Coco & Eve Vs. St. Tropez: In-Depth Differences

I’m a 30-year-old yoga instructor from Miami, craving that bronzed glow without frying my skin.

Coco & Eve and St. Tropez self-tanning mousses are my top picks, but which delivers the best tan?

In this article, I’ll share my six-month journey testing both, comparing their formulas, application, and glow.

You’ll get my honest take on what works, what doesn’t, and which suits your vibe.

Let’s find your perfect tan together!

Comparison Table: Coco & Eve Vs. St. Tropez

My Six-Month Tanning Adventure

As a fair-skinned yogi, I’ve dodged the sun but dreamed of a golden tan.

Last summer, I decided to test Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam (Dark) against St. Tropez Self Tan Suprême Violet Mousse.

For six months, I used each for three months, applying weekly, to see which gave me that “just-back-from-vacation” vibe.

Coco & Eve was pure bliss.

Its mango-guava scent transported me to a tropical island, and the green-grey guide color, though odd, made application foolproof.

I exfoliated, used a mitt, and rinsed after two hours for a medium glow or six for a deep bronze.

The tan developed in 2-3 hours, lasting 7-10 days with daily moisturizer.

My skin felt silky, thanks to coconut oil and Cellushape tech, which claims to smooth cellulite.

At a beach yoga retreat, students asked if I’d been surfing in Bali.

No streaks, no orange—just a radiant, olive-toned glow.

St. Tropez was a revelation.

Its violet guide color freaked me out at first—like I’d turned into a grape—but rinsed to a stunning olive bronze.

I applied at night, rinsing after four hours for a medium tan or eight for a deeper one, fully developing in 6-8 hours.

The tan lasted 7-10 days, fading evenly.

The subtle tropical scent was pleasant, not that fake-tan stink.

Hyaluronic acid kept my skin smooth, though less hydrated than Coco & Eve.

I glowed at a sunset class, feeling like a bronzed deity.

Both were amazing, but each had its own magic.

What Makes Coco & Eve Special?

Coco & Eve, born in Bali, is a clean beauty lover’s dream.

Its Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam ($38, 6.7 oz) uses natural DHA from sugar beets, plus coconut oil, mango, and fig extracts for hydration.

Cellushape technology, with lotus extract, claims to tone skin and blur cellulite.

Available in Medium, Dark, and Ultra Dark, it fits fair to deep skin tones.

The green-grey guide color ensures streak-free application, and the tan develops in 2-6 hours, lasting up to 10 days.

It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and smells like a tropical cocktail.

The pump bottle makes application a breeze, though the mitt’s sold separately.

What Makes St. Tropez Stand Out?

St. Tropez is a tanning icon, loved for salon-quality results.

Its Self Tan Suprême Violet Mousse ($33, 6.7 oz) blends DHA with hyaluronic acid and green tea extract for a smooth, antioxidant-rich tan.

The violet base cancels yellow undertones for a natural olive glow.

With one universal shade, it’s versatile for all skin tones.

The tan develops in 4-8 hours, lasting 7-10 days with even fading.

It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and has a light tropical scent.

The lightweight mousse dries fast, ideal for busy days.

It’s a premium tan at a slightly lower price than Coco & Eve.

Real-World Testing: From Yoga to Date Nights

I tested both mousses in Miami’s hustle—yoga classes, beach days, and date nights.

For a July beach session, I used Coco & Eve (Dark), rinsing after six hours.

The deep bronze held up through sweat and swims, fading evenly by day 9.

My students swore I’d been on a tropical getaway!

St. Tropez was my go-to for a last-minute dinner date.

Applied at 5 p.m., rinsed at 9 p.m., it gave a medium glow by evening.

It survived humid nights, fading smoothly by day 8.

I tracked results with photos, noting Coco & Eve’s hydration edge and St. Tropez’s deeper tone.

Coco & Eve felt indulgent; St. Tropez was my reliable glow-up.

Application Tips That Saved My Glow

Both mousses need prep for flawless results.

I exfoliated 24 hours before with a glove, buffing elbows, knees, and ankles.

