"I have a deep olive complexion, and my face and arms are pretty dark year round. But my legs get very little sun, which is why I started searching for a self tanner. But since most self tanners aren't made for my skin tone, my legs look a completely different color than the rest of my body.

I've been using Origins skin and hair care for years, but never even thought to look for a self tanner here until my friend recommended it. It's a little more than I've paid for any of the other tanners, but I thought I would give it a try.

It was back ordered for a while, but the Great Pretender was definitely worth the wait! From the first application my legs looked healthy and were glowing. And they were exactly the color they would have been if I would have laid out for a few hours!

The best part is that it doesn't "wash" off; it simply fades, just like a real tan. I've been applying it about twice a week, and I've been able to find a great color that's not too dark, not at all streaky, and my own natural color.

Thank you (again) Origins!"

4 of 4 found this review helpful.

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Review 2 for The Great Pretender™ Shimmery self-tanner for body

Rating:

5 out of 5

Written by: Anonymous

Location: San Diego, CA

Skin Type: Combination

Skin Concern: Dehydration

Using Origins For: 1-5 years

Recommend to a friend? Yes

Best self tanner I have used

Date: April 5, 2013

Tags: light to medium skin

"I'm not an expert on self tanners, not have I used more than 3 types. However, I have to say this one is great! There are no streaks and it looks subtly, naturally tanner each day. Love it!"

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Review 3 for The Great Pretender™ Shimmery self-tanner for body

Rating:

4 out of 5

Written by: Axle

Location: Florida

Skin Type: Combination

Skin Concern: Firming/Lifting

Using Origins For: 1-5 years

Recommend to a friend? Yes

Nice color

Date: April 3, 2013

"This self tan lotion has a nice bronze color not too dark. It goes on easy and dries fast. It does have a slight odor,they need to improve on."

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Review 4 for The Great Pretender™ Shimmery self-tanner for body

Rating:

5 out of 5

Written by: PrettyInPink

Location: Orlando, FL

Skin Type: Combination

Using Origins For: Less than 1 year

Recommend to a friend? Yes

great product!

Date: February 4, 2013

"I wanted to use a self-tanner for my sister's wedding. One of her friends recommended this product to us and we both loved it! It gave me the perfect tan look for a December wedding in Florida - not too dark but also not the very pale white that I was without any product. I found that applying after exfoliating in the shower at night works best because it lets the color darken while you are sleeping. Then, when you take a morning shower, a nice, natural looking color remains. I use every-other-day and after a week, I have the perfect tan! (I recommend using with the "Faux Glow" on your face, with the same application procedure)"

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Review 5 for The Great Pretender™ Shimmery self-tanner for body

Rating:

5 out of 5

Written by: Carey

Location: Orlando, FL

Skin Type: Combination

Skin Concern: Aging

Using Origins For: Less than 1 year

Recommend to a friend? Yes

I LOVE this stuff!!!

Date: August 24, 2012

"I was a little hesitant to try a self tanner after my previous experiences with other brands. I was afraid it would have a strong smell... or turn me orange. This product didnt do either. It has a mild fresh scent. It does have some sparkle which I like, but wears/washes off. After just the first application, It gives a nice natural color. Two thumbs up!"

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Review 6 for The Great Pretender™ Shimmery self-tanner for body

Rating:

5 out of 5

Written by: JoyfulInGeorgia

Location: Georgia

Using Origins For: 1-5 years

Recommend to a friend? Yes

Origins Self-Tanner ended my embarrassment!

Date: August 6, 2012

Tags: self tanning

"The Great Pretender (TGP) is FANTASTIC!! Now that sandals and bare legs are 'in,' people would stare at my bright white legs and I was sooo embarrassed. As far as I know, Origins makes the only self-tanner with no harmful parabens. It was the first Origins product I tried, about four years ago, and it began my love affair with all Origins products!! TGP gives me full, bronze coverage with attractive tiny sparkles for several days. After showering and shaving, I apply two alternating coats of TGP on each leg. My knees, heels, and ankles tend to darken more easily, so I put less product on those areas. Blending it in is important, as is washing your hands thoroughly afterwards. Also, try not to bump into anything that would scrape the color off an area before it is thoroughly dry. The color deepens the next day. Two days after applying those first two coats, I apply another coat. This method works perfectly for me."

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Review 7 for The Great Pretender™ Shimmery self-tanner for body

Rating:

5 out of 5

Written by: Nanc42

Location: Pleasant Lake Michigan

Skin Type: Dry

Skin Concern: Lines and Wrinkles

Using Origins For: 1-5 years

Recommend to a friend? Yes

Date: July 6, 2012

"Absolutely the best self tanner ever!!! Just exfoliate and apply in circlular motion and go!! Dries quick, no smell and looks FAB!"

