If you’ve been craving a rich, deep, beach-worthy bronze without stepping into the sun or a tanning booth, you’re in the right place. Sun Labs has long been one of the most trusted names in sunless tanning, known for producing some of the market’s most natural-looking dark tans—from lotions with tanner to airbrush tanning sprays and overnight tan formulas. Whether you're preparing for vacation, a photoshoot, or just want radiant color year-round, mastering your routine makes all the difference.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need to achieve your best dark self tanner results using Sun Labs products. This includes how to exfoliate properly, use tanning mitts and back applicators, apply fake tanning lotion flawlessly, speed up drying times, and care for your glow all week long.

By the end, you’ll be able to get a smooth, even, natural-looking tan every time—with zero streaks, no orange tones, and a beautiful deep bronze that looks like you just spent a week in the tropics.

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Chapter 1: Why Choose Sun Labs for Dark, Natural-Looking Color

Before we jump into step-by-step instructions, it’s important to understand what makes Sun Labs Dark Sunsation, their instant tanning lotion, overnight tan formulas, and their airbrush tanning spray so effective.

1.1 Sun Labs Delivers Natural Depth Without Orange Tones

A great dark self tanner needs balance—deep color, fast absorption, a natural undertone, and a formula that works with your skin's chemistry. Sun Labs uses a blend of DHA and botanical ingredients that create a rich brown color rather than the dreaded “carrot glow.”

1.2 Clean, Cruelty-Free Ingredients You Can Trust

Unlike many fake tanning lotion products on the market, Sun Labs formulas are:

• Paraben-free

• Vegan

• Cruelty-free

• Never tested on animals

• Infused with aloe, vitamin E, and hydrating oils

This blend helps soothe skin while developing your tan evenly.

1.3 Options for Every Skin Type and Skin Tone

Sun Labs offers:

• Dark Self Tanner for medium to deep tans

• Ultra Dark for maximum richness

• Face tanners specifically made for sensitive and delicate skin

• Instant tanning lotion for color right away

• Airbrush tanning spray for a fine, professional-style mist

No matter your skin type—dry, oily, combination, or sensitive—Sun Labs has a formula that applies smoothly and develops into a beautiful brown glow.

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Chapter 2: Prepping Your Skin: The Foundation of a Flawless, Deep Tan

No matter what dark self tanner you use—including Sun Labs Dark Sunsation or any lotion with tanner—your prep routine determines 70% of the result. The smoother and cleaner your skin is before application, the richer and more even your overnight tan will turn out.

2.1 Exfoliation: The Most Important Step

Exfoliating removes:

• Dry patches

• Dead skin

• Old self-tanner buildup

• Uneven texture

• Ingrown-prone areas

This helps your instant tanning lotion glide on evenly and stay on longer.

How to Exfoliate Properly Before Tanning

Use:

• An exfoliating glove

• A body scrub (oil-free preferred)

• A dry brush

• A back exfoliator for hard-to-reach areas

Focus on:

• Elbows

• Knees

• Ankles

• Feet

• Shoulders

• Back

• Neck

For best results, exfoliate 24 hours before applying your dark self tanner.

2.2 Shaving and Waxing Before Your Tan

Hair removal can remove your self tanner if done afterward, so always do it before your tanning session.

The right timing:

• Shave 12–24 hours before

• Wax 48 hours before

This lets your pores close and prevents “dotting.”

2.3 Keeping Skin Hydrated Without Causing Streaks

Hydration is key—just avoid heavy lotions right before tanning.

Instead:

• Moisturize daily until the day of tanning

• On tanning day, only moisturize elbows, wrists, knees, ankles, and feet

• Avoid oil-based products

Well-hydrated skin absorbs Sun Labs dark tanning lotion more evenly and prevents patchiness.

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Chapter 3: Tools You Need for Perfect, Streak-Free Application

The right tools help create a smooth, professional-quality finish. Sun Labs products work beautifully on their own, but pairing them with mitts and applicators elevates your results.

