Bath and Body Works • Strike Gold • Self Tanners

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ccbemiller on 3/5/2013 2:03:00 AM more reviews by ccbemiller

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I've tried many self tanners and this has to be one of my favorites. I have fair skin so it definitely gives off more of a golden color than a brown one. Might not work on all skin tones. I tend to notice that this can be really slimy at first and then quite drying so I try to mix this with some lotion when applying. I always receive compliments when wearing this. The downside: it does smell. That's why I use a coconut or tropical scented lotion when mixing it with the self tanner. Remember to exfoliate first as this will creep into dry areas. I would say this typically lasts for about 3 days. I usually can go the whole weekend before it fades and I have to reapply.

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jsublett on 10/16/2012 12:09:00 AM more reviews by jsublett

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

great

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justcallmed on 9/3/2012 6:55:00 PM more reviews by justcallmed

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

First off, this does do what it says it will do; it does give you good, non streaking, even and natural looking color (for me at least which is a challenge with my NW20 skin). It's a gel/lotion that does blend in well and the price isn't bad seeing as how you can usually score it during some kind of deal at BBW.

However, and I must stress I'm usually not one to complain about such things, the scent of this is AWFUL. It's a mix of over powering plastic/floral/faux beachy mixed with the typical DHA scent. Left on skin for a few hours and it'll begin to worsen. I still have about half a tube left over and I am seriously considering just tossing it out because the smell is so ungodly.

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Beautlfy on 8/3/2012 5:44:00 AM more reviews by Beautlfy

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

Today is August 3rd, 2012, and I purchased this product about 3 days ago. It has a different packaging, (an orange bottle with a teal band around the center highlighting "Vitamin e") I am not sure if they changed the formula as well as the packaging, but it has the exact same identical name, so...here we go.

I love this stuff. I used a few self-tanners, including bare minerals bare essentials faux tan, quick tan spray tan, L'oreal sublime bronze air brush tanner, and I prefer this one over them all. But the first time I used it, I wasn't too impressed because I didn't get super dark immediately. and I am a very impatient person so if I don't see results ASAP I usually abandon a product. But, I showered, exfoliated, applied this, and the color is suppose to develop after 4 hours. Mine did, but it wasn't very dark. So I applied it again the next day, and I was a beautiful brown color. It works gradually. And then I applied it a third time the next day, waited, and i looked so tan and beautiful it was amazing. It says on the back "Reapply for an even darker color."
It does not matter how you put this on, honestly. I was afraid at first about streaking and patchiness, because that was something I dealt with, with all those other tanners i've tried, but this applies DEAD-ON EVEN. Its the most flawless self-tanner I have ever used hands down. I feel like no matter what I type to try and describe how flawless it applies, it doesn't do the product any justice. Its so seamless, and that saying "nothings perfect" does not apply to this tanner, it IS perfect!
And the number one thing that makes me love this so much is the way it makes your skin look - its more than just a tan in a bottle, it makes me look better than any tanning bed i ever went it, and it transforms my skin leaving it glowing and gleaming with smoothness and shine and soft, its amazing...I wish I could describe it better. The formula does have sparkles in it, which helps blur imperfections and its just amazing, I never want to wear shorts again without this on my legs.
After the 4th application of this, I look like I just got back from the Bahamas. People literally stop me while i'm at the gym. Nobody believes me when I tell them its a fake tan. And the bottle is 6 fl oz but after applying this generously 4 times over my entire body -- it still feels completely full. It only cost 15 dollars and it'll last a long time.

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arianadesiree on 2/27/2012 11:10:00 PM more reviews by arianadesiree

