St. Tropez Tanning Essentials Bronzing Mousse is like the original St. Tropez's more refined, more sophisticated little sister. It makes less mess, smells better...but also delivers a lighter tan than the good old shiny brown goo in the pump bottle.

Still, Whipped Bronze is so much easier to work with that I won't really fault it for the decreased depth of color. As you know, I like the texture of mousse tanners, and this one really delivers. It's tinted light brown, so you can see where you've put it. The mousse glides on easily over your skin and blends well. It has less of a "moisturizer" feel than the last mousse tanner I tried (Lancome), and what it loses in moisture it makes up for in drying time. Whipped Bronze dries in a snap!

What's more, the tint doesn't streak as it dries - a major problem with original St. Tropez - making it possible for you to waltz right out of the house once you're done (well, get dressed first). It will eventually rub off a bit on your clothes, but it's not dire - just a little on bra straps and waistbands, usually.

Telltale "DHA reek" is present from the outset, but again, it's not something that's going to keep you away from other humans all day. I'd classify it as moderate.

The tan that develops is true to the color of the tint and has that same pinky-brown cast that makes original St. Tropez a favorite in my book, no matter how messy and smelly. This tan has not even a hint of orange, at least on me. It's a shade or two lighter than the original, but with all the benefits of the mousse formula, and less smell, who cares?

Fake Bake Month Official Rating

Scent: 3
Color: 5
Texture: 5
Drying Time: 5
Neatness: 3
Bonus Points: 4 (for the mousse formula, and for that classic St. Tropez color)

Total Rating: 25/30