Self Tanners and Tanning Lotions
A tan – whether it's a subtle golden glow or a deep bronze – always makes us feel more attractive, even like we're on vacation! For some, it’s something they can’t live without, even in the middle of winter! To achieve that perfect glow all year round, self-tanners are the ideal solution, giving you a sun-kissed look without any sun exposure, even in the winter. Plus, choosing a self-tanner over sunbathing offers a major health benefit: you avoid the prolonged sun exposure needed for a deep tan, sparing your skin from UV damage like melanomas, sunspots, and premature aging. If you can’t resist the sun and love lounging on a deck chair, always remember to use SPF – and to get a quick, even tan, pair it with a good tanning lotion that stimulates your skin to produce melanin. At 50 ml, we’ve picked out the best self-tanners and tanning lotions: discover how to get glowing skin with top-quality ingredients from Coola, Esthederm, Bakel, St. Barth, CBN, and many more!
How to Choose the Right Self Tanner
There are a few common mistakes we pay for... on our skin! Even though a good body scrub can fix almost anything, showing up with the wrong shade of tan for your skin can be a real disaster – especially before an important event. The first step to getting a flawless tan with a self-tanner is picking the right product. So here’s how to choose the perfect self-tanner for you, foolproof!
Application Area:
- Body Self Tanner. Ideal for an even tan all over, this type of self-tanner is applied to large areas like your back, stomach, hips, and legs. Its formula hydrates your skin while giving it a sun-kissed glow.
- Face Self Tanner. Specifically formulated for the delicate skin on your face, this product gives a natural tan without clogging pores. It’s usually lighter to avoid that dreaded orange look, ensuring an even finish even for sensitive skin.
Product Type:
- Self Tanning Cream. Perfect for dry skin, the creamy texture offers instant relief to dehydrated skin while gradually building color. It’s easy to apply with your hands or a mitt, giving you precise control over how much product you use.
- Bronzing Drops. These highly concentrated drops are either liquid or slightly viscous, and are perfect for mixing with your daily moisturizer to gradually build up a natural, even tan.
- Self Tanning Spray. Great for quick, even application, self-tanning sprays are easy to apply and can reach tricky areas like your back or the backs of your legs. It dries quickly, making it perfect when you're short on time and want immediate results.
- Self Tanning Mousse. With a light, foamy texture, self-tanning mousse is easy to apply and absorbs quickly, penetrating deep into the skin for a smooth, streak-free tan. Ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a quick, foolproof application.
Skin Tone:
- From Fair to Medium Skin Tones. If you have fair or very fair skin and want to achieve a medium tan, the best approach is to build up your color gradually. Start with lighter shades and then move on to medium ones. If you want a deeper tan, follow the same steps: start light, then go darker to give your skin time to adjust, ensuring a natural, even result.
- From Medium to Dark Skin Tones. If you have a medium skin tone and want a deep tan, go for an intermediate self-tanner from the get-go to bring out your skin’s natural golden undertones. But don’t overdo it – it’s always better to start with a little product and build up the color over time.
- From Dark to Very Dark Skin Tones. If you have a darker complexion and want to even out or intensify your tan, go straight for an intense self-tanner. It’ll make your skin darker, but also more radiant and even. Again, less is more, so be careful not to apply too much product or too frequently!
How to Apply Self Tanner
Whether you’ve chosen a cream, liquid, mousse, or spray, self-tanner requires some tricks for the application to ensure a smooth, streak-free tan. Here are the golden rules for applying self-tanners like a pro:
- Test it on a hidden area first. To avoid any mishaps with the color or shade, it’s always best to test your self-tanner on a less visible part of your body, like an area of your arm you can cover with a sleeve or the inside of your thighs. Apply the product and let the color develop before taking a shower to make sure it’s the right fit for your skin tone.
- Shower and exfoliate. The only way to avoid streaky color is to prep your skin properly before applying self-tanner. Start with a good wash: choose the best Shower Gel for your body and the most suitable facial cleansers for your needs. Follow up with a Body Scrub to remove all dead skin cells, especially on drier areas like your ankles, knees, elbows, and knuckles, where self-tanner tends to stick and cause darker spots. If you want to, now’s also the time to shave any areas that will come in contact with your “bottle tan.” If you’re already a regular user of a Facial Scrub, feel free to use it now – otherwise, don’t start now!
- Dry off and moisturize. Pat your skin dry and then apply a body moisturizer: focus on the drier areas. Do the same for your face: after drying it off, apply your usual Face Moisturizer. If you have light hair or eyebrows, protect them by applying a layer of cream to avoid any accidental coloring from the tanner.
- Cover your hands. Hands tend to absorb more product than other areas, so cover them while applying to avoid any excess that could leave them streaky. Don’t worry – we’ll apply self-tanner to your hands at the very end.
- Apply in long strokes. After prepping your body and hands, it’s time to get to work: start applying your self-tanner in long, sweeping motions, massaging it in thoroughly to ensure the product is evenly distributed, with no streaks or excess build-up. Work the product in with light, vertical strokes.
