College Tanning Essentials for Summer

Whether you need an instant bronzy glow or a gradual tan that builds over time, these are my college-approved self-tanning faves. They’re all under $20, beginner-friendly, and won’t leave you looking orange or streaky. Perfect for a low-maintenance glow-up between classes or before a night out!

1. Bali Body Instant Tan Spray – $17.95

This spray gives a natural-looking bronze in seconds. It dries fast, blends easily, and washes off in the shower — great for events or last-minute plans.

2. Jergens Natural Glow +Firming Daily Moisturizer – $10.99

Builds up color gradually while hydrating and firming your skin. Smells fresh, feels like lotion, and gives a smooth, even glow.

3. Tanologist Self-Tan Drops – $16.99

Mix a few drops into your regular moisturizer for a custom tan. No weird scent, no mess — just easy, buildable color that works with your routine.

#lemon8partner #lemon8college #CollegeGlowUp #SelfTanRoutine #InstantTan

Boulder
2025/6/22 Edited to

... Read moreAchieving the perfect tan can be a game-changer for your summer wardrobe. With busy college schedules, finding the right tanning products that are both effective and budget-friendly is essential. Here are some details on the tanning products mentioned: 1. **Bali Body Instant Tan Spray**: An instant tanning solution that provides a beautiful bronze glow quickly. It dries rapidly, allowing you to dress almost immediately, and can be washed off with soap and water when you want to return to your natural skin tone. 2. **Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Daily Moisturizer**: This product combines hydration with color-building properties. It’s designed to gradually enhance your skin’s glow while improving its texture. With a pleasant scent and lightweight feel, it's easy to incorporate into your daily skincare routine. 3. **Tanologist Self-Tan Drops**: A customizable tanning experience that lets you mix drops into your moisturizer for a tailored tan. This feature is ideal for those who prefer gradual tanning without overwhelming scents or mess. Make sure to patch-test any new products to ensure no allergic reactions occur. Additionally, proper tanning prep, such as exfoliating and moisturizing beforehand, can significantly enhance your results. To achieve the best tan, consider your skin type and desired level of sun-kissed glow.

Related posts

Tanning Essentials from Target! 👙☀️
With summer right around the corner and the UV finally allowing for perfect tanning weather, you know I had to go to Target for my tanning essentials! Here are my go-to products that I will repurchase time and time again for the perfect LA tan!! Items Listed: - Hawaiian Tropic SPF30 Sunsc
ashley ☼

ashley ☼

1628 likes

MY TANNING ESSENTIALS
Serving golden glow but make it safe ✨☀️ My go-to tanning essentials to get that sun-kissed look without the damage—because we protect the skin AND the tan, while still having aesthetic products! Products Listed: - Hawaiian Tropic SPF30 Sunscreen Lotion - Amazing Maui Babe Browning Lotio
ashley ☼

ashley ☼

1802 likes

A retail shelf stocked with various sun care products, including tanning lotions and sunscreens, with an overlay stating "Tanning Lotions that will get you super tan."
A close-up of a gold jar containing an intensive tanning gel, featuring text indicating a "boost tanning complex" and a "glowy finish."
A hand holding a bottle of browning lotion, which is labeled with SPF 15 and described as water-resistant. Other sun protection items are in the background.
Tanning Lotions you need🫶
Summer is almost here, and I’m ready to get my tan on! ☀️ Last year, Accutane kept me out of the sun, but not this year. Already stocked up on the best tanning lotions: 1. Carroten Gold Shimmer (TikTok fave!) 2. Sunburn SPF Browning Lotion 3. Vacation Browning Lotion (new obsession!) L
Yourgirlsfinds

Yourgirlsfinds

6495 likes

A person's legs are shown on a light-colored floor with decorative flowers, introducing a guide to tanning methods and routine.
A four-panel image illustrating the skin preparation steps for tanning, including soaking in warm water, applying body scrub, exfoliating with a rag, and shaving with a new razor.
A bottle of hydrating body lotion is shown, emphasizing its use for overnight hydration as part of the tanning preparation routine.
Your Tanning Guide to ✨Radiant✨ Skin in 48 Hours☀️🍑
Two-Day Skin and Tanning Routine ☀️Day One: Skin Preparation 🛁Initial Rinse and Soak Begin with a quick rinse before taking a long soak in the bath. Ensure the bath is warm/hot and use body wash instead of bar soap to make your skin really soft. 🧽Exfoliation Apply a body acne wash
Chalie_Baker