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Review 8 for The Great Pretender™ Shimmery self-tanner for body

Rating:

3 out of 5

Top 1000 Contributor

Written by: taboo

Location: south carolina

Skin Type: Combination

Skin Concern: Aging

Using Origins For: 1-5 years

Recommend to a friend? No

Top 1000 Contributor

Date: June 20, 2012

"this was ok, its the same as the ones i buy from the drug store never looks great but atleast it didnt hv orange to it"

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Review 9 for The Great Pretender™ Shimmery self-tanner for body

Rating:

4 out of 5

Written by: kbaby

Location: Texas

Skin Type: Combination

Skin Concern: Dullness/Discoloration

Using Origins For: 1-5 years

Recommend to a friend? Yes

Best self-tanner I have found

Date: June 6, 2012

Tags: natural looking tan

"Origins self-tanner is the best I have been able to find. It has a natural warm color (not orange), the typical self-tanner smell is significantly less than others I have tried, it lasts longer without leaving a scaley appearance as it fades, it's moisturizing and not sticky, and it's fairly easy to apply. I like that it is tinted so that when I apply it, I can see whether I have achieved good coverage. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because it is pretty sparkly. Too much glitter for my taste, being in my early thirties and not a teenager! But I just apply it on the week-end so that I'm not sparkly at work. Once I shower, the glitter is no longer an issue. Helpful tips for applying self-tanners: (1) exfoliate well, (2) follow the blend, blend, blend advice, and (3) apply lightly to elbows, knees, and tops of feet/ankles. You can also take a slightly damp cotton ball and lightly dab any areas you want less coverage, such as elbows and knees."

1 of 1 found this review helpful.

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Review 10 for The Great Pretender™ Shimmery self-tanner for body

Rating:

5 out of 5

Written by: Cinder

Location: Oregon City, Or

Skin Type: Combination

Skin Concern: Firming/Lifting

Using Origins For: Less than 1 year

Recommend to a friend? Yes

The Great Pretender

Date: May 18, 2012

"I was on vacation at Palm Springs Ca when a friend let me try this product. I was very happy that this self tanner had a pleasant odor of mint. The next morning the tan on my legs was very natural and not orange like other products I have used in the past. This tanner was easy to apply and did not streak. I will recomment this to my friends and buy it as gifts ."

1 of 1 found this review helpful.

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Review 11 for The Great Pretender™ Shimmery self-tanner for body

Rating:

5 out of 5

Written by: nikb

Location: CA

Skin Type: Combination

Skin Concern: Dullness/Discoloration

Using Origins For: Less than 1 year

Recommend to a friend? Yes

The GREAT Pretender

Date: April 28, 2012

"Where have you been my whole life?! I started checking out Origins because lately I have been conscious of what I have been slathering on my body (chemicals etc). This was better than expected! It's only my first day but I can say that I love it already because I have tried almost every brand out there, and even went months without because I dislike something about all of them. This is a great color, not too dark or orange at all. The smell is there but nothing compared to other brands. It look literally no time at all to dry, which is a huge plus but most importantly I can be confident that I'm not adding more toxins to my body. I think I'm in love!"

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Review 12 for The Great Pretender™ Shimmery self-tanner for body

Rating:

1 out of 5

Written by: AnnieLu

Location: Redding, CA

Skin Type: Dry

Skin Concern: Firming/Lifting

Using Origins For: I'm a lifetime Origins fan (15+ years)

Recommend to a friend? No

Tan Tint

Date: April 23, 2012

"The directions must be followed EXACTLY and when applying be quick. My subsequent tan was a bit too orange for me - a problem I have had with other self tanners. Another issue for me is that I have psoriasis on my knees and the tint was very dark in those areas making the condition much more noticable."

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Review 13 for The Great Pretender™ Shimmery self-tanner for body

Rating:

5 out of 5

Top 100 Contributor

Written by: waterlily

Location: San Jose, CA

Skin Type: Combination

Skin Concern: Lines and Wrinkles

Using Origins For: 1-5 years

Recommend to a friend? Yes

Top 100 Contributor

Date: November 28, 2011

"I have pale legs compared to the rest of my body, so come summertime when I'm in skirts and shorts, I want to even out my skin color so my legs aren't glowing from the paleness. This works well. It's not streaky and not an obvious orange color. The color seemed natural to match the rest of my skin tone. When you slather it on, it has a nice minty scent, however, as time passes, you get the same exact smell as with all other self-tanners until you wash it off."

1 of 1 found this review helpful.

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Review 14 for The Great Pretender™ Shimmery self-tanner for body

Rating:

5 out of 5

Written by: Brandi1250

Skin Type: Combination

Skin Concern: Dullness/Discoloration

Using Origins For: 1-5 years

Recommend to a friend? Yes

LOVE THIS!!!!!!!

Date: October 24, 2011

"I love this self tanner!!!!!! I like that after it dries it doesn't have that stinky smell. I'm also happy that it doesn't have parabens! It leaves my medium skin tone about 2 shades darker with one application, if I want to go darker I just apply again the next day. I put this on my face and body. One of the BEST qualities about this product is that it fades instead of getting all splotchy!!! Amazing stuff!!!!!"