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Hazel    

I have been looking into buying a self-tanner for a while now. Throughout high school I was best friends with the tanning bed, cause I am naturally VERY fair skinned. Seriously, my grandpa asked me if I was sick because I had stopped tanning and was so pale! ANYWAYS, this product is a life saver! I love having some color to my skin, clearly just makes me look healthier! And this did the trick! Great price compared to buying tanning minutes, or even paying for a spray tan twice a month! The smell is gross to me, but bearable and no where near as horrid smelling as some self-tanners can be! Doesn't streak at all! If you are only tanning your arm's or chest, face, etc. Just be sure to rub edges of the self-tanner in and you will have a nice gradual tan not pasty straight to brown line. This does not turn me ORANGE at all, but I also have a slight green/yellow tone to my skin.. (NC in most Mac products) so I think that might help, as I can see how it could look orangey on some skin tones. You can build the color up with multiple applications, however I found that 1-2 does wonders for me, just one coat brought me up 1-2 shades darker. BE SURE to exfoliate your skin good! Especially elbows, knees, ankles, knuckles etc. just like the directions say. For tanning my body I just used my bare hands, if you are slow take a break and wash your hands in between to be sure they don't stain. And for tanning my hands I put a little product on the back of my hand and used a cotton pad to blend it in and sweep over my fingers, and sides of my hand! If you are contemplating on buying this, I say go for it!! I will definitely be repurchasing over & over!!


*Note: I do find that my hands fade much quicker then the rest of my body, just do to washing them etc. But just re-apply in between full body applications and it works fine!

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bombshellbree on 2/19/2012 6:43:00 PM more reviews by bombshellbree

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Tan, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Love this self tanner!! I alternate between this and my Sun Labs self tanner. I have only used this on my upper body during the winter, but it definitely gives my skin a sun kissed glow for the winter months. Only downfall is after about 3 days it gets splotchy. This is the only non-expensive self tanner that did NOT turn me orange. Love it!

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Jennifer0ntario on 2/18/2012 6:17:00 PM more reviews by Jennifer0ntario

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

This self tanner looks great and does not streak but it smells bad all day and it stained my clothing. :(

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aaamyx on 8/17/2011 10:48:00 PM more reviews by aaamyx

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Black    

I bought this due to the rave reviews here so I certainly had high expectations for this product. The application process is very easy because the lotion is tinted so you can see exactly where you've applied the product and where you haven't. That being said, the only issue I have with this is the color. While it won't make you look as orange as a pumpkin, Strike Gold is still not brown enough for my NC 30 skin. I was told that the sign of a good self tanner is that the lotion should kind of have a greenish tint when you squeeze it from the tube; Strike Gold is clearly orange-y. Although the color is not the best for me, it does have great staying power. With only one application, I can stay relatively bronzy for a little less than a week. Another thing I really enjoy with this product is how it well wears. When it fades, it fades evenly and not in uneven patches like a lot of other self tanners.

All in all, a fair product. I will be using up the rest of the tube but will not be repurchasing just because the color is not perfect on me.

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dainaleeo2 on 7/3/2011 2:13:00 AM more reviews by dainaleeo2

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

[FYI: this is for the gradual tanner, not the instant one. This is for 'Glow & Steady' instead of 'Strike Gold', since I realized that after I posted. The other isn't listed so I'm just adding the review here :) ]

I bought this stuff today, though I have bought it in the past & used it many times. I used to buy it when they had it on sale, i think 2 for $15 or something, because it's usually around $15 for one alone which is pretty pricy. I bought it again today because while at the mall they had these, the lotion kind, in a bin for 75% off. They ended up only being around $3~, which is awesome, so I bought 3 :)

As for the product, I like it, probably enough to give it 4 stars, though I don't like the gel nearly as much as I like the spray of this same line. Generally sprays are just easier for me, & tend to make my chest actually retain color, which is the area on my body that NEVER seems to tan. I don't know why but my stomach will be 7 times darker than my chest, as if it's the only place that never colors. But i digress.

This stuff is still pretty good. It's the build-able kind, not the straight dark color in one go, which is suppose is good for some, or those not as experienced with tanners. I've done this for years & years, & used to work as a spray tan tech at a salon, so I usually want the actual color in one application. For the cheap price I won't mind having to do it more than once. It also has spf 15 which is nice. The smell doesn't bother me, since the sprays are usually more intense & really get in your nose if you aren't careful, so this is actually not as bad. It's a bit glittery, which I don't truly care for, but this one isn't obvious; its more sheer. It does take longer to dry than my other ones, but then at least it does give me a chance to rub it all in, so I rarely streak. It can get a bit orange if you over do it, but...well, I personally don't mind entirely. I'd rather be a wee touch of orange than super pale, just my personal preference, so that doesn't bother me.
Overall it's pretty good, I got it at a cheap price, so for me it'll work. I think there are better ones out there but this one is better than some others I've tried [I'm looking at you, L'Oreal!] :)

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kirsten627 on 6/29/2011 2:49:00 AM more reviews by kirsten627

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I love this self tanner! I came on this site to check out reviews on self tanners since summer is here and I am beyond pale. I don't tan just burn and get freckles. Anyway after reading the rave reviews on here I decided to buy a tube of Strike Golf self tanner and I am so glad I did!

