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Home • Beauty

Have A Golden Summer With These 12 At-Home Self Tanners

Give your melanin a bronzing boost this summer.
Have A Golden Summer With These 12 At-Home Self Tanners
By Jailynn Taylor · Updated June 13, 2022
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It’s the latest craze on Tik Tok, and for a good reason. Black girls are bronzing their melanin this summer. If you aren’t into sitting out in the sun or need results ASAP, a self-tanner should be on your radar. You may be thinking, what can self-tanner do for me? If you look at your skin in the winter versus the summer, you may notice your complexion isn’t as vibrant. Using a self-tanner will take your lusterless skin back to its original regency.

Here’s a quick rundown on what you need to know about self-tanner. You’ll want to start with a clean and exfoliated base, so remove all makeup, lotion, deodorant, etc. Also, ensure you shave before tanning, as shaving or exfoliating after applying can remove your tanner quicker. Use a mitt or gloves to apply the tanner so you don’t risk staining your palms. Allow the tan to process as recommended, but be careful not to transfer the product on sheets or furniture. It’s best to set aside clothing designated for self-tanning. When it’s time to remove the product, wash thoroughly with just water. If you are unsure of application and removal, it should be listed on the product. Just have fun with it, and the tan will fade in a few days if you make a mistake.

The market is flooded with at-home tanning options. ESSENCE rounded up the ones you should have on your radar for sunkissed melanin.

01
01 Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse, Deep Bronze

Why bake in the sun when you can get that same glow in just 60 seconds of using Jergens Natural Glow.

Available at Walmart
11.74 Shop Now
02
02 Bronze Tan Dark Moisturizing Self Tanning Mousse and Self Tanner For Fair to Medium Skin Tones Salon Quality Vanilla Scented

Get that sunkissed glow without the sun damage.

Available at Walmart
19.99 Shop Now
03
03 BaliBody Self Tanning Mousse

No orange hue here—BaliBody products give you that natural summer glow.

Available at BaliBody
29.95 Shop Now
04
04 St. Moriz Professional Instant Dark Self Tanning Lotion

If you want that streak-free deep bronze St. Moriz Professional Instant Dark Self Tanning Lotion is a top candidate.

Available at Target
14.99 Shop Now
05
05 Tanologist Express Tan Water

If you want that tanning salon finish, then look no further.

Available at Ulta
19.99 Shop Now
06
06 b.tan too tan to give a damn

It’s in the name. Do we need to say more?

Available at b.tan
14.99 Shop Now
07
07 SOL by Jergens Self Tanner Body Bronzer, Sunless Tanner For All Unique Skin Tones

Jergens lotion meets your favorite at-home tanner.

Available at Walmart
12.95 Shop Now
08
08 Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam

Australians do tanning best, so this product is worth all the hype.

Available at Ulta
24 Shop Now
09
09 Luna Bronze Total Eclipse Express Tanning Mousse

Need sunkissed skin ASAP? Luna Bronze Total Eclipse Express Tanning Mousse develops in just one hour.

Available at Revolve
43 Shop Now
10
10 St. Tropez Self-Tan Luxe Whipped Crème Mousse

St. Tropez Self-Tan Luxe Whipped Crème Mousse self-tanner is a cult favorite amongst tanning regulars.

Available at Sephora
48 Shop Now
11
11 b.tan i want the darkest tan possible

B.tan’s i want the darkest tan possible is no joke.

Available at b.tan
14.99 Shop Now
12
12 Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Bundle

This bronzing bundle is the whole package to create that summer glow.

Available at Coco & Eve
46.90 Originally $73.90 Shop Now
TOPICS:  beauty bronzer summer
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