Below, an edit of self-tanning solutions that deliver a sun-kissed bronze to brown and Black skin tones.
Isle of Paradise Drop, Blend, and Glow Bundle Green
For deeper-skinned girlies, these self-tan drops are the easiest route to a post-vacay bronze. Squeeze a few drops (founder Jules Von Hep’s magic number is between 2-6) into your facial and body moisturizers, respectively, and use the plush kabuki brush to buff it in for a top-shelf glow. They’re easy and effective, perfect for beginners and advanced users alike, and loaded with skin-nourishing ingredients, so ashy limbs will never be in your future.
Dolce Glow Acqua Hydrating Face Mist
This is one of celebrity artist Isabel Alysa’s fave products from her line, and who are we to argue with J.Lo’s tanner? I use it just like a regular face mist by pumping out a few refreshing spritzes. (I prefer rubbing it in though the instructions say it’s not needed.) I manifest Mallorca as I wait for the hue to develop, and a few hours later, I look like my Spanish sojourn is already underway.
Whind Marrakech Sun Instant Glow Tinting Water
Whind is a beautiful Moroccan skincare and fragrance brand that recently released these drops powered by a botanical alternative to DHA, the chemical responsible for the fake tanning process. The M.O. is the same: simply mix them in with your moisturizer. I love the subtle bronzing that reveals itself the next day.
Jergens Natural Glow Ultra Deep Instant Moisturizing Self Tanner
Tanner and educator Maria Michelle’lee gives this product her vote for being a “beautiful color for deeper skin tones.” Its airy, mousse-like texture helps it go on buttery smooth, and you can layer to build intensity as needed.
Paula’s Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA
It’s impossible to talk about self-tanners without talking about skin prep products. This one is an O.G. I think of it as liquid sandpaper—in the best way, of course! Its 10% concentration of AHAs sloughs off the top layer of dead skin effortlessly and with no irritation, making it a must-have if you’re a tanning newbie. This way, you don’t have to live with any patchy tans which are an inevitable part of a beginner’s fate.
U Beauty Resurfacing Body Compound
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more luxurious body exfoliator, and to be honest, I don’t know why anyone would even try. In this product is a blend of exfoliating acids with hydrating compounds, and if you slather your limbs with it a day before you tan, the resultant bronze will be the smoothest, most flawless coloring you will achieve.
Fig. 1 Beauty All Over Oil
Boosted by Vitamins A, C, and E and squalane, this is the Goldilocks of body oils. It has enough heft to actually lubricate, but sinks in quickly to leave no oil slick. Topping a successful tan with this is a recipe for optimum beach body.
