Paula's Choice • Almost the Real Thing-Self Tanning Gel • Self Tanners

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*TOP REVIEWER* mhooven on 6/12/2009 11:03:00 AM more reviews by mhooven

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Blond, Fine   Eyes: Green    

Great product! I am very fair and have tried so many tanners from department stores and drugstores alike but this one is one of the best. It is labeled as a gel but the consistency is a little thicker than a gel I would say and it has a carmel coloring to it. The color guide disappeared into my skin when applied so it did not help me as far as knowing where I had rubbed it in but even so I got a good light tan without streaks. I have one spot on my foot that is a bit darker than it should be but I always struggle with tanning the tops of my feet so it was probably me and not the product. I followed the directions exactly and it came out well though a little light so I will put it on again tonight. The directions are different from a lot of tanners that I have tried but the bottle said to shower quickly and do a light exfoliation then apply a light layer of moisturizer after drying off. Apply the gel to one area at a time washing hands after you are done (I wore gloves). At a price of $12.95 it is a keeper for me!

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wurm on 5/30/2009 8:45:00 PM more reviews by wurm

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Paula's Choice has created another winner! I've tried a host of self-tanners, both pricey and not, with the same sorts of difficulties: orange tint; streaky, uneven coverage; and too little color resulting in the need for multiple layers to get the tint I wanted. The smell of all the products I've tried has been a real turn-off. Enter Paula's Choice Almost the Real Thing Self-Tanning Gel. There's no smell, it is tinted so that you can see where you are applying it, it's quickly absorbed, and, most importantly, the color is realistically lovely without streaky patterns or color concentrations over bony prominences such as ankles and knees. Follow the directions precisely and good luck!

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nuttynut on 5/30/2009 6:38:00 PM more reviews by nuttynut

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

Thank goodness for MUA! I have been reading this site for quite awhile without posting, but I must for this product. I had been using Fake Bake, but the smell was driving me c.r.a.z.y!!! After reading the positive reviews for this product, I decided to give it a shot. Not only does it deliver a beautiful golden color, but it does NOT smell like all the other self-tanners I have tried. I can go all day without realizing I'm wearing a tanning product. Thank you Paula!

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*TOP REVIEWER* Karin1539 on 5/26/2009 1:13:00 PM more reviews by Karin1539

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

Great self tanner! Very realistic color. I apply this exactly as instructed and end up a beautiful color with no streaks or blotchy color. I am not a fan of all of Paula's products but I love this stuff!

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crystal01 on 3/28/2009 11:02:00 PM more reviews by crystal01

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

I really like this self tanner becuase it does not look orange or fake and it seem to "tan" me just where I need it and it dries fast, does not smell bad, and I can build a darker tan with it by applying it every night or every other night.

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samanthaapril on 10/21/2008 9:13:00 AM more reviews by samanthaapril

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

This is my favourite self-tanner; as other reviewers have said, it doesn't turn orange, doesn't smell bad, and is very easy to apply. It gives my fair skin a nice, golden brown colour. I will definitely purchase this self-tanner again.

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EstheticianJen on 8/10/2008 1:28:00 PM more reviews by EstheticianJen

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Other   Eyes: Hazel    

For what it's worth, I do think this is expensive; however, I do think it's entirely WORTH EVERY PENNY! This was SO easy to apply, especially once I applied moisturizer as suggested on the bottle. Her products are always so easy to apply/have great slip.

It went on faster than any tanner I've ever used, certainly faster than any lotion. Smell was literally nothing.

This gave me the most gorgeous, "reddish" tan I've ever had. I've gotten more compliments on my "tan"! It gave me a truly realistic color. It's a redder tan than Savage Bronze was, but equally realistic. I am so relieved because I thought I would die without Savage Bronze. I will repurchase this over and over.

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mrkodis on 5/5/2008 2:11:00 PM more reviews by mrkodis

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

I had exactly the same experience "tanyabon" describes when I first used this tanner six years ago. I applied it before bed and woke up a streaked mess. I tossed the product in the trash, and vowed never to use it again. Well, I decided to give it another try last night, because I adore Paula's Choice products and wondered if I might have better luck this time. The answer is a definitive yes! I woke up this morning with a PERFECT, non-streaky tan, light brown, no orange. I think the key to this tanner is to rub it in VERY carefully, applying little bits to each body part and working it in all the way. I use gloves to avoid colored palms and fingernails. Some tanners you can basically slap on, but this one requires a little more time and a meticulous application. Of course even that won't make it work for some people. I just wanted to share my experience with MUA readers. The downside of this tanner is that you don't get a whole lot of it in the tube, which could lead to a pricey self-tanning summer.

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tanyabon on 5/5/2008 8:56:00 AM more reviews by tanyabon

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

Thanks Paula! You made me feel young again.
However not in the way I ever wanted.
I woke up today with orange stripes on my hands, décolleté and shoulders. I’m not worried about legs as I can hide them under the pants.

So, coming back to “feeling young“. First time in the last 20 years or more I tried to become invisible in my morning commute.
Unfortunately, I’m using train to get to my work. I tried to play a turtle and hide my head and neck into my jacket.
If I was 20 years younger, I was staying at home and scrubbing myself all day non-stop.
Unfortunately, I have scheduled meetings today.
OMG, I have to face it today!
I’m hiding now in my office and even plan to skip my Starbuck’s – don’t want to scare more people. I’m working in Toronto’s Financial District. Just imagine how I feel…

Please do not try it at home. Very dangerous.

