Garnier Summer Body reviewed by a pale-skinned redhead

A pale-skinned redhead who’s never had a suntan in her life might seem an unlikely choice to be writing a Garnier Summer Body review, but take it from me: if a gradual tanner works on a redhead, it’s probably a good ‘un.

Like Johnson’s Holiday Skin before it, the idea behind Garnier Summer Body is that you use it just like any other body lotion, and it builds up a natural looking, even tan which is totally unlike the streaky, orange mess so many regular fake tans can create.

But does it work?

Well, yes and no. I personally wasn’t very impressed with this one. While it has its good points (which we’ll talk about later), for me it was just too subtle, even on my lily-white skin. I’m used to using Johnson’s every two or three days at the most, but I’d need to use Garnier Summer Body every day if I wanted to maintain that sun-kissed look. That said, its very subtlety might be a big bonus for some people, so here’s my Garnier summer body review…

I used:

Garnier Summer Body, 250ml.(BUY IT HERE) Unlike the Jonson’s I tried earlier, which comes in two different “Strengths” (one for fair skin, one for darker skin), this is a “one shade suits all” lotion. Perhaps if it was available in a darker mix, I’d have got on with it better.

Appearance and Consistency:

Also white and gloopy, like Johnson’s but this has a slightly runnier consistency, which makes it easier to apply.

Smell:

Fruity. There’s no denying, Garnier Summer Body smells a helluva lot nicer than most fake tans, which tend to have that slight smell of feet about them. This one doesn’t, but the smell is pretty strong, and, although it’s pleasant, you may grow to hate it if you’re using it every day.

Applying Garnier Summer Body:

Because of that slightly thinner consistency, I found this very easy to use. Like the Johnson’s lotion, though, it goes on clear, so you won’t know if you’ve missed a bit.

How fast does Garnier Summer Body absorb?

Pretty fast. It was touch-dry within about twenty minutes, although still a little “tacky”, which made me wary about slipping into my skinny jeans too soon after application.

My Garnier Summer Body review

Developing time:

Because the tan is so light after the first application, it’s hard to say. I didn’t notice much of a difference until I’d applied it two or three times.

Colour:

A pale, golden tan, which was almost too subtle to notice at first, and this was my main complaint about it – it may be its biggest draw, however, for those of you who are desperate to avoid the footballer’s wife/Jodie Marsh look. And who could blame you? I found that while it did take the glare off my luminous white skin, it didn’t really make me look “tanned” and I’d have preferred something a little darker, which I didn’t have to apply so often.

Does Garnier Summer Body streak?

Not much, no. Again, because the colour is so light, even if it does streak, it won’t be too noticeable, and a couple of extra applications should cover it up.

Does it transfer?

Not that I noticed.

Moisturising properties:

This is something I missed out on my review of Johnson’s Holiday Skin because, while I like it as fake tan, as a moisturiser, it’s not very good. I did notice that Garnier Summer Body left my legs feeling very smooth and silky, though, so top marks for that.

Marks out of ten:

5

Lovely to use, but not much cop as a fake tan – or not on my skin, anyway. Remember, your experience may be different!

Garnier Summer Body: FAQ

Q: What is Garnier Summer Body?
A: Garnier Summer Body is a line of self-tanning moisturizers that provide a natural-looking tan while hydrating and softening the skin.

Q: How does Garnier Summer Body work?
A: Garnier Summer Body gradually builds a sun-kissed glow with each application. Its formula contains self-tanning agents that react with the skin to create a tan-like appearance.

Q: Can Garnier Summer Body be used on the face?
A: While Garnier Summer Body is primarily designed for the body, there is a separate product available specifically for the face called Garnier Summer Body Moisturising Lotion Sun Kissed Look for Face.

Q: How long does it take to see results with Garnier Summer Body?
A: Results can vary, but many users report seeing a subtle glow within a few days of consistent use. The color continues to develop with regular application.

Q: Is Garnier Summer Body suitable for all skin types?
A: Garnier Summer Body is generally suitable for most skin types. However, it’s always recommended to perform a patch test before applying it all over the body, especially for individuals with sensitive skin.

Q: How often should I apply Garnier Summer Body?
A: To maintain a consistent tan, it’s recommended to apply Garnier Summer Body every day or every other day, depending on the desired intensity of the tan.

Q: Can I use Garnier Summer Body if I have fair skin?
A: Yes, Garnier Summer Body is suitable for fair skin tones. Start with a light application and gradually build up the color to achieve a natural-looking tan.

Q: Will Garnier Summer Body leave streaks or an orange tint?
A: When applied correctly, Garnier Summer Body should not leave streaks or an orange tint. To avoid uneven application, exfoliate before use and blend the product evenly onto the skin.

Q: How long does the tan from Garnier Summer Body last?
A: The tan from Garnier Summer Body typically lasts for several days. To maintain the color, continue using the product regularly and reapply as needed.

Q: Can I use Garnier Summer Body alongside sunscreen?
A: Yes, it’s recommended to use sunscreen in addition to Garnier Summer Body, as the product does not provide sun protection. Apply sunscreen first, allow it to dry, and then apply Garnier Summer Body.

Related: Best self tanner