3 Ingredient DIY Self Tanner

Longing for the glow of sun-kissed skin? Want it without exposing yourself to harmful UV rays or slathering chemicals on your body? No problem—this DIY self tanner can give you an envy inspiring glow year round. Oh, and did I mention that this is a natural self tanner DIY recipe? 😉

How would you describe your skin? If words like pasty, pale, and practically transparent come to mind, all I can say is same. In fact, that’s basically the story of my life! Well, at least it was until I came up with this DIY self tanner.

Normally, in my day-to-day life as a busy working mom, my verging-on-transparent skin isn’t a problem, but every now and then I like to look, you know, not like a ghost. It was those times that had me wondering how to make self tanner at home.

Figuring out how to make self tanner was pretty much my only option. See, even when I can get some sun, I can burn easily, which, side note, is why I came up with this homemade sunscreen recipe and this homemade sunburn relief cream.

And chemical based store-bought self tanner is just not an option. My skin is way too sensitive for that! But that’s okay because homemade self tanner can be just as good, if not better! 🙂

(Plus, come on, I’m way too frugal to be springing for tanning bed or spray tanning sessions!)

Learning how to make self tanner at home not only saves me money (yay!) but also allows me to control exactly what I’m putting on my skin. As you’ll see, this natural self tanner DIY recipe is not only not bad for my skin … it’s actually good for it, thanks to ingredients like the frankincense essential oil!

If you use quality ingredients, follow my “homemade self tanner tips,” and apply this self tanner properly (a little goes a long way!), this DIY self tanner will leave you with an envy-worthy sun-kissed glow for pennies! In fact, I would say its only flaw is that it is not a DIY self tanner that doesn’t wash off; in other words, it isn’t waterproof.

WARNING: While I love this natural self tanner DIY recipe, it will not protect you from UV rays. For that you need sunscreen, like these homemade sunscreen lotion bars, which not only protect but also nourish skin!

DIY Self Tanner Ingredients

1 cup unscented good quality lotion
1 to 2 tablespoons of baking cocoa
8 to 10 drops frankincense essential oil (optional)
Small Mason jar (or airtight glass container)

Homemade self tanner tip: Make sure you use a quality lotion. To ensure you get a natural product consider making your own homemade lotion. Just leave out any essential oils to get an unscented homemade lotion!

DIY Self Tanner Directions

1. Add baking cocoa to lotion and mix well, ensuring you break up all the chunks. This is what gives the DIY self tanner color, and if you do not break up the chunks the coloring will not be even!

Homemade self tanner tip: Use a food processor or stand mixer.

2. Optional: Add frankincense essential oil.

Homemade self tanner tip: Frankincense essential oil is a great addition to this DIY self tanner because it has antiseptic, anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It will fight off acne causing infections, if it can’t prevent them from happening in the first place, and soothe inflamed skin. Frankincense essential oil also has astringent properties that can make pores appear smaller.

3. Scoop homemade self tanner into a jar, seal, and store in a cool dry place.

Apply DIY Self Tanner

1. In the shower, use an exfoliating scrub to remove any dry dead skin.

Homemade self tanner tip: Try a homemade sugar scrub like these matcha green tea and mint sugar scrub bars or DIY microdermabrasion paste.

2. Pat skin dry.

3. Gently rub a small amount (a light layer) of the DIY self tanner onto your skin. Since this is a natural self tanner DIY recipe, it is safe to use on your face!

4. Allow the DIY self tanner to dry completely before getting dressed.

Homemade self tanner tip: Since this is a natural self tanner DIY recipe (meaning it doesn’t contain chemicals and additives), it will run if it gets wet. I repeat, this is not a DIY self tanner that doesn’t wash off! So, if you’re heading to the pool or rain is in the forecast, skip this DIY self tanner for the day.

Guess what? You now know how to make self tanner at home!

As a final note, two other skin related concerns I’ve heard a lot of women voice and that I have experienced myself, include stretch marks and signs of aging. Now, these are signs that you’ve lived so don’t be afraid to wear them proudly. However, if you do want to try to reduce the appearance, there are homemade beauty products that can help:

• Homemade Stretch Mark Cream
• Homemade Anti-aging Night Cream

What do you think of this DIY self tanner recipe? Did you try it? Did you make modifications? Share your experience and feedback in the comments!

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DIY Self Tanner

Active Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Want to give your skin a sun-kissed glow without the expusre to harmful sun rays or chemical filled products? No problem! Whip up a batch of this DIY self tanner, which requires just a few minutes and 3 ingredients!

Print

Materials

• 1 cup unscented good quality lotion
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking cocoa
• 8 to 10 drops frankincense essential oil (optional)
• Small Mason jar (or airtight glass container)

Instructions

1. Add baking cocoa to lotion and mix well, ensuring you break up all the chunks. This is what gives the DIY self tanner color, and if you do not break up the chunks the coloring will not be even!
   
   Homemade self tanner tip: Use a food processor or stand mixer.
2. Optional: Add frankincense essential oil.
   
   Homemade self tanner tip: Frankincense essential oil is a great addition to this DIY self tanner because it has antiseptic, anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It will fight off acne causing infections, if it can’t prevent them from happening in the first place, and soothe inflamed skin. Frankincense essential oil also has astringent properties that can make pores appear smaller.
3. Scoop homemade self tanner into a jar, seal, and store in a cool dry place.

Notes

To use:

1. In the shower, use an exfoliating scrub to remove any dry dead skin.

Homemade self tanner tip: Try a homemade sugar scrub like these matcha green tea bars or microdermabrasion paste.

2. Pat skin dry.

3. Gently rub a small amount (a light layer) of the DIY self tanner onto your skin. Since this is a natural self tanner DIY recipe, it is safe to use on your face!

4. Allow the DIY self tanner to dry completely before getting dressed.

Homemade self tanner tip: Since this is a natural self tanner DIY recipe (meaning it doesn’t contain chemicals and additives), it will run if it gets wet. I repeat, this is not a DIY self tanner that doesn t wash off! So, if you’re heading to the pool or rain is in the forecast, skip this DIY self tanner for the day.