Beauty by Earth Self-Tanner Lotion vs Mousse: Which Gives Better Results?
If you’re looking for a clean self-tanner, it’s likely you’ve seen the brand Beauty by Earth. Formulated with natural, organic ingredients, their self-tanners provide streak-free tans that don’t irritate or dry out skin, making them ideal for sensitive skin.
I’ve previously tested both the Beauty By Earth self-tanning mousse and lotion, and one question I get asked years later is which formula I think is better, or which I’d recommend. As such, today I am sharing a complete side-by-side comparison of the results, application process, color payoff, longevity, and which gives you the better tan.
To keep things consistent, I applied both of these tanners in the Medium to Dark shade, though they also offer a few different shade options for each formula. I am very pale, but I do recommend the Medium to Dark shake for mostly everyone. As an organic, natural tanner, the formula is not as strong as others you may have tried, so the Medium to Dark shade is going to give you a deeper (yet still natural) tan.
beauty by earth self tanner lotion vs mousse: which gives better results?
beauty by earth self-tanning lotion before and after
The Beauty by Earth Self-Tanning Lotion gives you a natural yet noticeable tan, and you’ll notice subtle results 8 hours after your first application.
The lotion goes on white/ clear; there is no color guard, which makes it difficult to see where you’re applying the tanner, especially if you are a beginner. That said, it blends easily, dries down well, and doesn’t leave a sticky or greasy residue.
The tan that develops is natural (not orange at all), and because it has “clean” ingredients, the results aren’t as dramatic as some of the other self-tanners you might be used to. My results started fading two days later, and were completely gone within a week. It’s not the longest-lasting tanner, but you also don’t have to work hard to scrub it off.
For more details and tips, check out Beauty by Earth Self-Tanning Lotion Review and Application Tips.
beauty by earth self-tanning mousse before and after
The Beauty by Earth Self-Tanner Tanning Mousse produce a natural yet noticeable tan. Application is easy and straightforward; while the foam is clear/ white, I noticed a subtle color-guard as I applied it, which helps for an even application. This foam is lightweight and dries down perfectly – there’s no stickiness or “wet” feeling, and it did not transfer onto my clothes or sheets. The mousse has a subtle coconut scent; you also don’t get the dreaded “self-tanner” smell even as it develops.
In the photo above, I left the tanner on for about six hours, and saw a very subtle tan after washing it off later that evening. I noticed the color fully developed by the time I woke up the next morning. You’ll see full results about 24 hours after application. It’s recommended to apply two days in a row for maximum results; I personally prefer to just add a second coat halfway through (three hours in) rather than dedicate two days to tanning, since I don’t sleep with it on.
Just like the lotion, the results aren’t as deep as you may be used to with other, non-organic self-tanners. That said, it gave me a very realistic tan similar to what I used to get when I laid out in the sun. I wouldn’t use this brand for a special event, but it’s a great everyday self-tanner, especially in the winter months when you want a boost of color.
You can see how the Medium to Dark shade compares to Extra Dark, plus more information, in Beauty by Earth Self-Tanner Tanning Mousse Review and Application Tips.
beauty by earth self-tanning lotion vs mousse results
I’m honestly shocked by how similar the results of the Beauty By Earth self-tanning mousse and lotion are, especially in photographs. If I had to be picky, I’d say that the lotion gave me slightly darker results, but it also had a more high-maintenance application than the mousse did.
Both products give you a natural tan that is not orange. The tan is subtle yet buildable and lasted for a little under week, as both tans started fading abount 3-4 days in. If you want an ultra-dark, long-lasting tan, you won’t love either product.
That said, both tans faded well (no patchiness), were easy to remove, and did not irritate my super-sensitive skin.
which is better?
Both products give you similar tans, so the “better” product really comes down to your preferred application process. I personally prefer the mousse because I only needed to have it on for 6 hours; I don’t like sleeping in self-tanner, or else I’d pick the lotion.
For beginners, you likely want to start with the mousse. Neither product has a brown tint to it (also known as a color guard), so you need to pay attention as you apply the tanner, but I found the mousse had a subtle color to it that helped me make sure I didn’t miss a spot.
If you want a self-tanner you can build over time, get the lotion. You’ll get the best results after applying two days in a row, and it’s gentle enough that you can apply it throughout the week without overdoing it or drying your skin out.
formula
Comparing a self-tanning lotion to mousse is like comparing apples and oranges, but here is my best round-up:
The lotion is thick but not too creamy. It does not leave your skin feeling damp or sticky, nor does it feel overly hydrated and greasy. If anything, it is a “your skin but slightly better” feel. The lotion is unscented, though you may notice a little bit of that self-tanner smell as time goes on.
