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Almost the Real Thing Self-Tanning Gel
For Face and Body

  • Lightweight, silky gel formula dries fast and is caramel-tinted so you will notice any spots you may have missed
  • Formulated for use on the face and body
  • Delivers a natural-looking tan in just 1–3 hours
  • 100% fragrance-free
WARNING: This product does not contain sunscreen and does not protect against sunburn.

Ingredients | Application Tips | Tell a Friend | Customer Reviews


Name Code Price Quantity  
5 oz/148 ml PC300 $12.95
0.12 fl. oz/3.55 ml - Sample Size SAMP300 $0.80

ingredients
: Water, Cyclomethicone (skin-conditioning agent/silicone), Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol (water- binding agents), Dihydroxyacetone (self-tanning agent), Dimethicone Copolyol (skin-conditioning agent/silicone), Diazolidinyl Urea (preservative), Caramel (natural coloring agent), Sodium Metabisulfite (stabilizer), Methylparaben, Propylparaben (preservatives).

application tips
Directions:
  1. Take a quick shower; do not soak.
  2. Use a body shampoo or shower gel to prevent soap film.
  3. Gently exfoliate in the shower, be careful not to overdo.
  4. Towel dry completely.
  5. Apply a light layer of moisturizer (Slip into Silk Body Lotion is an excellent option).
  6. Apply the self-tanner evenly and smoothly, one area at a time.
  7. Wash hands thoroughly to avoid tan palms and cuticles.
  8. Use no additional skin-care products at least an hour before and after application.
  9. Wait an hour before dressing or getting into bed to avoid stains.
  10. Your "tan" should develop within 1–3 hours and may continue to deepen for a few hours after that. If desired level of darkness is not obtained after one application, simply reapply and your "tan" will deepen. Once you are satisfied with the results, reapply self-tanner every few days to maintain depth of color.
Did You Know?
Self-tanner can collect over creases and dry or rough skin, so use less over those areas or use a paper towel to dab off the excess. Self-tanners do not protect from sun damage so you must still apply a sunscreen.
Customer Reviews

Product Rating:   (22 reviews)
I have tried many tanning products and this one is my favorite.
—Christine R.


Outstanding product! I can't believe no one else has commented on how this product is fragrance free! That is my big gripe about self tanners: they're usually stinky! This one gave me a completely even tan with no complaints about the smell from my husband. I've finally found a winner!
—Marianne S.


I agree with all the previous rave reviews of this product; I've tried dozens of other self tanners, but none have produced the rich, realistic look that Paula's does. The non-oily texture is also great for the face!
—Samantha M.


I just wanted to let you know how much I love your new SPF 30 Spray and Almost The Real Thing self tanner. I received them last night and couldn't wait to try them out. The SPF 30 Spray feels like nothing at all and the Self Tanner gave me just the right amount of color and dried quickly! Great products!
—Eileen F.


This is amazing! I've been super leery about using self tanners because of their ability to turn orange and be streaky. But I gave in and purchased Paula's, and it's perfection in a bottle! I have olive colored skin thanks to my Italian heritage and my legs now match my arms and chest! It's amazing. It's very easy to use, and leaves your legs super soft and smooth! I love it! I'll continue using this all year round now!
—Lauren Z.


Your tanning gel is fabulous!! No streaking and an even color. I'm really impressed!
—Joan W.


Your self tanner is the BEST out there! I have gotten many compliments on the golden tone of my tan. It's hard for people to believe it's from a self tanner. That's how GREAT it is! I Love It, just give it a try, you'll be pleased!!
—Judi T.


Having given up the sun for good, I have purchased at least 15 different brands of self-tanning products in the last several years, some costly, some not, with varying results (cost usually not a factor in determining results). This summer, I tried Paula's Choice Almost the Real Thing Self-Tanning Gel. Wow! No orange, no streaking, and one of the best results for a fair-skinned auburn. And what a value! Thanks, Paula.
—Marilyn L.

Natural tan
This is honestly the best self tanner I have ever used. I used to equate price with quality, and tried most of the tanners available at Saks and Neimans. This is by far the most natural looking and best smelling product I have used!
—Sharon

Almost The Real Thing Tanning Gel
As a freckled redhead & longtime consumer of sunless tanners, I was disappointed that you didn't review many sunless products(at that time)saying that they were all alike. Then, you truly created the best one I've ever used! I loved the color guide, easy glide on application, gorgeous color and nice even fade. I knew then, your skin care & makeup HAD to be great.
—Dana Conrad

10 Years of Use & Still
I've been using this tanning gel for almost 10 years and still have yet to find another that matches the realistic look of this. Love it!
—Kris

Realistic Facial Tanning!
This product produces the most complimentary and realistic facial tan I have ever gotten with any self-tanning product, and I've tried them all. Looks great everywhere else, too! The fact that it's salicylate-free is a huge plus all over!
—Laurie B.

Tropical Glow
No self tanner ever deserves a 5 star rating because, let's face it, nothing is the same as a real tan. But this product is truly a 4 1/2 star gem. No smell, gorgeous color--not too dark nor too light, no leathery orange look. Just perfect. Like you spent a wonderful day in a tropical paradise--without the aging effects of those harmful rays. A wonderful self-tanner--the best I've ever used.
—Sherie

Self Tanner Breakouts
I LOVE Paula's products and use practically every item, but I have realized lately that Paula's self tanner is making me break out! And I love the color it provides. My friends and coworkers have had the same problem. Hopefully she will come out with something a little more matte.
—Julia

Almost The Real Thing Self-Tanner
This is the ONLY self tanner that doesn't smell funky! I can't believe it! It's wonderful not to walk around with that smell that other tanners give off. Oh, and the tan is nice & natural looking too.
—Pamela Hill

The Best Self-Tanner on the Market
By far the most realistic self-tanner I have ever used. Having fair skin, every self-tanning product I have used looked unnatural and obvious on my legs. This product is seamless and provides a warm golden caramel like color in a couple of hours. No streaking, blotching, bad smell or unslightly orange color. Believe me, you won't be dissapointed.
—Lindsay Muir

Self Tanner
Been using this product since day one. Love it but would like to see a version WITHOUT caramel coloring. It gets all over my clothing no matter how much I try to avoid it.
—Judith McGuane

yess
great! doesnt leave my skin patchy like others.
—sarah

Almost real thing self tanner
This product is remarkable and I'm thankful that it's easy even for a man to use. No orange colour, No bad smell. Bravo Paula!
—William

Beautiful Glow
This product gave my skin a natural beautiful tan glow. It looks very natural and no streaking or orange spots. Great product, thank you!
—Lily

gorgeous color
This gave me the "reddish" tan that I get when I really tan---and I'm a pale girl! I haven't tanned in so long I forgot how pretty my color was until I saw it again with this ST. Fabulous!
—EstheticianJen

Love it!
This product is fabulous. The color is so realistic, I get so many comments about when did I go to the beach! It's a beautiful golden brown-love it!
—Debbie Nunn


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