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What could possibly bring more fun to your summer than catching a tan? Getting your tantoo! A tanned-on tattoo, that is! Have you ever heard of it? What is this sorcery we speak of? Well, if you’ve been to a tanning salon before, you probably already know. But let’s dive into some Bronze Booty 101, shall we?
What are Tanning Stickers?
They are exactly as they sound: Stickers that you wear when you tan! It’s a cheap and effective way to not only get a cute temporary tattoo, but to also see how much of a tan you achieved! The basic concept is to utilize the idea of tan lines, but in an “I meant to do that” kind of way!
How are Tanning Stickers Used?
Tanning stickers are to be applied to clean, dry skin, preferably exfoliated for best adhesion. This means you are not to apply it over any kind of moisturizers, sunless tanners, or tanning lotions of any kind. Doing so would either make it so it doesn’t adhere well, or worse, you won’t get the tantoo at all!
When going for additional tanning sessions, be sure to always place the sticker in the same exact spot, so as to increase the contrast of your base skin tone to your beautiful bronze! It will make that tantoo pop!
Can’t I Just Use Regular Stickers? We Say Yes and No.
Most stickers don’t have shapes that would be recognizable if you were to use one, but the pictures on them may be cute! This can be a very basic option if all you’re looking to do is have an area to compare your tan progression, but if you want something a little more cute and classy, consider this:
Look for stickers marketed specifically for tanning. Adhesives used on some stickers can really irritate the skin! I’ve even seen other websites boasting of making your own using duct tape but we highly advise against it. One: Ouch! And two: The adhesives on duct tape, when heated, can produce toxic vapors. Some people even use it as a home remedy for warts, no thanks!
Some adhesives aren’t quite strong enough. While you don’t want the sticker as a permanent fixture on your skin, you also want something that will stick well enough so the edges don’t come up, or so you don’t lose the sticker entirely. If the edges of the sticker get raised, your tantoo will have less-defined boundaries and the image won’t look as good as you want it to!
Have a sticker on hand that you think would work well? Give it a shot! Try it in a more discreet place first so that if it doesn’t turn out like you were wanting, it won’t be as big of a deal.
Using Tanning Stickers for Comparison
Some people like to keep it small and discreet, just as they would a real tattoo, and there’s definitely nothing wrong with that–that’s actually the original idea for tanning stickers! It’s definitely a cutesy way to see just how dark you got compared to your previous skin tone.
Sometimes tanning establishments will offer complimentary tanning stickers for this purpose, while others might sell them for super cheap. If you’re looking for something cute, your options will be somewhat limited at a tanning salon, so it’s best to go armed with your own.
Keep in mind that if you’re only using a sticker to track the change in your level of bronze, it’s best to keep it in a discreet place on your body, especially if you work for an employer who doesn’t appreciate anything out of the norm! In other words, if you work a professional job, be sure to place the sticker where it’s easiest to cover up! You’re showing off your beautiful bronze, not the latest innovation in skin art!
Where to Buy Tanning Stickers? Amazon!
While tanning stickers are usually provided by tanning establishments and salons for free or cheap, it never hurts to be prepared with your own for those just-in-case situations. Some do-it-yourself tanning sprays and lotions also come with tanning stickers, but again, we wouldn’t depend on this. If you’re looking for the biggest possible variety, we recommend turning to Amazon, of course!
As stated earlier, there are people who use regular store-bought stickers as tanning stickers, but again, we don’t really recommend that as the best option. So, here we bring you the best tanning stickers for 2019!
Best Tanning Stickers for 2019
Did you see someone rocking a super cute tan tattoo on the beach? Chances are, the sticker you’re looking for can be found here. Below are four of the most popular tanning stickers I see around!
Heart Tanning Stickers
Hearts are without a doubt the most popular tanning stickers because not only do they look great anywhere, but they’re super versatile! This is a very tasteful tanning sticker to put almost anywhere you’re wanting to show off!
These sweet little stickers can be used as a large solid heart, a large heart outline, or a small solid heart that can go just about anywhere in any arrangement! Play around with a single heart or a big group of hearts. Follow your heart wherever you tan!
Star Tanning Stickers
Whether you’re a hipster, a clairvoyant, or punk rocker, a star is a shape that fits anyone’s style! Stars will always have some kind of relevance in someone’s life, so why not play around with star decals on your body?
Some people like to keep it simple with just one cute, little star, while others will put together a scene of stars with constellations and even their astrology symbol. Shoot for the stars when the sun is out if you want a totally cute and fun way to express yourself!
Lips Kiss Tanning Stickers
Talk about being ‘sun-kissed!’ These playful tanning stickers will show off your new tan in a fun and flirty way! Literally get kissed by the sun and show off your new level of bronze by simply applying these lovely lips of paradise!
