Tanning lotions can help you achieve that sun-kissed glow without harmful UV exposure. With so many options on the market, it can get overwhelming finding the right one. Tanning Paradise’s Black Coconut Love bronzing lotion claims to give you dark, long-lasting color. In this article we talk about Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion- Review Pros Cons Analyzed.
I tested out Black Coconut Love to see if it lives up to the hype. Keep reading for a detailed review on how it performed, its standout features, and any downsides to consider before buying.
About the Tanning Lotion
Tanning Paradise launched its Black Coconut Love lotion in 2021 as part of its island-inspired tanning line. It uses natural ingredients like coconut, banana fruit extract, and walnut shell powder. The formula also contains DHA for immediate color development.
Tanning Paradise markets it as an ultra-dark tanning lotion that nourishes, hydrates, and firms skin. It promises long-lasting results even after just one use. The lotion comes in a 13.5 oz black bottle with a tropical vibe.
My Skin Tone and Tanning Habits
As context, I have light skin that tans easily. I use tanning lotions a few times per week in the summer to maintain color. For self-tanning, I like bronzers that provide instant color payoff but still allow you to build color gradually. The best ones for me also keep skin moisturized without feeling overly greasy.
First Impressions of Black Coconut Love
Upon first using the Black Coconut Love lotion, I immediately noticed the lush island scent. It has aromatic notes of coconut, mango, and banana. The bronzer also gave my skin an instant glow and shimmery finish. It blended in smoothly without streaking.
I liked the silky, lightweight texture that wasn’t too runny or thick. A little goes a long way in covering the skin evenly. Overall, my first application gave me a vibrant, natural-looking tan with no issues.
Gradual Color Development
The color guide on the bottle rates Black Coconut Love as an ultra-dark level 15-20 bronzer. However, the initial color payoff is more of a medium tan. On first use, I only looked slightly darker than my natural skin tone. This makes it great for building color gradually, rather than an overly dramatic instant change.
I noticed my tan steadily get darker with each use over the next 5-7 days. The color deepened while still looking natural. At the same time, the bronzer didn’t oxidize or turn orange. My tan showed no signs of fading, even with daily washing. Overall, the gradual color development to an ultra-dark tan impressed me.
Moisturizing and Skin Benefits
Aside from bronzing, Black Coconut Love delivers intense hydration. Ingredients like coconut milk, coconut oil, and banana and walnut extracts kept my skin smooth and nourished. The moisture lasted all day, with no dry patches or flaking. Even a full week after tanning sessions, my skin stayed supple.
I also noticed improved skin texture and firmness after 2 weeks of use. The lotion has anti-aging peptides and antioxidants that likely contributed to these anti-aging effects. While subtle, my skin had a more youthful bounce and glow.
No Streaking or Transfer Issues
Streaking and transferring are two common tanning lotion complaints. But I experienced neither with Black Coconut Love. The smooth formula blended in evenly without catching on dry spots. It also didn’t stain fabrics or have that telltale self-tanner scent once absorbed. I felt comfortable putting clothes on shortly after tanning.
Pleasant Scent
The tropical aroma always puts me in summer mode. It’s sweet and fruity without being overbearing. I don’t normally like heavily perfumed tanning lotions since the scent lingers all day. But this one has a light, clean fragrance that fades after an hour or so. The coconut and mango tones are refreshing rather than synthetic.
Easy Application
The velvety texture allows the lotion to glide onto skin seamlessly. A little goes a long way in spreading over the entire body evenly. It only takes a few minutes to smooth on and doesn’t feel sticky or tacky once applied. The dark instant bronzers make it easy to spot any missed patches for full coverage.
Packaging Notes
While not the most luxe packaging, the plastic bottle held up perfectly fine during testing. The flip-top makes it easy to dispense the lotion one-handed. I also like the color-coded lid that corresponds to the “ultra-dark” level for at-a-glance info. My only complaint is that the 13.5 oz bottle feels slightly big for luggage. A more travel-friendly size would be convenient.
What I Don’t Love
While most aspects of Black Coconut Love impressed me, it does have some downsides. The major one is the strong scent of DHA that lingers for 6+ hours after tanning. It has an ammonia-like odor during development. I don’t mind it, but those sensitive to tanning scents would notice.
The ultra-dark color also isn’t for everyone. While I eventually reached an extremely bronzed look, some may find it unnatural. I tan easily, so those with fairer skin may need a lighter bronzer. It’s also on the pricier side for drugstore self-tanners.
Who Should Buy Black Coconut Love?
Based on my testing, Black Coconut Love works well for most skin tones to achieve a deep, tropical tan. It’s ideal for those with previous tanning experience looking to amp up their color. The flawless application prevents uneven results from user error.
It’s also a great pick for hydrating skin while bronzing. The smooth, nourishing feel makes it luxurious for everyday use. Just don’t choose it if you prefer light, buildable color or dislike strong tanning scents.
How It Compares to Similar Bronzers
Black Coconut Love has similarities to other salon-style self-tanners with island-inspired ingredients. Some comparable options include:
-Australian Gold Dark Natural Bronzer: Also has coconut, banana, and walnut but less shimmer for a matte finish. The color maxes out at a dark tan rather than ultra-dark.
-Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses: Features coconut milk and coconut oil but no fruit extracts. The formula is ultra-hydrating but less transfer-resistant.
-Maui Babe Browning Lotion: A classic coconut-based bronzer. But it has a longer dry-down time and higher price tag.
While the Maui Babe and Australian Gold lotions work well too, Black Coconut Love outpaced them in my testing. It delivered the darkest, longest-lasting color with a budget-friendly price. The skin care benefits also give it a leg up compared to standard bronzers.
Pros
-Gradual color development to an ultra-dark tan
-Streak-free and transfer-resistant
-Nourishing formula with coconut, fruit extracts
-Pleasant tropical fragrance
-Smooth, fast-absorbing texture
-Skin firming and anti-aging peptides
-Affordable for a salon-style lotion
Cons
-Strong DHA tanning scent during processing
-Ultra-dark color may be too intense for some
-Slightly bulky packaging
Is Black Coconut Love Worth Buying?
If you love coconut-infused tanners and want maximum bronzing with skin benefits, Black Coconut Love is a winner. It delivers flawless, natural-looking color that intensified to an ultra-dark tan on my light skin. The nourishing formula also hydrates while firming.
I mainly had positive experiences using the lotion over 2 weeks. While the tanning scent during processing isn’t ideal, it’s a tradeoff for smooth, even results. The color payoff exceeds expectations for the affordable price tag. Overall, Black Coconut Love makes self-tanning easy with foolproof tropical color. I sincerely hope you find this “Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion- Review Pros Cons Analyzed” article helpful.