This Product Is the Secret to Achieving a Glowing, Bronzed Look for Dark Skin

As someone with a deep, sometimes uneven complexion, I’ve tried and often failed to discover products that leave me glowing inside out. Without a doubt, as we head into summer, self-tanners will be promoted as the must-have product for glowing, gorgeous skin whether you have a plane ticket to a sun-soaked destination or not. Unfortunately, those with darker skin tones are often left out of the conversations around tanning, as much of it is associated with the idea of deepening one’s natural skin. But what about tanning products and practices that brighten and illuminate those with naturally deep skin tones

Let’s start with a fact: Tanning is for everyone. For individuals with darker complexions who desire a noticeably more even and vibrant skin tone, self-tanners are a must-have product year-round. “For those with a deep skin tone, using a self-tanner enables them to eliminate dull skin and achieve a healthy, hydrated glow,” says celebrity spray-tan artist Isabel Alysa, founder of Dolce Glow. Most recently, Alysa has been making headlines as the spray-tan artist behind Sofia Richie’s ultra-chic wedding look. Her brand, Dolce Glow, offers accessible self-tanning products for all skin tones, ethnicities, and body types.

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Of course, the secret to creating and maintaining that glowing, natural-looking finish depends on how you practice. When using a self-tanner, preparation, and follow-through lead to a perfect result. “Skin preparation is the key to a great tan and even coverage,” Alysa explains. “Make sure to exfoliate your skin before applying self-tanner. This will help create a nice base to apply your tanner evenly over your body.” Another one of her biggest tips following the initial application of the self-tanner is to properly moisturize the dry areas of your skin such as your elbows and your knees. The more moisturized your skin is, the longer your tan will remain.

Like any beauty product, ingredients play a huge role in the finished look. The next time you browse the shelves of a drugstore or beauty supply store in hopes of discovering your new go-to self-tanning product, take a quick look at what makes up the formula. DHA, for example, is a very dehydrating ingredient that is popular among self-tanners, as it is necessary for the skin to tan. “You want to make sure you pair it with aloe vera, jojoba seed oil, vitamin E, and sodium hyaluronate,” says Alysa. Now that you know the biggest tips and tricks behind achieving your self-tan, why not shop a few of our favorites? Keep scrolling to discover more self-tanners that have caught our eye.

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The Best Self-Tanners for Melanated Skin

DOLCE GLOW Self-Tanning Mist

When asked what her favorite self-tanning products are, Alysa highlighted Dolce Glow’s Luce Clear Self-Tanning Mist and the Dolce Self-Tanning Mist for a darker, bronzed glow. Providing optimal 360º results, the easy-to-use sunless tanning mist evenly illuminates the skin.

Customer review: “This product makes me feel so flawless. I love how it gives me the right amount of coverage. It’s so easy to use and just a great product, actually the best product out there and I’ve used many. So do yourself a favor and make this purchase you won’t regret it!”

FENTY BEAUTY Body Sauce Body Luminizing Tint

Leave it to Rihanna to develop a subtle, illuminating body cream offering long-lasting blendable and buildable coverage. Its smooth-glide texture blends into the skin, accentuating your natural skin tone while adding a slight, wearable sparkling finish.

Customer review: “This is amazing! It gives such a beautiful glow and tint to the skin and doesn’t feel heavy or sticky at all. I am [shade] 385 in Fenty but I chose this shade to add a nice summer glow to my skin tone. This spreads very easily on the skin and has a nice subtle scent. It is truly transfer-resistant and long-wearing. I look forward to wearing this during the summertime!”

JERGENS Natural Glow Self Tanner Lotion

I’ve been a fan of this self-tanner lotion since I learned just how bronzed and healthy my skin could look with a product that enhances my natural shade. Nearly 2 years later, I still flock to this product whenever I’m looking to even out my tone, want a warm glow, or need natural-looking shimmer as a finishing touch to any look.

