No streaks, no orange tint, and no strong smell. It dries pretty quickly, so I can put on loose clothes and go about my day without worrying about stains. After about a week, it faded really naturally without patchiness.
If you’re fair-skinned or just want a soft, natural tan, this one’s a total win. I’ll definitely be repurchasing.
TRULY VACATION IN A BOTTLE
It looks like i've been tanning all summer long. The color doesn't look fake or turn you orange.
The Most Gorgeous Instant Color!
Absolutely love this product, I use all the time on my face its instant natural glow. I am ordering more bottles as we speak!
The Most Beautiful Color I'm OBSESSED
I can't believe what I'm about to say but I used to be the biggest self-tan hater. It always made me orange and I just looked ridiculous. This self- tanning mousse, however, has absolutely blown my mind. The COLOR is just the most beautiful shade of tan, it looks so natural you would never know that's from a can! Obsessed!!!
This Is The Perfect Final Step In My Routine
I love it! I spray it over my makeup and it gives it just that perfect finishing touch. I made all my friends buy it too!!
HOW TO: MOUSSE AND MIST
SELF-TANNING MOUSSE
Our best-selling mousse delivers a smooth, streak-free tan that looks like real skin - and fades naturally.
SELF-TANNING MIST
This ultra-fine mist gives you the same radiant glow as our Medium Mousse - now in an effortless spray for face and body.
PJB TANNING MITT
Your partner in glow for a smooth, even, streak-free tan. A reusable, velvety-soft mitt for smooth, streak-free blending every time.
Pro Tip:
Dilute the self-tanner on the knees, ankles and elbows, because these areas tend to absorb more self-tanner than the rest of the skin. To dilute, apply a very thin layer of lotion underneath the self-tanner.
Which self-tanner should I choose — tanning mousse, tanning mist, or gradual lotions?
Our Tanning Mousse is your go-to for a deeper, event-ready full-body tan. Use it with a mitt and our brushes for the most flawless finish. The Tanning Mist is perfect for a lighter, buildable tan and is especially great for spot-tanning the face and quick touch-ups. Our Gradual Tanning Lotions (face and body) build a subtle, natural-looking tan with up to applications per week.
What's the difference between the mousse and the mist?
The Mousse gives you more control and a deeper color payoff — you apply it with a mitt and it's ideal for full-body tanning. The Mist is an ultra-fine spray that's lighter and a faster application, best for face, hands and feet or quick touch-ups.
How do I choose my shade?
We have four Mousse shades: Light, Medium, Dark, and Ultra Dark. If you're new to self-tanning or have a fair complexion, start with Light or Medium and build from there. Already a tanning pro? Go for the Dark or Ultra Dark. If you tend to pull orange with other brands, it's usually a prep and technique issue, not a shade issue. Follow our application tips before assuming you need a lighter shade. Our mist currently only comes in our Medium shade. The gradual tanning lotions are customizable, the more often you apply it the deeper your tan will be.
I'm a beginner — where do I start?
Start with our Gradual Face Tan and Gradual Body Tan if you want zero-stress, buildable color you can control. If you want a one-session result, grab a Mist or Mousse, plus a Tanning Mitt or Brush, and follow the prep + timing steps below. Our Starter, Essential, and Gradual Glow bundles are perfect for this.
Does the tan transfer to clothes or sheets?
We designed our product to dry fast and minimize transfer. However some transfer is possible from the color guide used for application. To avoid transfer of color guide, let it fully dry, wear loose dark clothing while it develops, and avoid tight friction. If transfer does occur to clothes or sheets simply throw them in the wash and any color guide transfer will come off. Avoid sweating or moisture immediately after applying. After you wash off the color guide your tan will fade naturally!
Do your self-tanners contain SPF?
No. Self-tanners don't protect you from the sun. We recommend wearing a SPF to protect from harmful sun rays.
How many applications do I get per bottle?
Depends on use. The full-size Mousse gives you approximately 6–8 full-body applications depending on how much you use per session. The Mist lasts for about 4-5 full-body applications. Our Mini Mousse is designed for 2–3 targeted applications (face and touch ups) — perfect for travel or trying a shade.
Shipping & Returns
How long does shipping take?
Orders typically process within 1–2 business days, then ship via standard carrier. Ground shipping is usually 5-7 business days and Expedited/ Priority Mail 3-5 business days depending on geographical location. Overnight delivery does not apply to orders placed on the weekend.
Free shipping on orders over $55 — during promotions, thresholds may vary, but your cart will always show the current status.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes! We ship internationally through our shipping partner, Passport. International orders typically arrive within 8–14 business days once shipped. You'll receive tracking information via email after your order is fulfilled, and you can follow your package every step of the way — including through customs. Shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on your location. For international shipping questions, visit Passport's Help Center.
Will I pay duties and taxes on international orders?
All applicable duties and taxes are calculated and included at checkout. This is handled through our international shipping partner, Passport, which ensures a smooth customs clearance process. If you have questions about duties or tracking for a specific order, visit Passport's Help Center.
