Kayla Young
If you want to go dark, you’ll need the assistance of a dark tanning lotion. These lotions use specialty bronzers and oils to enable tanners to get an extra dark, extra deep golden tan.
There are several dark tanning lotions on the market, but it can be hard to figure out which one is the best tanning oil to get dark, luminous skin.
In this article, I’ll look at several of the top dark tanning lotions, and discuss the ideal way to get that dark, sun-kissed look.
Contents
Best Tanning Oil to Get Dark
Our Top Choice: Millennium Tanning Products: Dark Tanning Lotion, 100x
Key Points at a Glance
- Darkest Millennium Tanning Lotion
- 100X Technology
- Includes Advanced Bronzers and Moisturizers
- Great smelling, not too flowery or strong
- No sunscreen
- Not waterproof
The Details
The Millennium Dark Tanning Lotion 100X is one of the darkest, most powerful lotions available. It is the darker version of the 50X, which is also a great outdoor tanning lotion.
The 100x is more powerful, with deeper bronzers, and a great scent.
As with many dark tanning lotions, you want to be careful with streaks. The Millennium 100X does include powerful silicone bronzers. These will leave streaks if you don’t massage them into your skin until its dry to the touch.
You really need to apply evenly and don’t go too thick with the oil.
The 100X works great in indoor tanning situations and is really designed for indoor tanning. As I’ve written extensively elsewhere, I’m not a huge fan of indoor tanning in general (spray tan is a better choice).
It’s not as safe as outdoor tanning, and you don’t get as many benefits of tanning from indoor UV Exposure.
The good news is that the 100X solution works just as well outdoors as it does indoors. You just have to remember that this lotion doesn’t contain any sunscreen, and isn’t waterproof.
You’ll need to pair it with sunscreen if you’re getting exposed at a time when the UV Index Forecast is high, and you’ll need to reapply each time you go in the water.
You may not want to use this on your face, or if you do, be careful with it. It will get your face pretty dark.
One nice thing about this tanning lotion is that the smell is pleasant but neutral. It could work for both men and women and isn’t obnoxious. It includes some great moisturizers like argan oil and cannabis seed oil, and will leave your skin feeling wonderful.
The Bottom Line
The Millennium Dark Tanning Lotion 100X is the best tanning lotion to get dark. Whether you’re going to a tanning salon or tanning outside, this one really works. Treat it with care, and massage it in completely.
As long as you don’t try to cut corners when applying the 100X, and you already have a decent base of color, this tanning lotion is an outstanding way to get the dark look.
- Quick Results - Feel a touch of...
- Easy To Use - Rub the indoor tanning...
- Dark & Black Tan - Achieve intense dark...
- Contains Essential Oils & Fruit Extracts...
- Painless Tanning - No need to endure...
Australian Gold Sinfully Black 30x Deep Dark Bronzing Tanning Lotion
Key Points at a Glance
- Powerful Dark 30X Tanning Lotion
- Contains Moisturizers
- Mild scent, no awkward smells
- No sunscreen included
- Not waterproof
The Details
The Aussie Gold Hardcore Black Dark Tanning Lotion is 30X, but that doesn’t mean it won’t produce a dark, sun-kissed tan in short order. All of Australian Gold’s products are consistently popular, and really do a nice job helping all the world get the Golden Sun Kissed Aussie look!
It’s one of the thicker lotions on this list, and it can take a little while to get all of the lotion rubbed into the skin sufficiently.
For the most part, this lotion doesn’t result in a lot of streaking and lines. But as always, be careful in those areas like the hands, feet, and knees.
Be careful when working with this lotion near clothes, towels, and the like. It can leave stains, though they will likely come out in the wash.
This lotion works great both indoors and outdoors at the beach. Just remember you’ll need to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen if you’re going to use this one outside.
The Bottom Line
Australian Gold’s Hardcore Black Dark Bronzing Tanning Lotion is a great choice for those looking to achieve a dark tan, but who want a fairly forgiving lotion.
You don’t need to be ultra-careful applying this (though you should still clean your hands and rub it all in), and you’ll rapidly get a dark, long-lasting tan.
This is the best tanning oil to get a dark, luxurious tan.
- 8.5 oz (250ml)
- Australian Gold Hardcore Black 30x Dark...
