Winter and spring are two very different seasons for skin. In winter you’re fighting dryness, dullness, and paler tones; in spring you want to ease into color slowly so your tan looks natural as sweaters give way to lighter layers. That’s why picking the right sunless tanner and the right routine is crucial. This guide explains which Sun Laboratories (Sun Labs) self tanners work best for each season, how to use them (face and body), how to transition from winter to spring without orange streaks, and how to maintain a beautiful, believable glow.

I’ll use plain language and practical steps so you can pick the right product and get consistent results—whether you want a dark self tanner, a subtle bronze, a tan spray, or a facial tanner that’s kind to delicate skin.

Quick summary (TL;DR)

• For winter (when you want deeper, richer color and longer-lasting coverage): Sun Labs Ultra Dark or the 32 oz Ultra Dark self-tanning lotion sunless is ideal because it gives a deep, instant-tint plus developing color — great if you want a strong, even tan that lasts. 

• For spring (when you want to build color gradually or keep a subtle bronze): use the Tan Overnight / Medium lotion or a light sun tanning spray; these give a natural, buildable glow. 

• Use a facial tanner formulation or the Sun Labs face tanner (light/dark face variants available in kits) on the face to avoid clogging pores and to control shade. Many Sun Labs kits include a separate face formula and a mitt to simplify application. 

Why season matters for choosing a dark self tanner

Skin condition, clothing, and the look you want change with the season:

• Winter: skin is usually drier and paler. A deeper formula (like an ultra dark self tanner or a lotion designed for medium-to-dark tones) gives color without looking splotchy. Also, because you typically wear long sleeves, you can let a deeper shade build safely.

• Spring: you’re revealing more skin and often want a softer, more natural transition. Lighter formulas — medium or buildable tanning lotion dark— reduce the risk of looking too dark next to your face and neck.

So the product that’s “best” depends on how bold you want your tan and how slowly you want it to develop.

Sun Labs product lineup useful for winter and spring (what to know)

Sun Laboratories (often sold as Sun Labs / Sun Laboratories by Giesee) makes several popular formats: Ultra Dark lotion (32 oz and smaller sizes), Tan Overnight (Medium) lotions, spray options, and self-tanning kits that include separate facial tanners and applicator mitts. These are the primary choices people use for seasonal tanning. The Ultra Dark is marketed for medium-to-dark tones with an instant tint; the Tan Overnight / Medium versions are designed for natural, buildable self tanning lotion color. Many product pages show the 32 oz size and kits with a mitt and facial tanner included. 

There are also self-tanning sprays from Sun tanner Labs and third-party sellers — good for lighter or targeted coverage like arms and legs or when you want a quick touch-up. Reviews and product pages indicate professional and consumer users find the spray workable for both body and targeted areas. 

Which Sun Labs product for winter?

Pick Ultra Dark (32 oz or Ultra Dark lotion) when:

• You want a deep, immediate bronze that continues to develop a few hours after application.

• You wear darker clothes and want an all-over tan that endures through the dry season.

• Your skin tolerates richer formulations (you’re hydrating well).

Why Ultra Dark suits winter:

• Winter skin is often dry and can take color unevenly if you use light, fast-developing formulas. The Ultra Dark formula includes an instant tint so you can see where you applied product and correct streaks before it develops. That instant visual guide is helpful when you’re applying to paler skin that shows every uneven patch. 

• The larger sizes (32 oz) are economical for repeated winter application and maintenance. Many Sun Labs listings show a 32 oz Ultra Dark option and tanning kits that include mitts and a separate face tanner. 

How to use it in winter (short routine):

1. Exfoliate 24–48 hours before (gentle scrub or exfoliating glove).

2. Moisturize dry areas (knees, elbows, ankles) just before application with a light, oil-free moisturizer — or apply a tiny amount to those spots and blend.

3. Use an applicator mitt for even coverage. Apply the Ultra Dark lotion in long strokes.

4. Check the instant tint and correct any streaks. Wait the recommended develop time (follow product instructions) and then rinse if it’s a rinse-off formula — many Sun Labs overnight lotions are left to develop. 

Winter maintenance:

• Hydrate daily with a body lotion that won’t strip color (oil-free, gentle).

• Reapply the Ultra Dark every 7–10 days depending on how quickly the color fades and your showering habits.

Which Sun Labs product for spring?

Pick Tan Overnight (Medium) or a sun tanning spray for spring when you want gradual, natural color:

• The Tan Overnight / Medium salf tanning lotion is formulated for a natural, sun-kissed look that’s subtle and buildable — perfect for spring when you’re transitioning to lighter clothes. Product pages specifically mention the Tan Overnight medium lotion as mimicking a natural sun-kissed look and coming in convenient sizes.

