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Alright men, so you want to look your absolute best for whatever reason. Whether it be because you want to look your best when meeting the perfect woman, compliment your awesome physique, impress a potential client, or just want to improve your looks. you need to know what the best tanning lotions for men are, and that’s exactly what you’re about to find out.
When it comes to tanning lotions, some might wonder what the difference is between a tanning lotion for men and a tanning lotion for women. It’s true, while they might have a lot in common such as DHA, do you really want to be carrying around a pink bottle tanning lotion with flowers on it?
Tanning lotions for men offer more mild scents, some offer deodorizers, and often come in awesome looking bottles that won’t make you blush when someone looks down to see what you’re holding. And let’s be honest here, if a hot woman looked at the bottle in your hand, would you really want her to say “that’s my favorite lotion too!”
What To Look For in a Tanning Lotion
When you’re in the market for a new tanning lotion, it’s easy to get lost in all the marketing, “X bronzers, super advanced formulas, extreme intensifiers and moisturizers”. Let’s actually talk about what makes these tanning lotions great for you.
Type of Lotion
There are three primary types of tanning lotions to choose from, intensifiers/accelerators, bronzers, and tingles.
Intensifiers and accelerators are moisture-rich lotions that nourish the skin. These lotions focus entirely on keeping your skin hydrated and ready for tanning. If you’ve got particularly dry skin, using an accelerator lotion may be the right option for you. They will help moisturize your skin while you tan and help prevent dryness after tanning.
Bronzer lotions even skin tone and boost your tan’s color. Bronzers are definitely the most popular type of lotion because people want to see immediate results. These lotions contain extra bronzing ingredients which can even your skin tone and improve your skin’s appearance. If your goal is a dark, even tan in just a short amount of time, then most of the products on this list will fit the bill.
Tingles promote micro-circulation, causing a tingling feeling which deepens your tan. Micro-circulation brings blood to the surface of the skin and allows for deeper UV penetration. These lotions are loved by experienced tanners, who feel the results they achieve with tingle lotions are better than with accelerators or bronzers. If you’re an experienced tanner looking to boost your tan’s potential, definitely give tingles a try.
Lotion Scent
When you’re a man shopping online for tanning lotion, one factor you definitely need to consider is the scent. After all, if you’re a 6’5” guy, you may not want to come out smelling like wild cherry blossoms or tropical papaya.
So what’s the solution? Do a little research. Many lotion manufacturers use scents to mask some of those less appealing tanning lotion smells.
Lotions that are designed specifically for men and may limit fragrances or try to mimic popular scents found in many colognes, like cedar or patchouli. Citrus is also a great scent for men or women, so if you like to tan with your wife, you both can appreciate these ones.
Customer Reviews
You’re looking for a new tanning lotion, what’s the first thing you’re going to do? Well besides check the price, you’re going to check the reviews!
Customer reviews are essential in today’s marketplace and can really help customers make a final buying decision. If a product has 3 stars or less, are you really going to be tempted by it? Probably not.
Customer reviews are also a wealth of information. Maybe someone with sensitive skin used the product and loved it, which could be useful for you if you also have sensitive skin.
But you don’t need to spend all afternoon reviewing and analyzing men’s tanning lotions, that work has been done for you! Here are the best tanning lotions for men.
Devoted Creations – H.I.M. TITANIUM Bronzer
Who’s it for? The man looking for a masculine smelling tanning lotion.
What’s it smell like? Oriental Black Cashmere.
Devoted Creations is one of my favorite tanning lotion companies, located in the Sunshine State, Florida, so they know a thing or two about getting you tan. They offer a huge selection of great tanning lotions, including several that are designed especially for men who tan.
HIM is one of their specially designed bronzers made just for the guys. There is no mistaking this lotion for the fruity or flowery one your girlfriend or wife uses. It has a very masculine scent, described as Oriental Black Cashmere. Most tanners love the smell, but some may consider it a bit strong. If you don’t mind a stronger cologne-style lotion, then give this one a try.
Aside from smelling great, you’ll also leave looking really dark. This tanning lotion is packed with moisturizers and bronzers which will leave you with a deep, dark tan. It also features tattoo and color fade protection, so no need to worry about the bronzing formula messing up the look of your ink.
Another nice thing about this lotion is its sleek tube design. Rather than a bulky bottle, this lotion comes in a convenient tube you can slide into your pocket when you walk into your tanning place.
Devoted Creations CAMO KING Black Bronzing Lotion
Who’s it for? The man who cares what his skin looks like in 15 years.
What’s it smell like? Citron Noir.
Another great smelling Devoted Creations lotion made just for the guys. This is one of the top rated tanning lotions made specifically for men. It has a refreshing Citron Noir scent, which leaves you smelling great after tanning. One reviewer compared it to the Abercrombie cologne – Works for me.
It has all the bronzers in it you could want and need, giving you a tan that is likely darker than the other lotions you’ve tried. Make sure you apply this lotion evenly before tanning, as it definitely works… and if you’re sloppy with the application, it could show up later. But don’t let that intimidate you. This lotion is highly rated for a reason! It is definitely one of the best bronzing lotions for men.