Chalie_Baker

1851 likes

Tanning Essentials
Moisturizing prior to tanning really helps a tan set in and last longer, the OUIA lotion smells amazing and is super hydrating, along with the body mist it came with The RIO Sunset Glow Oil is my new favorite body product. Isn’t sticky, smells amazing, does not rub off on your clothes and leave
Brooklyn

Brooklyn

1472 likes

Beach tote bag essentials🩷
#beachtotebag #beachbag #summerbod #summerbod #lemon8bookclub
Lara🐅

Lara🐅

1658 likes

A person's tanned leg with a heart drawn in white sunscreen, next to a bottle of sunscreen. The image is captioned 'Tanning Essentials'.
Various colorful bikini tops are hanging on a rustic wooden branch against a white wall, illustrating the text 'Colorful bikinis!'.
A bottle of Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil with coconut oil is displayed on a brown background, highlighted as 'Tanning oil'.
Tanning Essentials☀️⛱️🌊
Some tanning essentials for that summer glow! -Colorful swimsuits -A good tanning oil -SPF!!! -A pair of sunglasses -Water is key for hydration -A good summer playlist! -A tanning schedule is a must #tanning #tanningroutine #tanningproducts #tanningessentials #summer #beachvib
Ashley

Ashley

1366 likes

A store aisle displaying various sunscreen and tanning products on shelves, with a hand holding three different tanning oils in the foreground. The image has a text overlay stating "BEST TANNING PRODUCTS at Target."
A close-up of a hand holding an amber-colored sunscreen oil bottle with SPF 30, described as lightweight and water-resistant for 80 minutes, designed for an enviable shine.
A close-up of a hand holding a dark tanning oil bottle, noted for enhancing tan and moisturizing, containing coconut oil, and being cruelty-free and dermatologist-tested.
Best Tanning Products at Target
These are my favorite tanning products for the summer. They will give you such a nice tan and they are all available at Target!✨ 1️⃣ Vacation Chardonnay Oil 2️⃣ Hawaiian Tropic Coconut Oil 3️⃣ Sun Bum Spf 15 Tanning Oil #lemon8partner #tanningessentials #tanningfavorites #beautyfinds
Yourgirlsfinds

Yourgirlsfinds

2244 likes

A person with a tan is lying face up on a wooden deck, wearing a colorful floral bikini. The text 'TANNING TIPS' is overlaid on the image.
Three jars of body scrub (Bikini Reef, Coco Colada, Pineapple) are displayed against a beach backdrop. Text explains that exfoliating before tanning provides a smooth canvas.
A daily weather forecast showing UV levels is presented next to text explaining the importance of checking UV levels for tanning and the risks associated with high UV exposure.
tanning tips ✨👙🌞🧴
here are some tanning tips for the girlies this summer!! #tanningtips #tanning #tanninghacks #tanningroutine #tanninglotion #tanningoil #beachessentials #lemon8challenge
jenna ౨ৎ

jenna ౨ৎ

631 likes

2026 Beach Trip Essentials
#beach #preppy🏝️🌊 #zerogatekeeping
Alexandria🌺🫧

Alexandria🌺🫧

137 likes

A person's legs are visible while relaxing on a beach chair, with the ocean and sandy beach in the background. The image features text about tanning oils for summer.
A hand holds a bottle of tanning oil with a yellow cap, featuring a tropical design. The background shows a person's legs and a blue swimming pool.
A tall, clear bottle of glow oil with a yellow cap is displayed against a light background with oil drops. The product name is visible on the bottle.
Best tanning oils for this summer
Banana Boat 🍌 - $7.99 - Works like a charm - Not pricey - 7/10 SuperGoop - $40 - Kinda Pricey but works well - 6/10 Sun Bum ☀️ - $20.49 - AMAZING - 8.5/10 Carroten 🌼 - $12.27 - Really good but it’s a gel - 7.5/10 • • • #summer #tanning oil 💫 #tanningessentials #su
amanda

amanda

1258 likes

An illuminated tanning bed, setting the context for recommended tanning lotions from a salon manager, with text overlay 'TANNING LOTIONS THAT ARE WORTH IT! FROM A SALON MANAGER!'.
A hand holds a small facial bronzer bottle, highlighted for its ability to darken the face after one use and provide super hydration.
A hand holds a red and gold spicy tingle bronzer bottle, noted for its pleasant scent and effectiveness in breaking tanning plateaus.
Tanning Essentials 🌞🌴
Absolutely LOVE these lotions! Honorable Mention to #visionary she will be missed 🥲 #tanning #tanningbeds #selfcare #lotions
Aidan Cook

