The best tanning oils: our favourites and SPF tips
The best tanning oil is one that nourishes your skin and gives it a glow while you lie in the sun, with an SPF that matches how long you stay outside. At Boozyshop you will find tanning oils with SPF 6, SPF 15 and SPF 50. Below we put our favourites side by side: what is in them, how they differ and when to choose which one.
What does a tanning oil do?
A tanning oil is a body oil for use in the sun. It mainly consists of plant oils, such as grape seed oil, coconut oil and almond oil. They make your skin supple and give it a glossy finish, so your colour looks deeper. Many tanning oils also contain a sun filter, but often a low one.
A tanning oil is not the same as a self-tanner. You use a tanning oil in the sun, while a self-tanner colours your skin without sun. In what is the difference between tanning oil and self-tanner you can read more about that difference.
Is a tanning oil enough protection?
That depends on the factor. A tanning oil with SPF 6 or SPF 15 does not protect your skin enough for a whole day in the sun. So use that kind of oil together with a sunscreen with a higher factor, or choose a tanning oil with SPF 50. Always reapply after swimming, after towelling off and when you are outside for a long time.
Our favourite tanning oils
Bali Body Watermelon Tanning Oil SPF50
The Watermelon Tanning Oil SPF50 is the one to choose if you are outside for a long time or have fair skin. It combines SPF 50 with grape seed oil, coconut oil, almond oil, watermelon extract and vitamin E. The filters protect against UVA and UVB. The oil smells of watermelon and is vegan.
Bali Body Watermelon Tanning Oil SPF15
The same watermelon oil with a lower factor, for when your skin already has some colour. It contains grape seed oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil and vitamin E. If you want even less filter, there is also a version with SPF 6. Always combine that one with a sunscreen.
Bali Body Cacao Tanning Oil SPF15
The Cacao Tanning Oil SPF15 is made with grape seed oil, coconut oil, olive oil and cocoa powder. Choose it if you prefer cacao to fruit. The factor is the same as the Watermelon SPF15, so here too you add a sunscreen when you spend a long time in the sun.
Bali Body Pineapple Tanning Oil SPF15
The Pineapple Tanning Oil SPF15 has a pineapple scent and contains grape seed oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, pineapple extract and vitamin E. It is vegan and has filters against UVA and UVB.
Not a fan of oil? Bali Body Shimmering Tanning Gel SPF15
If oil feels too greasy for you, the Shimmering Tanning Gel SPF15 is an alternative. It is a gel with SPF 15, beta carotene and carrot extract. It contains shimmering particles, so your skin gets an instant glow.
How to use a tanning oil
- Scrub your skin the day before, so your colour turns out more even.
- Apply the oil to dry skin before you go into the sun.
- With SPF 6 or SPF 15, also use a sunscreen with a higher factor.
- Reapply after swimming and towelling off.
- Apply a body lotion after sunbathing.
Rather tan without sun?
If you want colour without lying in the sun, choose a self-tanner. The Bali Body 1 Hour Express Tanning Set is an easy start: a self-tanner, a mitt for scrubbing and a mitt for applying.
You will find all tanning oils in the tanning oils, and the whole range in the tanning collection.