The last thing everyone loves about Camo King is that the formula features several anti-aging and skin firming benefits with RevitaFit, and advance Matrixyl Synthe 6. You want to look good now, but you want to look good years down the road too! It’s important to take good care of your skin, and this lotion helps you do that.
There’s also a CAMO QUEEN lotion, so if your leading lady is looking for a great bronzing lotion too, make sure to grab the matching set.
NEW G GENTLEMEN ADVANCED BLACK BRONZER Lotion
Who’s it for? The man with dry skin who needs maximum moisture.
What’s it smell like? Orange, Bergamot, Geranium, Green Accord Cedarwood, Vetiver, Patchouli, and Moss.
New G Gentlemen is certainly no new guy on the block. This collection of lotions was designed especially for men, by Australian Gold, one of the biggest names in sunning skincare. This lotion specifically has been a favorite of guys for years, for it’s clean, masculine scent, non-greasy feel, and tan results.
Do you naturally have dry skin? Dry skin reflects UV light, making it harder to achieve a dark tan. In fact, if you don’t probably moisturize your skin prior to tanning, you could be losing up to 50% of your tan’s potential! This formula features a coconut water base designed for superior hydration, as well as an exclusive skin-repairing blend to help smooth rough skin. Your skin will look better than ever.
Hydration is good, but will it give me a dark tan? Does a Camera beat an Isetta?
This lotion contains a rich blend of DHA and natural bronzers that balance skin tone and promote a deep, gradual color that will make your skin look tan, healthy, and refreshed.
And if you’ve got tattoos, you’ll also appreciate that they’ve thought of that too. New G Gentleman Advanced Black Bronzer features ColorGuard™ Tattoo Technology, which uses tiger grass to create a moisture-sealing blend to help prevent tattoos from fading.
SunGodz Artemis/Apollo Sun Tanning Lotion 375X Bronzer
Who’s it for? The man looking for a great beginner lotion.
What’s it smell like? Clean, unisex.
SunGodz Artemis/Apollo Sun Tanning Lotion is one of the most reliable lotions out there, whether it’s your first time tanning or have been tanning for years. It’s infused with agave extracts and argon oils to offer you maximum skin hydration. This lotion will also protect your tattoos from color fading.
If you’re the type of guy who can’t wait to wash that lotion off your skin, then this is the bronzer for you! With most bronzing tanning lotions, it’s usually recommended that you avoid water contact for a period of time. This is because they contain DHA, which takes time to soak into your skin and develop your tan the hours after you’re done tanning.
But that’s what makes SunGodz Artemis/Apollo sun tanning lotion different. This waterproof formula was designed to allow you to shower with peace of mind, knowing you won’t wash away your new color.
Don’t worry if tanning beds aren’t your scene, you can also take this lotion poolside or to the beach. This is a versatile lotion that can give you great results in either environment.
Lastly, you’ll appreciate it’s clean, unisex scent. One reviewer commented that the scent is faint and gender-neutral.
Onyx HE Bronzing Intensifier for Men
Who’s it for? The man who always looks for the newest and best products.
What’s it smell like? Genuine Gentlemen.
Be one of the first to try brand new lotion from Onyx. While the lotion is new, this Florida based company is certainly not! Onyx has nearly two decades of experience making luxurious tanning lotions for both men and women.
HE is designed specifically to meet the needs of male tanners. As we said, one of the primary concerns many men have when buying a tanning lotion is the scent. There’s no concern about girly scents with this lotion. It’s described as Genuine Gentleman, a refreshingly masculine blend of patchouli, mint, grapefruit, and cinnamon.
As you know, a lotion is vital to your tanning session. HE is a quick-absorbing formula, so you’re ready to tan instantly after application. There’s no need to wait around for your dry skin to soak in your lotion.
Another great benefit to this lotion is it uses pomegranate extract. Aside from smelling good, it provides your skin with rich antioxidants to neutralize free radicals, which can damage your skin and accelerate aging. Silk and sesame oil also help smooth and moisturize skin before and after tanning.
Millennium Tanning Paint It Black 50X
Who’s it for? The man looking for inexpensive standby.
What’s it smell like? Clean Cotton Blossom.
Everyone has that lotion they always turn to for a great, reliable tan. Paint it Black is that lotion.
There are so many things to like about this lotion that I think it deserves a bullet list.
- It’s an accelerator and a bronzer – so you’ll get fast results!
- It has a clean, cotton blossom scent that both men and women love!
- It has TONS of great reviews – over 1,200 5-star reviews!
- It’s super affordable – a 13.5 oz bottle is usually less than $20!
You can read review after review of people describing this as their favorite lotion, and there are clearly many reasons why.
Even the label’s design is cool-looking. I’m not usually sold by nice packaging, but like one reviewer commented: “The fact that its black with skulls helps!” Many tanning lotions, especially ones that can work for men and women, tend to still favor more feminine bottle designs, but not Paint it Black! No one will think twice about you carrying this bottle into your tan place.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive, well-reviewed tanning lotion that works, then Paint it Black!