Tan Asz U MIDNIGHT BLACK 100X Bronzer
Key Points at a Glance
- Uses silicone bronzers for advanced darkening
- Designed for long-lasting deep color
- Includes vitamin and mineral blend
- Smell is like a jolly rancher but not overpowering
- No Sunblock
- Not waterproof
The Details
Tan Asz U MIDNIGHT BLACK is another 100X Bronzer with powerful silicone bronzers in the mix. This tanning lotion will amp up the darkness level quickly, so you need to be cautious when using it.
If you try to jump from no tan to MIDNIGHT BLACK, you may end up landing more in the orange camp. You should only use this lotion if you’ve already got at least some color on your skin.
This lotion will work both indoors and outdoors, though there are no sunscreens included in the ingredients. You’ll need to apply a sunscreen with this one, should you use it outside.
Compared to some of the other dark tanning lotions on this list, the MIDNIGHT BLACK is less difficult to work with. It isn’t quite as dark as some of the others, but that is balanced with a lower likelihood of lines and staining of the hands, armpits, feet, etc. It’s a bit more forgiving than some dark oils.
The MIDNIGHT BLACK oil lasts pretty long, which is nice. You’ll still see pretty dark color a week after the last use, and perhaps even longer, depending on how you’ve been tanning, and how dark you’ve gone.
It’s not waterproof, so plan to reapply after a dip in the ocean.
The smell on this one is rather sweet, almost like a grape jolly rancher. It is a pleasant smell, but some men may be put off by the idea of walking around, smelling like candy. And some women too, come to think of it!
The Bottom Line
The Tan Asz U MIDNIGHT BLACK outdoor or indoor tanning lotion is an effective, long-lasting tanning lotion that doesn’t achieve the same level of darkness as some of the other lotions on the list, but it does seem to last a good long time.
It also has fewer issues with streaking, lines, and staining than some of the other lotions do. Of course, you should still be careful with it, but it is a little less powerful than some of the other lotions, while still producing a pretty dark look.
Budget Pick: Immoral Black Market 200X Private Reserve Tanning Lotion
Key Points at a Glance
- Powerful 200x darkening lotion
- Tattoo-safe tanning lotion
- Includes moisturizers and vitamins to nourish skin
- No sunscreen included
- Not waterproof
The Details
Immortal’s Black Market 200x tanning lotion has the highest darkening multiplier of any of the lotions on this list. It is tingle-free, but it produces a strong, dark tan after a short time of use.
You won’t need many sessions in the tanning bed with the Black Market!
You should be careful with streaking on this one. Be sure you fully rub in all the lotion, in a circular fashion, in order to avoid streaking and lines.
Also, wash your hands after you’re done applying the lotion, and go light on the armpits, hands, feet, knees, and other spots likely to exhibit streaking.
The smell isn’t overpowering, and it’s not particularly sweet or fruity. It’s a well-balanced scent and is appropriate for both men and women.
You’ll be able to wear this around for a good while before showering after tanning.
The power of the moisturizers in the Black Market 200x is great and will make you silky skin soft feel. The moisturizers, including natural ingredients like tea tree oils, organic aloe vera, and jojoba oil, really make the skin feel nourished and cared for.
This is particularly important after a long tanning session.
As with all the oils on this list today, this lotion will work both indoors and outdoors. Just remember that it doesn’t contain any sunscreen, and it’s not water-resistant. Plan to use sunscreen with it, and reapply after you dive in!
The Bottom Line
The Immortal Tanning 200x Black Market is a good tanning lotion that feels great on the skin, and does a good job darkening you quickly. Despite being 200x, it doesn’t really go any darker than the other lotions on our list.
You should be careful with streaking and lines, and be sure to rub the lotion in completely.
Overall, this is a solid tanning oil for getting dark, bronze tones.
- Ultimate BRONZER FREE and TINGLE FREE...
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- TRUE TAN INTENSIFYING TECHNOLOGY - Helps...
- INDOOR TANNING BED USE / OUTDOOR TANNING...
Somewhere on a Beach Instant Dark Tanning Lotion
Key Points at a Glance
- Uses DHA-free bronzers for a streak-free look
- Includes moisturizers like coconut oil and walnut oil
- Helps to reduce wrinkles and potential aging effects
- Contains no sunscreens
- Not waterpoof
The Details
Somewhere on a Beach is a great name for a tanning product company, and their Instant Dark Tanning lotion is as good as their name! The Instant Dark Tanning lotion features DHA free, streak-free bronzers to help you get that golden tan in a fraction of the time, whether indoors or outdoors.
Just be sure to pair it with sunscreen when tanning outside!