Customer review: “I love this lotion! It really works! I usually have pasty, dry legs, especially in the winter, and recently developed those small red dots (strawberry legs) and this lotion fixed all my problems! If you spread, it on evenly and let it dry completely before applying again it works great. I saw results after my third application. Will be ordering more and [using as] my daily lotion.”

L’ORÉAL Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion

This product has soared to the top of TikTok’s heavily populated #BlackGirlsTan hashtag as one of the go-to self-tanners that work miracles for deep skin tones. It’s not streaky, has no strong fragrance, and lasts for up to a week. For the best results, smooth the product evenly over the skin and remember to moisturize.

Customer review: “I have used a few different products, and this is by far the best. The color isn’t orange like other products I have used in the past and the dark color allows for even application without streaks. I didn’t expect to like it so much because it is much less expensive than other ones, but I love it!”

BONDI SANDS Aero Self Tanning Foam

When it comes to fast-drying tanning foam, Bondi Sands’ Aero Self-Tanning Foam is, by far, one of my favorites and, evidently, a favorite of many other dark-skinned people looking to add a little glow to their skin tone. Available in four natural-looking shades, the formula quickly absorbs into the skin for a long-lasting, sun-kissed finish.

Customer review: “I love this. It’s very buildable so if you just want a nice glow, apply it more sparingly. Go heavier with application if you want to be darker. I highly recommend getting a tanning mitt to avoid streaky hands. The mousse is lightweight and goes on smooth. I have not tried it on my face, so I cannot comment on that. Put lotion on dry spots like elbows, knees, and ankles and the palms of your hands before applying.”

ST. TROPEZ Self Tan Luxe Whipped Crème Mousse

Glow inside out with this cream-based self-tanning mouse by St. Tropez. Enriched with cutting-edge tan technology and skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin E, and echinacea, this self-tanner ensures you’ll achieve an even, natural-looking glow.

Customer review: “First time trying St. Tropez Self-Tan Luxe Whipped Crème Mousse: it is beginner friendly; application is very easy and smoothly. Really like that is lightweight and had a subtle but nice scent. Left the skin feeling soft & hydrated; in my experience it didn’t feel sticky at all. And the final result is a very natural glowy tan look (not orange or patchy). Overall, a great experience and product to incorporate into your routine if you, like me, want the summer tan look avoiding sun exposure.”

VITA LIBERATA Body Blur

Available in five gorgeous shades, Vita Liberata’s Body Blur offers its wearer a bronzed, smooth base for photo-finish skin. Instantly concealing and blurring uneven tones, textures, and dullness, this product also features light-reflecting technology for long-lasting radiance. Pro tip: When applying to the face or décolletage, blend out the product with a makeup brush.

Customer review: “I absolutely love this product! It makes my skin look smooth and glowy when applied. It is perfect for any occasion, and you will feel like a golden goddess while wearing it. While it doesn’t completely blur all imperfections on the skin, it still gives you a nice finish that will last for a few hours without having a lot of transferring.”

St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse

Whether you’re new to the self-tanning game or are a self-professed veteran, this bronzing mousse has remained a favorite among users of all skin tones. Promising to tan the skin in one to three hours, it uses a no-fuss formula and advanced color technology that deepens in tone the longer it sits on the skin. My favorite part? It’s non-streaking and transfer-proof.

Customer review: “I’ve used this mousse for over 2 decades. It is the gold standard of self-tanning.  I’ve tried others along the way but always return to this one. It lasts for over a week if you exfoliate and moisturize. It’s a pretty hue to the skin and doesn’t look orange or some other odd color.  Best self-tanner out there. Purchase one.” 

BALI BODY Gradual Face Tan Hydrating Cream

The best way to describe this product is sunshine in a pot. This ultra-hydrating daily face moisturizer is infused with self-tan to nourish the skin while also gradually building a subtle, sun-kissed tan. It’s suitable for all skin types and tones, so you can count on this cream to add the perfect amount of warm color to the skin.

