Lux Unfiltered Gradual Self-Tanning Cream vs Mousse: Which Is Better?
Both the Lux Unfiltered Summer Skin Hydrating Gradual Self-Tanning Body Cream (formerly known as N.32) and the N.36 On Holiday Hydrating Self-Tanning Mousse promise a natural-looking, streak-free tan, but depending on your skin type and ideal self-tanning routine, one is much better than the other.
The Summer Skin Body Cream gradually builds color while moisturizing your skin with each application, whereas the N.36 Self-Tanning Mousse is designed to deliver a deeper tan in just a few hours via a lightweight, fast-drying formula.
I’ve previously reviewed all of Lux Unfiltered’s tanning products on my website, including the Sunstruck Self-Tanning Face Drops, but today’s post is all about comparing how their two body tanners (the mousse and cream) compare.
To keep things consistent, I’m sharing my results using the Original shade of each product, though they also make a Deep version (you can see those results as well as how they compare to the Original results on the individual review pages, linked below).
Keep reading for my complete side-by-side comparison of the Lux Unfiltered Self-Tanning Cream vs Mousse results, application process, color payoff, longevity, and which gives you the better tan. I’ll also share tips on which Lux Unfiltered self-tanner is the better choice based on your skin type, tanning goals, and lifestyle.
For individual reviews of each product plus Original vs Deep results comparisons, visit:
Lux Unfiltered Summer Skin Original vs Deep Gradual Self-Tanning Body Cream Review and Comparison
Lux Unfiltered N36 Original vs Deep Supernatural Tanning Mousse Review and Comparison
lux unfiltered gradual self-tanning cream vs mousse: which is better?
lux unfiltered summer skin hydrating gradual self-tanning cream before and after
The Lux Unfiltered Summer Skin Hydrating Gradual Self-Tanning Body Cream is probably the most hydrating self-tanners I’ve ever used. It makes your skin feel almost damp, yet that doesn’t causes creases or patches or affect the results of the tan. It has a luxurious santal scent, which is woodsy yet not too musky. It completely masks the self-tanner scent, yet isn’t too strong. The cream also comes in a rosewood scent; it’s a little too musky/ powdery/ old for my personal scent, though it isn’t necessarily bad.
As far as results go, Summer Skin Self-Tanning Cream is buildable, yet natural. You can apply a few days in a row, though the color payoff after just one application is noticeable yet natural. The tan has an olive base (not orange)and layered applications do not turn you orange, either.
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 is so creamy that it blends easily, and I’ve never had a patchy result (14+ applications later).
The self-tanning cream is best if you to build a tan over time or if you want a self-tanner you can sleep in, though the damp feeling may take a few nights to get used to.
lux unfiltered n36 on holiday hydrating self tanning mousse before and after
The N.36 On Holiday Hydrating Self-Tanning Mousse is underrated in my opinion. Application is easy and straightforward, and the color guard helps you get an even application. It’s recommended to leave it on for eight hours, at which time you’ll notice a subtle tan; you will see full results 24 hours later. The tan is natural, glow-y, and unlike other self-tanning mousses, N36 does not dry out your skin.
The main downside to the mousse is that it has a bit of a sticky feeling on the skin. This doesn’t harm your tan or cause creases, but it isn’t the most comfortable feeling. That said, the self-tanning mousse smells so good (blood orange), so if you hate the dreaded self-tanner smell, this is worth trying.
You can see how the Original shade (pictured above) compares to the Deep formula, plus more information, in Lux Unfiltered N36 Original vs Deep Supernatural Tanning Mousse Review and Comparison.
lux unfiltered self-tanning cream vs mousse results
The results of the Lux Unfiltered self-tanning cream and mousse are surprisingly similar. What is worth noting is that I am comparing one application of the cream to the mousse, yet you can continue to re-apply the self-tanning cream to deepen your results.
Both products give you a natural tan that is not orange. The self-tanning is a little more olive whereas the mousse has a brown base.
I do want to mention that my sensitive skin did not like the self-tanning cream after three consecutive applications. As such, the tan faded slightly patchy, but was also hard to exfoliate off in the shower.
The mousse lasted a full 10 days for me, and also took a few exfoliation sessions in the shower to fully remove.
which is better?
Both products give you similar tans, so the “better” product really comes down to (1) if you have sensitive or dry skin, and (2) if you want a deep tan after one application or a tan that is buildable.
If you have sensitive skin, I highly recommend the mousse. I had a bad reaction to the self-tanning cream after a few applications, so it’s not one I can repeat-apply to build deeper results. The mousse is also best if you want deep results after one application (6ish hours).
For those with dry skin, you will love how nourishing the self-tanning cream is. It gives you an even, glowing tan while also nourishing your skin. You will also want to get the self-tanning cream if you want a self-tanning product that you can build up over a few days.
