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Neutrogena Build-a-Tan Gradual Sunless Tanning Lotion

Average member rating of 5.0
Average member rating
Rated a 7.5
Of the gradual tanners, this gets the darkest results the quickest (you get a full shade darker in about four days as opposed to six or seven with Jergens). And the color is pretty natural looking. But with the stronger level of the tanning ingredient DHA comes a few complications: The stinky chemical smell is a little stronger and it's easier to get streaks -- especially if you're pale. And rope off a good 10 minutes to hang out naked, since it takes longer than the fives minutes it claims to dry.
Reviewed by the Total Beauty editorial team #How we review products
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Showing 1-10 of 55 member reviews

  • Member rated it 1.0

    yuck

    by fairy73 (6 reviews)
    i did not like this product at all,i have very light skin so i bought closest to my natural skin color with in one day i had a some what "orange " color i followed the instructions very carefully, but still had a faint oompa loompa color, others i have talked to felt the same way and had the same results April 20, 2008, 7:30 pm

    2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Member rated it 8.0

    Nice

    by Raytchell (3 reviews)
    It seems to be a good product. As the label states is is a gradual tan therefore you don't have to worry about the instant artificial look of it. It does have that weird fake tan smell to it. It seems to last pretty long however it also takes quite a few applications to show much tan. It is a decent value for the money. June 3, 2008, 4:45 pm

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Member rated it 1.0

    NASTY ORANGE

    by suzy_ishtar (5 reviews)
    UHM! EWW? Built me a tan using this product every other day. My legs turned orangey. I went to a party wearing white shorts, it was hot, when I got home I saw streaks. I was able to SCRUB the tan off. Thank goodness for that! June 1, 2008, 1:12 am

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Member rated it 8.0

    It's Nice

    by ERF123 (21 reviews)
    It give a little color at a time without going overboard. I buy this product all year long to keep the ghostly look away. When summer comes I bump it up to the "Medium" Neutrogean to give myself a faster tan when I want to wear summer clothes. May 25, 2008, 6:49 am

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Member rated it 7.0

    Works Pretty well

    by j_orestano (57 reviews)
    This tanner does work mostly because it's gradual. You can stop applying it as soon as you get the color you want. That said it is a little orange if used too much. Making the ankles and knees look normal was a little bit of a challenge too. April 29, 2008, 3:49 pm

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Member rated it 4.0

    smelly but bronze

    by paulapet (1 review)
    I have about 6 tanning lotions in my bathroom now. Neutrogena is the 6th and last one I will try. It worked pretty well and I am a slightly orange tan color. I just can not handle the smell. I feel like everyone around me can smell this terrible smell after I put it on. I wish someone would make a tanning lotion that s... April 19, 2008, 11:12 pm I have about 6 tanning lotions in my bathroom now. Neutrogena is the 6th and last one I will try. It worked pretty well and I am a slightly orange tan color. I just can not handle the smell. I feel like everyone around me can smell this terrible smell after I put it on. I wish someone would make a tanning lotion that smelled good. April 19, 2008, 11:12 pm

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Member rated it 8.0

    very good sunless tanner

    by Jamming44 (5 reviews)
    out of all the sunless tanners i have tried (and ive tried a lot!) this is one of my favorites--the color is natural looking and the application is pretty easy. also, since it is a build-a-tan lotion, if you do make a mistake it won't be extremely noticeable, and u can just fix it the next day. i highly recommend this tanne... December 2, 2007, 3:32 pm out of all the sunless tanners i have tried (and ive tried a lot!) this is one of my favorites--the color is natural looking and the application is pretty easy. also, since it is a build-a-tan lotion, if you do make a mistake it won't be extremely noticeable, and u can just fix it the next day. i highly recommend this tanner. December 2, 2007, 3:32 pm

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Member rated it 5.0

    Neutrogena Building Sunless Tanning

    by pickey (10 reviews)
    It's good except I seem to still get that defying color on my ankles and the smell could be a little better. Pickey August 8, 2008, 4:01 pm

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

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  • Member rated it 10.0

    LOVED IT

    by KOALBY (10 reviews)
    I USE THIS FOR A BRONZING LOOK WITHOUT HAVING TO GET OUT IN THE SUN. IT WORKS GREAT AND APPLIES EASILY. I WOULD RECCOMMEND THIS TO ALL. I HAVE FAIR SKIN AND DON'T HAVE A LOT OF "TANNING TIME" BUT STILL WANT THE LOOK OF A GOOD TAN! July 31, 2008, 11:04 am

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

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  • Member rated it 9.0

    build a tan

    by brencourt (21 reviews)
    i really like this product. it gives a nice color but it does take a few days. it looks natural. i always get compliments when i use it. July 22, 2008, 7:21 pm

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

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Showing 1-10 of 55 member reviews

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  • Attributes

  • Buildable: Yes
  • Type: Lotion
  • Moisturizing: Yes

  • Manufacturer's Product Description

  • Neutrogena Build-a-Tan Gradual Sunless Tanning Lotion lets you control the shade by how often you apply it for a totally natural-looking tan. The moisturizing formula delivers just a hint of color with each application, allowing you to decide how deep and dark you want your sunless tan to be. Apply it more often for a deep, dark tan or less often for a healthy glow. Worried about messy streaks? Forget about it. This creamy lotion is clinically proven to provide natural-looking, even color that starts to develop in two to four hours. It's great for everyday use and dries in just five minutes. Get a sunless tan as individual as you are with color you can control. Dries in 5 minutes Streak-free 6.7 fl. oz. pump bottle

  • Directions

  • Blend evenly over freshly cleansed, exfoliated skin. Smooth on evenly, starting with your legs. Apply sparingly on your elbows, knees and ankles. Blend thoroughly. Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after use. Wait one hour before bathing or swimming. Color will start to develop in about two to four hours and will last several days. Reapply as needed to deepen or maintain color.

Review: Neutrogena Build-a-Tan Gradual Sunless Tanning Lotion

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