• If you need targeted touch-ups or prefer a lighter application (arms, chest, face), a tan spray or Sun Labs self-tanning spray works well for lighter, more even application. Sprays are also handy for quick refreshes as temperatures rise. 

Spring routine:

1. Exfoliate 24–48 hours before application.

2. If you want a very subtle start, apply a thin layer of the Tan Overnight lotion to wrists, arms, and chest. Reapply every 4–7 days to build color slowly.

3. For face tanning, use the dedicated facial sun tanning lotion or a light application of the face formula included in kits (see below). Blend well into the jawline and neck to avoid a mask-like line.

Face tanner (facial tanner) — special considerations

The face is different from the body: it has oilier and often more reactive skin, and mistakes are noticeable. Use a facial tanner or the face-specific formula included in many Sun Labs kits. Kits often bundle a smaller facial tanning lotion formula with the main lotion and a mitt so you can control how dark you go on your face. 

Face tanner tips:

• Patch test: apply a small amount to a discreet area (behind the ear or jawline) before full-face use.

• Less is more: start with a pea-sized amount for the whole face, blend with clean fingers or a damp makeup sponge.

• Avoid pore-clogging moisturizers immediately before if you are acne-prone; instead, use a non-comedogenic moisturizer.

• Blend into hairline and jawline to avoid obvious lines.

If you want a day-to-day tint for facial tanning lotion application consider mixing a tiny amount of face tanner into your daily moisturizer for gradual color. That gives control and reduces the risk of an abrupt shade.

Kits and accessories — why they matter

Sun Labs sells kits (some product pages show self-tanning kits that include a 32 oz bottle, a 4 oz face tanner, and a tanning mitt). Kits are great because:

• You get a face tanner sized for facial use and a body lotion sized for full-body applications.

• A tanning mitt helps distribute product evenly and keeps hands stain-free. 

If you’re using Ultra Dark in winter, the instant tint + mitt combo reduces mistakes and speeds up application. If you’re building a spring tan, the medium/tan overnight lotion plus a mitt gives smoother, more controllable results.

Step-by-step: prep, apply, maintain (body)

Follow these steps for consistent, professional-looking results.

Preparation (24–48 hours before)

1. Exfoliate: use a gentle scrub or an exfoliating glove to remove dead skin cells — this prevents patchy color. Don’t over-exfoliate; be gentle especially if you have dry winter skin.

2. Shave/wax: do hair removal at least 24 hours before tanning to avoid irritation and avoid taking color off unevenly.

3. Hydrate: in winter, use a richer moisturizer on very dry spots several days before tanning — then stop using heavy oils just before application (they can create a barrier). In spring, lighter hydration is fine.

Application

1. Work in sections: legs, arms, torso, back (use a helper or a long-handled applicator for the back use dark self tanner lotion).

2. Use an applicator mitt: pump a small amount onto the mitt and apply in long, circular or sweeping motions. For Ultra Dark, the instant tint helps you see where you’ve done so. 

3. Blend joints: wrists, ankles, knees, and elbows need lighter product — smooth over with a dry finger or the edge of the mitt.

4. Hands and feet: use a quarter-sized amount and blend off excess product from palms and soles to avoid dark stains.

5. Face and neck: use the face tanner or a tiny amount of body lotion diluted into moisturizer; blend into the hairline and jawline.

Development & dry time

• Follow product-specific instructions. Many Sun Labs lotions tanning lotion dark are designed to be left on overnight (Tan Overnight) or to develop for several hours before washing, while Ultra Dark often has an instant tint and continues to develop. Check the label for the recommended develop time and whether rinsing is needed. 

Maintenance

• Hydrate daily with a gentle lotion to prolong the life of the tan.

• Avoid long hot baths and exfoliating scrubs (they fade color faster).

• Refresh: if you used Ultra Dark, reapply touch-ups every 7–10 days; for medium/buildable formulas, reapply every 4–7 days depending on how fast you shower and how much you sweat.

• 

Step-by-step: face application

1. Patch test: always test first.

2. Mix small amount: use a pea-sized amount and mix with your daily moisturizer or serum if desired (this creates a very subtle result).

3. Blend: use fingertips or damp sponge; smooth into forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, then lightly along jawline and neck.

4. Precise areas: use the lighter facial formula for a natural look around eyes and upper lip.

5. Wash hands well after application if you didn’t use a mitt.

Using a face-specific formula prevents breakouts and helps match facial skin tone to the body without being overpowering.

Transitioning from winter (Ultra Dark) to spring (Medium) — how to avoid lines and splotches

If you used Ultra Dark over the winter and want to ease into spring:

1. Slow fade: stop using the Ultra Dark and switch to Tan Overnight / Medium for maintenance. Let your existing Ultra Dark fade naturally.

2. Exfoliate gently: every 3–4 days do a gentle exfoliation to lift older color. Don’t over-exfoliate or you’ll create unevenness.