I've tried tons of self tanners, as well as professional airbrushing, and I will say I am pretty darn happy with this product. The product comes out gel-like and is very easy to rub in. It also has bronzer in it so you can see where you have applied it. I usually always get streaks on my legs for some reason with other tanners but I have yet to see any streaks with Strike Gold. I've used it several times now and its always come out very even. It does take a few minutes to dry. I usually stand in front of the fan for 5 minutes just to make sure its dried before I get dressed. I always apply this at night before bed.

This stuff has a coconut smell which I don't find to be too strong. It is definitely better than any other tanner I've tried. The coconut smell masks the self tanner smell and I much prefer the coconutty smell over that.

This self tanner does not leave me super dark though. It just gives me a bronzed natural glow like I have actually been out in the sun. As I mentioned I am very pale so maybe if you are darker skinned Strike Gold will help you get a darker tan. A dark tan just doesn't look natural on me. I don't care to be dark, I just want to look like I have a hint of some color to me and not look like a walking corpse. This stuff is like a step up from a daily moisturizer tanner. I apply this stuff every other day to keep the color I like.

The only gripe about this product is that it does seem to fade pretty quickly. If I go more than two days without applying I begin to look pretty pale again. It does fade off evenly though which is a big plus. I really don't even have to use a loofa to scrub it all off. Despite fading quickly and evenly, it stays on when I ride my horse which is a wonderful! I wear tight breeches, tall boots and a sports bra when I ride and my whole inside leg is on my horse. In the past I have been left with rub marks in this area after riding with other self tanners from the friction. This has yet to happen with Strike Gold which I am very happy about.

All in all this is a wonderful self tanner. It is at the top of my list for the best self tanner I've ever tried. No streaks, no funky tanner smell and leaves me with a light natural looking tan. I will definitely be buying this stuff again!

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*TOP REVIEWER* Merina on 6/19/2011 10:57:00 AM more reviews by Merina

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

Love everything about this tanner except the smell. It reminds me of their Exotic Coconut scent but also mixed with that sunless tanner smell. Not good at all! However, the color and the ease of application are wonderful! I used this two nights in a row and have a beautiful natural looking bronze color. I'm an NC40 for reference. I use a cotton ball dipped in tanner for the back of my hands and tops of my feet. No streaks whatsoever. I like that it's tinted so I can see where I applied it. I've even put it on my face with no breakouts!

This is not a gradual self tanner. You achieve your color within 4 hours of application. I wouldn't recommend using this many nights in a row as I can see where you can get that orange color. After the second night I got the color I wanted. Now I'll just reapply once every 4-5 days or so to maintain.

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suzanne123 on 5/7/2011 2:32:00 AM more reviews by suzanne123

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Dry, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

Wow this self tanner is fantastic, I look best with a golden tan, this self tanner did not turn me orange, nor is it muddy. I usually apply it at night as the smell is VERY strong. The other night I applyed it and put my clothes on right after! I did not streak nor did it stain my clothes. In one application I can already see colour! Will definitely repurchase, I wouldn't mind if they toned down the smell, but other then that it works fantastic!

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pauley on 3/23/2011 3:22:00 PM more reviews by pauley

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

Best Self Tanner, ever I have tried so many and this is the best looks
natural, I'm fair, and this one works It also last a long time other's would fade so fast.

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brokentyrant on 2/22/2011 10:43:00 PM more reviews by brokentyrant

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

Remember useing years ago. Think it looked ok...

