When you think of self-tanning, chances are you’re not picturing a Black woman reaching for bronzing mousse. But that narrative is shifting—and fast.
Across TikTok and Instagram, a new wave of Black and brown creators are openly embracing self-tanning. Not to change their complexion, but to even it out, enhance natural radiance, and reclaim a beauty ritual that’s long excluded them. What once felt like an off-limits aisle in the beauty store is now a space for experimentation, education and glow-ups—with melanin at the center.
Videos tagged #BlackGirlsTan have racked up millions of views, with creators like Jackie Aina and Kamie Crawford showcasing their glowing skin post spray tan. It’s not to change their complexion, but to even it out, contour and improve superficial imperfections.
So I decided to dig deeper and experience it for myself—sitting down with two of the industry’s most trusted experts: Sophie Evans, celebrity tanning artist and skin finishing expert for St. Tropez, and Peta Murgatroyd, Dancing with the Stars alum and founder of Peta Jane Beauty. Both women are redefining the self-tanning space—not only by making products that work across all skin tones, but by helping to reframe what “tanning” actually means.
Watch Interview with St. Tropez tanning expert here:
“Self-tan is for everybody,” Evans told me. “And on darker skin, it looks amazing—you get rid of tan lines, contour the body and it gives you that glow. We all go darker in the sun—why not enhance that?”
Sophie’s been tanning melanin-rich skin since the ’90s, working with stars like Sade and Mel B of the Spice Girls long before it was trendy. Today, her work continues with a new generation of creators, who are turning the lens on a new kind of luxury: even skin, body confidence and radiant, natural glow.
Meanwhile, Peta Murgatroyd is carving her own lane with Peta Jane Beauty, a self-funded brand built around everyday confidence, buildable color and formulas that actually work for all skin tones.
“I was one of those people who used to ask, ‘Why would a Black woman need to tan?’” she shared honestly. “Now I get it—it’s about smoothing out the skin, evening the tone and just feeling radiant. It’s not always about going darker. It’s about showing up as your best, glowing self.”
Let’s Talk Tanning Technique
Both experts agree: the results are only as good as your prep. So if you’re a first-timer, don’t skip these essentials.
“Exfoliate 24 hours before,” Murgatroyd emphasized. “But don’t use oily scrubs. Oil creates a barrier and prevents the tan from absorbing. Instead, use a dry exfoliating mitt to remove dead skin and get an even base.”
She also advises shaving a full day prior to tanning to avoid the formula settling into open pores or looking spotty. Evans’ agrees, adding that moisturizing only dry areas (like elbows, knees, ankles) is key to avoiding over-saturation and patchiness.
Once you’re prepped, here’s how to apply for flawless results:
Watch Interview with Peta Murgatroyd here:
Steps to Achieve Your Glow
Exfoliate – 24 hours before tanning. On the day of, moisturize dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and feet only.
Apply – Use a mitt to apply St. Tropez’s Classic Bronzing Mousse or Peta Jane’s Gradual Tan in long, even strokes. Work in sections (forearms, upper arms, chest).
Glow – Wait 4–8 hours before rinsing (or 1 hour with express formulas). Then moisturize daily to maintain a smooth, radiant finish.
The Power of the Right Tanning Product
Peta Jane and St. Tropez both prioritize neutral undertones, which are essential for melanin-rich skin.
“I’ve tried formulas that made me look red, green—even gray,” said Murgatroyd. “So we created a line with a neutral brown base that works on every skin tone—from fair to deep. There’s no orange, no weird undertones—just glow.”
Her top picks?
- Peta Jane Gradual Tan for beginners
- Ultra Dark Mousse for full-body radiance
- The Mist for on-the-go glow-ups and contouring
“The mist is my date-night hero,” Murgatroyd laughed. “I have three kids, a dog, and no time. I spray my chest, my legs—wherever showing—and I’m out the door glowing.”
Evans recommends St. Tropez’s Violet Supreme Mousse, which contains olive-based and melanin-compatible pigments, and Sunlit Serum Drops for precise, brush-based application.
“Even on deep skin, a little contour with the right product goes a long way,” Evans told me. “It’s not about coverage—it’s about enhancing what’s already there.”
When I asked Evans about tips for newcomers, especially Black women curious but cautious, she offered this:
“Start with a base tan like the classic or purity mist for an all-over glow. Then, if you want to go deeper, use the Supreme to contour. And always moisturize—especially post-shower. That’s your best friend for keeping the tan even and long-lasting.”
The Bigger Picture
As more Black women reclaim their glow on their own terms, the industry is finally being challenged to keep up. This is about more than bronzing. It’s about visibility, access and choice.
“Black girls tan too,” Evans said with a smile. “And when they do, they glow differently.”
“Everyone deserves to feel radiant,” Murgatroyd echoed. “No matter your skin tone, your lifestyle, your routine—you deserve products that make you feel good in your skin.”
Final Tanning Takeaway?
Tanning is no longer a one-shade-fits-all experience. Whether you’re looking to contour your curves, blur out stretch marks or just look like you stepped off a yacht in St. Barts—there’s finally space (and product) for Black women in the glow game. So yes, Black girls tan too.