If you have a base tan and want to extend it, the self-tanning cream is also the best product for you.
formula
Comparing a self-tanning lotion to mousse is like comparing apples and oranges, but here is my best round-up:
The self-tanning cream is truly so luxurious and hydrating. It almost makes your skin feel damp, but does not crease or affect the tanner’s ability to work. The santal scent is elegant yet not overpowering; it almost makes you forget you have self-tanner on. If you find that self-tanners always dry out your skin, you will want to try this cream!
The mousse is light, easy to blend, and has the best blood orange scent that is fresh and fruity but not too sweet. Lux Unfiltered’s self-tanning mousse is also hydrating and does not dry out your skin.
application experience
The mousse has a brown color guard, which makes it easier to apply than the lotion. It did not transfer onto my clothes, though I still recommend wearing dark clothes just in case. The mousse felt slightly sticky on my skin, but never creased or smudged.
The self-tanning cream feels like you are applying an ultra-hydrating lotion, not a self-tanner. It smells good, is buttery, and blends effortlessly. The downside to such a hydrating formula is that it makes you skin feel damp; this never went away for me but it also didn’t affect the results of my tan.
I personally always use gloves to apply self-tanning creams because no matter how well I wash my hands afterwards, I end up with patches on my hands. Because this cream is so nourishing, I do recommend using gloves if you are prone to dry patches on your hands.
When it comes to applying the self-tanning mousse, you will want to use a mitt to blend the tanner to ensure an even application.
results
You get quicker results (as well as the full color development) with the self-tanning mousse; that's the tanner I recommend if you don’t want to commit a few days to building your tan.
The appeal of the self-tanning cream is that you can extend your results over a few days by applying the cream a few days in a row. Because it’s buildable, you also get deeper results by day 3 or 4.
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. I think the cream was slightly more olive-based, whereas the mousse was more brown-based, but both gave me a healthy, natural-looking tan.
Neither tanner gave me patchy or streaky results.
longevity
Both of these self-tanning products last a good amount of time. The self-tanning cream lasted a week for me; the mousse lasted 3 days longer (10 days total). I think this is because I had a bad reaction to the self-tanning cream, as creams typically last longer than mousses do.
Both tanning products got a little patchy towards the end, and needed at least 2 exfoliation sessions in the shower to fully remove.
If you want a longer-lasting tan, get the cream as you can continue to build it over a few days, whereas the mousse would get patchy if didn’t exfoliate in between applications. If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test first, though! My skin felt fine until the third application.
price
Comparing the price between the self-tanning cream and mousse is a little tricky because the products both have different weights and consistencies. That said, you get 6.8oz in each product; the mousse is $10 more expensive than the self-tanning cream.
Factoring in usage, I think the mousse is a better deal. You get full results after one application, whereas the self-tanning cream is meant to be layered, so you’ll finish it quicker.
buy the lotion if...
You have dry skin.
You want a gradual, buildable tan.
You like combining tanning with your moisturizing routine.
You want a self-tanner that does out dry out your skin.
buy the mousse if...
You're new to self-tanning and want a color guard to guide your application.
You want quicker results.
You prefer a lightweight mousse.
You want a deeper tan in fewer applications.
You have sensitive skin.
buy either if...
You want a natural-looking tan.
You prefer clean beauty formulas.
You want a streak-free finish with proper application.
You want a self-tanner that smells incredible.
lux unfiltered self-tanning cream vs mousse frequently asked questions
is the lux unfiltered summer skin self-tanning cream or n.36 mousse better?
The mousse is better for sensitive skin (I had a bad reaction to the cream after the 3rd application). If you need an instant tan in 8 hours or less, the mousse is also best.
For a buildable tan that doesn’t dry out your skin, or for maintaining a pre-existing base tan, the self-tanning cream is better.
which one gets darker?
The results are really similar. If anything, the self-tanning cream gives you a more olive-toned tan; you can also layer it a few days in a row for a deeper tan. If you need a dark tan in one application, the mousse is the way to go.
does the gradual tanning cream work as well as the mousse?
Yes; you get noticeable results after just one use of both products.
which lasts longer?
In my experience, the mousse lasts longer if we are comparing single applications. That said, you can layer the self-tanning cream a few days in a row (or alternate it with your normal moisturizer) for a longer-lasting tan.
which is better for dry skin?
The self-tanning cream is better for dry skin, as it is ultra-hydrating.
which is easier for beginners?
I personally think the mousse is easier for beginners because it has a color guard (brown tint) that helps you ensure an even, streak-free application.
can you use the summer skin body cream and n.36 tanning mousse together?
Yes, you can. My recommendation: use the mousse first as your base tan, then deepen it (or prolong your tan) with the cream. If you can, wait 24 hours between applications in order to get max results from each product.
