The Ultimate Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Review
As a self-proclaimed sunless tanning aficionado, I‘m always on the hunt for the latest and greatest products to achieve that gorgeous, natural-looking glow without the sun damage. One brand that has been all over my social media feed lately is Isle of Paradise. Founded by celebrity spray tanner Jules Von Hep, this vegan and cruelty-free line promises easy-to-use, color-correcting self-tanners for a flawless faux glow.
But with so many tanning products on the market, is Isle of Paradise really worth the hype? I put the brand‘s bestselling items to the test to give you the full scoop. Get ready for my ultimate Isle of Paradise tanning review, complete with product details, application tips, and of course, before and after photos!
Meet Jules Von Hep, the Tanning Expert Behind Isle of Paradise
Before we dive into the product reviews, let‘s take a minute to get to know the brains behind the brand. Jules Von Hep is a celebrity spray tanner turned entrepreneur who has bronzed the skin of A-listers like Sienna Miller, Poppy Delevingne, and Blake Lively. With over a decade of experience, Jules‘ approach is all about a bespoke tan tailored to each client‘s skin tone and needs.
Disappointed with the lack of clean tanning products on the market, Jules launched Isle of Paradise in 2018 to provide an accessible line of fool-proof self-tanners. The formulas are powered by color-correcting technology to even out skin tone and cancel unwanted tones like redness, yellow, and ash for the most natural-looking tan possible. Jules and his team spent two years developing the products to perfect the texture, scent, and performance.
In addition to being 100% vegan and cruelty-free, Isle of Paradise products are formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oils, and synthetic dyes. Instead, you‘ll find skincare heroes like avocado, chia seed, and coconut oils to nourish your skin while you tan. The brand has already earned a cult following and the coveted "Clean at Sephora" seal.
Isle of Paradise Product Reviews
Now for the main event: a detailed look at Isle of Paradise‘s most popular products! The line spans five different formulas—drops, water, butter, mousse, and serum—so there‘s truly something for every preference and skill level. I‘ll be sharing my personal experience and tips for each one.
Self-Tanning Drops Review
Isle of Paradise‘s OG and bestselling product is the Self-Tanning Drops. The concept is simple yet genius: just add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer and voila, you have a custom self-tanner! The more drops you use, the deeper the tan. I love how easy it is to control the color payoff, and the fact that you can mix this with any moisturizer or serum you like.
The drops come in three color-correcting shades: peach (light), green (medium), and violet (dark). I opted for the green shade and started with 3 drops mixed into my facial moisturizer. The consistency blended in smoothly with no telltale self-tanner smell. After letting my skin dry for a few minutes, I applied my normal makeup and went about my day.
I was incredibly impressed when my tan started to develop after about 4 hours. The medium shade was perfect for my light-medium skin tone and looked so natural, never orange or fake. Even better, it faded evenly over the next 3-4 days without any patchiness. I‘m officially hooked and can totally see why this product has been flying off the shelves!
Self-Tanning Water Review
Another innovative formula from Isle of Paradise is the Self-Tanning Water. This clear, lightweight mist supposedly makes self-tanning a total breeze with its quick-dry, no-transfer technology. As someone who dreads the sticky feeling of most tanning mousses and lotions, I was very intrigued.
The water comes in the same three shades as the drops, and I again chose the green medium shade. Following the instructions, I misted it liberally all over my body, using the included mitt to blend evenly. Let me tell you, this stuff really does dry in a flash! I threw on a sundress mere minutes after application with no color transfer whatsoever.
The tropical scent was also a lot more pleasant than the typical DHA laden products I‘ve tried. After letting the tan develop for 6 hours, I was left with the perfect sunkissed glow. The color wasn‘t quite as deep as the drops, but ideal for a low-maintenance tan that still looked radiant and healthy.
Self-Tanning Butter Review
For those who prefer a rich, hydrating formula, the Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Butter is a dream come true. This whipped body butter is infused with coconut, peppermint, and avocado oils for an ultra-nourishing tanning experience. As a bonus, the refreshing scent will transport you straight to a tropical beach vacation.
To apply, I used the Isle of Paradise tanning mitt in circular motions to really massage the product into my skin. It felt incredibly silky and soothing, especially on my drier areas like elbows and knees. Word to the wise, a little goes a long way with this highly pigmented formula! I found one pump was enough to cover an entire leg.
The color developed into the most amazing deep, bronzed glow that honestly rivaled professional spray tans I‘ve had. It lasted almost a full week, fading into a nice even color. If you love a more intense tan and need extra moisture, the Tanning Butter will be your new BFF.