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ggarcia on 2/22/2011 12:15:00 PM more reviews by ggarcia

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

I have been trying different tanners within the last week or so. I will be going to Florida and don't want to look so pasty, since i am really pale. I tried others like the Jergen's Sheer glow, L'oreal Sublime and St. Tropez.. I had to return all those (but that's a separate review on those) I did not like them. I went to B&BW yesterday and picked up one of these self tanners and i am truly amazed!!!!!!!!!!! I exfoliated, moisturized and applied. and i definitely like the consistency of this gel more than others and it does not STAIN YOUR HANDS like all the others. The smell is pleasant. it smells like a pina colada mixed with coconut. It does have shimmer, but if you apply overnight and shower the next morning, those will come off. The only con is that it takes a while to dry and it'sa little sticky, but it did not stain my sheets. the tan itself is very suble and seems like it's gradual. It leaves your skin soft and very natural glowy looking. This is my first day wearing it, so if something changes, i will update., but for now, I REALLY DO LOVE
IT!

UPDATE: I HAVE BEEN USING IT FOR A FEW DAYS AND I LOOK ORANGE!!!!!!!!! I DID EVERYTHING RIGHT AND IT STILL LOOKS BRIGHT ORANGE. AND MY HANDS LOOK DIRTY! I WILL NOT BUY THIS THING AGAIN.

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rottenbanana on 1/7/2011 5:10:00 PM more reviews by rottenbanana

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

This is the best tanner I have tried yet. I am extremely pale. I'm taking off to Maui tomorrow and wanted to fake a tan rather than damage my skin on the beach or in a tanning bed like everyone else. It took me two applications to reach my ideal tan color. This does not turn orange or yellow. Just a nice golden brown with a little bit of pink thrown in. The most impressive thing about this product is that it actually smells good!! I have never encountered a tanner that did not smell like cat pee. This one has a nice, kind of floral/oriental scent. The scent is not subtle though. No gross tanner smell at all. At $15 a bottle it isn't what I would call a bargain but I think it's worth what you get. I will repurchase until the end of days based on the smell alone.

6/12/11 Edit: I've been using this since January. I just want to add that this product has NEVER streaked on me. It has a slippery consistency (silicones?) that allow it to blend very thoroughly and dry almost instantly. It will feel kind of sticky but never has stained my clothes or sheets. I only wait about 5 min before dressing The color also lasts a pretty long time, up to a week. Praise Jesus for this stuff!

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jacksxoxo on 10/29/2010 1:38:00 AM more reviews by jacksxoxo

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

i adore this self tanner. it's sparkly, but not that i look like a disco ball.
it also barely ever streaks and gives an AWESOME colour :)

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reporter1911 on 8/21/2010 8:36:00 PM more reviews by reporter1911

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I am a self-tanning addict. My new trick is, an expensive, dept store one (Clarins or Dior) on the face, arms and decolletage, then a cheapie on the legs. This is the one I use for my legs. As a bonus, it leaves pretty sparkles. I've also used it for my arms and chest, but I find that it looks a little muddy, which is my typical problem with cheap tanners.
I don't go in the sun at all though. If you do go in the sun, this might be good for the whole body because it'd probably just blend with your real tan.
Another bonus with this is, I don't mind the smell. That''s not to say there's no smell, because there is. But I don't think it's a bad one. Others might, since there is a distinct odor.

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prissy973 on 6/26/2010 3:52:00 PM more reviews by prissy973

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Green    

Apparently I've struck goldwhen I purchased True Blue Spa strike goldd self tanner. One thing I don;'t spend much money on is self tanners. I was happy with Nivea sunkissed firming lotion (gradual tan meduium to dark) buit after using it for a month I realized that it only attained a certain color, and never went darker than that, When I first used strike gol last week it gave me the incredible color I was looking for after two applications. It may have been a mix of the Nivea also. But this is def my new tanner for my upper body, Downside my hands are orangey.

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tm5473 on 6/24/2010 11:42:00 AM more reviews by tm5473

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

This product is great. It provides realistic, even color. Now, you have to apply for several days in order to achieve the desired result, but that is fine with me. I don't mind the smell, either. I don't think ANY self tanners lasts for over a week, unless you keep reapplying, so I think people should be realistic about their expectations. (I have used Clarins, L'Oreal, Clinique, Lancome, EL, San Tropez so I speak from experience.) This is not the CHEAPEST, but if you can get it during one of their semi-annual sales, I think you should check it out!

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