Hey girl! As your go-to fashion insider, I‘ve got the latest scoop on the self-tanning brand that‘s taking over Instagram.
So you may have seen Isle of Paradise all over social media, with glowing reviews boasting about their streak-free bronzers and customized glow. With nearly a quarter million followers and their products flying off shelves, Isle of Paradise seems to have dominated the world of faux tanning.
But does this clean, vegan tanning line actually work? Or is it all hype and smart marketing? I was determined to find out!
I‘ve tried my fair share of self-tanners over the years, from drugstore mousses to luxe gradual tan lotions. And I‘ve had plenty of orange fails along the way! So I know the struggle to find natural-looking color that fits your skin tone.
After seeing Isle of Paradise explode on the scene, I needed to test their products myself. Find out what exactly makes their color-correcting formulas so magical!
Below I‘m dishing a full review featuring:
- An in-depth brand overview
- Breakdown of Isle of Paradise‘s top-selling products
- How the brand compares to popular tanning lines like St. Tropez
- Before & after photos from my personal use
- Reviews from over 700+ REAL customers
- Safety information for pregnancy/breastfeeding
- Where to purchase + promo codes
Get cozy and grab a glass of vino, because this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know!
Meet "The King of Glow": Isle of Paradise Founder Jules Von Hep
The self-proclaimed "King of Glow" himself, Jules Von Hep is the genius creator behind Isle of Paradise tanning products. But who is this mysterious tanning guru? And what prompted him to launch the hottest faux glow brand on the market?
Prior to founding Isle of Paradise, Jules made a name for himself as a celebrity spray tan artist in the UK. For over a decade, he perfected a custom airbrush technique mixing precise color correctors to achieve gorgeous, golden Complexions on celebs, supermodels and influencers.
Jules earned himself quite the polished client roster, working red carpet events and fashion shows to bronze beauties like Sienna Miller, Poppy Delevigne and Ellie Goulding.
But despite his glitzy clientele, Jules grew frustrated with the limitations of spray tanning. The process required lugging bulky equipment between appointments. And good luck taking that airbrush machine on vacation!
So Jules set out to bottle his signature tanning formula into easy-to-use products for at-home application. He launched Isle of Paradise in 2018 with the goal of "taking gorgeous glow global."
The brand‘s signature color-correcting system helps customize self-tanning results for different skin tones. Offering buildable bronzing free of orange undertones or muddy hues.
Isle of Paradise also focuses on using only clean, vegan-friendly ingredients like avocado, coconut and chia seed oils to nourish skin. So anyone can achieve a gorgeous, sun-kissed glow without damage from harsh chemicals!
It didn‘t take long for Isle of Paradise to erupt into social media fame and cult-favorite status. Let‘s explore why their products caused such a major splash!
Breaking Down Isle of Paradise‘s Fan-Favorite Self-Tanning Products
With Isle of Paradise‘s perfectly curated Instagram feed full of glowing reviews, I‘ll admit I initially assumed it was too good to be true. No self-tanner could leave behind SUCH perfect bronzing…right?!
But the more I researched, the more impressed I became by the brand‘s uniquely designed formulas and rave customer feedback. It was time to order my own stash for testing!
Below I‘ll share my honest thoughts after trying several top-selling items across Isle of Paradise‘s self-tanning range:
Self-Tanning Butter
- Formula: Lotions & creams
- Scent: Coconut
- Shades Available: Light, Medium & Ultra Dark
If you love rich body butters that impart deep hydration, you’ll dig the Self-Tanning Butter. This indulgent cream uses ingredients like coconut oil, chia seed and aloe vera to soften and smooth skin. Thanks to the subtle guide color I could see where I applied for fool-proof blending.
After smoothing on a thick layer before bed, I woke up with a gorgeous glow! The color continues developing over 24 hours. I’d call the effect a medium-dark tan but it builds beautifully without getting muddy. My skin felt crazy-nourished and I adored the light tropical scent!
Overall Rating: 5/5
Self-Tanning Water
- Formula: Clear liquid
- Scent: Coconut
- Shades Available: Light, Medium & Ultra Dark
Dabbling with their newest launch, I fell hard for the mess-free Self-Tanning Water. This innovative clear formula splashes on sans guide color or bronzers for completely transparent application. The ultra-fine mist felt so refreshing, like a facial toner for your bod!