Ed Hardy UPGRADE TO BLACK Triple Black Bronzer
Who’s it for? The man who likes to tan with his woman.
What’s it smell like? Thai Tangerine.
Upgrade your tan with Ed Hardy’s Upgrade to Black Triple Black Bronzer. This super dark lotion features high amounts of DHA and natural tanning ingredients to give you a fast, dark tan, that will keep getting darker even after you’ve gotten out of the tanning bed.
In just a few sessions with this bronzing lotion, you’ll be surprised how dark you’ll get. Some have even commented that after switching to this lotion, they had to cut back on how many times they tanned because they were getting too dark!
I mentioned that this lotion is great if you’re interested in tanning together with your lady. That’s because it has a fresh citrus scent, Thai Tangerine. This neutral scent smells great and works for both men and women.
Many reviewers also praise Ed Hardy for their smooth, easy-to-apply lotions. This lotion is easy to blend into your skin, dries quickly, and doesn’t leave you feeling greasy. It is important to note that this lotion includes very dark bronzers, so after rubbing it into your skin, you definitely want to wipe your hands to avoid tan palms!
Devoted Creations #TANLIFE Hydrating Tanning Butter
Who’s it for? The man who has sensitive skin.
What’s it smell like? Exotic Mango.
You don’t have to be sensitive to have sensitive skin. If you’re one of the many men out there who deal with frequent breakouts or have skin that is easily irritated, it’s important to use skincare products that are easy on the skin.
Devoted Creations has created #TANLIFE with just that thought in mind. This super-soft tanning butter is hypoallergenic and features a shea butter base. Combine this with the numerous anti-aging and skin firming ingredients built into this formula, #TANLIFE really does put your skin’s health first.
This lotion is an accelerator, meaning it doesn’t add bronzers in its formula, which can sometimes irritate the skin further. The focus is on moisturizing your skin and giving you the ideal base to build your tan on. Color develops gradually as you tan, leaving you with a natural tan, with no fear of looking like an Oompa Loompa or Donald Trump.
Both men and women love the Exotic Mango scent, which leaves you feeling like you spent the day lying on a tropical beach rather than in a tanning bed.
Ed Hardy Black Reserve Bronzer Tanning Lotion By Tanovations
Who’s it for? The man who wants a super dark tan fast.
What’s it smell like? Iced Black Cranberry.
Most of the lotions on this list boast of their dark bronzing formulas which leave you looking like you’ve spent a month on the beach. But no one can turn you dark like Ed Hardy!
The Ed Hardy Black Reserve Bronzer is one of our top picks for truly dark results – so dark that it is highly recommended that users wear gloves during the application, or your hands will turn black!
If you’re really looking to tan fast, this is the lotion for you. It features super dark bronzers, for both instant results that continue to darken long after you’ve stopped tanning.
This lotion also includes MelanoBronze & Melactiva, which stimulates melanin activity to allow for longer-lasting, darker tanning results – who doesn’t want their tan to last longer?
And if you’re concerned about the smell, don’t be. It’s subtle Iced Black Cranberry scent smells great for both men and women. One positively reviewer did warn that by the end of the bottle, he had grown to dislike the scent and felt it was a bit too perfumey. If your primary goal is color, then don’t let that dissuade you. This lotion is worth it.
Ed Hardy Obnoxious Extreme Bronzer Tingle Tanning Lotion
Who’s it for? The man who has been tanning for a while and looking for something new.
What’s it smell like? Mango Indulgence.
If you’ve been tanning for a while, then you may be interested in trying a tingle tanning lotion to boost your tan’s potential. We talked about tingle lotions at the very beginning of this guide, so you already know that it promotes microcirculation, which can lead to a deeper tan. It also creates a warm sensation on your skin. Many people who use tingles like the subtle ‘burn’ you get, but others find it uncomfortable. That’s why these lotions aren’t for everyone.
But this list would feel incomplete without even offering a single tingle lotion for men. So with that said, if you’re looking to switch up your lotions, check out Ed Hardy’s Obnoxious Extreme Bronzer Tingle Tanning Lotion.
Now, if you have sensitive skin, it’s probably best to steer clear of this lotion. While it does aim to nourish your skin with vitamins C & E, some reviewers have called the tingle intense and irritating. This is definitely a lotion you should only try if you’re an experienced tanner or have used tingle lotions in the past.
It’s scented Mango Indulgence, which will smell great for either men or women. If you’re ready to try a tingle lotion, you won’t be disappointed by this one!
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many great options when shopping for a tanning lotion for men. Whether you want something masculine smelling, something you and your wife can share, or something that will turn you dark fast, there’s a tanning lotion out there for you.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this list and were able to find a lotion to suit your tanning needs. If one of your favorite men’s tanning lotions made the list, or if you think there’s one that should have been mentioned, leave a comment and let us know! Thanks for stopping by!
