I Tried the West&Month Self-Tanning Drops—Here’s the Honest Truth (No Gatekeeping!)

Listen, I’ve had my fair share of self-tanner disasters. We’re talking “Oompa Loompa” orange, streaky legs that looked like a zebra, and that weird “biscuit” smell that lingers for days. But with summer around the corner and my skin looking practically translucent, I knew I needed a fix. I’ve been seeing the West&Month Self-Tanning Drops all over my feed lately, and for $16.99, I figured—why not? If it’s a fail, at least it didn’t break the bank.

Honestly, the whole concept of “tanning drops” always felt a bit intimidating to me. I used to be a mousse-and-mitt kind of girl, but the mess? The stained bathroom tiles? I’m over it. These drops promise a customizable glow that you just mix into your favorite moisturizer. It sounds too good to be true, right? Well, I’ve been testing these out for the past two weeks, and I have thoughts.

The First Impression: What’s Actually Inside?

Before I put anything on my skin, I’m a bit of a nerd about ingredients. I was pleasantly surprised to see sunflower oil, beetroot extract, and cranberry extract on the list. Usually, cheap tanners are just a cocktail of chemicals and DHA. Seeing actual moisturizing agents made me feel a lot better about putting this on my face and body.

The texture of the essence itself is silky smooth. It’s not sticky or tacky, which is a huge win in my book. When I dropped a bit onto my hand, it felt like a high-end facial oil rather than a tanning product. It doesn’t have that overwhelming “fake tan” scent either—it’s very subtle, almost fresh.

How It Compares: West&Month vs. The Big Brands

I’ve used the $50 drops from Sephora, and I’ve used the $8 drugstore foams. Here’s how West&Month stacks up in the current market:

Feature	West&Month Drops	High-End Luxury Drops	Cheap Tanning Mousse
Price	$16.99 (Affordable)	$45 – $60 (Expensive)	$10 – $15 (Budget)
Customization	High (Mix 2-6 drops)	High	Low (One shade fits all)
Hydration	Excellent (Natural Oils)	Great	Drying (High Alcohol)
Smell	Mild/Pleasant	Fragrance-free	Strong Chemical Odor

My Step-by-Step Routine (The “No-Streak” Method)

If you want this to look professional, you can’t just slap it on. Here is exactly how I used the West&Month Self-Tanning Drops to get that “I just spent a week in Bali” look:

1. The Scrub Down: I exfoliated like my life depended on it. I used a simple sugar scrub in the shower, focusing on my knees, elbows, and ankles. This is crucial because tanner loves to cling to dry patches.
2. The Mixology: I took my usual body lotion (nothing too heavy) and put a generous dollop in my palm. I started with 3 drops of the West&Month essence. I figured 3 was a safe middle ground.
3. Application: I rubbed my hands together to mix it well and then applied it in circular motions. I started from my legs and worked my way up. Pro Tip: Use whatever is left on your hands for your feet and hands—don’t add more drops there or it’ll look muddy.
4. The Hand Wash: Immediately after finishing, I scrubbed my palms with soap. This is where most people fail! Wash those palms, or you’ll have orange hands by dinner.
5. The Wait: The instructions say 4-6 hours. I applied mine at 6 PM and just chilled in loose pajamas.

The Results: Did I Turn Into a Cheeto?

I woke up the next morning and honestly? I was shocked. I looked… healthy? That’s the best way to describe it. It wasn’t a “fake” tan look; it was more like a subtle, buttery glow. The beetroot extract seems to give it a slightly more reddish-brown undertone rather than the dreaded yellow-orange undertone I’ve seen in other cheap brands.

My skin felt incredibly soft, too. Thanks to the sunflower oil, I didn’t get that itchy, dry feeling that usually comes with DHA products. It felt like I had just done a really good moisturizing treatment. I didn’t see any streaks on my legs, which is a miracle because I am notoriously bad at applying tanner to the back of my thighs.

Is It Worth It?

Can you believe this is only 17 bucks? I’ve spent way more on products that did half as much. If you’re looking for a best self-tanner for beginners, this is it. It’s low stakes because you can start with just one or two drops