Since it’s January, any color you had left over from the fall is long gone and it’s funny, because I kind of forgot that I like a little color once in a while! So when I was sent VITA LIBERATA’s Untinted Self Tan Lotion for Body to try out, I totally had an, “oh yeah, I like self-tanners!” moment. How quickly we forget. 

Why this one works this time of year – it’s one of those gradual build-a-tan lotions, which unlike most these days, applies clear, dries really quickly and then develops over four to eight hours. It also has their unique moisture-lock© system, which keeps skin hydrated for 72 hours. So you have some color and some moisture. A nice combo this time of year and the color it left behind with the Warm one I tried is also just right for right now. 

So slather some of this on, hit the hay and wake up to a warm gentle glow, which you can make more intense when you get home from work as it comes in three shades – Warm (for light color), Deep (for medium color) and Deeper Deep (for the deepest color). $37.50/6.76oz @ nordstrom.com. 

I was so excited to try this new VITA LIBERATA Phenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse ($54/4.22oz @ sephora.com). Is this the new wave of self-tanners?? Could it be that a 2 to 3 week self-tanner is amongst us now and this one is leading the way??

The only way to really tell was to give this one the solid test – apply a round Band Aid on my skin, apply the tanner and then see how the colors lasts over the coming weeks.

What it is: Long-lasting color with a perfect fade—every time. Using pHenO2 technology, this advanced luxury mousse gives an immediate and long-lasting, golden result with a completely odorless, light, airy, and instantly dry application. Easy to use with a beautiful bronze finish, it nourishes the skin with marine and organic botanical extracts that allow the tan to last up to four times longer than regular tans.

My take: While this one had almost no self-tanner smell to it and it gave a great shade of tan, one of the best I’ve ever used and no orangey what-so-ever! But sadly, by my testing, it didn’t last even 1 week (I did what I call the Band-aid test. I put a round Band-aid on my belly and apply the tanner as usual and then see how it fades over time). I believe for the price this one should last longer than it did. Available in Fair, Medium and Dark.

Bottom line: While I love the natural color it instills on my skin and lack of strong tanning scent, the claim of 2 to 3 weeks kept ringing in my head an since I didn't get that longevity, I'm not sure I would recommend this for that reason alone. If $$$ is no object, then for sure pick this one up.

Disclosure: A sample of this item was provided for review purposes.