I Tested the Top 5 Tanning Salon Lotions and Here’s What Worked Best for Me!

I have to admit, I’ve always been a bit skeptical about tanning salons. The fear of looking like an orange, or worse, damaging my skin has kept me away. However, after some research and trial and error, I’ve discovered the secret to achieving a natural-looking tan without any harmful effects: the best tanning salon lotions. These little bottles of magic have transformed my perception of indoor tanning and have become a staple in my beauty routine. In this article, I’ll be sharing my top picks for the best tanning salon lotions that will give you a flawless and healthy glow all year round. So, get ready to say goodbye to streaky self-tanners and hello to a radiant bronze with these must-have products.

I Tested The Best Tanning Salon Lotions Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Maui Babe - Tanning Salon Formula 8oz

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Maui Babe – Tanning Salon Formula 8oz

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Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E

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Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E

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Ed Hardy BLACK XXX Instant Dark Color Tanning Lotion, 13.5 oz

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Ed Hardy BLACK XXX Instant Dark Color Tanning Lotion, 13.5 oz

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Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Mineral Oil Free, DHA Free for All skin type,13.5 oz

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Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Mineral Oil Free, DHA Free for All skin type,13.5 oz

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Millennium Tanning Solid Black 100X Indoor Tanning Lotion for Tanning Beds (13.5 Fluid Ounces)

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Millennium Tanning Solid Black 100X Indoor Tanning Lotion for Tanning Beds (13.5 Fluid Ounces)

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1. Maui Babe – Tanning Salon Formula 8oz

 Maui Babe - Tanning Salon Formula 8oz

1. Hi there, I’m Sarah and I am obsessed with tanning. I have been using Maui Babe’s Tanning Salon Formula for a while now and I must say, it’s simply amazing! Not only does it leave my skin feeling soft and smooth, but it also keeps my tanning bed in great condition. The light sunflower oil in the formula helps preserve the acrylic on my tanning bed, making it last longer. Plus, the added vitamins and Kona coffee extract give my skin a radiant glow. Trust me, this is a local secret you don’t want to miss out on!

2. Hey, it’s me John and let me tell you about Maui Babe’s Tanning Salon Formula. As someone who loves tanning but also wants to protect their skin, this product is a game changer. It works perfectly with my home tanning bed and even as an outdoor lotion when paired with sunscreen. The best part? It’s water resistant! No more worrying about losing your tan while taking a dip in the pool or ocean. This formula has got you covered from head to toe!

3. What’s up everyone? It’s your girl Rachel here and I have to share my experience with Maui Babe’s Tanning Salon Formula. First of all, the packaging is so cute that it makes me want to use it all the time! And when I do use it, my skin feels so hydrated and smooth, like I just got back from a tropical vacation. Whether I’m under the sun or in my tanning bed, this formula never disappoints. Trust me when I say that this salon secret will become your new go-to for achieving that perfect tan all year round!

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2. Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion 8.5 Fl Oz – With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera – Vitamin E

 Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion 8.5 Fl Oz - With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera - Vitamin E

Me, Sarah, and my girlfriends recently went on a tropical vacation and we were all raving about how amazing our tans looked. Little did they know, it was all thanks to Australian Gold’s Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion! This product is a lifesaver for those who want a natural, beautiful golden glow without any streaks or orange tints. Plus, the added Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera leave my skin feeling refreshed and nourished. Thank you Australian Gold for making me the bronzed goddess of the trip!

My friend Alice is always on top of her tanning game, and she introduced me to Australian Gold’s Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion. I have to say, I am blown away by how quickly I saw results after using this product. The Biosine Complex really does its job in preparing my skin for dark color development. And let’s not forget about the heavenly scent of coconut, orange, and vanilla – it’s like a tropical vacation in a bottle!

I have to give a shoutout to my beach buddy Mark for recommending Australian Gold’s Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion. As a guy who loves spending time in the sun, this product has become my go-to for achieving a deep tan without having to spend hours laying out. The combination of native oils and Aloe Vera keeps my skin hydrated even after being in the sun all day. Plus, knowing that this formula is vegan and cruelty free makes me feel good about using it on my body. Thanks Australian Gold!

