Keep the Glow Without Killing the Rabbit - Review of Jergens Natural Glow Face Daily Moisturizer

Nothing good comes without a price. Think about it: if you want that extra slice of chocolate cake, go for it; it's just your arteries footing the bill. And if you're gunning for that coveted golden tan that evens your complexion, makes you look relaxed and just plain hot, you'd have to subject your skin to the sun's damaging rays.

Over the years, the cosmetics industry has attempted to capitalize on tan-in-a-can with decidedly unsavory results. Unless you were intentionally going for a pumpkin sheen, the streaky orange look of bronzing agents past was too artificial; not to mention the rank chemical scent, which all told, felt like you were applying a layer of battery acid or worse yet, Nair.

Vanity is not a vice exclusive to women, and I admit that I've tried my share of self tanners out there. Jergens Natural Glow Face Daily Moisturizer is the latest bronzer to join the fake'n'bake fray. Specially designed for the face only, it's non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) and at $5.99 for a 2.5 oz bottle, I figured I'd try it without much damage to the wallet.

First, I washed my face as the bottle directed, patted myself dry, flipped the lid top and copped a sniff. Yep, the rancid whiff was still there, albeit less pronounced than some other pungent products.

After blending a small dollop of lotion evenly into my face, paying particular attention to my hairline, jawline and neck, I noted its weightless texture. Advertised as "lightweight and oil-free", it lightly moisturizes the face without the goopy, greasy feel of most moisturizers, and it dries almost immediately.

As with all tanners, you have to wash your hands thoroughly after application. I still felt the slight tingle and hotness on my face after each daily treatment, but it's a minor suffering if you want to look good -- and look good you shall. After just two days, my complexion definitely acquired a more even, slightly darker tone. The change was very gradual and natural and I was satisfied with the overall results.

Jergens makes the Natural Glow Face Moisturizer available for fair, medium and medium/tan skin tones. I used the medium skin tone. Unless you're a chemist, I won't bore you with the ingredients, but you should know this bronzing lotion does not protect against sunburn. A major disappointment with Jergens is the lack of SPF or Parsol. It would be beneficial if the next line of face tanners will not only moisturize, but provide some sun protection as well. For me, it would be an even greater selling point than individualizing a product for different skin tones.

On a closing note, don't let the "Daily" in the product's title fool you. Only use the lotion every morning until you achieve the right sun kissed look that suits you, and maintain the look afterwards with an application every other day or every two days. In conclusion, my ass may be as white as a mound at Whistler, but no one has to know, especially since my face looks like it's been to South Beach.