Gradual Body Tan is a moisturizer that happens to tan. Smooth it on after your shower like any lotion — no mitt, no rinse-off, no 8-hour wait — and a natural, buildable glow shows up over the next few days. Wash your hands. That's the whole ritual.
"HANDS DOWN MY FAVORITE SELF TANNER!!!! This is the best product ever. I love the color and love that it's not sticky nor messy!"
The Old Ritual vs. The Lazy Way
Most self-tans ask for your whole evening. This one asks for 60 seconds after your shower.
The classic tan night
The Gradual Body Tan way
A GLOW WITH NO TO-DO LIST
TAN WHILE YOU MOISTURIZE
Glycerin and aloe vera hydrate like your daily lotion while organically-derived DHA from beets & sugar builds believable color — never orange, never green.
signature scent
No telltale self-tanner smell. Just our soft, light floral signature scent.
NO WAITING AROUND
Dries in seconds with zero stickiness. Get dressed, sit on the couch, go to bed — the color develops while you do nothing.
KIND TO SKIN (AND ANIMALS)
Paraben-free, phthalate-free, non-comedogenic, and never tested on animals.
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!!!
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.
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.
Results
How long does a PJB tan last?
A well-prepped tan lasts up to 7 days and fades naturally, just like a sun tan. You'll get the longest wear by moisturizing daily, avoiding harsh exfoliants, and patting (not rubbing) dry after showers.
My tan fades faster on my face — is that normal?
Yes. Your face sheds skin cells faster than your body, especially if you use active skincare (retinoids, AHAs, vitamin C). Our Gradual Face Tan is designed for easy daily use to keep your glow consistent.
What happens if I swim or go in the pool?
Chlorine and prolonged water exposure speed up fading and can create patchiness in friction zones (bikini line, inner thighs). Plan to moisturize well after swimming, and you may want to do a light touch-up with the mist if you're spending a lot of time in the water.
What about the smell? Does PJB smell like other self-tanners?
Our standard mousses & mists carry our signature PJB scent. All of our products use organically derived DHA (not synthetic DHA), which helps with that self-tanner smell. Some DHA smell during development is normal as your tan is developing. The best ways to minimize it: follow the recommended develop time, moisturize after rinsing, and avoid applying to underarms where heat intensifies scent.
Does the color ever look orange, green, or grey?
Our formulas are designed specifically to avoid the orange/green cast that some self-tanners are known for. If you're experiencing unexpected color, it's almost always a technique issue: over-application on dry patches, not enough prep, or using products that alter skin PH. Follow the prep and timing guidance above, and build gradually.
Does the Mist last as long as the Mousse?
The Mist delivers a lighter, more buildable color, so it may appear to fade sooner than the Mousse simply because the initial deposit is lighter. For maximum longevity with the Mist, layer 2–3 coats and follow the same maintenance routine (daily moisturizer, gentle pat-dry).
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.
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