Aidan Cook

1332 likes

A close-up of a person's tanned leg with a floral bikini bottom, featuring the title "Tanning Routines for the girlsss" and bubble graphics. The image highlights a tan line on the skin.
A white graphic detailing a "GLOWY Long Tanning Routine" with steps including sunscreen, tanning oil, specific time intervals for front and back tanning, cooling off, hydrating, snacking, and reapplication, totaling 3 hours.
A white graphic outlining a "GLOWY Medium Tanning Routine" with steps for sunscreen, tanning oil, specific time intervals for front and back tanning, cooling off, hydrating, snacking, and reapplication, totaling 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Tanning routines to try this summer ☀️
Here are a bunch of different tanning routines depending on the occasion. Make sure to always check the UV index before hand so you don’t burn yourself. You should do a long tanning routines if the UV is super high loll. Some other things I would recommend are: ✨ Use moisturizer after ur done ✨
Taylor tanning

Taylor tanning

397 likes

The Best Summer Tanning Essentials
#Tanning essentials #tanningtime #summer🌴
Carey Anna Norris🌺

Carey Anna Norris🌺

407 likes

A person's tanned leg is shown on a colorful beach towel, with text overlay indicating a list of top tanning products.
A bottle of tanning oil is placed on sandy ground, with text stating it is a favorite product.
A bottle of sunscreen lotion with SPF 30 is displayed on a soft, light-colored blanket, with text noting its use for high UV conditions.
tanning products from someone who always tans ☀️
I’ve been tanning sooo much this summer and these are some of the products that I’ve been using super often! I’ve been trying a bunch of different tanning products and these have become my go-to’s :) #tanningproducts #tanningessentials #tanning🥰 #summerbod #tanning
Taylor tanning

Taylor tanning

531 likes

BEACH ESSENTIALS | TRAVEL EDITION ⛱️👙🏝️
From sunscreen to sandy toes, our beach essentials checklist has you covered for endless days of sun, surf, and relaxation. ☀️ Dive into my must-have picks for the ultimate beach getaway! 🌊🏖️ ALL ITEMS ARE FROM AMAZON ✨ - Boogie Boards 🏄🏼‍♀️ - Sunscreen Travel set - Music Speaker 🔊
TravelWithRiley

TravelWithRiley

894 likes

An orange jar of Carroten Intensive Tanning Gel with coconut oil, labeled as a summer tan essential and 30% off, sits on an outdoor table.
A hand holds an open jar of Carroten Intense Tanning Gel, revealing its dark reddish-brown, thick texture, with text indicating its original price and current discount.
A person's leg shows a shiny, bronzed tan, with a small reddish area on the knee, illustrating the 'Supreme Tan' result from the tanning gel.
NEW Advance Tanning Formula 🥕 🥥
Carroten is the best tanning oil with natural ingredients! Looking to be a bronzed goddess this summer? Hurry and get this intense tanning gel (warning! If you’re fair skin this will most likely burn you). I have used this the past two summers and have gotten absolutely amazing results.
Regan

Regan

599 likes

Summer Beauty Essentials
Here are some of my summer beauty essentials! Hero Sunscreen: Ulta/Target $19.99 Maui Babe Browning lotion: Duo on Amazon $29.99 Australian Gold Instant Bronzer: Target $7.79 EOS body lotion: Target $8.99 Treehut Firming body oil: Target $9.99 Sol De Janeiro Glow oil: Ulta $35 What a
dani :)

dani :)