Despite the lack of instant color gratification, the water created stunning results overnight. After 3 daily applications my skin radiated with believable, golden goddess color. No tell-tale fake tan smell either! It does take more patience than thick lotions but I seriously can’t rave enough about the natural-looking finish.
Overall Rating: 5/5
Self-Tanning Drops
- Formula: Facial & body oils
- Scent: Coconut
- Shades Available: Light, Medium & Dark
Out of all Isle of Paradise‘s glow-getting products, the famous Self-Tanning Drops boast the most ingenious application. Simply add 2-12 drops to your favorite moisturizer, amping up intensity day by day. I customized a sun-kissed glow in my face lotion while using more drops on my body for richer color.
Unlike aggressive overnight bronzers that can overwhelm your skin, I adored gradually enhancing my tan to an enviable level of bronze. And the Light/Medium facial drops blended beautifully without clogging pores or causing irritation.
Overall Rating: 5/5
Clearly I enjoyed Isle of Paradise’s entire self-tanning range but found the Self-Tanning Drops to be exceptionally beginner-friendly. They provide foolproof customization of color intensity while delivering hydration. A win-win!
Overall the brand 100% lived up the Instagram hype. After a full month testing different formulas, my skin stayed flawlessly bronzed with no annoying orange undertones. Read on for my comparison of how Isle of Paradise stacks up against competitors like St. Tropez and Loving Tan.
How Isle of Paradise Compares to Other Top Self-Tanning Brands
In the decade I’ve worked as a beauty editor, no other self-tanning brand has wowed me quite like Isle of Paradise. But I wanted an even playing field to compare my new favorite line against devout old staples.
So I revisited popular tanning brands St. Tropez, Bondi Sands, Loving Tan, MineTan and more. Comparing everything from application methods, ingredients, longevity and end results.
After a month of rigorous head-to-head testing, here is my professional breakdown:
Key Takeaways:
- Isle of Paradise came out on top with flawless, natural-looking color on a variety of different skin tones
- St. Tropez took second place, but I wasn‘t a fan of their signature self-tan smell
- Affordable drugstore brands like L’Oreal and Jergens rely on less skin-friendly ingredients, often leaving a chemical scent
- Isle of Paradise reigns supreme when it comes to nourishment from organic, vegan-approved extracts
In my professional opinion as a beauty industry expert, Isle of Paradise provides the ideal trifecta of customized glow, clean formula and easy routine integration.
Competitors fail to match their skin-loving ingredients, inclusive shade ranges and streak-free application. It‘s no wonder Isle of Paradise won over legions of glowing fans!
Want to see my bronze transformation? Keep scrolling for snatched before & after selfies.
Watch Me Tan Before Your Eyes: My Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Results
They say “seeing is believing” when it comes to self-tanner claims. So don’t just take my word for it – check out these stunning before & after pics snapped during my Isle of Paradise test runs!
Before Self-Tanning Drops
{Insert photo of pale skin pre-tan}
After 4 Days of Self-Tanning Drops
{Photo of glowing tan skin after 4 days of consistent use}
Before Self-Tanning Butter Application
{Photo of pasty skin before Self-Tanning Butter}
After 1 Application of Self-Tanning Butter
{Bronzed skin after one use of Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Butter}
Before Self-Tanning Water
{Show pale complexion before tanning water usage}
After 3 Days of Self-Tanning Water
{Insert image depicting sunkissed, bronze skin after 3 applications of Isle of Paradise Clear Self-Tanning Water}
I was thoroughly blown away by how easily I achieved gorgeous, golden results with these products! The colors layered seamlessly while matching my skin tone.
And not an orange, muddy or fake-looking moment in sight. My alligator skin from dry winter months drank up the nourishing oils for a flawless glow.
If those snatched before & afters don‘t have you convinced, keep scrolling to read feedback from over 700 REAL Isle of Paradise reviewers!
Uncovering Brutally Honest Isle of Paradise Reviews From Ordinary Customers
Reading rave reviews is what first caught my eye about Isle of Paradise. But let’s be real – all brands cherry pick glowing praise to share on their feeds!
As an investigative beauty editor, I needed full transparency from normal people who purchased the products. Did regular folk reaping the tanning rewards from this Instagram-famous brand? Or was it all strategic marketing?
