bellabox Reviews: La Mav Organic Self-Tan

Once upon a time, there was a reckless fair maiden who decided to catch some rays and get a tan. She burned, peeled and freckled, before emerging even whiter than before. That stupid maiden was of course, me. And the moral of the story? Don’t be an idiot – get your tan from a bottle!

I learned my lesson early on, and have been intimately acquainted with most faux tanning prods over the years. I’ve used the automated booths and ended up in all kinds of strife, I’ve stripped down to my g-string and been sprayed by many a random while discussing the weather. I’ve tried quick-developing tans and tried to catch the run-off in 100% humidity. And I’ve stained more sheets than I care to count.

And would I do it again? You betcha. In fact, I did just that this week when the bellabox babes sent me two shiny new tanning products from La Mav to try.

The Products:

Bronze by La Mav Self Tan Dry Oil and Anti-Ageing Face Tan Serum

The Verdict:

Ok, there are a few things I don’t like so much when it comes to self-tanning. Firstly, I am a bit unsure about the safety of some of the ingredients (especially the stuff you breathe in with a spray tan). Then there’s the godawful stickiness and the clothes-and-sheet-staining factor. The smell can be pretty dang awful. And oftentimes my skin starts to feel like the Sahara Desert.  

Well, let me assure you, bellas, that these issues don’t exist with Bronze by La Mav. For starters, this amazing self-tanning range is 100% natural, certified organic, paraben-free, cruelty-free and vegan. So, you can breathe a big sigh of relief about that. The prods are also formulated with scientifically-proven Bio-Active ingredients, and infused with Magnesium for plump, hydrating, glowing and golden skin. They absorb in an instant and don’t smell one jot.

First up, the Dry Oil…

This, ladies, was a revelation. I prepped by exfoliating and shaving the day before, and my skin literally drank up every last drop. I was a little bit hesitant about using an oil, but no longer. It dried instantly with no tacky residue, and I was able to put my clothes straight back on. (Just be careful when applying as it’s an oil, so obviously quite runny. Keep a tissue nearby.)

The oil should be washed off after four hours for a light natural-looking tan; however, I did a second application as my skin is soo soo fair (seriously, is there a colour that’s whiter than white?). The result? My skin, while not exactly mocha-hued, has a lovely and natural looking colour. And two days on it still feels quite hydrated, thanks to the argan and macadamia oils.

Wait, there’s an Anti-Ageing Face Tanner?

Yes indeedy. If you’re used to putting regular old fake tan on your face, you’ll love the light, fresh feel of La Mav’s silky face-tanning serum. Suitable for all skin types, this clever serum helps build a subtle, glowing tan while Hyaluronic Acid locks in moisture and smooths fine lines and Co-Q10 provides anti-ageing and antioxidant benefits.

I applied to freshly cleansed skin (followed by my regular face cream as my skin is extra dry) two nights in a row and am happy with the healthy wash of colour it gave me, without clogging my pores or congesting my skin.