Clara Pettitt, © 2003. All Rights Reserved.
Coppertone Endless Summer Self Tanning Lotion, Dark
Coppertone Endless Summer includes a patented ingredient which speeds up the development of DHA [dihydroxyacetone, the active ingredient in all sunless tanners].
This innovation has some notable benefits and some serious drawbacks.
The drawbacks: this is the first sunless tanning product I have used that has permanently stained fabrics, even after allowing the product to dry for the recommended 45 minutes.
What's happening? Thanks to the patented ingredient, the DHA color develops before it is fully absorbed, leaving you with what looks like a bronzer on the surface of your skin.
This "bronzer" comes off on clothing, sheets, and furniture until you shower it off. Once it is on a fabric, it may stain it permanently. My favorite bathrobe got killed by it.
If you carefully apply a thin coat of the product [I had the best luck using my bare hands], and let it dry for the full 45 minutes, this problem is greatly lessened, but it is not eliminated.
In addition, the smell can be extremely strong.
So why the heck is anyone using it? Because for some people it produces a reddish brown color, closely resembling the color of their natural tan.
And, as advertised, the color does begin to develop within 30 minutes.
For me, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits. I can cope with the staining, but I can't cope with the smell. Therefore, I won't be buying it again, even though I got attractive looking reddish brown results from it.
Although this product didn't work for me, Coppertone [which brought the first sunless tanner to market in 1960] deserves our thanks for developing this important innovation in sunless tanning. For more information, see Coppertone's FAQ for Endless Summer.
Online merchant: drugstore.com
Rate this product and add a mini-review.
This product has an average rating of 2.6 from 33 members.
Recent member contributed mini-reviews:This was the worst sunless tanning product I ever tried. (Sorry, Coppertone!) The smell going on is unbearable, takes an eternity to dry, very little color, smells even after washing, and faded poorly except for ankles and knees. UGH. Try Au Courant!!
The color is good, but it washes off quick. The smell is not as bad as others, but it is still strong. I will not buy again.
I also love this product! Smell isn't so bad - color is fab! You can check after 1/2 hour and fix any spots missed or any streaks. Then continue to let dry or add for darker color. I love this and I'm a redhead - so it's hard to get
