Lotion bars are one of my favorite DIY beauty projects because they’re compact, easy to travel with, and fun to make. Over the years, I’ve tried out different versions of my classic lotion bar recipe, but today I’m excited to share my bronzing lotion bars.
I’m a big fan of a natural tan and love getting a little sun-kissed glow, but in the colder months, that’s not always possible. These bronzing lotion bars are great for giving your skin a natural glow and shimmer, regardless of the season. They work well in warmer months too, offering some skin protection while acting as a moisturizer.
The idea for these bronzing lotion bars came from a reader in Hawaii who told me how she used coffee-infused oil in her lotion bars for a bronzy effect. Inspired by her, I created a version that not only gives you a bronze look but also repels bugs and offers some sunscreen protection, making them perfect for the beach. The sunscreen aspect is optional since I prefer to get natural vitamin D whenever I can, but keep in mind they provide only a low SPF.
These bars smell fantastic and are perfect for a beach day. Just keep them in a cooler so they don’t melt. If you prefer a less solid option, you can skip the beeswax and use it as a lotion instead.
The bronzing lotion bars offer a subtle glow, light sun protection, and help keep bugs at bay. Bugs, unfortunately, are still a concern in the South, even during winter! If you don’t need the bug-repelling feature, there are plenty of other essential oil blends that are great for your skin and smell wonderful in a lotion bar.
I usually avoid products like tanning mousse or self-tanners because they often contain chemicals that I prefer not to have on my skin. Plus, they aren’t always as streak-free as promised, and I can do without the orange tint. The main ingredient approved for use in self-tanners is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which shouldn’t come into contact with mucous membranes, and it’s best to avoid inhaling it.
There are a few natural ways to make sunless tanning lotion bars, though the effect is more subtle than store-bought self-tanners. I don’t worry about exact skin tone matching since these bars aren’t very dark. I start with coffee-infused coconut oil for hydration and a bronzing effect. For extra shimmer, I add mica powder or use some natural mineral makeup for more coverage.
To get a natural bronzing effect, I infuse coconut oil with finely ground coffee. I often make a big batch for future use, but feel free to halve the recipe. To apply, just hold the bar in your hand and rub it on dry skin. The warmth of your skin will transfer some of the oils. I keep my bars on a small plate on my dresser or bathroom counter.
The dark color might not show much in the bar, especially with zinc oxide, but it will definitely give your skin a darker look. Be careful, though, as some of the color can transfer to light-colored clothing until the lotion has fully absorbed.
Once you get into making lotion bars, you might find it hard to stop! I have plenty of other lotion bar recipes if you’re interested. If you’d like to use lotion bars but don’t have the time or ingredients to make them, my friends at Made On offer a great selection of lotion bars, soaps, and other natural products that meet my high standards. You can even get a 15% discount using the code “wellnessmama” at checkout.
Have you ever made lotion bars? What’s your favorite kind? Share your thoughts below!
