Summertime is knocking on our door, meaning everyone is going to be scrambling to achieve that perfect summer glow. But you don’t have to spend hours lying under the sun. Self-tanning products can help you get that perfect sun-kissed look. If you are feeling skeptical, just give us a second to tell you why.
Self-tanning is all the rage on Black beauty TikTok. While the beauty procedure might be thought of as something only white people do, Black women are shoving that belief to the side and sharing their favorite products at every price point that help them achieve the perfect bronzed look ahead of their upcoming summer vacations and events. From those willing to splash cash to those balling on a budget, here are Black TikTok’s top recommendations for self-tanning products.
Budget Friendly and Bougie Options
@rockyrawse Self Tanner for the Black and Brown Babes
Top 3 Tanners:
@JergensUS “Natural Glow” I use Deep Bronze
Just like makeup, self-tanners can come in a range of prices, and beauty influencer Rocky Rawse has a guide on the top three tanners that will get you looking right.
If you don’t want to spend too much, Rawse recommends Jergens Natural Glow, which costs an average of $16. However, if you don’t mind splurging a little more, Bondi Sands is the perfect mid-range option. Coming in at an average of $25 to $30, it also features the largest shade range. Finally, if you are the type to go big or go home, St. Tropez Supreme Violet is the high-end brand Rawse recommends, coming in at an average of $50-60.
Look At The Results
@beingcrystalnicolee Replying to @(CCE) Dej whoever said tanning isn’t for black people… I just want to talk
#tanning #darkskin #blacktiktok #selftan
Now that you know some of the top recommended brands, let’s take a look at the results in case you are still skeptical about whether self-tanning is flattering.
Content creator Crystal Nicole could not get enough of the even glow she received on her first attempt at self-tanning. Having opted for the budget-friendly option, Jergens Natural Glow, Nicole stepped out looking like she had just returned from a tropical island and was in awe of how great it turned out.
“Whoever conditioned us that tanning is not for darker-skinned girls, I’m coming for you,” she said as she showed off her skin’s dewy transformation.
In the comments, folks were desperate to go out and try it for themselves.
“Which product did you use? I need that asap,” wrote one user.
“You know what, it looks really pretty! Like you have a golden hue radiating from your already beautiful skin. Goddess vibes fr,” added another.
Another Sunkissed Transformation
@kamgregory Replying to @Matt Samuels time for the TAN REVEAL
!!! AHHH what do we think!? using @sttropeztan ultra violet olive tan @sephora #selftan #tanning #blackgirlmagic #beautytips
♬ BIRDS OF A FEATHER OFFICIAL INSTRUMENTAL – Dan Swift Del Rey
Beauty influencer Kam Gregory was another Black woman shocked by how great her self-tan worked. Having opted for the high-end option with St. Tropez Supreme Violet, Gregory was impressed with how even the tanner made her complexion.
“Girl, I did not expect this,” she said. “In all honesty, I did not apply that well and it still isn’t uneven or streaky. I really think all the Black girls need to be doing this because who was going to tell me my melanin would look this good? I’m literally going to Turks in two weeks, but it looks like I already came back. Who said Black girls can’t tan?”
Just as they were in Crystal Nicole’s comments, folks on TikTok were amazed at how well the self-tanner worked.
“You sold it to me on my way to the store rn,” wrote one user.
“I came here to see the results and OMG!! I said to myself that you are already beautiful and no need to tan but this just put that extra icing on the cake!! BEAUTIFUL,” exclaimed another.
How To Apply A Self-Tanner
@alexandriadotcom Yes, self-tanning is for us too
Now, before you rush out to buy and slap the self-tanner on like any old lotion, content creator @Alexandriadotcome has great tips on the best way to apply it.
While you can use a mitt to self-tan, Alexandria recommends nitrile gloves because they do not absorb as much product as a mitt would. However, it does mean that you will have to rub the self-tanner in a little more to make sure you don’t walk out of the house looking streaky.
Also, you want your skin to be completely dry, exfoliated and shaved before beginning the tanning process. You also want to make sure you give the self-tanner the time it needs to work. For example, if the bottle says six hours, make sure you let it sit on your skin for the entire six hours—no more and no less. For this reason, Alexandria recommends self-tanning in the evening so you can ensure you have the time you need before heading outside.
Next, when it is time for your first rinse, it is important to ensure that you don’t step out of the shower until the water runs crystal clear. Every shower following your first rinse and until the tan fades should be very gentle with no excessive scrubbing. Otherwise, that tan will very quickly disappear. Lastly, Alexandria notes that it is important to keep your skin moisturized because the products can make your skin feel drier than usual.
There you have it—that is everything you need to know about self-tanning. Now all you need to do is pick up a bottle and go be your best bronzed self.