The Instant Dark is not as powerful as some of the other tanning lotions on this list, and is a great choice for those with somewhat fair skin to be able to use from the start. The bronzers don’t produce much streaking (though you should still take care when applying this lotion). Fairly light skin will get reasonably dark pretty fast, but if your skin is already somewhat dark, the Instant Dark may not push you through to the next level.
There really isn’t much of an orange tone to the tan from this accelerator, which is a good thing for those starting with fairly light skin.
The Bottom Line
Each time you use the Somewhere on the Beach Instant Dark, you’ll continue to get darker for a while. However, eventually, you will reach its limits, and you may want to jump to a different tanning lotion.
- Somewhere on a Beach, Indoor Outdoor,...
- DHA-Free bronzers provide streak...
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- Fragrance: Tropical Tantini Product...
Dark Tanning Oil Buyer’s Guide
In this section, we cover many common questions buyers have about dark tanning oils and lotions.
Streaking and Dark Tanning Lotions
Dark tanning oils will get you powerful results quickly, but they’re a bit more volatile than the lighter tanning lotions. You’re more likely to get streaks with a dark tanning oil than you will with a less potent oil.
So you need to be extra careful when applying a dark tanning lotion.
Ensure that everything is evenly rubbed in, and that you haven’t missed anywhere. Try to keep the amount you’re using in each area pretty even, and rub in a circular motion.
Spend some extra time rubbing the lotion in on your hands and feet. This is where the streaking is often at its worst. And don’t forget your face can tan at a different speed than the rest of your body, so be aware.
Wash Your Hands After Applying
As mentioned above, it’s probably best to wash your hands after applying the lotion over your body. You’ll have too much lotion on your hands, and you’ll often get streaks between your fingers.
The best option is usually to wash your hands after you’ve applied the lotion to your body and remove all residue.
Most likely there will still be enough lotion already rubbed into your hands to be sufficient.
Another option is to wipe your hands with tanning bed cleaner after you apply the dark oil. You’ll remove any oils with the tanning bed cleaner, and then you can reapply a small amount to your hands to get even coverage.
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Be Sure The Tanning Bulbs are In Good Condition
Tanning bulbs will still glow even if they don’t produce much tan. If you’re using a home tanning bed, you should track the time the bulbs are on. Be prepared to test the tanning bulbs from time to time, and replace as needed.
Storage of Tanning Oils
Some find that storing a tanning lotion in a cold location like a car can cause the ingredients to separate a bit. This can lead to streaking if it’s not sufficiently mixed before you apply it. Be sure to shake your lotion a lot to mix it, if you’ve left it in an area where it may have separated somewhat.
Applying Tanning Lotion to those Hard to Reach Areas
If you’re applying the lotion yourself, you may want to pick up a tanning lotion applicator mitt. These will help you reach those areas like the back that can be difficult to get even. They also help avoid the streaky-hand issue, as you’re applying with the mitt instead of your hand.
If you don’t want to bother with a mitt, you can place some lotion on the back of your hand in order to reach the hard-to-reach areas of your back.
Clothing and Dark Tanning Lotions
You need to be extra cautious about getting dark tanning lotions on your clothes. Most of the time, they will wash out, but the darker the lotion, the more likely you’ll get permanent stains on your clothes.
Skin Types and Dark Tanning Lotions
If you have fairly pale skin, you probably shouldn’t start out using a dark tanning lotion. The impact of the dark lotion on pale skin can lead to the dreaded Oompa Loompa look. Orange, silly-looking skin.
It’s much better to start with regular tanning lotion and get as dark as you can with that. From there, you can dive into one of the darker tanning oils.
Tingle Tanners vs. Dark Tanners
Tingle tanners are a special subcategory of tanning products. They do a great job of getting you ultra dark, but many people are put off by the tingling sensation these products cause.
Many don’t call it tingling, but instead choose another word: “burning”! This depends on the tingle lotion, and on the person applying the lotion, but often tingle lotions feel really uncomfortable on the body.
None of the lotions on this list are tingle tanning lotions, so none will cause that burning/tingling sensation on the skin. If you want to check them out, see here.
See how does tanning oil work for more information.
Conclusion
All of the dark tanning oils on this list work great, and will bring your skin to a dark, deep tone pretty quickly. Just be conscientious when applying the lotions, and be sure they’re evenly blended before deep tanning.
In the end, the Aussie Gold Sinfully Dark Tanning Lotion is the best option for most people, given the natural, dark color it produces and the relatively streak-free formula. As a second option, the Tan Axz U MIDNIGHT BLACK is an excellent choice for a long-lasting, dark tanning oil.
Happy Tanning!
