In the past, I've always assumed fake tan products weren't for me. When I was a teenager, I religiously watched the The Only Way Is Essex and Made In Chelsea cast wearing their ultra-bronzed tans, which only cemented that belief. Self tan was only marketed towards one demographic: white people.
But as a Black woman with Trinbagonian and Ghanaian heritage, I always look forward to achieving a sun-kissed tan whenever I go back home. Here in the UK, the harsh lack of sunshine means that I’ve now lost my tan from back in the summer, and I’m eager to get that healthy glow back. Recently, I've been inundated with TikTok-approved self-tanning hacks and benefits – so I thought why not try it?
Today, tanning brands are becoming more inclusive with their marketing – so I’m intrigued. When I told my mum that I was interested in trying fake tan to get my summer glow back, she laughed in disbelief: “You don’t need fake tan!” Believe me, a year ago I would have said the same thing. But I want to dispel the narrative that fake tan isn’t for Black skin. As a beginner self tanner, I’m keen to get a radiant glow and even out my complexion – but most importantly to see if they really work on Black skin.
But… where do I even start? “Self tan affects the top layer of your skin, which renews itself every seven days, so preparation is the most important step for a flawless self-tan,” Nicola Matthews, founder of Sienna X, tells me. She adds: “start by exfoliating your skin at least 24 hours before application, focusing on all areas, especially those prone to dryness, like hands, elbows, knees, and ankles.”
Since I'm keen to achieve that healthy glow I'm so used to after a summer spent back at home, I wonder if there's anything else I can do to get that gleam. Melanie Brownlow, founder of St. Moriz, adds: “my biggest piece of advice for getting that sun-kissed glow is to always layer your self-tan with illuminating products, such as body oils or shimmers – particularly in winter, as our skin is typically more dull and dry. It’s all about creating a radiant finish, that sense of a natural glow from within.”
Armed with my new knowledge, I sought out the best self tanners that claim to cater to Black skins, and gave them a serious test. Here's my verdict…
Caribé Tanning Mousse
Caribé is reclaiming the cyclical narrative that self tanning isn't for Black people. Female and Black-owned, the brand was created to cater to People of Colour who didn't feel represented by other tanning brands. The tanning mousse is available in two shades – Medium C94 and Deep C60 – both make undertones of melanated skin a priority. I chose the shade Medium C94.
As a self-tanner novice, I happily found that the instructions were succinct and easy to follow. I was surprised at how moisturised my skin felt after application, and loved the tropical scent of the formula (it basically smells like holidays) – but even better was the radiant finish it left on my skin. I left it on for the recommended four hours, and am happy to report there was zero stickiness… does it get any better?
My natural-looking ‘tan’ lasted me a week, and evened out my complexion nicely – I rate it 10/10.
Bondi Sands Technocolor 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam
I didn't know what to expect with this one. But actually, I was super impressed that the fast-drying formula gave me glowing skin in just 60 minutes, adding that warmth that I’ve been missing. Keen to get the best out of one application, I left it on for the recommended three hours and I’m so glad that I did – as it enhanced my golden undertones amazingly.
I also love that this formula is available in four different undertones, which feels really inclusive (I tried the shade Caramel). The only downside was that the tanning mousse left some slight staining on my clothes. Although I was really impressed, I do wish this tan lasted longer – but it's still a great one to use if you’re a beginner. I rate it 8.5/10.
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops
This handy drop formula promises that I'll be able to customise my tan – which majorly appeals. I mixed 2-3 drops of the self-tanner (shade Dark) into my moisturiser, and watched my skin develop a subtle glow.
At first, I was apprehensive about how my skin would react to this formula… but after seeing the glowing results (and receiving plenty of compliments), I was sold. Not only does it smell like summer in a bottle, it also fares well under my makeup – giving me that dewy-bronze finish that I like.
Personally, I think this is an underrated gem that every Black girl needs to try – I rate it 9/10.
