How to Make Your Own Self Tanner

Last Updated: February 19, 2022

All out of self-tanner? Now you're thinking to yourself, "I don't have the money to spend on self tanner!" Well now you can make it at home! This self tanner lasts through 4 days, even after bathing! So keep reading if you want to learn how to make your own self-tanner!

Things You'll Need

Eyeshadow Method

Any plastic container with a lid (old makeup container, tupperware, etc.)
Eyeshadow or bronzer that is the color you want the tanner to be
White lotion
(optional) White sunscreen
A spoon

Tea Bag Method

Small spray bottle
Hot water
10 black tea bags

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Eyeshadow Method

1
Put the eyeshadow or bronzer into your container. You can use the end of the spoon if it needs to be scraped out.
2
Add the lotion. The more you add, the lighter the tanner will turn out.
- Optional: Add the sunscreen. If you want to put in sunscreen, then you should lessen the amount of lotion you use.
Advertisement
3
Mix it all up. If you are not satisfied with the color, then add more eyeshadow or lotion, depending if it's too light or too dark.^{[1]
X
Research source}
4
Gather your supplies.
5
Heat up the water.
6
Put the tea bags in the water and wait for them to steep. Don't put anything else in it!
7
Pour the tea into the spray bottle.
- You'll notice that the tea is a dark brown color.
8
Go onto the grass and spray 5 to 10 inches (12.7 to 25.4 cm) away depending on the strength of your sprayer in order to apply.
- It might be drippy, so you'll have to wait a couple minutes after you spray it, and lightly dab it.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Tea Bag Method

1
Gather your supplies.^{[2]
X
Research source}
2
Heat up the water.
3
Put the tea bags in the water and wait for them to steep. Don't put anything else in it!^{[3]
X
Research source}
4
Pour the tea into the spray bottle.
- You'll notice that the tea is a dark brown color.
5
Go onto the grass and spray 5 to 10 inches (12.7 to 25.4 cm) away depending on the strength of your sprayer in order to apply.
- It might be drippy, so you'll have to wait a couple minutes after you spray it, and lightly dab it.

Community Q&A

Question

Can it be a face cream or does it have to be a lotion?

Community Answer

You can use face cream as well. It'll help if it's not an oily face cream.
Question

Will the tan just be temporary and will it go away after you rinse it off?

Community Answer

A self-tanner washes away gradually, usually after 4-5 days depending on how vigorously you scrub in the shower. It should fade completely after a week, at most.
Question

Do I have to wash it off after applying it?

Community Answer

No, you don't need to wash it off, although you should dab off any drips.