This or That: St. Tropez Mousse Vs. Jergens Instant Sun Mousse (Comparison + Reviews)

Y'all, if I had one beauty regret (in addition to my awesome 80s bangs) it would be all of that sun tanning I did. I cringe just thinking about it. Now, I rely on sunless tanners. One of my favorites is St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse, but it is pricey. A couple of months ago I saw Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Mousse and had to grab it. Is it worth it? Find out in this week's This or That!

St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse
St. Tropez's best-selling product is perfect for anyone looking to get a natural-looking, streak-free bronze glow that dries in an instant. Infused with conditioning aloe vera and long-lasting color, St. Tropez's innovative Aromaguard fragrance technology eliminates the tell-tale self tan aroma by a minimum of 70% and instead gives a beautiful subtle, yet refreshing fragrance. Simply sweep on with an Applicator Mitt for a beautiful even tan.

• 3 sizes
• 2 colors (orig and dark. There is also an express version as well as other St. Tropez products)
• $18-$42, depending on size (8 oz is the largest)
• Sephora, Ulta, online
• Gives a natural, subtle tan that lasts 3 days or so without reapplying. It is easy to use but can be noticeable in areas like elbows and ankles if not applied properly. Can leave darkness around toenails.  The odor does not bother me and I don't see it as strong. I feel the need to moisturize more with this post application than with Jergens.

Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Mousse

Note: Since St. Tropez has been on the market for years, and many of you are familiar with it, I am choosing to go more in depth on Jergens since it is a new product.

Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Mousse uniquely works with your skin tone to mimic results from the natural sun, free of orange hues. The airy mousse allows for a more precise even application that dries in just 60 seconds.

• 1 size (6 oz)
• 2 colors (light is what I am reviewing)
• $12.99
• Ulta, mass chains like drugstores and box stores
• You can use hands, but a mitt (not provided or sold by Jergens) works best. It gives an instant bronze that is a bit on the almost-orange side. The shade intensifies with additional applications. I did notice some leakage around the cap from the pumpLasts around 3 days or so. Jergens recommends additional products, like an exfoliator and an extender lotion to get up to a week's worth of tan. Didn't irritate skin. Does have an odor but I didn't deem it bothersome.

Products were tested individually as well as side by side for 1 month.
Pictured is Jergens vs. no tanner. I have KP on my skin, hence the texture.
I took over 30 pics and felt none truly replicated the colors of either tanner,
and even side by side it was hard to tell a difference on camera. Trust me, it is noticeable in person.

This or That:

• Jergens Instant Sun definitely was more noticeable on the skin than the St. Tropez, but I didn't like the color that came with additional applications of Jergens. It looked more orange than bronze on me. I had fewer application issues with it than St. Tropez. I experineced no staining. It really did dry within 60 seconds as advertised. Only once did I experience a little stickiness on the backs on my legs after using.  I liked it but would not repurchase--give it a shot if interested, especially if you have a warmer skin tone. Instead, I would consider purchasing the darker shade but will probably stick with St. Tropez. I feel like I can build the intensity a little better with it. Not a St. Tropez dupe.

Have you tried either? What's your favorite self-tanner?

Extra Elle:

• Poor Charlie ate something that hurt his tummy. I was up all night making sure he was fine. He slept great, but I was a mess! He is pretty much back to normal today. Whew.
• Where did March go? I cannot believe it's April already! Btw am I the only one who doesn't find April Fool's Day fun? I never have. I don't get it. :)