Customer review: “Obsessed! I never have any luck with face self-tanners, they always make me break out in a rash or pimples. I’m so incredibly happy to say this one does not. In fact, I find it makes my skin super glowy and smooth looking.”

JERGENS Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse

I’ve saved another personal favorite for last. This product has been making the rounds on social media as a must-have product for anyone with a deep skin tone craving an even, illuminating tan. Jergens’s Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse makes it possible with a streak-free and transfer-proof formula that offers an even and precise glow.

Customer review: “I’m usually not as big of a fan of the sunless tanning mouse but had fell in love with this product! It’s very light on your skin and leaves a nice glow, giving you that perfect sun-kissed look! It also has no smell, which is just amazing, unlike other brands I’ve tried. Applying it is very easy and it dries in only 60 seconds.”

TAN-LUXE The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

Self-tan drops like these from Tan-Luxe are a smart way to create a natural-looking tan over time without losing your glow. Ideal for all skin types and tones, this tanning concentrate can be added to your moisturizer, serum, or face oil to combat uneven texture and tone.

Customer review: “Illuminating Tan Drops are a great option for those, like myself, looking for a customizable self-tanning solution. You can add anywhere from one to 12 drops to any of your moisturizers, depending on how deep you want your tan to be, to create a natural-looking and most importantly streak-free tan. Four to six drops give me a nice ‘base tan.’ To maintain the tan and enhance the glow, I also add one drop to my daytime moisturizer.”

BEAUTY BY EARTH Self Tanner Mousse

Beauty by Earth’s effective and easy-to-use self-tanner mousse is fast-absorbing and delivers a deep, natural bronze color to the skin in just a few hours. Multiple applications will deepen the tone, lending a sun-kissed and healthy-looking glow. For streak-free and even results, consider applying the product with a mitt.

Customer review: “I’ve been self-tanning for years now but wanted to try and find something more natural, so I found this after searching. I expected since it’s more natural it wouldn’t last or would barely make a difference for some reason. It actually gave me the perfect tan. I didn’t feel gross with it on, it actually smells nice! And I got in a hot tub the next day and the color didn’t really fade much at all! It hasn’t gotten splotchy either.”

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Tips + Self Tanner Glow

@tomarthomas

i tested out a gradual self tanner for a week so you don’t have to #selftanner #selftanroutine

♬ Special – SZA
@kiaranlanier

first time self tanning girlie! the @sttropeztan formula smells amazing, and I can’t wait to see how it develops on my skin #ad #glowwithconfidence #blackgirltanning

♬ original sound – kiaranlanier
@stacythiru

Replying to @urihtycats hear me out

♬ Lo-Fi analog beat – Gloveity
@namiimanx

I plan on looking like a fat, juicy rotisserie chicken all summer longggg✨🤎🫡

♬ original sound – Nami Iman

We Tried Rhode Skin — Here’s What We Really Think

In the ever-evolving world of skincare, Rhode by Hailey Bieber has emerged as a brand worth watching. Bieber’s impossibly dewy glow has had fans begging her to drop the skin routine — and she finally did, in the form of a line of carefully curated skincare essentials. Take a scroll through Hailey’s Instagram and you’ll find her products sprinkled throughout like Easter eggs, tempting you to know more. Seeing her juicy vacation lips and that sleek lip gloss she seems to take everywhere, we just have to know: are her products worth the hype? We decided to find out.

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What you should know about Hailey Bieber’s Rhode products

Rhode’s product line spans six products, ranging from a moisturizing cream to a gel serum. But the star product is their peptide lip treatment, emblazoned with an Allure Best of Beauty award. Infused with high-performance ingredients, the products seem to focus on one goal — moisture. Ooey, gooey, dewy, delicious moisture to keep your skin happy and hydrated. The brand prides itself on its simplicity, which you can see from the packaging, and aims to be your go-to essential. And because they highlight authenticity as one of their brand values, we tried each product in the line to give our most authentic take on whether they live up to their hype.

Barrier Restore Cream, Rhode, $29.

