get out :(
Posted on:
October 20, 2010 (Oct 20, 2010 10:20am)
Posted by:
Oceangirl12
(Australia)
For a special occasion I can't go past St Tropez...it's so easy to apply and the colour is perfect. Sally Hansen Airbrush legs is also terrific for a one night bronzer.
Posted on:
October 20, 2010 (Oct 20, 2010 11:26am)
Posted by:
Ellie0509
(Australia)
Ive tried Biotherm body tanning Gel. It was very good. It's really easy to use and the texture is beautiful. Doesnt leave a orange streak behind. But makesure like with all other body tanners, you exfoliate before applying to ensure you get a smooth finish. The smell of the tanner was very pleasant... unlike some others that has irritating smell lingering on your body for hours. I really suggest this to everyone. The only problem is that the colour needs some time to develop on your body, so you must think ahead before your big day/night out if you wanna have a beautiful tan look. But other than that I am very happy with this product and I would definately recommend this to everyone.
Posted on:
October 20, 2010 (Oct 20, 2010 6:50pm)
Posted by:
Nic74
(Australia)
Jungle Bronze is definate Winner for me..a golden natural tan everytime.. No aerosol to! Yay it's a pump bottle : )
Posted on:
October 20, 2010 (Oct 20, 2010 7:32pm)
Posted by:
Lovely2
(Australia)
Body shop body bronzer in plum.
Posted on:
October 22, 2010 (Oct 22, 2010 10:56am)
Posted by:
Misspamperedprincess
(Australia)
I like the Sally Hansen Airbrush legs for a quick bronze fix on my legs. Its quick easy and instant. Also for an all over instant solution I love Rimmel Sunshimmer Instant Tan.... xox
Posted on:
October 22, 2010 (Oct 22, 2010 1:45pm)
Posted by:
emilyhollywood
(Australia)
St. Tropez tanners are THE best but I've found that SHE bronzer is a very convincing substitute. Similar colour, fragrance and consistency but a third of the price...
Posted on:
October 22, 2010 (Oct 22, 2010 5:26pm)
Posted by:
Jasmine1485
(Australia)
I mostly like my pale skin, but I have tried the Dove Summer Glow products and I quite liked that I could go as dark or light as I wanted. If I was going to use a product regularly it would be them. So far as bronzers, I have a Napoleon Perdis one from the Brazil Bound range and I love the colour of that, it's almost like a cross between a blush and a bronzer, and you can use it as either.
Posted on:
October 27, 2010 (Oct 27, 2010 5:29pm)
Posted by: Morrigan (Australia)
Ughh every summer it's the same thing, I end up hiding under long skirts and shirts with short sleeves on them because I'm WHITE. I'm so white i'm sometimes blue!... And as far as bronzers go, I only use a little bit on my face but nothing below the neck area. Just don't feel I can pull it off, but would love to try!!
Posted on: October 19, 2010 (Oct 19, 2010 8:27am)