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Tanning for the legs can be quite difficult. This is because of differences in skin thickness around the ankles and knees which make it tough to get an even tan. However, what you could do instead is do a sunless tan with some of the best tanning lotions for legs that I have reviewed here! So if you want to get ready for the summer but don’t want the trouble of UV rays from the sun, one of these tanning lotions is just what you need!
1. Best Budget-Friendly – Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs, Leg Makeup Lotion
Specification
- Skin Tone: All
- Tan Type: Fair, medium, bronze, and deep
- Item Form and Package: Foundation; Squeeze tube
- Liquid Volume: 4 fl oz. (120 ml)
- Scent: Slight tanning lotion smell
Description
Get a wide range of budget-friendly tanning lotions from Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs, Leg Makeup Lotion that works for all skin tones and all tan types!
Features
Variety: tanning types available for all skin tones
Budget-friendly: easy tanning on a budget
Water-resistant: protected from wearing out in the water
How to use
Here are the steps you should follow for this tanning lotion
- Shower and use a gentle exfoliator to get a smooth skin.
- Squeeze some of the product on your hand and spread it over your legs with downward strokes until the whole leg is covered, but make sure to not go over the ankles and knees.
- Use the remaining bits of tanning lotion right above your ankles and glide it across, making sure to lift your hand as you are applying.
- Cover the rest of your feet with the product.
- Do the same for your thighs, going right above the knees and doing the same just like the ankles.
- Let the lotion dry and set on your skin to get a lovely tan on your legs.
Expert Verdict
Getting a good tan on a budget can be difficult, but with the Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs, Leg Makeup Lotion, you can get a great tan for a great price! The different types of tanning that this product has makes it so that it covers all types of skin tones and your tanning needs! It’s water-resistant so you can be sure that you have it on even after a shower. The other great thing about this product is that it works like makeup; once removed, you can reapply it as you need to get the perfect tan coverage. However, it does stain a little when freshly applied and when you wash it so make sure your legs are air-dried before sitting anywhere, wearing clothes, or using a towel.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Different tan types for all skin tones | Can be staining when wet |
| Water-resistant | |
| Great for touch-ups and reapplication |
2. Best Smoothening – Millennium Tanning Forever Dark, Black Mattifying Instant Bronzer
Specification
- Skin Tone: Light to fair
- Tan Type: Deep and bronze
- Item Form and Package: Lotion; Bottle with cap
- Liquid Volume: 13.5 fl oz. (400 ml)
- Scent: Sweet smell
Description
Get an instant bronzing result from the Millennium Tanning Forever Dark, Black Mattifying Instant Bronzer that will leave your skin feeling smooth and enhance your appearance with a flawless tan!
Features
Instant bronzing effect: gives your skin an instant bronze tan
Color fade protection: long-lasting tan that works great for tattoos
Matte finish: gives your legs a nice smooth tan finish
How to use
Here are the steps you should follow for this tanning lotion
- Shower and use a gentle exfoliator to get smooth skin on your legs
- Wear a glove and put some of the product on your hand and spread it over your legs with downward strokes until the whole leg is covered, but make sure to not go over the ankles and knees
- Use the remaining bits of tanning lotion right above your ankles and glide it across, making sure to lift your hand as you are applying
- Cover the rest of your feet with the product
- Do the same for your thighs, going right above the knees and doing the same just like the ankles.
- Let the lotion dry and set on your skin to get a lovely tan on your legs
Expert Verdict
When you want a tanning lotion with instant results, Millennium Tanning Forever Dark, Black Mattifying Instant Bronzer is just the product you are looking for! Not only that but the way it covers your skin gives it a smooth finish that makes your legs look even better! It has great coverage that stays on your skin for a while, not to mention that it also is great for tattoos to give it a darker and more vibrant look. It can be a bit staining on the hand when you are applying so I suggest wearing a glove when applying or using a tanning mitt to protect your hands.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Smooth legs | Staining on the hand |
| Instant results | |
| Great for tattoos |
3. Best Fast-Absorbing – Onyx Sexy Legs Tanning Lotion with Bronzer
Specification
- Skin Tone: Light to fair
- Tan Type: Bronze
- Item Form and Package: Lotion; Squeeze tube
- Liquid Volume: 5 fl oz. (150 ml)
- Scent: Light vanilla fragrance
Description
Get the fast-absorbing indoor tan with the Onyx Sexy Legs Tanning Lotion with Bronzer to get that streak-free tan that moisturizes and softens your skin.