I’ve heard great things about the Rhode Barrier Restore Cream (BRC) so I couldn’t wait to try this product out. I have sensitive and dry skin where I normally get oily and dry around my T-Zone, so I initially get nervous and need to be careful trying new products. I also only break out when it’s my time of the month (and right now it’s time), so I was hoping this would calm my skin down — and it did. I like the BRC. It’s not thick or oily, it’s fragrance-free and smooth on my skin. I applied it after doing my usual skincare routine and the BRC was what I needed to lock everything in place. My skin feels moisturized right after and it kind of helped bring the redness of my breakouts down.

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Half a finger length, as it suggests on the packaging of the cream is all that’s needed to work its magic and make your skin feel restored. While I do enjoy this, I don’t love how it feels during the day under makeup. To me, it felt a tad bit heavy and moved a bit. I would rather use it at night as a moisturizer alone and I feel like my skin would appreciate it more. 

Peptide Glazing Fluid, Rhode, $29.

One of the best tricks to always having that glowy “no makeup” look is to start with a skincare serum that can do just that. For that reason, I do love Rhode’s Peptide Glazing Fluid. It gives you that “lit from within” look that comes through your finished makeup look, or just a simple refreshed, and hydrated look for those no-makeup days (which is how I’ve been using it the most).

While I’ve truthfully used some serums that give me a more immediate glow, I feel like this product just has to be used for a longer period to gain that look consistently. I did appreciate how smoothly it goes on without a heavy feeling or a sticky residue that some serums leave behind. For now, with just a week’s worth of use, I can confidently say I will be adding it into my skincare routine to see just how much of that iconic *glazed donut* look it can give me.

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Peptide Lip Treatment in Unscented, Rhode, $16.

I’ve been hearing all about Hailey Bieber’s Rhode skincare line for a while now and as a self-proclaimed lip gloss expert, I knew I had to get my hands on the Peptide Lip TreatmentAt first glance, I liked how the formula includes shea butter, babassu, and peptides to help create and maintain “pillowy-soft lips. The application is easy to apply and practically mess-free. It leaves my lips feeling smooth, soft, and moisturized without leaving creases or gloss lines behind. The moisture lasted for about four hours before I felt like reapplying again. 

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I like this product and think it’s a great investment for someone who is looking to splurge on a high-quality lip treatment. It can be used on its own or on top of your favorite lip liner and lipstick. A bonus is that it works well on sensitive skin so you don’t have to worry about feeling irritated after a long wear. Also, a little goes a long way with this product and you can feel the positive difference on your lips instantly. I’m a fan of this ‘new philosophy on skincare’ by Mrs. Bieber.

The balm is available in three flavors – watermelon slice, salted caramel, and an unscented version. So you can take your pick and have loads of fun. The product adds the extra oomph and gloss and all things good that give your lips the much-needed tender loving care.

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FINAL VERDICT

While all of Rhode’s products are solid options worth trying if you’re looking for hydrating products or an entry into skin care, they’ll have to be combined with other products to target specific skin concerns that acne-prone or mature skin types might want to treat.

@rhode

@haileybieber’s nighttime rhoderoutine. ✨ three easy steps for dewy, delicious skin. ☁️

♬ Countless – Official Sound Studio

If someone is combating more severe acne, hyperpigmentation, or inflammation, they would need to utilize skin care with active ingredients that are tailored to treating such skin conditions.

PRIMP TIP: Of course, if you’re concerned about any of the ingredients, it’s best to consult your dermatologist.

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As for user experience, all of the products are accessible and well made (and use recyclable postconsumer materials when possible), but I noticed that the Peptide Glazing Fluid bottle contains less product than you might think when looking at it (the cap is nearly the same volume as the bottle itself).

Have you tried Rhode Skin? And if so, would you be willing to try Rhode cleanser, toner, vitamin C, and eye cream if they extend their line?

The 7 Best Butt Masks of 2023 That Smooth and Calm Skin

We often pay special attention to our face and body, but neglect our bums. If you think about it: We spend countless hours on our bottoms, so it only makes sense that they deserve some self-care.

