I have tried many self-tanners this year, from celebrity-favourite foams to high-street staples, but my latest discovery might be the best yet. Bali Body's Self Tanning Milk swaps the usual foam or moisturising formula for a milky texture that feels more like skincare than typical tanners.
With no sticky aftermath, lengthy drying times, or even a colour guide, this product is unlike anything I have tried before. Initially, I was sceptical because other tanners without a colour guide have often delivered poor pigmentation or uneven results. However, this tanning milk was far from a letdown.
The milky formula resembles a creamy serum. It is advised to use a tanning mitt to blend the liquid into the skin, though the instructions suggest applying the milk directly to the skin first and then using the mitt to distribute it evenly. The lightweight, serum-like tanner began to absorb into my skin without leaving any hint of colour behind, which made me wary, but I trusted the brand.
More similar to a gradual tanner, this milk does not have a specific time you need to leave it on. Because there is no colour guide, there is no need to rinse it off either. I left mine on overnight for about eight or nine hours. By the time I had finished applying, the tanner was already starting to dry without leaving a sticky residue. My skin felt instantly moisturised and nourished, and it was soft to the touch.
When I first woke up, the tanner had not done a great deal; there was a noticeable glow and a healthy hint of colour, but nothing dramatic. However, my skin felt absolutely fantastic—incredibly soft and smooth. I decided to give it another whirl, and the second application delivered a gorgeous, even shade. My hands and feet did not appear darker than the rest of my body, and drier areas like elbows and knees were not patchy. The final outcome was smooth, with no streaks or blotches, and my skin looked impeccable and felt nourished.