Features
Fast-absorbing: lightweight formula that quickly absorbs into the skin
Great for knees and ankles: gives an even tan all over your legs
Sunbed tanning safe: enhances your tan in sunbed
How to use
Here are the steps you should follow for this tanning lotion
- Shower and use a gentle exfoliator to get a smooth skin
- Squeeze some of the product on your hand and spread it over your legs with downward strokes until the whole leg is covered, but make sure to not go over the ankles and knees
- Use the remaining bits of tanning lotion right above your ankles and glide it across, making sure to lift your hand as you are applying
- Cover the rest of your feet with the product
- Do the same for your thighs, going right above the knees and doing the same just like the ankles. Don’t forget the back of your knees too!
- Let the lotion dry and set on your skin to get a lovely tan on your legs
Expert Verdict
When you want a product that is quick and easy, there is no better tanning lotion for legs than the Onyx Sexy Legs Tanning Lotion with Bronzer! It might be quick acting and has a lightweight formula but don’t be fooled by how well it produces a deep tan on your skin. It gives a great tan and works wonders for the knees and ankles where the skin is a bit thicker than the rest of your legs. A little goes a long way for this tanning lotion and you can even enhance the look of your tan in a tanning bed! However, it is quite expensive for the size of the product you are getting but still is the best one in the fast-absorbing category. So if you have to buy it, a sale would make it a worthwhile purchase.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Fast-absorbing; no tacky feeling | Small tube for the price |
| Great bronze to deep tan | |
| Great for ankles and knees | |
| Works best when combined with a tanning bed |
4. Best Tingle-Free – Pro Tan Luscious Legs
Specification
- Skin Tone: Light to medium
- Tan Type: Medium to bronze tan
- Item Form and Package: Lotion; Squeeze tube
- Liquid Volume: 6 fl oz. (177 ml)
- Scent: Berry smell
Description
Get the best tingle-free experience from the Pro Tan Luscious Legs tanning lotion that provides more than just a tan!
Features
Shave inhibitor: slows down the growth of hair on the legs
Tingle-free: doesn’t have any hot formula that gives a tingling sensation
Tone blending: blends into all skin tones to give a smooth even tan
How to use
Here are the steps you should follow for this tanning lotion
- Shower and use a gentle exfoliator to get a smooth skin
- Squeeze some of the product on your hand and spread it over your legs with downward strokes until the whole leg is covered, but make sure to not go over the ankles and knees
- Use the remaining bits of tanning lotion right above your ankles and glide it across, making sure to lift your hand as you are applying
- Cover the rest of your feet with the product
- Do the same for your thighs, going right above the knees and doing the same just like the ankles. Don’t forget the back of your knees too!
- Let the lotion dry and set on your skin to get a lovely tan on your legs
Expert Verdict
Some tanning lotions can give a tingling sensation to the skin that some might be very unpleasant. However, the Pro Tan Luscious Legs gives a tan without any of that and so much more! It inhibits the growth of hair on your legs which makes your legs look better and give the tan a smoother look for longer. It also gives a lovely blending with your skin tone to give an even-looking tan without any blotches of tan on the skin. However, do be careful because it doesn’t last for a long time if you take a shower as it will easily come off.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Tingle-free | Not to shower after having the tan on |
| Reduces the appearance of hair | |
| Even tan on your legs |
5. Best Bronzing Formula – Snooki Leg Bronzer Skin Firming Indoor Tanning Bed Lotion for Legs
Specification
- Skin Tone: Light to medium
- Tan Type: Bronze to deep
- Item Form and Package: Lotion; Squeeze tube
- Liquid Volume: 6 fl oz. (177 ml)
- Scent: Coconut fragrance
Description
Get a tan like Snooki with the Snooki Leg Bronzer Skin Firming Indoor Tanning Bed Lotion for Legs which has the best bronzing formula for legs when paired with a tanning bed!
Features
Skin firming: leaves the skin firmed for a toned look
Shave minimizer: reduces hair growth on legs
Extra dark bronze: for a deep beautiful tan on the legs
How to use
- Shower and use a gentle exfoliator to get a smooth skin
- Squeeze some of the product on your hand and spread it over your legs with downward strokes until the whole leg is covered, but make sure to not go over the ankles and knees
- Use the remaining bits of tanning lotion right above your ankles and glide it across, making sure to lift your hand as you are applying
- Cover the rest of your feet with the product
- Do the same for your thighs, going right above the knees and doing the same just like the ankles. Don’t forget the back of your knees too!
