I NEVER tan past a certain color or shade. It’s just stops getting darker no matter what. Real sun, any tanning bed. It isn’t even a very dark tan. I’m still very pale. Nothing worked. I decided to try Melanotan 2. I read good things online. Got my first order. Waited to tan outside before using it to set a base. Then ok day one, I was on a cruise ship in the middle of the Atlantic, lots of sun, and it brought out my color way faster and darker than ever. I’m a forever customer. My freckles darkened, but nobody even notices. It’s a fair trade for the nice dark tan I am finally able to obtain…and I’m not exposed to the sun as much. Win win! Affordable as well in my opinion. Love it!!!