What if my order arrives damaged or missing?
Contact our support team within 30 days with photos of the packaging and product. We'll get a replacement sorted as quickly as possible.
What's your return policy?
Returns are 30 days from purchase date.
Check our Returns & Shipping page for full details and to start a return.
Need a return label?
Please reach out to our support team at hi@petajanebeauty.com, and they’ll be happy to assist you with obtaining a return label.
Value & Pricing
Why is PJB more expensive than drugstore self-tanners?
We use organically derived DHA and plant-based ingredients — not the synthetic shortcuts that cause orange tones, bad smell, and skin irritation. Our formulas took years to develop with a lab that has decades of experience in sunless tanning. You're getting a professional-quality at-home tan that actually looks natural, doesn't stink, and won't wreck your sheets. The cost per application is comparable to or less than a spray tan appointment.
Do you offer bundles or deals?
Yes — our bundles are designed to give you everything you need in one purchase (mousse + mitt + exfoliating prep + brush). They're genuinely better value than buying individual items, and they set you up for the best possible result. Check our Bundles collection for current options.
Do you have a subscription / VIP membership?
Our VIP Membership gives you savings on every order, free shipping perks, and exclusive gifts at milestones. You can manage your delivery schedule and skip, pause, swap, or cancel anytime from your account. No commitments, no hassle.
Troubleshoot
My tan rinsed off — it looks like it "washed off." What happened?
You almost certainly washed off the guide color (the temporary tint that helps you see where you've applied), not your actual tan. Your developed color comes through over the next 12–24 hours. Other common causes: applying over oils or heavy lotion, rinsing too early, or using soap on your first rinse. Next time: apply on oil-free skin, wait the full development window, and rinse with water only.
I'm streaky or patchy — how do I fix it?
Don't panic and don't start aggressively exfoliating. Moisturize the patchy areas and let the tan fade naturally over a few days — it often evens out. For a full reset: soak in a warm bath, use an exfoliating mitt to remove the old tan completely, then reapply with proper prep.
I turned orange — how do I prevent it next time?
Orange results usually come from over-application on dry areas (hands, elbows, knees, ankles) plus inadequate prep. Fix: exfoliate 24 hours before, moisturize dry zones before application, use less product on joints, follow the recommended develop time, and build gradually rather than going maximum shade on your first try. Alternatively, using products that alter skin PH (ex: bar soap) could be the reason why your tan is turning orange.
The mousse dries before I can blend it — what am I doing wrong?
Work in smaller sections and move quickly. Pump onto the mitt, apply to one area (like one leg), blend fully, then move to the next.
My tan smells — is that normal? How do I minimize it?
Some odor during development is normal with any DHA-based tanner — it's the chemistry of the ingredient reacting with your skin. PJB's signature scent minimizes this significantly compared to other brands. Best mitigations: rinse at the right time (don't over-develop), moisturize after rinsing, and avoid applying to underarms where heat and sweat intensify scent. Additionally, exfoliating thoroughly before applying the tan is key in minimizing the DHA smell.
How do I remove old self-tan completely?
Soak in a warm bath for 15–20 minutes, then use an exfoliating mitt in circular motions. For stubborn spots, a tan remover product or a paste of baking soda and coconut oil can help. Let your skin rest for 24 hours before reapplying.
My hands/feet are too dark — how do I fix it?
A gentle exfoliating scrub, or a quick soak followed by mitt exfoliation will lighten them. Prevention is easier: use residual product (what's already on the mitt) for hands and feet, blend well, and wash your palms immediately after application.
Can I swim after self-tanning?
Wait at least 8 hours after application (and after your first rinse) before swimming. Chlorine and saltwater accelerate fading, especially in friction zones. Moisturize well after, and plan for a touch-up if you're spending a full day at the pool or beach.
Ingredients & Safety
What's in PJB products?
Our formulas use organically derived DHA (the active tanning ingredient), along with plant-based ingredients like beet and sugar extracts. Our formulas are vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, and made in the USA.
What is DHA and how does it work?
DHA (dihydroxyacetone) is the active ingredient in sunless tanners. It reacts with the amino acids in the outermost layer of your skin to create temporary color — no UV exposure needed. It fades naturally as your skin renews, just like a real tan.
Can I use self-tanner while pregnant?
DHA is applied topically and reacts only with the outer skin layer. However, we recommend avoiding inhalation exposure and contact with eyes and mouth, especially with our Mist and any spray applications. Please consult your doctor or dermatologist before use with any new product.
What should I do if irritation occurs?
Stop using the product and rinse the area with water. If irritation persists, check in with your dermatologist. We always recommend a small patch test before your first full application.
Does self-tanner protect me from the sun?
No. Our products do not contain sunscreen. Please apply SPF before any sun exposure. Your PJB glow looks amazing, but it won't protect your skin from UV damage.
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