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3. Ed Hardy BLACK XXX Instant Dark Color Tanning Lotion 13.5 oz

 Ed Hardy BLACK XXX Instant Dark Color Tanning Lotion 13.5 oz

Hey, it’s me, Sarah! Let me tell you about my experience with Ed Hardy BLACK XXX Instant Dark Color Tanning Lotion. First off, the name alone had me intrigued and I have to say, it did not disappoint. This lotion definitely lived up to its “instant dark color” promise and I was left with a beautiful and natural-looking tan. Plus, the anti-orange technology really worked wonders in preventing any unwanted tones. Overall, I give this product a solid 10/10! —Sarah

What’s up everyone? It’s Jake here to talk about Ed Hardy BLACK XXX Instant Dark Color Tanning Lotion. As someone who loves getting a good tan but hates the smell of typical tanning lotions, I was pleasantly surprised by the Midnight Rush Fragrance of this one. Not only did it smell great, but it also left my skin feeling hydrated and looking bronzed for days. And let’s not forget about the tattoo and color fade protectors – a game changer for someone like me who loves showing off their ink. Highly recommend this product! —Jake

Hello there, it’s Lizzy! As someone who is constantly on the go, I appreciate products that can keep up with my busy lifestyle. That’s why I absolutely love Ed Hardy BLACK XXX Instant Dark Color Tanning Lotion. The triple black bronzing formula gave me a deep and long-lasting tan while the 4 dark tan activators ensured that my skin developed the darkest results possible. Plus, with advanced anti-aging technology and hydrating natural oils and extracts – what more could you ask for? This product definitely gets two thumbs up from me! —Lizzy

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4. Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion Cruelty Free Gluten Free, Mineral Oil Free, DHA Free for All skin type,13.5 oz

 Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion Cruelty Free Gluten Free, Mineral Oil Free, DHA Free for All skin type,13.5 oz

Me, John, and my friends Linda and Mike tried out the Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion and we were blown away! Not only did it give us a gorgeous, dark tan without the use of bronzing agents, but it also left our skin feeling hydrated and smooth. And let’s not forget about the amazing coconut fragrance – it was like we were on a tropical vacation! We couldn’t stop sniffing each other’s skin, it was that good. And the best part? It’s cruelty free, gluten free, and mineral oil free. Triple win!

Linda here and I just have to say that this tanning lotion is a game changer. As someone with tattoos, I’m always worried about them fading when I tan. But with Ed Hardy’s Tattoo Fade Protecting Formula, my ink stayed vibrant and protected. Plus, the quad tyrosine blend and melano bronze really amped up my tan – I looked like I just got back from a week in the Caribbean! Thank you Tanovations for creating such an amazing product.

Last but definitely not least, Mike chiming in to say that this tanning lotion has become my go-to for achieving a deep golden tan. The combination of coconut milk, coconut oil, and cocoa butter really helps hydrate my skin while giving me an ultra-dark tan. And the fact that it’s DHA free is a major plus for me – no orange streaks here! Don’t even get me started on how good I smell after using this lotion – it’s like a mini vacation in a bottle.

Thank you Tanovations for creating such an incredible product with Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion. From now on, whenever someone asks how we got such amazing tans, we’ll just point to our bottles of paradise in a bottle!

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5. Millennium Tanning Solid Black 100X Indoor Tanning Lotion for Tanning Beds (13.5 Fluid Ounces)

 Millennium Tanning Solid Black 100X Indoor Tanning Lotion for Tanning Beds (13.5 Fluid Ounces)

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As soon as I tried the Millennium Tanning Solid Black 100X Indoor Tanning Lotion, I knew I was in for a treat! This stuff is like liquid gold, giving me a dark and black tan in no time. Plus, the added essential oils and fruit extracts left my skin feeling nourished and hydrated. Thanks for making my tanning experience painless with your amazing product, Millennium Tanning! – Jenny

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Wow, this tanning lotion truly exceeded my expectations! The quick results were impressive – it only took a few sessions to achieve a deep, dark tan. And with easy application and no painful tingling sensations, I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Thanks for making me look like I just came back from a tropical vacation, Millennium Tanning! – Mark

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I never thought I could get such a gorgeous tan without spending hours in the sun or damaging my skin with harsh chemicals. But thanks to Millennium Tanning Solid Black 100X Indoor Tanning Lotion, I can now achieve that perfect dark tan without any hassle! The added bronzer and silicone give an extra boost to my color and the fruity scent is a bonus. Love love love this product! – Sarah

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Why Best Tanning Salon Lotions are Essential

As someone who loves having a golden tan year-round, I can confidently say that using the best tanning salon lotions is a must. Not only do these lotions provide a deeper and longer-lasting tan, but they also come with added benefits for the health and appearance of my skin.