- Let the lotion dry and set on your skin to get a lovely tan on your legs
Expert Verdict
You know that you are getting a really nice bronze tan on your legs with the Snooki Leg Bronzer Skin Firming Indoor Tanning Bed Lotion for Legs! It works best right before using a tanning bed to help give a nice golden tan on the skin for the hard-to-reach places of the legs. It also leaves the legs feeling firmer to give a really nice toned leg that enhances the look of your legs even more. It also gives one of the best bronzing tans on your legs I have ever seen as well! However, if you have a sensitive nose the smell is really not pleasant at all.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Great bronzing tan on legs | Does not smell nice |
| Firming for enhanced tan legs | |
| Great to use right before tanning bed to give a more even tan |
6. Best Radiant Glow – Devoted Creations Lavish Legs – Ultimate Leg Bronzer
Specification
- Skin Tone: Light to medium
- Tan Type: Bronze
- Item Form and Package: Lotion; Bottle with twist cap
- Liquid Volume: 3.5 fl oz. (100 ml)
- Scent: Slight fragrance
Description
Give your legs a radiant glowing tan with the Devoted Creations Lavish Legs – Ultimate Bronzer that leaves your skin feeling moisturized
Features
Radiant glow: gives your legs a nice and shiny glow
For the fairest of skin: get an even bronze tan for even the fairest of skin tones
Smooth legs: leaves your legs feeling smooth and free from hair
How to use
- Shower and use a gentle exfoliator to get smooth skin on your legs
- Unscrew the cap pour some of the product on your hand and spread it over your legs with downward strokes until the whole leg is covered, but make sure to not go over the ankles and knees
- Use the remaining bits of tanning lotion right above your ankles and glide it across, making sure to lift your hand as you are applying
- Cover the rest of your feet with the product
- Do the same for your thighs, going right above the knees and doing the same just like the ankles.
- Let the lotion dry and set on your skin to get a lovely tan on your legs
Expert Verdict
When you need a radiant tan on your legs, then the Devoted Creations Lavish Legs – Ultimate Bronzer fulfills that wonderful niche for you! After applying I can tell that it was made specifically for legs because of how wonderful the tan was around my knees and ankles! It made it look really natural and gave it a wonderful glow too. The slight fragrance was also refreshing without being overwhelming like other tanning lotions which were gone after a few minutes of applying. It also left my legs feeling nicely moisturized even after being in a tanning bed so it works wonders! However, it is so small! Leaves much to be desired from a larger package because it runs out within 10 uses.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Leaves skin nicely moisturized | Really small bottle |
| Made for legs; great for knees and ankles | |
| Wonderful glowing tan |
7. Best Nourishing – Millennium Tanning Solid Black 200X Tanning Lotion & Tan Extender Lotion
Specification
- Skin Tone: All
- Tan Type: Medium to bronze
- Item Form and Package: Lotions; One with a pump dispenser and the other with a cap
- Liquid Volume: 13.5 and 18.25 fl oz. (400 ml and 540 ml respectively)
- Scent: Shea butter smell
Description
Get the best of both worlds with the nourishing combo of Millennium Tanning Solid Black 200X Tanning Lotion & Tan Extender Lotion for a great tan look!
Features
Tan extender: keeps the tan going on for a longer time
Essential oil moisturizing: get the benefit of shea butter and argan oil moisturizing properties
Tanning bed combination: the products help with before and after tanning beds tan
How to use
For this, you will have to use it a bit differently than other products on the list.
- Shower and use a gentle exfoliator to get smooth skin on your legs
- Take a pump of the product on your hand and spread it over your legs with downward strokes until the whole leg is covered, but make sure to not go over the ankles and knees
- Use the remaining bits of tanning lotion right above your ankles and glide it across, making sure to lift your hand as you are applying
- Cover the rest of your feet with the product
- Do the same for your thighs, going right above the knees and doing the same just like the ankles.
- Let the lotion dry and set on your skin to get a lovely tan on your legs
- Step into the tanning bed
- After the tanning, use the tan extender to keep the skin nice and moisturized
Expert Verdict
When you want a tan, you are sure to also want a moisturizing one after the tanning bed. That is why the Millennium Tanning Solid Black 200X Tanning Lotion & Tan Extender Lotion is great for giving the skin that extra nourishment your skin so desperately needs! With the nourishment, your tan stays on for a lot longer than usual, especially with the tan extender lotion. You get a nice deep tan that keeps your skin moisturized and softened which makes it shine even more in the sun. If I were to review these products alone, they would have their own faults but they cover each other’s weaknesses so well that I can’t find any fault with the products!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Extended period of tan | No cons |
| Nice tan that shines | |
| Moisturized and nourished | |
| Covers each other’s weaknesses |
8. Best Antioxidant – HEMPZ Tanning Lotion – Legs for Days Beach Ready Bronzer
Specification
- Skin Tone: All
- Tan Type: Medium to bronze tan
- Item Form and Package: Lotion; Squeeze tube
- Liquid Volume: 6 fl oz. (177 ml)
- Scent: Rose smell
Description
Be beach ready and protect your skin’s texture with the help of the antioxidants in the HEMPZ Tanning Lotion – Legs for Days Beach Ready Bronzer!