Butterfly Tanning Stickers
There’s just something about the sight of a butterfly that reminds us of utter freedom and lightheartedness! And what girl doesn’t love butterflies? Use it as a symbol for newfound independence or just as a simple sign of beauty. Have one of these cute little insects grace your shoulder or ankle as you tan for an adorably detailed design!
I don’t want to forget to mention how this is one of my favorites to use when tanning with a friend! We’ll both put the stickers in the same place and call them “best friend tantoos”! If you cut one in half, you can position them in such a way that when you hold hands, the butterfly comes together as one!
Beach and Nautical-Themed Tanning Stickers
Although some of the popular ones above would also fit into this category, I wanted to expand on this category because when you’re out in the sun tanning, you’re becoming one with nature, and there’s a lot of beauty to be had in this category!
We can show an appreciation for nature in more than just the tan we receive, but by a piece of art literally depicting nature’s beauty. Give yourself the gift of nature in the form of a tattoo given by nature, itself!
Sunshine Tanning Stickers
With the sun on your skin, quite literally, let the sun leave its personal autograph on your body! While you won’t tan any faster with the sun tantooed on your skin, it’ll surely make your wait more worthwhile!
Not only does this look super cool after your tan, but it’s bright and cheery while you’re wearing it! The sun may be hot, but you’ll be even hotter with these sunny stickers!
Dolphin Tanning Stickers
These are just too darn cute to not give a good mention! Face it, when you go to the aquarium, you marvel at the sight of the dolphins.
These adorable aquatic creatures are smart, elegant, funny, and the perfect way to show off your love of the ocean! Anyway, check out these cute dolphin tanning stickers!
Palm Tree Tanning Stickers
Calling all beach lovers! If you love sunbathing at the beach, or just sitting in the shade of a big palm, you can certainly appreciate this tropical staple!
This is an adorable print to leave on your freshly-kissed skin! The shape of these palm tree tanning stickers are very sharp and just the perfect silhouette to where nobody would mistake this one!
Anchor Tanning Stickers
Anchors away! On the shore, that is! Be a litttle “nauty” with these ancho stickers and show your love for the beautiful bodies of water we have on this Earth. These are cute and the perfect little stickers to have for boating (ahem…tanning…) season!
Other Cute Tanning Stickers
And, of course, I can’t ignore the fact that you can also make statements with your tan. Share a cause that you believe in, or strike up a conversation about your faith with these cute tanning stickers.
Pink Ribbon Tanning Stickers
Show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness with a ribbon tanning sticker! Or, even if you are a supporter to a ribbon cause, this end-result tan can symbolize that ribbon for you as well!
These are a fun little thing to share with people at outdoor fundraising events for breast cancer awareness and would make for a cute way to see who got the most tan. Or, give them out to people making donations as a little token of appreciation!
Jesus Fish Tanning Stickers
If you’re a believer in Jesus Christ, there’s no way more fun to show your faith than by using one of these Jesus Fish stickers! Worshipping the Son with the sun, if you will. Get your fishies!
Not only awesome for tanning, but think fun stickers for church and youth group events! It’s fun to make a silhouette of a Jesus fish by painting over the sticker then removing it. So many possibilities!
Cross Tanning Stickers
A super stylish and sassy way to say you love the Lord! Pair your cross with Designer’s Skin Luminary Bronzer and Angel Daily Moisturizer for a truly Heavenly combination!
Pineapple Tanning Stickers
If glitter somehow isn’t your thing, then you might also want to consider these awesome yellow pineapple tanning stickers! Otherwise, shimmer in the sun, you beautiful butterfly, you!
It’s fun coming into a new appearance; embrace it and show it off with something that’ll make you shimmer in the sunshine! (A little bronze bun-fun: Say “shimmer in the sunshine” ten times without stumbling.)
A Little Bit of Everything!
Literally, this is a sweet variety pack for those who are looking to have their choice of pretty much whatever, whenever! The variety pack is a good move because you get a bit of a preview of what most of the stickers will look like before committing to an entire roll! And you never know what kind of mood you’ll be in…
Besides, who doesn’t like a little variety?
Honorable mention: Glitter Heart Tanning Stickers
I started this by suggesting hearts and I’ll end this by suggesting more hearts! These ones are glittery though, so it’s a whole different ball game! I only list them as an honorable mention because we already listed a similar sticker here, but these will certainly turn heads as they shimmer on the beach! Then they’ll leave a simple yet sophisticated heart-shaped tan wherever you want it.
If tanning is the way to your heart, enjoy the loving embrace of the rays with the best tanning stickers we could find!