392 likes

A person's legs are shown by a swimming pool, with text overlay 'MY FAVORITE PRODUCTS' and five stars, indicating a review of tanning essentials.
A person is lying on a sandy beach facing the ocean under a sunny sky, with text overlay 'FOR THE PERFECT TAN' and four stars.
Three different tanning products are displayed on a white surface, accompanied by a four-star rating, showcasing items for achieving a tan.
MY FAVORITE TANNING PRODUCTS☀️👙
With summer just around the corner, I wanted to share some of my most loved tanning products. With a day of good sun and multiple applications, I can pretty much guarantee results with these products!!🌊☀️ PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE remember to always wear SPF underneath these products!! You can have a
jacqueleen

jacqueleen

755 likes

BEACH TRIP MUST HAVES & ESSENTIALS☀️🌊🐚
Happy Summer!! ☀️ Ready for sun, sand, and sea? 🌞🏖️ Don't forget these beach trip essentials: -Swimsuit 👙 -Beach Bag 👜 -Suglasses 🕶️ -Sunscreen 🧴 -Tanning Lotion ☀️ -Beach Towels 🏝️ What’s in your beach bag this Summer?! #lemon8challenge #beachessentials #beach #beach
Caroline 🫶🏼

Caroline 🫶🏼

22 likes

A person's legs are stretched out on a beach towel on the sand, facing the ocean. Text overlays indicate beach bodycare favorites from a retail store.
A hand holds a brown bottle of browning lotion, described as providing an instant glow and natural results for tanning.
A hand holds a white and brown box containing a lip balm, which protects and moisturizes lips from sun exposure.
cali girl beach essentials 🌊🫧
looking for the best tanning and sunscreen products? here are some of my favorite beach bodycare products as a socal native 🙌🏼🫧 TANNING 🥥 🫧 maui babe browning lotion: smells like coffee, instant glow, let set before sun exposure, great natural results 🫧 (not pictured) sun bum tanning oil s
momo  ᡣ𐭩 •。ꪆৎ ˚⋅

momo ᡣ𐭩 •。ꪆৎ ˚⋅

443 likes

Tanning essentials as a college student🌸
I love being tan and these are some of the things I use to improve the experience and enhance my tan! Being tan improves my confidence and being in the sun is great for you (as long as you’re using UV protection)! Going to school at Florida Atlantic and being by the beach is great because I can go
Chloe🧸🩷☀️

Chloe🧸🩷☀️

46 likes

My Tanning Must Haves ☀️
I be always kind of struggled to get a good tan and actually keep it but this year it’s actually been so much easier for me! These are the tanning must haves that have worked for me. I hope they work for you too! :) #tanningessentials #tanning #summerbod #TAN #tanningroutine
Blakey Tanning

Blakey Tanning

119 likes

tanning routine ✨🍋🌸🤍🥰
#lemon8diarychallenge tanning is something that i struggle with so much bc i always end up just burning !! i tried the carroten lotion for the first time this year and absolutely love it !!! it smells really good and goes on dark so you can see where your applying it !! a little goes a very l
Karoline Kantor

Karoline Kantor

356 likes

A summer playlist cover showing people playing beach volleyball on a sandy court at sunset, with mountains in the background. Text overlays read 'ultimate SUMMER PLAYLIST' and 'Summer Inspo'.
A playlist segment featuring songs like Drake - Passionfruit, Lana Del Rey - Shades Of Cool, and Tyler, The Creator - Earfquake. Don Toliver - Mimosa (Unreleased Leak) is highlighted in yellow.
A playlist segment featuring songs like Tory Lanez - Hurts Me, SZA - Good Days, Frank Ocean - Ivy, and J.Cole - No Role Modelz.
ultimate tanning playlist
#lemon8diarychallenge #tanning #tanningroutine #playlistideas #summerplaylist #beachessentials the songs highlighted in yellow are unreleased the songs highlighted in pink im unsure of if they’re unreleased or not i HIGHLY recommend listening to “mimosa” by don toliver- it is
sydney braswell

sydney braswell

354 likes

My tanning setup ✨
I take my tanning seriously 🤭 My most recent purchases to make the process more enjoyable are my shell lounger float and phone umbrella ☂️ the shell float makes laying in my pool so much more relaxing and now I can use my phone with out it getting too hot 🌞☂️📱 Links for them are in my milkshake i
tori.

tori.