Features
Antioxidation goodness: keeps the skin young and lovely textured
Indoor and outdoor tanning: be ready for both sun and sunless tan
Vitamin softness: keeps your skin nice and soft
How to use
- Shower and use a gentle exfoliator to get a smooth skin
- Squeeze some of the product on your hand and spread it over your legs with downward strokes until the whole leg is covered, but make sure to not go over the ankles and knees
- Use the remaining bits of tanning lotion right above your ankles and glide it across, making sure to lift your hand as you are applying
- Cover the rest of your feet with the product
- Do the same for your thighs, going right above the knees and doing the same just like the ankles. Don’t forget the back of your knees too!
- Let the lotion dry and set on your skin to get a lovely tan on your legs
Expert Verdict
When you get a tan, other than moisturization you really need to keep the tanned skin protected. That is why the antioxidation from the HEMPZ Tanning Lotion – Legs for Days Beach Ready Bronzer! With the antioxidation of hemp seed oil, you get the vitamin C softness that keeps your tanned skin looking as natural as possible. And not only that, this product works great with any type of tanning to complete your tan look. The smell is great as well. The only problem I had with the product is that it works very gradually so don’t expect instant results with this product. In fact, if you are to tan indoors and outdoors, this will enhance your existing tan!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Great smell | Works slowly on its own; needs to be accompanied by other tanning methods |
| Soft and antioxidation-protected skin | |
| Enhances the existing tan look |
9. Best for Deep Dark Tan – Hawaiian Blend Kona Browning Lotion
Specification
- Skin Tone: All
- Tan Type: Medium to deep
- Item Form and Package: Oil-based lotion; Bottle with cap
- Liquid Volume: 8 fl oz. (237 ml)
- Scent: Coffee scent
Description
Get the best sun-kissed tan with the help of Hawaiian Blend Kona Browning Lotion to achieve that deep dark tan!
Features
Best for outdoor tanning: enhances the tanning experience
Moisturization: keeps your skin moisturized under the sun
Coffee youth: get a youthful look with the help of coffee extracts
How to use
As this is still a lotion, the application bit will be the same. Just the finishing will be done under the sun. I will only tell you how to apply for the legs as applying for the whole body is just rubbing the product in an even layer across the whole body, where the elbows will follow the same way you will apply for your knees and ankles.
- Shower and use a gentle exfoliator to get a smooth skin
- Squeeze some of the product on your hand and spread it over your legs with downward strokes until the whole leg is covered, but make sure to not go over the ankles and knees
- Use the remaining bits of tanning lotion right above your ankles and glide it across, making sure to lift your hand as you are applying
- Cover the rest of your feet with the product
- Do the same for your thighs, going right above the knees and doing the same just like the ankles. Don’t forget the back of your knees too!
- Let the lotion dry and set on your skin and apply sunscreen on your body.
- Head out in the sun and complete your tan!
Expert Verdict
I will start with the problem with the product. It is not a tanning lotion, but a product that helps with tanning under the sun. However, the deep tan that you get is nothing like what other products will be able to provide for you! The moisturization you keep under the sun helps keep your skin nice and moisturized. With the help of coffee extracts, you also get a really nice youthful appearance for your tanned skin too. The product is really great for all the right reasons. Sadly, it does not give you tanning or SPF protection either.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Enhances outdoor tanning | Not really a tanner; helps outdoor tanning |
| Keeps skin moisturized under the sun | |
| Youthful appearance |
10. Best Fragrance – Australian Gold – Dark Legs
Specification
- Skin Tone: Light to medium
- Tan Type: Deep
- Item Form and Package: Lotion; Bottle with cap
- Liquid Volume: 8.5 fl oz. (250 ml)
- Scent: Fruity and floral fragrance
Description
Get the best-smelling tanning lotion out there with the Australian Gold – Dark Legs and give yourself nice dark legs in the process!