Butt masks may seem like a hoax, but since they endure a lot of the same skin problems that we experience on our face, including acne, hyperpigmentation, dryness, sagging, and rough texture, a butt mask is a secret solution. Using a mask, along with your trusty body washes and scrubs, will help keep your skin problems in check.

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mio Peachy Cheeks Butt Cream

What We Love: It contains nourishing ingredients like caffeine and niacinamide to firm and soften skin.

 What We Don’t Love: It has a slight floral scent that may bothersome.

Mio Peachy Cheeks Butt Cream is the créme de la creme of butt masks. Recommended by board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Marisa Garshick, the mask contains caffeine, niacinamide, Indian fig extract, and monk’s pepper berry. The caffeine helps with the texture and firmness of your bum, leaving you with a silky soft bottom, and the Indian fig extract and monk’s pepper berry moisturize your skin. (No one wants a dry derriere).

Concocted with a magical complex of proteins and vitamins, this mask will transform a textured bottom into a smooth and hydrated surface. One thing to keep in mind is that the rich blend is formulated with a slight floral fragrance.

Yes To Booty-Ful Paper Mask

What We Love: You can tone your bum while lying down.

What We Don’t Love: The mask slides if you move.

We love nutrient-rich sheet masks, and now they make them for your bottom. This option works to improve the overall appearance and feel of your bum. The Yes To Tighter + lifted Bootfyful Paper Mask comes in two heart-shaped sheets that you leave on each cheek for 10 minutes.

Caffeine and coffee stimulate blood flow and help smooth the skin, while the antioxidant-rich guarana fruit provides a dose of hydration. After you slide the mask off, you can rub in any excess liquid to make the most of your masking.

The only downfall is that these sheet masks are single-use, but the benefits make it worth it. And, as a bonus, it is made of one hundred percent cotton and is free of parabens, silicones, and SLS.

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

What We Love: Formulated with hydrating ingredients like coconut and açai oils, this cream leaves your skin feeling like butter.

What We Don’t Love: It has a strong musky vanilla scent. 

You have probably heard of Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Body Cream, and we are here to tell you it’s worth all the hype. With ingredients like guarana, cupuacu butter, and coconut and açai oils, this thick cream instantly revitalizes dry and flakey skin.

The creamy texture melts into your bum, while also tightening the appearance of the skin, thanks to the Brazil nut oil. Rich in selenium, Brazil nut oil keeps skin looking healthy and firm. Plus, the guarana stimulates blood circulation, which will enhance the overall look of your bottom. After using this mask for a few months, I have noticed a huge difference in my derriere’s firmness and smoothness. Although I love the warm rich vanilla and caramel scent, others may be more sensitive to it.

Maelys Cosmetics B-Tight Lift And Firm Booty Mask

What We Love: This mask helps tighten the areas around your bottom and thighs. 

What We Don’t Love: It has a warming sensation that some may dislike. 

While you can’t wake up with an instantly firmer bottom, this mask comes pretty close. Maelys Cosmetics B-Tight Lift and Firm Booty Mask deliver just what it promises: A beautifully plump and taut bum.

Recommended by Dr. Garshick for its firming and hydrating ingredients, this mask contains pink pepperslim, hyaluronic acid, and guarana seed extract, and is clinically proven to visibly firm skin around the booty and thighs.

Start by applying a large amount on your bottom and thighs. Then massage the leave-on mask into the skin until it absorbs. The mask may initially give a slight warming sensation, which only lasts a minute or two. After the cream settles, you’ll find that the skin on your butt and thighs looks plump and supple.

Anese Down With The Thickness Booty Mask

What We Love: The clay mask removes excess oil and contains collagen to plump and strengthen skin. 

What We Don’t Love: You have to leave it on for at least 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off for best results.