3.1 Tanning Mitts

A good mitt:

• Prevents stained hands

• Allows smooth, even strokes

• Helps buff product into skin

Sun Labs tanning mitts are soft, velvety, and ideal for:

• Dark self tanner lotions

• Instant tanning lotion

• Fake tanning lotion blends

• Overnight tan formulas

3.2 Back Applicators

To avoid a patchy or pale back, use:

• A back tanning strap

• A back applicator wand

• A soft fabric applicator tool

This ensures even coverage from shoulders to lower back without straining.

3.3 Airbrush Tanning Spray Tools

If you're using Sun Labs airbrush tanning spray:

• Use a microfiber barrier on the floor or towel

• Wear a headband

• Use circular spray motions

• Keep 6–8 inches of distance

This technique helps create a smooth, evenly diffused bronze mist.

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Chapter 4: Applying Sun Labs Dark Self Tanner: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now we get into the core of the process—how to apply your dark self tanner properly. These steps work whether you’re using:

• Dark Sunsation

• Instant tanning lotion

• Overnight tan formulas

• Lotion with tanner

• Fake tanning lotion

• Airbrush tanning spray

• Face tanners

Let’s break down your routine.

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4.1 Step 1: Prep Your Tanning Area

Make sure you have:

• Bright lighting

• A mirror

• Your tanning mitt

• A towel

• Clips or hair ties

• Gloves (optional)

Wear loose-fitting dark clothing for after your session.

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4.2 Step 2: Apply in Sections

Always start from the bottom and move up.

Legs

• Squeeze some Sun Labs Dark Sunsation into your mitt.

• Apply in long, sweeping motions.

• Blend lightly over knees and ankles.

• Buff around feet with leftover product, not new product.

Stomach and Back

• Use upward strokes on stomach.

• For back, use your back applicator with the same motion.

Chest and Arms

• Use smooth circular motions.

• Buff around elbows and wrists.

Neck and Collarbone

• Apply lightly with leftover product.

• Blend carefully into hairline.

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4.3 Step 3: Face Application

Face tanners from Sun Labs provide more control and prevent breakouts.

Tips:

• Apply sparingly

• Blend down the jawline

• Avoid eyebrows and lips

• Use a small brush or mitt edge for precision

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4.4 Step 4: Letting Your Tan Dry and Develop

Drying time varies by product:

• Instant tanning lotion: dries quickly, bronzer shows immediately

• Overnight tan formulas: take 6–8 hours to develop fully

• Airbrush tanning spray: dries in minutes

Speed up drying by:

• Using a fan

• Keeping arms and legs apart

• Avoid sweating

• Staying somewhere cool

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Chapter 5: How to Speed Up Drying Times Without Ruining Your Tan

If you’re in a hurry—or just hate waiting—you’ll appreciate these tips to help your lotion with tanner dry faster.

5.1 Use a Cool Setting on a Blow Dryer

Hold it 10–12 inches from your skin and move it continuously.

5.2 Wear a Robe Instead of Tight Clothing

Avoid leggings, bras with tight bands, or sleeves that cling to your arms.

5.3 Use Lightweight Setting Powder

You can dust talc-free powder on:

• Underarms

• Inner elbows

• Behind knees

• Under breasts

This prevents creasing during development.

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Chapter 6: Caring for Your Perfect Tan All Week Long

After applying Sun Labs Dark Sunsation or your favorite instant tanning lotion, maintenance is everything. Taking good care of your skin ensures your glow stays even, smooth, and vibrant.

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6.1 Showering After Your Tan

Wait:

• 4–6 hours for instant tanning lotion

• 6–8 hours for overnight tan formulas

• 1–3 hours for express products (if used)

Use:

• Lukewarm water

• Gentle, sulfate-free cleansers

• No body scrubs

Avoid hot showers, long baths, and chlorine for the first 24 hours.

