I’m Black and I Spray Tan: Here's Why You Should Consider It
Spray tans and self tanner were never on my radar, I’m a dark skin girl after all. But, my interest piqued when my roommate invited me to tag along on one of her routine trips to the tanning salon. I couldn’t resist the idea of a UV-free summer tan all year round.
Out of pure curiosity of what a spray tan would look like on my skin, I stripped down and headed into the tanning tent. I always thought that any enhancement to my naturally deep complexion would end up doing nothing or looking orange, so my expectations were low. When my tan was complete, I looked in the mirror and was pleasantly surprised with how glowy and sun-kissed I looked – it was like a real-life Instagram filter.
Since then, spray tans became a regular part of my beauty routine, particularly in the winter when my skin tends to look ashy and dull. The goal isn’t to make my skin darker, but to enhance my natural skin tone. I choose a shade close to my natural skin tone and it helps to even out my complexion, blur any imperfections, and gives me a natural glow.
With the right maintenance, a spray tan can last up to 10 days. So if you’re a dark-skinned gal like myself and are curious about spray tanning or even at-home self tanner, here are my favorite tips for getting the most out of your spray tan.
PRE-TAN
To prep my skin, I use an oil-free body scrub to exfoliate any dead skin to give the tanning solution a smooth canvas. One of my favorites is the Pixie Glycolic Body Peel ($24). Since they advise you not to use lotion on the day of your spray tan, I like to slather my body in Nivea Crème ($7) the night before to keep my skin hydrated until the next day. Pro tip: Lotion your body while damp from the shower to lock in moisture!
If you’re planning to wax or shave before your spray tan, make sure you leave at least a 48 hour buffer or the tanning solution might irritate your skin.
If you’re using sunless tanner at home, follow these same steps. You’ll also want to make sure you have a tanning mitt in your arsenal so your hands don’t get messy. Most at home tanners gradually get darker, so go in thin layers and try not to overdo it.
POST-TAN
With the right maintenance your tan can last up to 10 days. Make sure to follow the instructions for the particular spray tan or self-tanner you go with – that may include no showers for a few hours. Also, avoid deodorant because the formula can interfere with the tanning solution. Instead, apply baby powder to sweat-prone areas to prevent sweat (and odor).
When it’s time to shower, use lukewarm–not hot–water and avoid oil-based skincare products as they can fade your tan. Try to shave and exfoliate as little as possible until after your tan fades, as each time scuffs away the surface of your freshly tanned skin and will make it fade faster.
GLOW FROM HOME
During quarantine, I decided to experiment with self-tanners to see if I could achieve the same glow from home. If I ended up looking like an Oompah Loompah, then at least no one would see me. Here are three brown-girl approved self-tanners:
The self-tanners I choose have to do three things: give me a luminous glow, blur imperfections, and not have an odd smell. The St.Tropez Extra Dark Bronzing Mousse ($44) checks all three boxes. It’s also hydrating, lightweight, and super easy to apply. The formula allows you to choose how deep you want your tan. Rinse it off after four hours for a dark tan and after eight hours for an extra dark tan. It looks super natural (you will not look orange) and you get a whole bottle for the cost of a single trip to the tanning salon!
Another favorite of mine is the Vita Liberata Body Blur ($55). I picked it up after Jackie Aina gave it rave reviews on her Youtube channel. It’s a body tint that instantly smooths skin and gives a natural-looking glow. It’s perfect for newbies who aren’t ready to commit to a week-long tan or hours of drying time.
In the summer, when I’m naturally tanned and don’t need the extra boost of color, I like the NARS Monoi Body Glow ($59). It’s a bronzy, shimmery body oil that gives a striking, but natural, glow. It’s perfect for elevating a night out look.
Now that you’ve got your tan on, make sure to protect yourself with SPF and enjoy the glow Would you try a spray tan or self tanner? Comment below!
