Self tanning lotion isn’t just a winter thing some of us want that glow all year. I’m naturally tan, but even I start looking a little pale when I’ve been stuck inside too long or haven’t worn a dress in weeks. Nothing wrong with it, but sometimes you just want to feel a little more glowy. If you’ve got a date coming up, going out with friends, or just want that extra glow for yourself, this DIY self tanning lotion is perfect. It’s made with natural ingredients, super hydrating, and actually leaves your skin looking warm and bronzy not orange or weird.

This natural self tanning lotion takes just a few minutes to make and gives you that bronzy look without weird smells or streaks. Plus, it’s good for your skin.

Does Self Tanning Lotion Really Work?

Yes! This one gives more of a bronzy tint than a full-on fake tan, so it’s perfect if you’re just trying to enhance a natural tone or add some glow. It won’t stain your skin like self tanners with DHA, but it does give a nice temporary color that builds a little the more you use it.

A few tips:

Exfoliate first if you want a smoother finish. Dry patches soak up more color.
Start with a small amount and build up especially around knees, elbows, and ankles.
Let it soak in before getting dressed (maybe like 10–15 minutes).
You can adjust the cocoa powder to make it darker or lighter depending on your skin tone.

Self Tanning Lotion

Makes around 2 ounces

Ingredients

1/2 cup coconut oil
2 tablespoons shea butter
1/2 tbsp (or more) cocoa powder – or mica powder if you prefer
5 drops essential oils (optional try vanilla, lavender, or orange)

How to Make It:

1. Whip the shea butter

Use a hand mixer or just a spoon and some arm strength to get your shea butter nice and creamy.

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2. Add the coconut oil

Pour in the coconut oil slowly while whipping, until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

3. Add your tint

Mix in your cocoa powder or mica powder a little at a time. Start with 1/2 tbsp and go from there. The mixture should look darker than you want don’t worry, it won’t apply that dark.

4. Add essential oils (Optional)

If you want a nice scent, now’s the time to add those essential oils. Mix one last time and you’re done!

5. Put it in a jar

Scoop your whipped tanner into a clean glass jar or container with a lid.

Notes:

Cocoa powder gives a deeper tan look than mica, but both work!
The final lotion should look darker than the effect it gives. You can test a little on your arm and adjust as needed.
Apply it like you would a lotion on clean, dry skin and give it a few minutes to soak in before putting on clothes.
Reapply every couple of days to keep that glow going.

That’s it! A natural self tanner that gives glow without chemicals or weird orange undertones. I love using this before a night out or when I need a quick confidence boost. Let me know if you try it!

Self Tanning Lotion

Print Recipe

A whipped, moisturizing self tanning lotion made with coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa powder for a natural sun-kissed glow without chemicals. Makes 2 ounces.