Moisturizing dry spots prevented tan buildup.

For Coco & Eve, I used two pumps per limb, blending fast with a mitt—the green guide dries quick!

St. Tropez needed three pumps; its violet guide was bold, showing every missed spot.

I applied both at night, rinsing in the morning to avoid staining sheets.

A kabuki brush blended hands and feet seamlessly.

I learned to lotion wrists and ankles post-application for a natural fade.

Prep is your tan’s best friend!

Comparison with Other Self-Tanners

• Coco & Eve Vs. Loving Tan 2 HR Express

Loving Tan’s 2 HR Express Mousse ($40) promises fast, pro-level tans.

I tried it for a month, rinsing after two hours for a dark bronze.

The chocolate guide color blended well, but the tan lasted 5-6 days, fading unevenly on my elbows.

Coco & Eve’s 2-hour option gave a richer, longer-lasting glow (7-10 days).

Loving Tan’s scent was musky, not as fun as Coco & Eve’s tropical burst.

Coco & Eve’s hydration and even fade made it my everyday choice.

• Coco & Eve Vs. Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam

Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam ($16) is a budget favorite.

I used it for 30 days, rinsing after four hours for a medium tan.

The brown guide color was easy for beginners, but the tan faded patchily by day 4.

Coco & Eve’s green-grey guide ensured no streaks, and its 7-10 day wear crushed Bondi’s 3-5 days.

Bondi’s coconut scent was nice but less luxe.

Coco & Eve’s depth and skin-pampering formula won for premium results.

• St. Tropez Vs. Isle of Paradise Dark Mousse

Isle of Paradise Dark Mousse ($29) uses a green-violet base to balance redness.

I tested it for a month, but the faint guide color made application tricky.

After three hours, I got a medium tan, fading by day 5 with slight patchiness on my knees.

St. Tropez’s violet guide ensured even coverage, and its 7-10 day wear outlasted Isle’s.

Isle’s cucumber scent was strong; St. Tropez’s tropical was subtler.

St. Tropez’s deeper, olive tone felt more polished.

• St. Tropez Vs. b.tan Love at First Tan

b.tan’s Love at First Tan ($10) is a violet-based budget foam.

I tried it for 30 days, rinsing after four hours.

The tan was dark but faded patchily by day 3.

St. Tropez’s hyaluronic acid formula was smoother, lasting 7-10 days with even fading.

b.tan’s scent was overpowering; St. Tropez’s was mild.

At a fraction of the price, b.tan’s tempting, but St. Tropez’s reliability and depth were unbeatable.

Pros of Coco & Eve:

• Tropical mango-guava scent
• Long-lasting glow (7-10 days)
• Hydrates with coconut oil
• Cellushape tech smooths skin
• Green-grey guide prevents streaks
• Vegan, cruelty-free formula
• Three shade options
• Even fade, no patchiness
• Quick 2-6 hour development
• Premium pump bottle

Cons of Coco & Eve:

• Pricey at $38
• Green guide looks strange
• Dries fast, needs quick blending
• Scent may be strong for some
• May stain sheets pre-rinse
• Not ideal for last-minute tans
• Mitt sold separately ($12)
• Can darken freckles
• Requires thorough prep
• Limited shades for very fair skin

Pros of St. Tropez Self Tan Suprême Violet Mousse:

• Deep, olive-toned bronze
• Violet base avoids orange
• Lasts 7-10 days
• Even fade, no streaks
• Hyaluronic acid smooths
• Quick-drying, lightweight
• Subtle tropical scent
• Vegan, cruelty-free
• Universal shade suits all
• Salon-quality results

Cons of St. Tropez Self Tan Suprême Violet Mousse:

• $33 cost
• Violet guide can intimidate
• Less hydrating than Coco & Eve
• Mitt not included ($6)
• May stain bedding pre-rinse
• 4-8 hour development
• Mild fake-tan smell post-rinse
• Not gradual, needs prep
• Single shade limits customization
• Patch test required

Maintenance Tips for Both Self-Tanners

• Exfoliate 24 hours before applying
• Moisturize daily to extend tan
• Use a mitt for streak-free results
• Store bottles below 77°F
• Apply lotion to knees, elbows pre-tan
• Rinse mitt after each use
• Shower 2-8 hours post-application
• Avoid deodorant during tanning
• Gently exfoliate every 3-4 days
• Patch test 24 hours prior

How My Skin Felt After Six Months

After six months, I’m glowing inside and out.