- Remove excess product. Wipe off any excess product in the rougher areas where the color tends to stick (like elbows and ankles). Use a brush to blend these delicate areas and smooth out any uneven spots.
- Let it develop. Follow the instructions on the packaging and allow enough time for the color to fully develop for a gorgeous, intense or subtle tan, but most importantly, an even one without streaks. Wait at least 20 minutes before getting dressed to avoid staining your clothes. Don’t get your skin wet while the tan develops!
How to Maintain Your Tan
Now that you've achieved your perfect tan, it's important to keep it looking even and radiant for as long as possible. Follow these two golden rules:
- Cleanse well, but don’t over-exfoliate. Use a good cleanser to remove dirt, impurities, and dead skin cells. This will keep your skin fresh and ready to absorb the next layer of self-tanner evenly. But avoid harsh exfoliants that can ruin your tan. This way, you won’t wash away your “at-home glow”!
- Moisturize and wear SPF. Choose a great moisturizer for your skin type and use it daily to keep your skin hydrated and your self-tan looking flawless. And remember, your faux tan doesn’t replace sunscreen! Make sure to apply SPF every day to protect your skin, especially on exposed areas like your face, neck, and hands!
What is Tanning Cream and How to Use It
Not to be confused with self-tanners, tanning lotions are products that stimulate the production of melanin, ensuring a longer-lasting, more even tan. If you don’t want to give up a natural tan under the sun, these melanin boosters are the way to go: apply them regularly to all areas of your body about ten days before sun exposure to effectively prepare your skin for UV rays. Remember, however, that tanning lotions don’t replace sunscreen!
50 ml Recommends: The Best Self-Tanners and Tanning Lotions
- Esthederm Gel-Creme Self-Tanner Hydra Boost. If you’re looking for a perfect tan and super hydrated skin, this gel-cream is your new best friend! Its sensorial formula works for all skin types, both face and body, giving you a natural, golden glow that lasts up to 7 days. It deeply hydrates, brightens your skin, and leaves it soft and radiant. Get ready to glow after just one application!
- Darling Tan Activator. Darling’s Tan Activator is the perfect lotion to prep your skin for the sun. With aloe vera and calendula, it nourishes and hydrates, while stimulating melanin production. The scent of Monoi de Tahiti is irresistible, and the formula is both vegan and cruelty-free!
- Coola Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum. Want a golden glow without the sun? Yes, please! Coola’s Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum gives you a natural, long-lasting tan. Plus, the anti-aging formula, enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, works wonders on fine lines and wrinkles. Use it alone or mix it with your favorite moisturizer for an even more customized result!
- Bakel Pre Sun Emulsion. Get your skin ready for tanning with Bakel’s Pre Sun Emulsion. It contains mauritia oil and antioxidants that not only help you get a deep tan but also protect your skin from sun damage. It’s perfect for glowing, healthy skin!
- Esthederm Sun Sublimation. Want to keep your tan glowing like the first day? Esthederm’s Sun Sublimation cream is perfect for already tanned skin. It enhances your natural color while keeping your skin soft and hydrated. A must-have for those who want to maintain their summer glow!
Self-Tanners and Tanning Lotions: What 50 ml Customers Are Saying
- Coola Sunless Tan Dry Oil Mist. “I love this spray! It gives me a super natural tan without that annoying orange tint. It’s so easy to apply and leaves my skin glowing and hydrated. Perfect for when I don’t have time to sunbathe!” - Sara, 29 years old.
- Exy Self Tan Mousse. “This is my favorite mousse! It goes on really well and doesn’t feel sticky at all. The tan develops gradually without streaks. Plus, it leaves my skin moisturized and soft. A product that does it all!” - Luca, 35 years old.
- Coola Gradual Tan Firming Lotion. “This lotion gives me such a beautiful golden color and leaves my skin super soft. The Pina Colada scent is so amazing, it makes me feel like I’m on vacation every time I use it!” - Martina, 42 years old.
- Sun Bum SPF 15 Tanning Oil. “This oil is fantastic! It not only gives me a beautiful golden tan but leaves my skin silky smooth. Plus, protecting your skin with SPF while you tan is just the best!” - Elena, 30 years old.
- Ecooking Self Tanning Drops. “These self-tanning drops are genius! I mix them with my regular moisturizer and voilà – a natural tan in no time. They’re perfect because I can adjust the intensity depending on the look I’m going for.” - Giulia, 37 years old.
50 ml has handpicked the best self-tanners and tanning lotions to help you achieve a natural, golden glow. But we’ve got plenty more on our online shop: After-Sun, Sun Protection, top-notch Face Care and Body Care products. If you’re a niche perfume lover, make sure to check out our expertly curated selections of Women’s Perfumes, Men’s Perfumes and Unisex Perfumes! Explore the secrets of 50 ml: sign up for our Newsletter! We can’t wait to see you!
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