Q & A :: Sun Labs Sunless Tanning Lotion

Summer-like weather is finally here! Hooray! 

Because everyone is wanting to get a bronzed bod back, I’ve been getting so many questions about my little safe tanning secret, Sun Labs Tanning Lotion. To avoid answering the same questions several times, I just decided to write this Q & A post.

I have been using Sun Labs Instant Tint Lotion for about a year now and anyone who knows me will say I’ve basically been the brand’s spokesperson for the year. Haha! I am constantly recommending it to everyone! It is such a great product, and I have been anti-tanning bed ever since.

I know the color seems scary but you just gotta go for it! :) When you pump it onto your skin, just keep rubbing it in. It will even out.

I never used to like sunless tanning lotions because nothing would ever give me the same color that I would get from a tanning bed. So once I found one that gave me the same color as a bed would, there was no need for them anymore. The color that this product gives you is like a summer tan in mid-July :)

–By the way, I’m not some sunless tanning guru. I just love this product and get questions about it all the time.

What is it?

Sun Labs Sunless Tanning Lotion is an INSTANT TINT! There is no gradual build up which I love because I can’t stand waiting 5 days just to slightly see some color. Gradual lotions are the safe route, but don’t expect to see great results with it. Initially looking at the product is kind of terrifying, I know. But if you want great results, you have to be willing to take the risk :)

Where do I get it?

I always buy from Amazon. I’ve had really good luck with the stores there and shipping is always super fast. When buying from Amazon, or any other store, you really have to take the time to make sure you’re getting the product you’re looking for. SunLabs has several different products. The three most popular are: the exfoliate, the tanning lotion, and the maintainer.

The exfoliate is pretty much the same as any sugar or salt scrub that you probably already have lying around the house from 3 Christmases ago. The purpose of this step is to remove any dead skin so that when the color is applied, it will look as even as possible.

The maintainer is a product that is meant for using between lotion applications to keep the color looking fresh. I’ve found that the gradual tanners are a good replacement for the maintainer. Sometimes I don’t even use a tinted lotion in between applications but it definitely helps your color stick around longer.

I don’t spend the extra money on the exfoliate or the maintainer.

How often do you apply it?

This varies for me, as it will for everyone else. There is no specific time when someone should or shouldn’t apply it. Basically, I apply it when I feel pale. Most of the time that ends up being once every week/week and a half. In the summer, when I’m more likely to be in a pool or lake, I will have to use SunLabs more often like once a week. And sometimes I just use it on my hands or my feet.

How much do you use?

Again, this just depends on preference. I put it on just like I would any lotion. You have to be careful though around areas that tend to be dry (elbows, knees, inside of wrists, etc.) You will learn how to apply it in a way that looks most natural, and even when it doesn’t look perfect, it’s not really that noticeable.

Do you put it on your face?

Yes, I do. However, I apply much less than anywhere else. It doesn’t take much, and remember you can always add more.

Do you use gloves to apply it?

Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t. I think the color holds longer and just looks better when I don’t use gloves but that obviously leaves a brown mess on my hands. If you have the time to clean your hands off properly (which I’ll get to in a minute), it’s absolutely worth it to not use gloves. Times when I’m in a hurry, I use gloves. It does the job but I feel like the lotion just doesn’t stay as long.

How do you get the color off of your hands?

Don’t knock this method until you try it because as you can see in the photo, this is like magic. After applying SunLabs to my whole body without gloves, my palms look pretty bad. I like the tops of my hands to be tan but no body likes orange palms. The solution is to take a dark washcloth, wet half of it, and on the wet side, place a little bit of hand soap and a little bit of whitening toothpaste. Fold the washcloth so the two mix a bit and begin scrubbing your palms. You can quickly see the lotion coming off of your palms. You may have to add more soap or toothpaste to clean them completely and don’t forget to scrub between your fingers!

Does it wear off blotchy? 

I’ve seen the color wear off in some places before others, but for the most part it fades evenly. I know that it’s time to reapply when I feel pale again :)

Final Thoughts:

• I know the color in the bottle is scary but you just have to go for it. I can’t say I guarantee you’ll love it because everyone is different but chances are if you love being tan, you’ll love this product. If you’re really scared of the color, just try it on your legs first.
• Keep in mind that the color continues to darken for about 4 hours.
• I normally buy DARK. The last time I ordered, I guess I accidentally got MEDIUM (shown in photo).
• Also, props to the brand for sending product to a bunch of YouTube beauty gurus for review. Great way to get your product recognized.

I hope this helps answer some of your questions/concerns. If I forgot anything let me know in the comments below.

Happy safe tanning!

Chelsea