Men’s Tanning Lotion and Self Tanners

Let’s face it. Just like women, men are also fond of tanning.

For many youngsters out there, a wonderful summer holiday is about getting the perfect tan. After all, who doesn’t want a wonderful tanned body that enhances our confidence and inner strength?

If you are a man searching for ways to get an amazing tanned look, this article is for you. I have here the reviews of best tanning lotion for men.

Unlike the earlier days, the demand for dedicated self tanner for men has increased tremendously. You can find a lot of products on the market. Needless to say, one is bound to be confused.

But I can guarantee that we have you covered!

Here is the list of our top recommended products:

Why Men Shouldn’t Use Normal Tanning Lotion

I have to tell you this. Normal tanning lotions are made for women. The ingredients are different so is the final results.

This means men have to go for tanning lotions which are formulated just for them. Why? Let’s find out the reasons below:

Making the perfect choice

Not all skin types and textures are the same, and so are the varieties of tanning lotions in the market. Whether you are looking at indoor or outdoor tanning options, a lotion is the safest bet for men before getting into a tanning bed or soaking some sunlight. Not only does the right type of lotion nourish your skin and give you a darker tone, but it will also protect it from skin cancer.

Men’s skin needs care too!

However, with a tough texture and skin structure which is 25 percent thicker than women, guys need to be extra careful when choosing the right product. The level of skin pigmentation is another factor which makes men’s body different from the other gender.

Hence while looking at tanning lotions for themselves, guys need to make sure that it suits their skin type and texture. A thicker skin tone would definitely require a quicker and long-lasting tanning solution.

Fragrance is everything

Though seemingly small factors, the texture of the lotion also counts, along with the fragrance. While a flowery smelling lotion may seem a great choice for ladies, the same wouldn’t be a good option for the opposite sex.

Take it smooth!

Who would want to go out looking like they just had a bottle of oil poured all over? Using the right lotion with a non-greasy texture could just save you the trouble.

Prevent skin damage

Based on their requirements, men can choose tanning products which come with bronzers, accelerators or sunscreen. While some with bronzers are perfect for those with a pale complexion, a few, aimed at outdoor use, come with SPF protection.  Below are some of the best-ranked guys’ tanning lotions, to make the decision easier for you.


Best Tanning Lotion for Men: Reviews

Now that you know why using the right kind of lotion is important, let’s check out a few of the best and recommended tanning lotions available on the market.

1. Australian Gold G-Gentlemen: Best Self Tanner for Men

Australian Gold G Gentlemen (check price on Amazon) is our top tanning lotion for guys. I’m sure that you will love this natural lotion. It is destined to give amazing results even for the fairest skins.

What amazed me the most was its performance. I have seen many of my clients getting even tan even after few uses. Moreover, the lotion does not leave you feeling oily or greasy.

It smells great. Yeah, it’s manly; not feminine. The smell is kind of like like cologne. The manufacturer says the product comes with fragrances of Orange, Bergamot, Geranium, Cedarwood, Patchouli, and Moss. Tell you what; the fragrance won’t last for hours. I’m sure this is the biggest relief for most of the guys.

Packed in an 8.5 oz tube, the streak-free tanning lotion for guys offer instant results. Containing natural bronzers, the suntan lotion also protects your tattoos from fading.

Pros

  • Suitable for indoor and outdoor tanning
  • Natural bronzers
  • Quick results
  • Tattoo color shield technology
  • Strong masculine fragrance

Cons

  • No SPF protection

This is our top pick when it comes to men’s tanning lotion and that is for genuine reasons. A great choice for those who also wish to experiment with fragrances, as it comes with a variety of choices.

2. Devoted Creations H.I.M.Titanium bronzer: Best Manly Smell

Our 2nd best tanning lotion for guys also have excellent reviews from its buyers. H.I.M comes neatly packed in a 9 oz slender tube. The highlight of this lightweight lotion is the inclusion of low-maintenance aluminium bronzers. For men looking at quick and more long-lasting tanning options, this would be the best pick. Check H.I.M. bronzer’s price on Amazon.

The bronzer tanning lotion with avocado extracts protects the skin from sunburns or other irritations. Standing out from most lotions which give out a flowery or after tan sunburnt smell, HIM’s Oriental Black Cashmere scent is another plus, making it likable among women tanners as well.