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6.2 Daily Moisturizing Is Key

Hydrated skin holds color longer.

Use:

• Aloe-based moisturizers

• Lightweight, oil-free lotions

• Coconut water sprays

• Hyaluronic acid body serums

Avoid:

• Heavy oils

• Petroleum products

• Retinol and AHAs
  These can strip your tan fast.

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6.3 How to Avoid Patchiness

Keep your skin hydrated but exfoliate lightly every 2–3 days. This prevents:

• Flaking

• Uneven fading

• Color buildup

Use a microfiber washcloth or gentle exfoliating glove.

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6.4 Extending the Life of Your Tan

To keep your dark self tanner looking fresh:

• Avoid harsh soaps

• Moisturize morning and night

• Rinse with cooler water

• Pat skin dry, never rub

• Use gradual tanners to maintain the color

Sun Labs makes great lotion with tanner formulas that can extend your glow for an extra 3–5 days.

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Chapter 7: Troubleshooting Common Tanning Mistakes

Even the best fake tanning lotion can go wrong if applied incorrectly. Here’s how to fix common issues.

7.1 Streaks

Caused by:

• Dry patches

• Not enough product

• Uneven blending

Fix it by:

• Buffing with a damp cloth

• Applying a small amount of lotion over the streak

7.2 Orange Tones

Sun Labs formulas rarely go orange, but it can happen if:

• Skin is too dry

• You apply too much

Fix it by:

• Exfoliating lightly

• Moisturizing daily before reapplication

7.3 Missed Spots

Use:

• A makeup sponge

• A small face mitt

• A dab of Sun Labs Dark Sunsation

Blend in circular motions.

7.4 Hands and Feet Too Dark

This happens if you apply too much product.

Fix it by:

• Scrubbing gently with baking soda

• Using lemon juice to lighten

• Moisturizing deeply after

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Chapter 8: Choosing the Best Sun Labs Product for Your Skin and Goals

Here’s how to choose between Sun Labs formulas.

8.1 Sun Labs Dark Sunsation

Best for:

• Deep brown tans

• Medium to dark skin tones

• Users who want fast, rich results

8.2 Instant Tanning Lotion

Best for:

• Photoshoots

• Events

• Immediate color

8.3 Overnight Tan Formulas

Best for:

• Long-lasting tans

• Natural, gradual development

• Beginners and professionals

8.4 Airbrush Tanning Spray

Best for:

• Quick application

• Hard-to-reach areas

• Professional-level finish

8.5 Face Tanners

Best for:

• Sensitive skin

• Even face color

• Avoiding clogged pores

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Chapter 9: Weekly Tanning Routine for a Beautiful Dark Glow Year-Round

Here's a simple weekly routine you can follow.

Day 1: Exfoliate & Apply Tanner

• Exfoliate fully

• Shave if needed

• Apply Sun Labs Dark Sunsation

Day 2–3: Moisturize Twice Daily

• Make your tan last longer

• Avoid harsh shower products

Day 4–5: Light Exfoliation

• Helps tan fade evenly

• Prepares skin for reapplication

Day 6: Touch Up With Lotion With Tanner

• Use a gradual or light lotion

• Even out areas like arms and legs

Day 7: Reapply or Let Tan Fade Naturally

• Repeat process

• Maintain weekly rhythm

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Conclusion: Your Best Dark Self Tanner Results Are Just a Routine Away

Achieving a flawless dark self tan with Sun Labs is absolutely possible—even for beginners. Whether you prefer Sun Labs Dark Sunsation, an instant tanning lotion, a fake tanning lotion, or the airbrush tanning spray, the method is key.

The process is simple:

• Prep your skin right

• Use the correct tools

• Apply in sections

• Allow proper drying time

• Maintain your glow with daily care

With these steps, you’ll enjoy professional-level tanning results at home with deep, natural bronze color that enhances your confidence, smooths your appearance, and keeps you glowing all week long.