Spring break essential: Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse

Title With spring break officially starting next week, I think we can all agree that we would love to be at a beach somewhere. Even if you’re not going somewhere hot for the week you can always fake it with some must-have products.

I’ll actually be going to Mexico in mid-April and I’ll for sure be applying some self tanner before I leave. Since I don’t actually tan that well and I don’t want to hit the tanning bed, self tanner is the easiest way to get a bronze glow.  I’ve tried my hand at a variety of different tanners out there and although you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on a good tanner, my two faves are on the pricier side.  I’ve talked about the St. Tropez tanner in the past, but this season it’s all about the Vita Liberata.

Tanner

Although they have a whole line of products, I really like the pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse, which is an easy-to-apply long-lasting self tan mousse. You apply this product like you would any other mousse tanner, usually with a glove (sold separately) that buffs and applies the product nice and evenly on your skin.

The fast-absorbing mousse formula gives you an instant natural glow that develops to a darker tan over the course of a few hours. I usually apply this product at night after a shower and before bed so I can let the tan develop while I sleep.  Since it’s fast drying and doesn’t transfer, if you need a glow ASAP you can apply it during the day, however, I do recommend wearing loose-fiiting clothing. It’s also billed as odourless, however, I do find that it has a smell to it. It’s not as harsh as other self tanners out there, but you may notice a scent.

Mitt

So for C$65 (yes, you read that correctly), what makes it so special? Well, the pHenO2 technology encourages a tan that lasts up to four times longer than regular tans with a patch-free, perfect fade. Certified organic botanicals and moisture locking technology give 72-hour hydration. This particular product is supposed to last two to three weeks, however, I find it lasts around a week on me (granted I work out a lot and take lots of showers). Also, you may find a lot of product washes away after the first shower; it’s supposed to do this, you need to wash off the colour guard to get that bronze glow.

Before and After

I totally prefer mousse formulas over their cream counterparts since it typically absorbs into the skin much faster and you don’t get that clammy feeling. Unfortunately, the glove is sold separately, but if you don’t want to purchase it (they are often overpriced for what they are), I have applied this product with medical or latex gloves and it works fine. It’s not as fast as an application and it’s not as smooth when you apply it, but it works, that’s all that matters.

I do find the Vita Liberata tanner to be quite comparable to the St. Tropez (which retails for a little lower at C$52 at Sephora, so it’s all up to personal preference. If you are looking for the best glow, I would definitely choose between those two brands though.

Have you tried the Vita Liberata self tanner?

Please note, I was sent this product for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own.

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