When the weather starts to warm up and the days stretch longer into the evening, many people begin searching for the perfect bronze glow to welcome spring and summer. Whether you're preparing for outdoor events, beach vacations, poolside days, or simply want a fresh, sun-kissed look after winter, Sun Laboratories (often known as Sun Labs) remains one of the most trusted brands in the self-tanning industry. Their sun tanning lotions, sunless tanner formulas, and skin tanner lotions have become essentials for beauty lovers trying to achieve natural-looking color without exposing their skin to damaging UV rays.

Spring and summer call for different levels of bronzing. During spring, the goal is often a soft, healthy glow that feels natural and easy, while during summer, many people look for deeper, richer tans that complement swimsuits, dresses, and sun-lit outings. Because Sun Labs offers a variety of sun tanning lotion options—including lighter buildable formulas, medium shades, and the iconic Ultra Dark line—it’s helpful to know which one performs best depending on your skin tone, lifestyle, and desired results foe the best sun tanning lotions.

This guide breaks down which Sun Labs self tanners work best for spring, which are made for summer, and how to choose the right product whether you want a bronzer lotion, a sun tanner spray, or a classic sunless tanner lotion. We’ll also look at the benefits of the Sun Labs formula, how to apply your tan perfectly, and ways to maintain your glow all season long tanning lotions.

Why Choose a Sunless Tanner for Spring and Summer?

Before diving into specific Sun Labs sun tanning lotions, it’s important to understand the value of using self tanners, especially in warmer months when the temptation to sunbathe is high.

1. Protect Your Skin from UV Damage

Traditional sun tan lotion exposes your skin to UVA and UVB rays, which are known for causing premature aging, sun spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. Sun Labs self tanners give the appearance of a rich, golden sun tan without requiring hours of sun exposure. Using a sun tanning lotion at home allows you to glow safely without damaging your skin.

2. A Tan That You Control

Sun Labs sunless tanners allow you to choose your level of color. If you want a medium glow for spring, you can build your tan gradually. For summer, when you want a dark bronzed look, you can select a lotion with tanner that delivers deeper shades in a single application.

3. Consistent, Even Color

Unlike UV tanning, where some areas darken more quickly than others, Sun Labs formulas provide even coverage that looks smooth and natural. Their tanning lotions contain bronzers and skin-conditioning ingredients to help prevent streaking.

4. Instant Confidence

A healthy bronze tone makes the skin appear smoother, firmer, and more radiant. Many people find that a skin tanner lotion enhances their features, evens skin tone, and boosts confidence heading into spring and summer activities.

What Makes Sun Labs Different?

Sun Labs has earned loyal fans because the brand focuses specifically on sunless tanning. Their formulas emphasize:

• Natural-looking color (no orange tones)

• Fast development time

• Hydrating ingredients

• Vegan, cruelty-free formulations

• Buildable shades

• Professional-grade performance

Their products work well on all skin types—from dry to oily—and their signature sun tanning lotions are known for their rich color payoff.

Now let’s break down which Sun Labs self tanners are the best choices for spring and summer.

Best Sun Labs Self Tanner for Spring

Spring is the season when most people want to shift from winter-pale to a healthy, believable glow. The aim is subtlety, smoothness, and natural warmth. You want a formula that is:

• Not too dark

• Easy to control

• Buildable over several days

• Mistake-friendly

• Hydrating with self tanning lotions

Here are the top Sun Labs products that work beautifully for spring.

1. Sun Labs Medium Self Tanning Lotion – Best Spring Starter Shade

If you want a soft, golden glow that looks like you’ve spent a weekend outdoors rather than a week on the beach, Sun Labs Medium self tanner is ideal. This is the perfect sun tanning lotion for transitioning from winter to spring.

Why It Works for Spring

• Produces a warm, natural tan instead of a deep bronze

• Extremely forgiving for beginners

• Looks excellent on lighter to medium skin tones

• Hydrates the skin while bronzing with self tanning lotions

Perfect For:

• Early spring events

• Building color gradually throughout the season

• Those who want a gentle bronzer lotion effect

How It Looks

The Medium shade delivers the look of a soft sun tan—a natural boost without looking too intense for early spring weather.

2. Sun Labs Dark Self Tanning Lotion – Best for a Noticeable Glow

For people who want something slightly deeper than the Medium shade but not as bold as Ultra Dark, the Sun Labs Dark Self Tanning Lotion hits the sweet spot. This is a hugely popular option during spring because it provides color that’s still natural-looking but has more depth.

Benefits

• Ideal for medium to olive skin tones

• Provides a noticeable but not overpowering tan

• Long-lasting color without being too dramatic

Perfect For:

• Spring weddings and outdoor photo events

• Special spring vacations

• Daily glow that looks healthy and warm

3. Sun Labs Tan Overnight Self Tanning Lotion – Best for Overnight Development

If you want a spring tan that develops while you sleep, the Tan Overnight formula is excellent. It’s strong enough to deepen skin tone but not too bold for early warm-weather months.

Why It’s Great

• Works while you sleep

• Super hydrating lotion base

• Ideal for dry winter-to-spring skin

• Provides a fresh, revived glow

Perfect For:

• Busy schedules

• Last-minute events

• Soft to medium bronze results

• 

Best Sun Labs Self Tanner for Summer

Summer is the season for deeper tans, richer bronzers, and more dramatic color. Most people want something that mirrors the look of a tropical sun tan without exposing their skin to hours of sun.

Here are the top Sun Labs products for achieving summer-ready bronze.

1. Sun Labs Ultra Dark Self Tanning Lotion – The Ultimate Summer Tan

This is the legendary product that made Sun Labs famous. The Ultra Dark lotion is one of the richest, deepest self-tanning formulas available anywhere. It gives skin a dark, tropical bronze that looks like you just returned from a beach vacation.

Why It’s the Best for Summer

• Delivers the deepest, richest shade Sun Labs offers

• Perfect for beach weather, swimwear, and outdoor events

• Works beautifully on all skin tones (even fair, when applied lightly)

• Contains built-in bronzers for instant color

• Long-lasting, summer-ready tan

Ideal For:

• Intense summer glow

• Dark tanning goals

• Deep bronzing without streaks

This is easily the top sun tanning lotion when you want dramatic color.

2. Sun Labs Ultra Dark Spray – Best for Fast Summer Application

Some people prefer sprays during summer because they are quicker to apply, dry faster, and help reach areas like the back and shoulders—important when you’re wearing summer clothing.

Why It Works

• Lightweight and fast-absorbing

• Offers the same deep Ultra Dark shade as the lotion

• Perfect for athletes, swimmers, and beachgoers

Perfect For:

• People who need quick tanning

• Those who dislike heavy lotions

• Touch-ups during summer trips

3. Sun Labs Ultra Dark Foam – Best Streak-Free Summer Tan

Foams are popular for summer tanning because they blend effortlessly, dry quickly, and are easy to layer. Sun Labs Ultra Dark Foam gives you dark summer color without feeling heavy or greasy lotion with tanner.

Benefits

• Ideal for hot weather

• No sticky residue

• Deep, even application

Perfect For:

• Oily or combination skin types

• Quick tanning routines

• Buildable summer bronzing

Comparing the Best Sun Labs Tanners for Spring vs. Summer