I try to believe that I’m not unusually pale. That is, until I see myself in a group picture, and find that I’m practically glowing. And not in a “radiant summer tan” way. No, more like a “Kendall’s been dead for 40 years and this is her ghost” way.
While I’ll likely never achieve the former (and that’s okay! Embrace the skin you’re in!) I wouldn’t mind at least looking like I’ve seen the light of day before my summer vacation begins. That’s why I couldn’t help but be intrigued by all the ads I’ve been getting on Instagram for Saltyface — and even more so once I found out it’s a Canadian company.
Saltyface is a Vancouver-based brand created by a couple whose goal is “to create products that allow you to feel like your summer self, year-round.” With a focus on skin health and clean ingredients, Saltyface is 100 per cent vegan and cruelty-free, strictly adhering to the Credo Clean Standard and EWG Skin Deep.
Getting salty
While Saltyface sells a variety of moisturizers, bronzers, freckle paint, and other products, I started with The Essential Tanning Set. This included the Tanning Water for face, Tanning Foam for body, and a brush for easy application.
In the past, I’ve used Jergens Natural Glow lotion on my legs, but I dislike the scent. I was pleased to find that the Saltyface Tanning Foam had virtually no smell. I used about two pumps per leg, and although I felt slightly sticky after application, I did it right before bed, so I wasn’t bothered. In the morning, my legs did have some slight colour, and my sheets were stain-free.
Now the real test: the Tanning Water for my face. I’ve struggled with acne for most of my adult life, and while it’s finally under control, I’m always hesitant to introduce anything new to my skincare routine. I spritzed the Face Mist onto the brush and applied it to my face and neck right before bed. Sure enough, I had a natural glow the next morning and didn’t experience any breakouts.
The final verdict
Both products gave me a subtle glow after one use. Considering I started quite pale and didn’t want to dramatically alter my skin tone (or turn orange), I was satisfied with these results.
The Essential Tanning Set is on the pricier side, at $150. Considering it’s manufactured in Canada, made with clean ingredients, and uses sustainable packaging, I’m not surprised, but I realize that for many, it may not be worth the splurge.
If you’re looking to self-tan for similar reasons as me, then the Tanning Water is a great choice. The application was easy, my tan was noticeable but not jarringly so, and most importantly, it was kind to my skin. I’ll probably use it before events where I want to look especially nice to make the bottle last a little bit longer than its advertised (~6 months). As a gal on a budget, I think I can justify the $48 price tag for a product that’ll take me through the better part of a year.
While I had no issues with the Tanning Foam, I can get similar results from a drugstore brand self-tanning lotion, even if it means putting up with an unpleasant smell. But if I ever get to a point in life where the $64 refill is no big deal, I may reconsider!
You can find Saltyface for sale at Formula Fig in Vancouver and Toronto, and online, with free national shipping on orders over $45.
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The post I tried the Vancouver-made self-tanner that’s been sweeping the internet appeared first on Curiocity.