The lotion is very strong when it comes to performance. It moisturizes your skin awesomely. It is also non-greasy, which makes tanning an enjoyable experience. Even after you take shower, your skin will be soft; such is the fantastic effect of this tanning lotion.

Pros

  • Contains aluminium bronzer which helps in achieving a quick and long-lasting tan
  • Avocado extract protects skin from sunburns
  • A more masculine smell
  • Non-greasy
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Not the best option for outdoor tanning
  • Not suitable for some skin types

If you’re looking for a tanning lotion that can give a strong manly smell, H.I.M is the one you should choose. This is a fantastic lotion that can give you quick tanning results.

3. Supre Smoke Bronzer: Most Bought

Supre Smoke (check price on Amazon) is a tanning lotion that works well for both men and women. The water-based lotion packed in a 10.05 oz bottle comes with a self-acting bronzer, making it a great option for sunless tanning.

With a pleasant smell of pineapple, passion fruit and mango, the lotion won’t give a feminine like smell. It employs oxygen regenerating technology and is designed especially for people with a base tan complexion.

You will get to see the results on the first day itself. We would recommend you to use the lotion at least a couple of days in a week to make maximum out of user tanning sessions. Make sure that you apply it evenly; otherwise, there are chances of streaks.

The lotion is white in color. But don’t get confused. It will make you dark. This is not just my words. Thousands of customers have used it and found it to be amazing.

Pros

  • Unisex tanning lotion
  • Instant and long lasting results
  • Best for both indoor or sunless tanning
  • Oxygen regenerating technology
  • Nice fragrance

Cons

  • May cause streaking
  • May not be suitable for really fair complexions

The highlight of this sunless tanner is that it can be used by both men and women. Its oxygen regeneration technology makes it stand out from the other lotions. With mostly favorable reviews, it is, however, more suited for those with a base tan complexion.

4. New G Gentlemen Advanced Bronzer: Best All-in-all

Just like the earlier men’s tanning lotions, New G is also meant for indoor tanning and is a mix of natural and DHA bronzers. Many people rate it as one of the top men’s tanning bed lotions. Check New G Gentlemen Advanced Bronzer out here (Amazon).

With coconut water as the base ingredient, the product comes in an appealing 8.5 oz black tube. While Coconut water along with Cell Active Complex helps keep your skin hydrated for a longer-lasting deep color, the color guard technology will prevent any tattoos from fading.

The lotion comes in three different choices of colors, the level of bronzers varying accordingly. It is also perfect for a rough skin as it contains an exclusive skin repair blend which improves its appearance.

However, it is not suitable for those looking at sunless tanning, as it does not contain self-tanners.

Pros

  • Pleasant cologne smell
  • Great for rough skin textures
  • Mix of natural and DHA bronzers
  • Tattoo color guard technology
  • Coconut water helps hydrate skin

Cons

  • No self-tanners
  • Suitable only for indoor use

The highlight of this lotion is its choice of colors – blue, gold and black. With mostly amazing reviews for its bronzers and fragrance, it’s also a great choice for those with rough and sensitive skin.

5. XTanner

For guys who are looking at a quick sunless tanning solution, XTanner is the best pick. The tanning lotion works overnight, with the results staying up to 2 weeks. The lotion, which comes with the fragrance of lime and lavender, does not contain any harsh cosmetics.

 There is no problem of getting a fake orange tan as it does not have any bronzers. The tanning lotion for men helps you get the perfect tan without any harmful effects of the tanning bed or the sun.

Pros

  • Sunless tanning
  • Quick and long-lasting results
  • No harsh chemicals
  • Faint yet pleasant smell
  • No fake orange tan

Cons

  • No bronzer
  • Not suitable for indoor or outdoor tanning

Want to achieve that glorious tanned look without spending hours under the sun? With this self-tanning men’s lotion, you can get an effortless tan overnight, which will last for 2 weeks! A wonderful product for those tired of sporting those fake orange tans most lotions give you.

6. Hempz Men Exclusive Black Bronzer

A blend of DHA and Natural bronzer means it is suitable for all complexions. DHA is a sugar-based ingredient that reacts with the skin’s proteins to produce a delayed natural bronze color, with a quicker result. Tattoo color shield technology, which helps in maintaining the color of tattoos in the skin, is another highlight.