Got some time to spare and want to improve the texture of your bum? Anese Down With The Thickness Booty mask covers all your smoothing needs. Formulated with clarifying and detoxing kaolin clay, this mask offers a deep and thorough cleanse, washing away pore-clogging buildup to keep skin clear. It also absorbs excess oil and reduces the appearance of stretch marks.

The formula is concentrated with soothing ingredients, like vitamins B3 and B5, to keep skin soft and moisturized. The mask’s creamy consistency feels nice on the skin, and it spreads easily without needing much rubbing.

More Anese… yes please!

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Bawdy Clay Butt Mask

What We Love: The kaolin clay draws out impurities and excess oil to keep skin clear and acne free. 

What We Don’t Love: Reviews say that it can take a couple of tries to get product out of the stick applicator.

“This mask uses kaolin clay to draw out debris and oil, helping to improve overall texture and reduce breakouts, without leading to dryness or irritation of the skin,” says Dr. Garshick.

We love that this purifying clay mask is in stick form for an easy, mess-free application. The formula harnesses clean, non-toxic ingredients, including a blend of kaolin and montmorillonite clays to exfoliate, willow bark to tone, and glycerin to hydrate.

Simply apply the mask in a circular motion all around the butt and upper thighs, let it dry, and then rinse after 15 minutes. It’s great to use post-workout or to get a breakout under control.

Truly Buns Of Glowry Tighten & Glow Smoothing Butt Polish

What We Love: Watermelon extract helps to fade any discoloration and hydrates thirsty skin. 

What We Don’t Love: There’s not a ton of product in the packaging.

Although this is technically a body polish, it can be transformed into a mask by mixing a handful of the scrub with water and rubbing it into your cheeks. The mask is powered by watermelon extract, which is rich in vitamin C, amino acids, and antioxidants, to lightly exfoliate and promote cell turnover. It’s also formulated with wheat protein, which contains ceramides that attract and hold onto moisture to plump skin and fill in fine lines to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Together, these two powerhouse ingredients work to reveal a more radiant complexion. Our only complaint is that we love it so much, we wish it came with more products.

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What to Keep In Mind

Ingredients

When selecting a butt mask it’s important to consider the skin concerns you want to address. In general, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexis Stephens recommends avoiding butt masks with potentially irritating ingredients, such as drying alcohols, fragrances, and essential oils.

If your bottom is feeling slightly dryer than usual, she says that masks rich in humectant ingredients, like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, honey, and panthenol, can help to improve moisture retention in the skin. These ingredients also provide a soothing effect, which can be helpful for anyone who experiences ingrown hairs, acne, eczema, or folliculitis (especially after shaving).

If you’re looking to treat discoloration, acne, or keratosis pilaris, Dr. Stephens suggests looking for masks that contain chemical exfoliants, like lactic or salicylic acids, as these ingredients boost cell turnover — just be sure to use sunscreen, as these acids will make skin more sensitive.

Application

Instructions for how to use the mask will depend on what type it is. If your mask is a wash-off, be sure to thoroughly rinse until you no longer feel the residue on your skin. Alternatively, a leave-on mask is one that you rub into the skin until it absorbs and dries. It can be left on the skin until your next shower.

In general, Dr. Garshick says that butt masks can be used a few times a week, but it’s important to follow the directions provided by the brand, especially if you’re using an exfoliating mask.

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Your Questions, Answered

What do butt masks do?

“A butt mask is what it sounds like A mask to treat the skin on the buttocks that can often be left on for some time to help address certain concerns of the buttocks area,” says Dr. Garshick.

These masks can exfoliate and firm, or address an acne breakout or bumpy, uneven texture.

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Rosenthal is a commerce writer for BeautyLeeBar. She covers fashion, skincare, and beauty. With additional knowledge from professional stylists, Rosenthal collaborated with a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, Dr. Marisa Garshick as well as a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Parkland Dermatology, Dr. Alexis Stephens to write this story.