Coco & Eve’s hydration left my skin silky, with a deep, olive tan that made me feel like a tropical queen.

My legs looked smoother, maybe from Cellushape tech, and I rocked swimsuits with confidence.

St. Tropez gave me a bold, natural bronze that turned heads at yoga events.

Its even fade saved me from patchy nightmares.

I switched based on need: Coco & Eve for beach vacations, St. Tropez for quick glow-ups.

My once-pale skin now screams radiance!

Ingredients and Science Behind the Tan

Coco & Eve’s natural DHA reacts with skin’s amino acids for color, with erythrulose boosting longevity.

Coconut oil, mango, and fig hydrate; lotus-derived Cellushape tech claims to tone.

The green-grey guide keeps orange at bay.

St. Tropez’s DHA, with hyaluronic acid and green tea, delivers a smooth, antioxidant-rich tan.

Violet pigments neutralize yellow for an olive glow.

Both are paraben-free, but Coco & Eve’s scent is bolder, St. Tropez’s milder.

Coco & Eve hydrates deeply; St. Tropez prioritizes depth and tone.

Price and Value Breakdown

Coco & Eve’s $38 stings, but 8-10 applications (~$4 per tan) beat salon sprays ($50).

St. Tropez’s $33 gives 8-10 uses (~$3.30 per tan), a touch cheaper.

Both last 7-10 days, cutting reapplication costs.

I grabbed Coco & Eve for $30 during a sale and St. Tropez for $25 at a discount.

Coco & Eve’s hydration justifies its price; St. Tropez’s depth makes it a steal.

Mitts ($6-$12) add cost, but both are budget-friendly compared to pro tans.

Packaging and Application Ease

Coco & Eve’s fuchsia-yellow bottle is a bathroom showstopper, with a pump for mess-free use.

The 6.7 oz size travels well, but the mitt’s separate.

St. Tropez’s sleek purple bottle feels luxe, with a reliable pump.

Both mousses glide on with a mitt, but Coco & Eve dries faster, needing swift blending.

St. Tropez’s violet guide is bold, showing every spot.

I applied both at night, rinsing to avoid stains.

Coco & Eve’s packaging pops; St. Tropez feels pro.

Who Should Choose Which?

Coco & Eve’s for you if you crave a hydrated, olive-toned glow with a tropical vibe.

It’s ideal for fair to medium skin wanting shade options and skin pampering.

St. Tropez suits those after a deep, natural bronze with less fuss.

Its universal shade works for all, especially those seeking salon results.

Beginners might love Coco & Eve’s forgiving guide; pros will dig St. Tropez’s depth.

Both need prep—exfoliate or regret it.

Pick Coco & Eve for indulgence, St. Tropez for bold glow.

Safety and Precautions

I had no irritation, but patch-test 24 hours before.

Coco & Eve’s scent might bother sensitive noses; St. Tropez’s is milder.

Both stained my palms without a mitt—wash hands fast!

DHA’s safe externally; avoid eyes or inhalation.

Neither protects against UV rays, so sunscreen’s essential.

I skipped deodorant during application to prevent streaks.

If pregnant or allergic, check with a doctor.

Both are low-risk with proper use, delivering glow without drama.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

My six-month tanning quest was a glow-up game-changer.

Coco & Eve’s tropical hydration makes you feel like a beach goddess, perfect for a luxe, lasting tan.

St. Tropez’s deep, olive bronze delivers salon vibes on a budget.

You’ll adore Coco & Eve for skin-loving glow, St. Tropez for bold, even results.

Grab one and shine—you’re one mousse away from your dream tan!