It is one of the best self-tanning lotions I’ve used as far as comfortability because you forget you have it on. I hate sleeping in self-tanners, but could with this one since it is so weightless. And where other self-tanning lotions can end up drying your skin out, this did not.
The mousse is light, easy to blend, and does not dry down sticky. It has a subtle coconut scent that quickly fades; I am sensitive to fragrance and it doesn’t bother me.
Neither tanning product has a color guard (brown tint) and is formulated with plant-based, organic ingredients. I have sensitive skin and did not have a bad reaction to either tanner.
application experience
Because neither tanner has a color guard (brown tint), they require a little more effort and concentration to ensure an even, streak-free application. That said, both are very easy to blend and their lightweight formulas feel great on the skin. Neither formula transfers while developing.
The lotion is slightly harder to apply because it truly goes on clear. I recommend using gloves and really blending it out. You do need to rub the product in for longer than other self-tanning lotions I’ve tried, but once it is blended, it feels like nothing on the skin.
I personally use gloves to apply self-tanning lotions because no matter how well I wash my hands afterwards, I end up with patches on my hands. I had a friend try this lotion without gloves and she found it easy to wash off her hands, though, so I don’t think gloves are 100% necessary.
When it comes to the self-tanning mousse, you will want to use a mitt to blend the tanner to ensure an even application. Why I like the mousse more is that while it also lacks a color guard, there was a really subtle tint upon application that made it easier for me to ensure I didn’t miss a spot.
The mousse dried down quickly, did not transfer onto clothes or sheets, and like the lotion, I could barely tell that I had it on.
results
Both self-tanners take at least a few hours to see results. I saw a subtle difference from the mousse after I showered it off 6 hours post-application, with full results 24-hours later. With the lotion, you will also notice full results 24-hours later.
The tan you get from both products is very natural, not orange. Results are subtle than what you may experience from other self-tanning products, but that is par for the course with natural, gentle formulas.
My results were extremely similar to what I used to get from laying out in the sun, but not super dramatic. I would not use either of these self-tanners for special events or a tropical vacation where I wanted to be tan as possible. Instead, these self-tanners are better for a subtle boost, like when you are missing your tan in the middle of winter.
Neither tanner was patchy or streaky, but I’m going to choose the mousse as the winner because it was an easier application process.
longevity
Neither of these self-tanners are the most long-lasting, but on the bride side, they fade evenly (no patchiness) and are very easy to remove (no need to scrub).
The Beauty by Earth Self-Tanning Mousse started to fade on day 4, and I personally recommend removing it and starting over, rather than applying another layer.
The Beauty by Earth Self-Tanning Lotion lasts a little longer, around a week. This is because you are supposed to apply it two days in a row, so you get a double-dose application compared to the mousse. Still, this didn’t made the tanner last a whole lot longer (just a few days). Still, if you want a longer-lasting tan, get the lotion as you can continue to build it over the week, whereas the mousse would get patchy if didn’t exfoliate in between applications.
price
Both products cost the same ($35.99) and you get the same amount of product (7.5oz) in each bottle.
That said, I think the mousse will last longer and be the better deal over time. Because you need more lotion and are directed to apply it two days in a row to get max results, you will work through it quicker.
buy the lotion if...
You have dry skin.
You prefer a moisturizer-like application.
You want to sleep in your tanner overnight.
You want buildable formula.
You don’t mind applying two days in a row for max results.
buy the mousse if...
You're new to self-tanning.
You want faster application.
You prefer a lightweight feel.
You want a tan that dries down quickly.
buy either if...
You want a natural-looking tan.
You have sensitive skin.
You prefer plant-based, organic formulas.
You want a self-tanner that does not include a color guard or unnecessary ingredients.
You want a buildable self-tanner.
beauty by earth self-tanning lotion vs mousse frequently asked questions
is the beauty by earth lotion or mousse better?
It depends on your priorities. The mousse applies more quickly, dries faster, and has a light tint during the application process that makes it easier for beginners. The lotion is better if you want sleep in your tanner overnight, have dry skin, or want to layer a few applications for a deeper tan.
which lasts longer?
The lotion lasts longer.
which develops faster?
The mousse develops faster.
does the mousse get darker than the lotion?
Not in my experience. I received a pretty similar tan from both products. If you applied a second dose of the mousse halfway through your application process, you would get a deeper tan.
which is better for dry skin?
The lotion, though the mousse is gentle and does not dry out your skin.
which is easier for beginners?
In my experience, the mousse. It has a slight tint that helps guide your application process, whereas the lotion dries clear.
which is less likely to streak?
Honestly, either. They’re very gentle, subtle formulas. If anything, I think the mousse is less likely to streak because it’s easier to blend out.
can you use both?
Yes. Use the mousse first as your base tan, then deepen it (or prolong your tan) with the lotion. I do recommend waiting 24 hours between applications in order to get max results from each product.
