Lying out in the sun and tanning is one of my favorite summer activities. Using oils and lotions can help you get a fresh tan quickly. There are also self-tanners you can put on for rainy days or when you just don’t have the time to lie out for hours.
It can get expensive to buy a bunch of products to try until you find the perfect one. Some self-tanners can leave a streaky look, while oils may not work at all.
In this era of TikTok where most product videos are commission-earning advertisements, it can be hard to trust whether a product actually works or not.
I have looked into the most popular and well-rated products, so you do not have to waste hundreds on products that do not work.
If you have a trip coming up or just want to lie by the pool, use this guide to help you get your best tan this summer.
Hawaiian Tropic
Alix Earle has been the face of Hawaiian Tropic this summer.
I personally love this sun tan oil. I use it every year, and it gives me the perfect tan. It has a very smooth texture with a fresh beachy coconut scent. I also love the squeeze bottle; it makes the application process very easy and mess-free.
The reviews of this product are very high. Most people say that they get tan quickly while using it, and it is very moisturizing for their skin.
There aren’t a lot of negative reviews, but some people reported that they burn too easily while using the product. It is an oil with no SPF, so you must wear sunscreen underneath.
Some people have also complained that they changed the formula or the scent, and it is not as good as the 1970’s version.
| Key Ingredients: Cocoa Butter, Aloe Vera, and Coconut Oil |
Carroten
This Carroten sun tanning gel has gone viral on TikTok over the last few years, and I can see why.
Reviews claim this product gives a nice glow to your skin and enhances your tan. It leaves a temporary bronze color on your skin to give a tint while you lie in the sun.
Some negative reviews say that it stains bathing suits and clothing, so beware of that while using it. Other people do not like the texture of it. It has a thick, oily consistency, which may not soak well into the skin. This can cause things like sand or dirt to stick to you while tanning outside.
Besides that, it seems to work very well and gives a nice glowing tan.
| Key Ingredients: Carrot Oil, Coconut Oil, Sesame Oil, Walnut Extract |
Maui Babe
The Maui Babe Browning Lotion has been mistaken for a self-tanner, with reviews saying it does not work. However, this is a tan accelerator that requires sun exposure to progress.
Similar to the Hawaiian tropic reviews, people claim this browning lotion gives a quick tan and leaves your skin feeling moisturized.
Browning lotions are meant to give you the quickest possible tan by enhancing the skin’s reaction to UV rays.
Maui Babe uses natural oils to keep your skin moisturized in the harsh sun conditions.
Some negative reviews say this product smells bad, almost like a soy sauce or coffee, which is off putting.
| Key Ingredients: Mineral Oil, Kukui Nut Oil, Cona Coffee Extract, Aloe Vera, Vitamins A, C, E, and Potassium Iodide |
Australian Gold
Similar to the Maui Babe product, this Australian Gold tanning spray preps your skin for dark development while protecting your skin from harsh UV rays and wind.
Consumers say this spray leaves a very even and dark tan across the body. If you have trouble getting a tan and always burn, this product may be perfect for you. People say it adds instant color without burning them.
The most consistent negative comments mention that the spray application can be difficult, messy, or the spray gets jammed and stops working. It also seems to stain clothing like the other products, so keep it away from other fabrics.
| Key Ingredients: Tea Tree Oil, Olive Oil, Aloe Vera, Panthenol, Vitamins A, E, and Kakadu Plum |
Loving Tan
This next product is a self-tanner that is meant to develop in 2 hours. Loving Tan has different tanning time options with one product that gives you a tan in only 10 minutes.
This brand has become very popular due to its great quality and quick development. People like that it leaves a natural-looking tan and doesn’t feel sticky as compared to other self-tanners.
Some have reported that it leaves streakiness or gives them a skin reaction. When using this type of product, it is important to follow the correct steps and test the product on a small portion of your skin before applying it to your entire body.
| Key Ingredients: Dihydroxyacetone, Erythrulose, Aloe Vera, Black Walnut Shell Extract, Panthenol, and Witch Hazel |
Bondi Sands
Bondi Sands is another popular self-tanner because of its smooth application and beachy coconut smell. It is considered a very affordable option.
Reviews claim this product is special because it goes on dark enough that you don’t miss any spots. However, it washes off, leaving behind a natural tanned look.
While it does seem to work well, consumers of this product recommend going with a darker color to ensure it makes a noticeable difference in your skin tone.
| Key Ingredients: Dihydroxyacetone, Erythrulose, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, and Botanical Oils |
St. Tropez
This final self-tanner from St. Tropez is another great option.
The reviews of this express tan say it goes on very easily and smoothly, and some people got a tan darker than they have gotten before by using this product. Consumers have said it is so natural that it looks like they were just tanning in the sun.
It does have green undertones, so some people do not think the color suits their skin, which is something to be aware of.
| Key Ingredients: Dihydroxyacetone, Erythrulose, Glycerin, Hylaronic Acid, Jojoba Oils, Coconut Oils, Vitamin E, C, and Dimethyl Isosorbide |
Tanning Tips
For these products to work properly, you need to follow the correct steps to get the perfect tan.
When using oils, lotions, or gels to tan in the sun, use these tips:
- Apply sunscreen of at least 30 SPF under any other products to avoid damaging or burning your skin.
- Reapply products every 2 to 4 hours.
- Pay attention to the UV index. Tanning when the UV is between 6 and 10 will give you the quickest results.
- After lying in the sun, apply moisturizing lotions or after-sun to keep your tan longer.
When using self-tanner, use these tips:
- Research the undertones of your tanner to confirm it will work on your skin tone.
- Exfoliate and cleanse your skin very well before applying your tan to get rid of dead skin.
- Shave all areas where the tan is going.
- Apply a thin layer of moisturizing lotion on your body and wait 30 minutes before applying self-tan.
- Wear baggy clothes while the tan develops to avoid streaks.
- Moisturize daily to keep the tan intact.
It is important to follow these steps so you end with an even tan and protected skin. If you have existing skin conditions, do deeper research on products to ensure it does not break you out.