6 Black-Owned Sunscreen Brands to Try ASAP

Regardless of your skin tone, wearing sunscreen every day is one of the best (and easiest) ways to protect your skin’s health and appearance, not to mention prevent the signs of aging. Sunscreen can help prevent rough and damaged skin, as well as skin cancer — rain or shine — since the sun emits harmful UV rays year-round. Not sure which sunscreen is best for you? According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), “dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97% of the sun’s UVB rays.

If you want to be extra safe, a higher SPF number blocks more of the sun’s UVB rays, but no sunscreen can block them 100%. For maximum protection, be sure to reapply thoroughly every couple of hours, and don’t forget about your lips (wearing a lip balm with SPF not only nourishes your lips but also protects them from skin cancer). Those with darker skin tones might be worried about sunscreen leaving a white cast, but that’s where these Black-owned sunscreen brands that you’ll want to try ASAP come in. They’re for every skin tone, so keep on reading to find your new product go-to. And remember, you don’t need to wait until summer to try these out.

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Our top picks:

These are the top picks of Black-owned sunscreen brands to wear in every type of climate.

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Keys Soulcare SPF 30 Sunscreen

This broad spectrum SPF 30 will protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun, while the squalane and niacinamide ingredients keep your skin soft and balanced. Also, vitamin B3 helps to brighten and balance the skin’s appearance. All ingredients are clean and cruelty-free and it’s formulated without parabens. Not to mention, it goes on completely clear, leaving you feeling (and looking) radiant and confident. Bonus: The brand was founded by the queen herself, Alicia Keys (hence the name!).

Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

Made for melanated skin, this sunscreen brand protects against harmful UVA and UVB rays using a signature, sheer formula. “As a Black woman, it can be a struggle to find a lightweight sunscreen that doesn’t leave behind a white cast,” says BLB editor Valeris. “This fragrance-free formula with SPF 30 has been amazing for my skin. It absorbs quickly and it works well under makeup.” It doubles as a moisturizer, thanks to its hydrating ingredients, like jojoba, cacao and avocado, and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

On the hunt for an invisible SPF 30? Look no further! Founded by Rihanna, Fenty Skin’s Broad Spectrum sunscreen locks in hydration, fades the look of dark spots and smoothes the appearance of pores. After one week, 100% of users agree it softened their skin and it didn’t pill under makeup (this was based on the brand’s own eight-week consumer study on 52 people). It is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, like niacinamide and kalahari melon.

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Eleven Ace the Day Face Lotion SPF 30

Founded by Venus Williams, Eleven’s lightweight facial sun serum provides protection while simultaneously helping to hydrate, calm and smooth the skin. Shake well before use and then apply daily for maximum protection and skin hydration. It’s dermatologist-approved and quickly absorbs on all skin tones, creating a semi-matte finish. The multifunctional formula can be worn as a lightweight primer to extend the wear time of all of your makeup looks. Formulated to be water- and sweat-resistant, you can wear it for 40 minutes before reapplying.

Absolute Joi Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 40 Mineral Sunscreen

A tinted mineral sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast, it will leave sensitive skin feeling extra hydrated. “The mineral formula was nice and felt moisturizing,” says BLB chemist Sabina. “It was founded by a doctor (a woman) who had an impressive CV and whose daughters had trouble finding the skincare that suited them.” Plus, there are two shades, mocha and cafe au lait. The squalane and hyaluronic acid ingredients provide long-lasting hydration and moisture without clogging pores, while vitamin C combats signs of aging and brightens the skin to create a more even tone. Other important ingredients are green tea and chamomile extract, which reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Bolden SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer

Infused with a large dosage of vitamin C, the Bolden Brightening Moisturizer sunscreen will brighten your skin and diminish signs of sun damage and any dark marks, while also providing hydration and nourishment, thanks to its robust antioxidants. It’s made free of sulfates, parabens or phthalates. Other essential ingredients that make up its composition are squalane, which reduces roughness and fine lines, as well as sunflower oil, which repairs the skin’s barrier and eases dryness. To top off all of its benefits, it dries clear without leaving a white, chalky residue.