3. Blend areas: when you apply a medium or buildable formula, feather it across the neck, chest, and hands to blend contrast zones.

4. Use diluted application: if Ultra Dark is still strong, mix a small amount of body lotion with your medium tanner and apply to areas where the Ultra Dark is darkest — this helps dilute the tone for a smoother transition.

Troubleshooting common problems

Orange or too-dark color

• If color looks too orange, it may be too concentrated for your natural undertone. Exfoliate gently and use a body wash with glycolic acid to speed fading. Next time, choose a medium or buildable dark self tanner lotion product and always patch-test.

Streaks

• Use an applicator mitt and apply in even long strokes. If streaks appear, exfoliate and reapply a light layer of tanning lotion to blend.

Uneven fading

• Keep skin hydrated and exfoliate consistently. Use a tan extender (Sun Labs and other brands sell tan-maintainer lotions) to even out fading. Many Sun Labs product collections include a tan extender product for prolonging and evening out results. 

Breakouts on face

• Switch to a non-comedogenic facial tanner and avoid heavy oils. Use the face formula included in kits, which is formulated for facial skin. 

Sample seasonal schedules

Winter deep-tan schedule (Ultra Dark)

• Week 1: Prep (exfoliate, hydrate). Apply Ultra Dark in the evening with mitt. Let develop per instructions.

• Week 2–4: Apply maintenance application once every 7–10 days depending on fade. Keep skin hydrated daily.

• Throughout winter: Touch up hands and face every 7–10 days with face tanner or diluted body product.

Spring buildable schedule (Tan Overnight / Medium)

• Week 1: Exfoliate and apply a thin layer of Tan Overnight to arms and chest. Use face tanner sparingly.

• Weeks 2–6: Reapply every 4–7 days to build color slowly. Doing smaller, more frequent applications avoids abrupt color jumps and looks natural under spring light.

• When outdoors more: keep a tan spray on hand for quick touch-ups to legs/arms before events.

FAQs — quick answers

Q: Can I use Ultra Dark on my face?
A: Use a face-specific formula when possible. Ultra Dark is heavy for facial skin and may clog pores; kits often include a separate, lighter face tanner that’s safer for the delicate facial area.

Q: How long does Sun Labs Ultra Dark last?
A: Longevity depends on skin type and aftercare but Ultra Dark is formulated to be longer-lasting; many users reapply every 7–10 days. Product pages for Ultra Dark mention its long-wearing, streak-free qualities.

Q: Are sprays better than lotion?
A: Sprays are excellent for targeted or lighter coverage and quick touch-ups; lotions usually give more hydration and are easier to control for full-body coverage. Sun Labs offers both formats. 

Q: Will I smell weird?
A: Modern sunless tanners have reduced “self-tanner smell,” and some Sun Labs products include bronzers/instant tints that act as visual guides and odor control compared to older formulations. But always ventilate while applying and let the product dry before putting on clothes. 

Putting it all together: winter, spring, and your goals

• If you want depth and drama for months when you’re covered in sweaters, choose Ultra Dark (32 oz if you plan frequent application) and use the instant tint to perfect your application. A kit with a face tanner and mitt is an all-in-one winter solution. 

• If you want natural, buildable color for spring, choose Tan Overnight / Medium or a light spray and reapply frequently in thin layers to avoid abrupt tone changes. 

• For the face, always favor a face-specific formula and test first. Kits and smaller face sizes give you control and reduce breakout risk. 

Where to buy and research (starter links)

Sun Labs products are available through the official Sun Labs site and common retailers (product pages and listings show Ultra Dark and Tan Overnight options, kits, and spray variants). If you prefer to read user reviews before buying, check product review sites and video demonstrations that show before/after results. 

Final checklist — before you apply

• Exfoliate 24–48 hours prior.

• Patch test face tanner.

• Use a mitt for body application.

• Start with less product — you can add more later.

• Hydrate daily to extend the life of your tan.

• For winter: choose Ultra Dark if you want a deeper result; for spring: choose Tan Overnight/Medium or a light spray for a softer, buildable glow. 

Closing thoughts for best sunless tanning lotion

Choosing the best Sun Labs self tanner for winter versus spring is really about matching the product intensity to your skin’s needs and the season’s aesthetic. Ultra Dark gives the depth many of us want in winter with a visible instant tint that helps with application; Tan Overnight / Medium and sprays let you ease into color in spring so your tan looks fresh and natural as the weather warms.

If you tell me whether you prefer deep, long-lasting color (I’d recommend Ultra Dark and tips for winter maintenance) or a softer, buildable tan (I’ll detail a spring plan and exact product pairings), I can give a customized 4–6 week schedule with exact application quantities, timing, and a product bundle checklist (what size to buy and when to reapply for  best sunless tanning lotion experience.