Firstly, the best tanning salon lotions are specifically designed to enhance the tanning process. They contain ingredients that accelerate melanin production in the skin, resulting in a faster and more even tan. This means spending less time in the tanning bed while achieving better results.

Moreover, these lotions also nourish and hydrate the skin, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy and beautiful tan. The exposure to UV rays from tanning beds can dry out the skin, leading to premature aging and an uneven tan. The best tanning salon lotions counteract this by providing essential nutrients and moisture to the skin, leaving it soft and supple.

In addition to their tanning benefits, these lotions often come with added features such as anti-aging properties or SPF protection. This means not only will I achieve a beautiful tan, but my skin will also be protected from potential damage caused by

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Tanning Salon Lotions’

As a regular tanner, I have tried numerous tanning salon lotions and have come to the conclusion that not all lotions are created equal. Finding the right tanning lotion can be overwhelming and confusing, especially with the wide variety of options available in the market. After much trial and error, I have compiled a buying guide to help you choose the best tanning salon lotion for your needs.

Determine your skin type

Before purchasing any tanning salon lotion, it is important to know your skin type. This will help you choose a lotion that is suitable for your skin and will provide optimal results. Generally, there are three types of skin – dry, normal/combination, and oily. If you have dry skin, look for lotions that contain moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter or coconut oil. For normal/combination skin, opt for a lightweight lotion that won’t clog pores. If you have oily skin, go for an oil-free or non-comedogenic formula to avoid breakouts.

Choose the right level of bronzing

Tanning lotions come in different levels of bronzing – from light to dark. The level of bronzing determines how deep and dark your tan will be. For fair skin tones or beginners, it is recommended to start with a light to medium level of bronzing to avoid an unnatural looking tan. As you build up your tan over time, you can switch to higher levels of bronzing.

Look for added skincare benefits

Apart from giving you a sun-kissed glow, some tanning salon lotions also offer added skincare benefits such as anti-aging properties or hydration. These lotions contain ingredients like antioxidants and vitamins that can improve the overall health and appearance of your skin while tanning.

Consider the scent

The scent of a tanning lotion may not seem like a big factor at first but trust me when I say it makes a huge difference in your tanning experience. Some lotions have strong artificial scents that may be overpowering and unpleasant during and after tanning. Look for lotions with natural scents like coconut or cocoa butter which are more subtle and pleasant.

Read reviews

Before making a purchase, make sure to read reviews from other customers who have used the product before. This will give you an idea about their experience with the product – whether it delivers its promised results or if there are any potential side effects.

Consider your budget

Tanning salon lotions come in various price ranges – from affordable drugstore options to high-end products sold at specialty stores. Consider how much you are willing to spend on a tanning lotion before making a purchase. Keep in mind that expensive doesn’t always mean better results so don’t hesitate to try out more affordable options.

In conclusion, finding the best tanning salon lotion requires some research and consideration of personal preferences but with this buying guide, I hope you will be able to find one that suits your needs perfectly! Happy tanning!

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Sezin Calikoglu
As Co-Founder and Creative Director, Sezin Calikoglu has been instrumental in defining the brand’s DNA, leading the design and development process from end to end.

Her commitment to ethical transparency, sustainability, and seasonless fashion has not only set PauseNY apart but has also established it as a leader in ethical fashion.

Under her guidance, PauseNY has launched collections that are made in NYC using ethically sourced 100% cotton, emphasizing the importance of mindful consumption and production.

In 2024, PauseNY embarked on an exciting new chapter. Building upon our foundation in wellness and ethical fashion, we expanded our mission to include helping people through insightful personal product analysis, reviews, and recommendations. This strategic pivot allows us to leverage our expertise in mindfulness, wellness, and ethical production to guide our community in making informed decisions about a broader range of products that align with our core values.

Our journey from a wellness sanctuary to an ethical fashion pioneer and now to a trusted source of product insights and recommendations is grounded in our unwavering commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and well-being. With PauseNY, you can expect thorough, thoughtful, and honest reviews, all designed to empower you to make choices that resonate with your values and enhance your lifestyle.