Self-Tanning Mousse Review
For a classic tanning format, you can‘t go wrong with a mousse. The Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Mousse promises to deliver an airbrushed, streak-free tan with a lightweight texture. It has a slight tint to help guide application and prevent missed spots.
Once again, I used the brand‘s tanning mitt for foolproof blending. The tinted mousse made it easy to see where I had applied and helped me avoid any awkward lines or blotches. The formula felt cool and airy on my skin, not the least bit sticky.
As it developed, I could see it getting darker and darker into a seriously impressive glow. In fact, I actually preferred the color payoff of the mousse to the tanning water. The staying power was also fantastic, lasting through workouts and showers for almost a week.
Self-Tanning Serum Review
Last but not least is Isle of Paradise‘s latest launch, the Hyglo Self-Tanning Serum. This 2-in-1 gradual tanner and skincare serum is boosted with hyaluronic acid to plump fine lines and keep your skin looking dewy as can be.
What sets this product apart is its gel texture, which absorbs instantly with a slightly cooling sensation. The brand recommends applying 4-12 drops directly to your skin depending on the level of bronze you‘re aiming for. I found 8 drops gave me a flawless medium tan.
Because of the hyaluronic acid, Hyglo doubles as an amazing makeup primer to wear under foundation. My skin has honestly never looked so glowy and hydrated! For an anti-aging tanner that also simplifies your morning routine, Hyglo is a must-try.
Tips for a Flawless Isle of Paradise Tan
After testing the full range of Isle of Paradise products, I‘ve learned some tips and tricks to achieve the most seamless sunless tan.
- Always exfoliate and moisturize before self-tanning to create a smooth base. Pay extra attention to rougher areas like elbows, knees, and ankles.
- For best results, apply Isle of Paradise tanning products to clean, dry skin. Avoid using lotion or oil beforehand as it can affect the color payoff and longevity.
- Use a tanning mitt! This will help you blend evenly, avoid streaks, and keep your palms from turning orange. The brand sells a reusable one for only $6.
- Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after application, even if you used a mitt.
- Let your tan develop for at least 6 hours (or overnight if possible) before showering or sweating excessively.
- To maintain your glow and lock in moisture, apply a gradual tanning lotion like Isle of Paradise‘s Happy Tan between applications.
- For the face, start with less product than you think you need. It‘s a lot easier to build up color than to fix a botched self-tan!
- When in doubt, opt for a lighter shade. The Isle of Paradise formulas are very buildable, so you can always layer for a deeper bronze.
- Don‘t forget to apply sunscreen on top of your tan when going outside. Self-tanner doesn‘t provide any SPF protection.
- Remove your tan gracefully by exfoliating with a gentle scrub or mitt. Isle of Paradise also sells a Prep It Priming Spray to help old tans fade evenly.
Isle of Paradise vs. St. Tropez: How Do They Compare?
If you‘re deciding between self-tanning brands, St. Tropez is another popular option known for their luxurious formulas and natural results. Both are high-end products with great reputations, but there are a few key differences.
Price: Isle of Paradise is slightly more affordable, with products ranging from $22-35 compared to $25-44 for St. Tropez.
Ingredients: Isle of Paradise focuses on vegan and cruelty-free formulas while St. Tropez uses some animal-derived ingredients like beeswax.
Shade range: Both brands offer light, medium, and dark options. However, Isle of Paradise‘s color-correcting technology helps tailor your tan even further.
Scent: Isle of Paradise products have a tropical, floral scent that fades as your tan develops. St. Tropez is known for its more traditional self-tanner smell.
Ultimately both are great choices, but I prefer Isle of Paradise for the cleaner ingredients, customizable results, and dreamy scent.
Final Thoughts
After putting Isle of Paradise to the test, I can confidently say the brand lives up to the hype. These self-tanners are truly foolproof to apply and give the most natural-looking, streak-free color I‘ve ever achieved at home. The thoughtful formulas make tanning a breeze for both beginners and DHA veterans like myself.
I love that the products are vegan, cruelty-free, and made with skincare ingredients I can feel good about. The fact that Isle of Paradise is dedicated to inclusivity and makes tanning accessible for all skin tones is also a huge plus.
While everyone‘s self-tanning needs and preferences are different, I highly recommend giving Isle of Paradise a try if you‘re looking for an easy, clean way to get your glow on. Trust me, your skin will thank you!
Have you tried any Isle of Paradise products? I‘d love to hear about your experience in the comments below. Feel free to drop any additional self-tanning questions or tips you‘ve discovered as well. Here‘s to many more sunny (and sunless) days ahead!