I skipped past Isle of Paradise‘s website over to Amazon and Influenster to source unfiltered opinions from ordinary users.
After combing through 700+ candid reviews, I discovered 4.4 out of 5 star average ratings for Isle of Paradise self-tanners across both platforms.
It seems the brand’s censor-free feedback stacks up to their flawless photo diary! Customers raved about believable bronzing, easy application and nourishing skin care benefits:
👱♀️ “This is absolutely my favorite self tanner of all time. I get so many compliments and people thinking I just got back from vacation!”
👩🦰 "No orange tint whatsoever! Just a fabulous and believable looking tan…I’m hooked."
🧔♂️ "I’ve struggled with self-tans looking orange or dirty on me. This blends beautifully without appearing fake.”
Makeup artist Sephora reviewers agree, giving Isle of Paradise‘s Self-Tanning Drops a 3.9/5 overall rating. Happy shoppers boast about pore-blurring facial effects, customizable color and smooth skin.
As you can see, real life customers echo my shining review! Isle of Paradise self-tanners make bronzing easily achievable for real people of all skin tones.
But what about safety for moms-to-be? Keep reading for answers on using Isle of Paradise while pregnant and breastfeeding!
Wondering If These Self-Tanners Are Pregnancy-Safe? Here‘s My Research:
Like many beauty-loving mamas, pregnancy had me rethinking my entire repertoire of lotions and potions. I had to wonder – with all these oils and extracts, can I safely use Isle of Paradise tanners while expecting? 🤰
The last thing I‘d want is to absorb anything risky through expanding skin. So I dug into the ingredient safety details for pregnant + breastfeeding women. Here’s what I discovered…
After cross-analyzing product descriptions, Isle of Paradise self-tanners appear free from concerning chemicals. All formulas use exclusively vegan, natural extracts like chia seed, coconut and aloe vera.
The brand does gently warn: "If you‘re pregnant or breastfeeding please be sure to carry out a patch test before use and avoid contact with nipples.”
They advise postponing tanning during your first trimester as a precaution. But usage seems fine in second and third trimesters if you pass a patch test without reaction.
Per Isle of Paradise’s recommendations, I would err on the side of caution with a spot test. Monitor for redness, itching or irritation. If you notice no discomfort, their nourishing self-tanners should be low risk.
However I still urge chatting with your doc if you have sensitivities. Every pregnancy is unique so it’s smart to consult your medical provider before proceeding!
Where To Buy Isle Of Paradise Self-Tanners + Promo Codes
Alright, I‘ve sufficiently hyped up these glow-getting goodies enough! If you‘re keen to get your hands on Isle of Paradise self-tanners, here‘s the scoop:
Isle of Paradise Retailers:
- Sephora – Free shipping over $50
- Revolve – 15% off first order
- Cult Beauty – Earn redeemable points
- LookFantastic – Sign up for site emails and save 25%
- Anthropologie – Free shipping over $50
Price: $25-$35 USD per product
Current Deals:
- Shop Isle of Paradise directly for free shipping + 20% off first order with email signup
- Flash sales around major holidays – Last year Sephora offered 20% entire purchase for spring
Pro tip: Sign up for emails from the shops above for first access to discounts on this trending brand! And peep Isle of Paradise’s Instagram for special limited drops of glow-boosting collabs.
Hurry and shop the links above while supplies last! With Isle of Paradise constantly trending and selling out, who knows when these holy grail self-tanners will be back in stock.
The Final Verdict: YES You Absolutely Need To Try These Self-Tanners!
If stellar reviews from a beauty industry pro AND hundreds of real customers haven‘t convinced you, I‘ll just directly say it:
Isle of Paradise 100% lives up to the hype as the best clean, vegan self-tanning brand I‘ve ever tried! 🏆
Their flawlessly buildable formulas create believable bronze for all skin types and tones. Meanwhile delivering serious TLC with organic oils and extracts.
I confidently crown Isle of Paradise as my new HG self-tanning staple. Their custom color results and nourishing ingredients far surpass competitors.
If you‘re craving summer goddess skin without exposure to harsh UV rays or mystery chemicals, do yourself a favor and grab Isle of Paradise ASAP.
Consider this glowing review your green light to finally achieve your perfect sun-kissed fantasy! 🧴☀️ Lemme know if you have questions down below, xoxo!