Check Hempz Men Exclusive Black Bronzer out here (Amazon)

The men’s tanning lotion also contains an anti-aging multi-vitamin blend with Green Tea and Willow Bark extract. Natural Hemp Seed Oil is another ingredient in the lotion, which acts as a moisturizer as well.

 The suntan lotion for men has also got favorable reviews for its masculine yet pleasant smell.

Pros

  • Contains a blend of DHA and natural bronzers
  • Uses Tattoo color shield technology, using ingredients like aloe and algae
  • Also acts as a moisturizer
  • Contains anti-aging vitamin blend
  • Pleasant smell and non-greasy

Cons

  • Not suitable for outdoors
  • No self-tanner

With a ranking of 4, this is another highly recommended men’s suntan lotion. Great for those looking for a moderate tan. Since it does not have self-tanners, it is best if you use it along with a tanning bed.

7. Beach kings 100X

With coconut milk as the base, the suntan lotion comes packed in a 13.5 oz bottle. Containing natural bronzers, the tanning lotion also acts as a moisturizer. Another highlight is its tattoo shield technology. However, this is more suited for indoor tanning bed use. Check Beach Kings 100X out here (Amazon).

Pros

  • Tattoo shield technology
  • Ultra-dark tanning ingredients
  • DHA free bronzer
  • Paraben-free
  • Moisturizes skin

Cons

  • Suitable only for tanning bed use
  • No self-tanners

This has most of the effects which come with tanning products including paraben-free ingredients which moisturize your skin. With its ultra-dark tanning ingredients, the guys’ tanning lotion is a wonderful choice for those regularly using tanning beds.

How to Buy a  Good Quality Mens Tanning Lotion

So, we have already given a list of the few best lotions you can buy. In case you are still confused about how to select the best one for you, read on:

Things to note

Tanning lotions, similar to gels, oils, sprays, mousse and creams, work by increasing the production of the pigment Melanin in our skin. Lotions are further categorized into indoor, outdoor and sunless.

While there are a number of tanning lotions exclusively available for men, there are a few things one need to note while choosing the perfect one. The slightest mistake could result in overexposing yourself, increasing your risk of skin cancer.

The way to go is to pick one according to your skin texture and complexion. Are you the guy who is desperate for the slightest tan? Then a tanning lotion with ultra-dark bronzers should do the trick.

Reduce risks

How do you plan to get your tanned look? If you plan to soak in some real sunshine, you need to make sure your lotion has SPF protection. SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects the skin against radiation.

While there are products meant exclusively for tanning beds, those who want the easy way out can use sunless tanning lotions. These lotions, which come with their own self-tanners, give you an easy and effortless tan.

The kind of bronzers is also a deciding factor. While some come with DHA bronzers, which react with the skin’s proteins to create a delayed tan, others have natural bronzers.

Those with sensitive skin can choose a product with bronzers which moisturize and hydrate your skin, also reducing the risk of overexposure to UV rays.

How does it feel?

The texture and fragrance of the product matter too. Who would like to use something which leaves them feeling all oily or sticky? Guys wouldn’t want to be caught dead smelling flowery like a girl either, would they?

Some simple tips

Last but not least, take a few necessary precautions. Always exfoliate your skin before applying the tanning lotion.  Apply it at least 30 to 60 minutes before using a tanning bed.

With so many to choose from, taking the right decision may not be easy. If selected wisely, the right kind of lotion would not just give you that sun-kissed glow, but also protect your skin from sunburns, rashes, and other irritations.

They may be expensive; but did you know that using a high-quality tanning lotion can increase your tan by 70 percent! Just follow these simple steps and you are good to go!

Moreover, it’s highly recommended to read our article on best indoor tanning lotion to get a more in-depth idea on buying a good lotion.

Did you Find the Best Self Tanner for Men here?

Men are no different to women when it comes to the craving for a tanned body. But the hardest thing for male tanners is that a good lotion is hard to find- whether it may be men’s tanning bed lotion or an outdoor lotion.

I don’t have to tell you that tanning products enhance and stimulate the body’s natural tanning process. The ingredients in these lotions not just protect the moisture levels in your skin but also allow your pores to open up and increase your UV exposure, but without the harmful side-effects!

I’m sure that you might have found a good men’s tanning lotion from the reviews and buying guide I have provided. Make sure that you include these in your tanning routine to create wonders for you.

So what are you waiting for? Try out your own choice of tanning lotion to get that elusive tanned look!