I don’t know about you, but personally, I think there’s nothing like enjoying a mai tai at the beach with your skin looking like the sun personally favors you. Just happier, more relaxed, and oh baby, a whole lot tanner.
Unfortunately, the sun can be devastatingly damaging to our skin. So, for a sun-touched glow that won’t expose you to skin cancer and other health-related concerns, a sexy fake tan is the way to go.
But, with dark skin, finding a self-tanning formula that favors your skin tone can be daunting.
Most drugstore options are pretty much geared towards light/medium skin tones. Yes, black and brown queens yearn to look like fierce golden goddesses capable of harnessing all the universe’s powers, too.
Black girls. Pay attention to this tweet.
✨Start using self tanner this summer and thank me later✨
It’s what celebrities (ex: Kelly Rowland & Kerry Washington) use on the red carpet to get that glowy skin on the body
Hides little *imperfections* like scars and KP
— Tiara Willis (@MakeupForWOC) April 14, 2022
So, to save you the disappointment and headaches you’ll get searching for melanated skin-flattering tanners, we compiled seven of our favorite dark skin tone-intended self-tanners – that’ll have the haters wondering where you got the streak-free tan without jetting off to the Caribbean.
Let’s dive in.
St Tropez Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse, $44
Want to travel to the tropical beaches of St Tropez without begging your cousin for air miles? Get this self-tanning option from St Tropez.
Specifically formulated for melanin-rich skin, the formula will give you a healthy, radiant glow that will make even the most generous person green with envy (in this case, orange with envy).
I havent tried a self tanner that works well with dark skin yet but I told the gworls about @StTropezTan’s bronzing mousse. its chef’s kiss 🤌🏿✨
(no edits 👇🏿) https://t.co/hLs28MaXrT pic.twitter.com/tUPRXlNV7I
— FOLA ✨ (@FOLAhontas) April 26, 2022
Top Tip: Be sure to apply with a mitt for streak-free results.
Bali Body Gradual Face Tan, $32
If you like a more gradual effect when it comes to tanning, this refreshing gradual tan from Bali Body is perfect for you. It is packed with deeply hydrating antioxidants and nourishing oils, making it ideal for anyone looking for a luxe, self-tan experience.
The best part?
It applies clearly and doesn’t transfer onto fabric, so your sheets will be safe even after application.
Plus, it doubles up as your facial moisturizer, meaning you can apply it over the rest of your nighttime skincare products to achieve that morning, natural arm glow.
Bondi Sands Ultra Dark Aero Aerated Self-Tanning Foam, $26
This ultra-dark tanning dream from Bondi Sands should be a skincare staple in your beauty arsenal. The formula, which develops in six to eight hours, contains skin-doting ingredients like vitamin E and jojoba oil for maximum hydration, which helps prolong the lasting power of your tan.
The self-tanning foam also smells like summer (a delicious coconut scent that reminds you of the tropical beaches), which is why most melanated queens can’t stop singing its praises.
Fake Bake Flawless Darker, $24
Hot Girl Summer just got extra steamier, thanks to this self-tanning dream from Fake Bake.
Whether you slap it on for a beachy night out with the girls, pack it for your summer baecation, or slather it on for a sexy photo op, the cult-favorite tanner will make your skin glisten and glow all day long.
Vita Liberata Body Blur, $27.45
If you’re looking to get that smooth, even-toned, Instagram-filter-like look on your arms and legs, get yourself this pick from Vita Liberata.
Though the shea-butter infused formula won’t deepen your skin tone like other self-tanners, it’s a dream if you want your age spots, cellulite, hyperpigmentation, and sunspots to have an evened-out, airbrushed finish.
Charlotte Tilbury Supermodel Body Slimmer Shimmer, $65
Not looking to darken skin but want all the summery glowy goodness? Grab yourself a tube of this incredible dark skin tones self-tanner.
Don’t fret. It isn’t the horrific, tragic type of body glitter. It’s some sensual moisturizing, tightening formula that you apply with a calming meal massager that dispenses a radiant glow to your complexion.
Bonus Tip: Be sure to apply to your arms, back, and décolletage for an instant, body-flattering bronzy finish.
Fenty Beauty Body Sauce Luminizing Tint, $48
Another #Hot Girl Summer staple, this tint from our favorite billionaire applies like a dream, imparting a natural-looking glow.
Its world-class ingredients, Babassu oil, and vitamin E score maadd points for being humidity, sweat, and transfer-resistant. Thanks, Riri.
Top Tip: For seamless application, use the Face & Body Kabuki Brush. It’ll give you that radiant, lit-from-within effect you’ve always wanted to rock on your Hot Girl Summer days!
Watch:
@heyitsayeyi Y’all I am shook, we been missing out😫 #selftanner #darkskin #hyperpigmentationtips #blackgirltiktok #blackgirlluxury
and
@fittimaaa the process! #PrimeDayShowPJParty #naturalglow #blackgirltan #foryourpage #melaninmagic #evenskintone #melanin #darkskin #selftanning
Are we self-tanning this Summer ladies? Comment below!