I hope I will survive, but first thing I will do, when I back home – throw into the garbage this crappy self-tanner.

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sophie_sheridan on 4/26/2008 1:07:00 AM more reviews by sophie_sheridan

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

About two hours after applying this last night, my boyfriend coyly pointed out that I had a beautiful "glow". He took credit for it, but I knew it was really this terrific self-tanner! It does NOT turn me orange and it was very easy to work with. Also, I'm prone to uneven/red skin and the natural golden tan color this created evened me out. I barely needed concealer and was able to go! 5 stars ladies...try this stuff out!

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steveo on 11/9/2007 8:57:00 PM more reviews by steveo

Age: 36-43   Skin: Other   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

This is awesome stuff...simply the best self-tanner I've ever used. I always get a brown, NOT orange glow from it, and it really looks like I've been out in the sun! I have never gotten a streak either. It glides on easily, and dries quickly. I love it....and it doesn't smell as much as others I've tried.

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msommerlund on 11/6/2007 12:46:00 PM more reviews by msommerlund

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

This is a great self tanner. It gives me a very natural medium tan. The smell is much less offensive than other self tanners, and it doesn't break out my skin. I don't tan in the sun, so I use self tanner all summer long. This self tanner is a little expensive to use that often, so I don't buy it that often. If not for the price, this would be HG for sure.

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kooyay82 on 6/5/2007 5:39:00 PM more reviews by kooyay82

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

It was OK. Easy to apply, but I just didn't get good color from it!!

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aquamaniac on 3/9/2007 9:20:00 PM more reviews by aquamaniac

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

One of my very favorite self tanners. I prefer gels like this, as foams/mousses/sprays dry too fast to blend completely. it feels a little heavy when putting on my face, but I haven't had any breakouts from it. And of course I don't like the smell - but all self-tanners are that why. It's just the nature of the active ingredients.

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poldanser on 2/14/2007 1:23:00 AM more reviews by poldanser

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

i love the colour this gel gives...a nice healthy glow! this is great for face...as it give a nice golden glow i dont have to change my foundation drastically. although would probably need 2 to 3 applications to give a more "tanned" look. i dont mind the slight caramel smell ;)). i have used it under another darker self tanner like st. tropez.give a nice tanned in the beach look.but i am pale asian, so any change of colour is noticeable. i like it though. would definitely buy again.

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*TOP REVIEWER* KerryGold on 12/8/2006 11:09:00 PM more reviews by KerryGold

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Medium, Cool   Hair: Grey, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I've only used this on my legs and feet so far. Make sure legs are clean and exfoliated. I epilate any hair away either beforehand or straight after step 4 below, which doesn't interfere with the development of the tan, but if you shave your legs then always do it beforehand. I achieve perfectly good, subtle results using my years-old easy streak-free method for legs. You need just over an hour spare to do this, and the method is: (1) apply all over legs and feet any old how then wash hands thoroughly, (2) leave on legs for 60 mins, (3) in shower, add cleanser to a bath puff or whatever and scrub away at areas where fake tan tends to cling and look darker - knees, lower and upper heel area, all around ankle area, sides of feet, toes, (4) dry off. Voila! A natural-looking light tan will develop over the next few hours - during the day or overnight - and it won't be streaky.

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*TOP REVIEWER* selmasoo on 10/21/2006 10:35:00 PM more reviews by selmasoo

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

This is my favorite self-tanner. It is gel-based,(which I prefer),dries quickly
and although it says "fragrance-free", and may have a bit of an odor, it's not overpowering like most others are. The color that it leaves is a beautiful light tan..no orange at all! I also like the fact that it is tinted so you'll know where you've applied it. Would most definitely recommend!!

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*TOP REVIEWER* josiecat on 8/17/2006 7:31:00 PM more reviews by josiecat

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I use this on my face. It's completely non-greasy, fragrance-free, and never breaks me out. I usually use HT Island Glow on the rest of my body, but I needed something oil-free and fragrance- free for my face.

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*TOP REVIEWER* tulipsplash on 2/4/2006 2:53:00 PM more reviews by tulipsplash

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

If you like self-tanners, I believe this to be a very good product and reasonably priced. However, I must say that it does have a tendency to streak, possibly because its a gel and is absorbed so quickly, before you have time to adequately and evenly cover an area. I voted that I would not buy this product, nor any other self-tanner again, because I hate the inevitable smell they leave behind. Nevertheless, I would recommend this product to anyone who is a fan of self-tanners.

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Salome32 on 1/29/2006 7:24:00 AM more reviews by Salome32

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I recently found out that a have a light form of rosacea. After I examine the ingredients of my skin care products, a threw away a lot. I tried a sample of this produkt and it goes well with my skin. Like almost all of the produkts of Paula's Choice! I got a slighty light brown tan, just as if I had a sunny day! Beautiful and certainly not artificial. If I have to mention a little disadventage: it takes some time to draw in, but I can live with it. I read about the smell..what smell?? I think it smells like cream/nothing and I am oke with it, because parfum only irritates my skin. Surely buy it again!

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