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Review 15 for The Great Pretender™ Shimmery self-tanner for body

Rating:

5 out of 5

Written by: Becki

Location: Saint Paul, MN

Skin Type: Dry

Skin Concern: Dullness/Discoloration

Using Origins For: 1-5 years

Recommend to a friend? Yes

Never been tan in my life!

Date: July 21, 2011

Tags: skin care

"I recently purchased "The Great Pretender" after reading the reviews! I have tried many products that either turn me orange or that I get a rash from. As a freckling red head approaching 50, I was looking for something to hide my leg blemishes of spider veins and scaring (very active child!). I followed the directions and after exfoliating and showering applied the cream with the BLEND, BLEND, BLEND directions. The results are fantastic! I am nicely brown, not out of range of my natural tones, not wearing pantyhose in our heat wave, and even though if you look close, the spider veins and scars are still present, they are much less visible. Thank you Origins!"

1 of 1 found this review helpful.

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Review 16 for The Great Pretender™ Shimmery self-tanner for body

Rating:

5 out of 5

Written by: KLee

Location: DC

Skin Type: Combination

Using Origins For: 6-10 years

Recommend to a friend? Yes

Works amazing!

Date: April 30, 2011

"Haven't used self-tanner for over a decade, during the winter months my skin gets very fair. After reading the reviews I decided to try it out since I wanted a safe tanning option. This stuff is great! I made sure to exfoliate real well and like it says, blend, blend. I avoided my knee and elbow area since they are naturally darker. I put in on several hours before I'd leave the house since other reviewers complained of color transfer onto clothing and I had no problems. It does have a slight shimmer the first day but very subtle I thought. The "earthy" odor was not noticeable after I finished applying."

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Review 17 for The Great Pretender™ Shimmery self-tanner for body

Rating:

1 out of 5

Written by: Leighh

Recommend to a friend? No

Not what I had expected!

Date: April 11, 2011

"I am so disappointed with this self tanner. First off, it is so watery and comes out way to fast. At first the smell doesn't seem to bad, but after awhile it has the most horrible scent I have ever smelled from any self tanner. It is also very sticky and takes awhile to dry. I really would not recommend this to anyone."

0 of 3 found this review helpful.

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Review 18 for The Great Pretender™ Shimmery self-tanner for body

Rating:

5 out of 5

Top 1000 Contributor

Written by: landscapergirl

Location: Foothills Northern California

Skin Type: Oily

Skin Concern: Lines and Wrinkles

Using Origins For: 11-15 years

Recommend to a friend? Yes

Top 1000 Contributor

The best sunless tanner I have ever used!!!

Date: March 24, 2011

"I have tried many sunless tanners in my life time. This one is the best yet!
I have exceptionally dry skin once you get past the yolk area. So I have to get aggressive with the exfoliation. On my legs I use a pumice stone to remove the build up around my hair folicals, and general flakiness. When I first got the tanner I was excited to use it so applied and wait to see the results. They looked good from a distance but up close it was not a great thing. So the next time I did my normal shaving routine with the pumice stone and much better results. In one use I went from porcelian white to a bronzed goddess :). It is darker then when I get my gardeners tan (like a farmers tan, but with a tank top and shorts but front of shins stay white lol).
I love the smell, great minty fresh smell. Oh and that awful smell after you put on a sunless tanner,yeah you know the one. It is still there but a much milder version. I would have no problem going out in public, or even going to bed with this product. The other product are so limiting in time of when you can put it on because of that repulsive smell.
I don't like that it does not hydrate my leg at all, so I have to lotion up after it has dried. I am also not fond of the glitter in it. It might look better if my legs were hydrated. But other then that I will use this whenever I need a blast of color that last for a while."

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Review 19 for The Great Pretender™ Shimmery self-tanner for body

Rating:

5 out of 5

Written by: kmary

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Skin Type: Combination

Skin Concern: Lines and Wrinkles

Using Origins For: 1-5 years

Recommend to a friend? Yes

Love this product!

Date: March 15, 2011

"I am an irish girl and have had my freckly-pale complexion streaked by tanning products over the years - until I found The great pretender!
This product is awesome! If you take your time to apply - no streaks and looks so natural.
I have recommended to many friends and will continue to do so!"

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Review 20 for The Great Pretender™ Shimmery self-tanner for body

Rating:

5 out of 5

Written by: JORmom

Location: Wake Forest

Skin Type: Dry

Skin Concern: Dehydration

Using Origins For: Less than 1 year

Recommend to a friend? Yes

AWESOME, GREAT, WONDERFUL

Date: November 17, 2010

Tags: bronzing

"This product is wonderful! It smells divine and leaves a great color (very similar to spray tans I get). I would highly recommend this product for beautiful color and smell."

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