3029 likes

tanning tips 🌸
some of my favourite tanning tips! can it be summer yet? (make sure to stay hydrated and drinks lots of water. the last thing you want is heat stroke or dehydration!) follow along:) #summer #tanningessentials #HelloLemon8 #glowyskin #Lemon8Diary
averychenier

averychenier

201 likes

Beach Essentials 🦀🥥
beach/pool essentials 🍯 Sun Bum Face Mist - SPF 45 this face mist is amazing!! it doesn’t sting or irritate my eyes at all and I love that it’s so easy to get spf all over my face! 🥥 $ 17.99 Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance Lotion Sunscreen favorite sunscreen brand!! smells so y
Nat🎀

Nat🎀

781 likes

TANNING MUST HAVE
I'm not easily influenced , but tiktok won me over on this one.. inflatable tanning pool is a must have for summer, can be used in or out of the pool. ⭐️Overall rating: /5:5 💰Price: 39.99 🛍Brand:Sloosh #summer #tanningproducts #pool #summeressentials #embracevulnerability #u
Miranda

Miranda

835 likes

A vibrant beach scene with clear blue sky, turquoise ocean, and white sand. Text overlay reads "YOU NEED THESE BEACH DAY ESSENTIALS! swipe!" with a blue arrow indicating to swipe right.
A screenshot of a UV Index forecast showing a "10 Very High" rating for Friday, May 2, 2025, with a graph illustrating the UV intensity throughout the day. Text overlay states "HIGH UV TO GET TAN!".
A gray portable speaker rests on a striped towel on a sandy beach, surrounded by pink heart graphics. Text overlay reads "SPEAKER TO PLAY SOME MUSIC FOR GOOD VIBES".
college kids: you need these beach day essentials!
Hi everybody!! As someone who grew up on the water and going to the beach at-least once a week, here are my tried and true beach essentials! First you need a high UV if you are trying to get tan, thankfully Florida summers provide this on a daily basis! Then you are gonna need a speaker to get thos
presleigh green 🩵🩵

presleigh green 🩵🩵

13 likes

Tanning tips From a tanning salon employee
Need more advice? Drop a comment below!! #tanningtips #tanningproducts #tanningroutine #TAN #tanningessentials #tanninglotion #tanningsalon #beauty #beautyadvice #tanning oil
Samantha

Samantha

4128 likes

A flat lay shows a woven beach bag filled with summer essentials on a white textured surface. Items include a teal swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, a claw clip, a camera, a book, and a phone, all arranged for a beach day.
BEACH BAG ESSENTIALS 🐚🥥👙
some beach bag must haves.. include: sunglasses sunscreen tanning oil beach towel claw clip speaker flip flops swimsuit camera lip balm what are some of your beach bag essentials? 🐚👜 #beach #beach bag #beachvibes #summer #Lemon8 #lemon8challenge #beachessentia
jenna ౨ৎ

jenna ౨ৎ

11 likes

Two b.tan tanning gel bottles, "glow your own way the og glow" and "glow your own way + shimmer," are displayed in a store aisle. The image highlights these products as "THE BEST TANNING GEL."
A hand holds a b.tan "glow your own way + shimmer" clear gradual tan gel bottle. It features golden liquid, a pink pump, and is labeled as containing hyaluronic acid + vitamin C.
A hand holds a b.tan "glow your own way the og glow" darkest clear self-tan gel bottle. It contains pink liquid, an orange pump, and is labeled with hyaluronic acid + vitamin C.
Tanning Gel Review 🤎 Help Me Choose!
I’ve been on the hunt for a self-tanner that delivers a natural glow without the drama—and b.tan tanning gels might just be the game-changer I’ve been looking for. Here’s what’s on my radar before I hit add to cart: • Glow your own way (OG glow) This one promises a natural-looking tan that
QuelleChaos🧘🏽‍♀️🔮☮️

QuelleChaos🧘🏽‍♀️🔮☮️

1308 likes

College Girl Tanning Routine✨
I have been loving my tanning routine lately! First, I use the KP Bump Eraser to make sure my skin is smooth and ready for some color. Then I apply Glow Your Own Way B-Tan for that natural, sun-kissed glow, without the orange tones. To finish it off, I lather on some Brazilian Bum Bum Cream for the
Arta🔮

Arta🔮

16 likes

beach bag essentials 👙🐚
#lemon8challenge #beachessentials #travel #beachvibes #beachbag #summerbod #bodytransformation #fashionfinds #beautyfinds #traveling 🩷 Purchased from: bag- prada spf-kopari hand sanitizer-touch land
vanna🩷

vanna🩷

16 likes

Tanning Tips☀️👙
I been seeing a lot of people dropping their tanning tips and I thought I’d hop on and give my opinion lol So here’s what I been doing- 11am-3pm have the highest UVs where I live so I try to stay out there between those times. I flip either every 30 mins to a hour depending on how long I stay o
Ralin😋

Ralin😋

270 likes

See more