Features
Fruity floral fragrance: be enveloped in the beautiful smells of flora and fauna
Dark tan: get a nice dark tan on your legs
Natural components: made from natural ingredients
How to use
- Shower and use a gentle exfoliator to get smooth skin on your legs
- Unscrew the cap pour some of the product on your hand and spread it over your legs with downward strokes until the whole leg is covered, but make sure to not go over the ankles and knees
- Use the remaining bits of tanning lotion right above your ankles and glide it across, making sure to lift your hand as you are applying
- Cover the rest of your feet with the product
- Do the same for your thighs, going right above the knees and doing the same just like the ankles.
- Let the lotion dry and set on your skin to get a lovely tan on your legs
Expert Verdict
Let’s face it, all tanning lotions have this horrible smell to them. The DHA or the actual tanning ingredient is the main cause of this. But that doesn’t mean all of them to smell bad. Enter the best-smelling tanning lotion on the market: Australian Gold – Dark Legs! It gives a nice floral smell that is sure to turn heads. Not only that, but your dark legs will be turning heads too! The natural ingredients also mean that your skin is well protected from any irritation. The only problem with the product is that it doesn’t really moisturize all that much if I’m being honest.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Dark legs | Not really moisturizing |
| Best-smelling tanning lotion | |
| No irritation |
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What To Look For In A Lotion For Tanning?
When you are looking for a good tanning lotion, there are some things that you need to look out for. For one, you need to look for a tanning lotion that is moisturizing. Your skin will be left dry after coming from a tan or using a tanning lotion so it is important to have a bit of moisturization to keep the tan looking fresh. The best ingredients for moisturizing will be shea butter or cocoa butter.
The next thing that you need to look for is the type of tan you want that matches your skin tone. If you are fair, then you can buy whatever tanning product you want to get the desired tan you like. But if you are of medium to deep tone, you will need to look for tanning that will be darker than your skin tone. After that, the next thing to look out for is how quickly you will tan. If you want a gradual tan, then you need a tanning lotion that will gradually give you a tan. But if you want an instant tan, then you will need one which has fast absorption and gives that instant you want.
Finally, some tanning lotions have a tingling sensation to them. This will activate the blood circulation in your body and help quicken the tanning effect. However, those that have sensitive skin might suffer from skin irritation from this hot reaction on their bodies. For them, I will advise having a tanning lotion that is tingle-free.
How To Apply Tanning Lotion On Legs?
Applying tanning lotion to the legs is quite difficult. This is because the ankles and the knees have a thicker layer of skin which means they will absorb less of the lotion and produce an uneven tan on your body. That is why it is important to have applied the tanning lotion correctly on your body.
To apply the tanning lotion, you will need to first shower and exfoliate the skin on your legs. This will give a clearer and even tan across your legs. After that, pat dry your skin so it is damp to the touch, and apply the tanning lotion by taking the product in one hand and applying it with the other. Use broad strokes to apply the lotion on your legs downwards, making sure to not touch the ankles just yet. Once you have applied an even layer, then smoothen over the rest of the tan on your ankles, gliding it across the ankles while feathering the lotion over it.
Then, you will need to apply the tanning lotion on your thigh. Similar to the ankles, you will go right above the kneecaps. Make sure to spread the lotion behind your knees too. Once you have applied the lotion every except the knees, do the same thing as your ankles on your kneecaps. Once you are done with that, let the lotion dry. If your tanning lotion doesn’t have a moisturizing effect, make sure to apply a moisturizing sunscreen to help protect your tanned skin. And with that, you are done!
FAQs
You should exfoliate the legs and then apply a tanning lotion or a lotion that will help you tan your legs to make your legs look tan.
Most browning lotions help you tan faster in the sun, which is the main benefit of the product without extended periods under the sun.
There are tanning beds just for legs! For example, the Tansun Just Legs tanning bed is designed to only tan your legs. You will have to ask a tanning salon if they have a tanning bed for legs only to find out more.
Browning lotions help to make you tan faster so that you are not spending excess time under UV rays that can cause damage to your skin.
Poor blood flow is the main cause of the legs being discolored. The repeated pressure on the blood vessels from carrying your weight is the main cause of this.
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it, the 10 best tanning lotions for legs! Honestly, finding tanning lotions that are made for legs was hard to find but it was incredibly satisfying figuring out the ones that were the best. Out of all the lotions on the list, I found the Millennium Tanning Solid Black 200X Tanning Lotion & Tan Extender Lotion to be the best because of how well the two products work together. Hopefully like me, you too find the tanning lotions for your legs that you are looking for and are able to get that perfect tan on your skin as summer approaches! As always, stay classy!
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