Alright babes, it’s that time again – the fake tan fades, the sun starts peeking out, and you suddenly remember what your legs actually look like in daylight. Summer 2025 is creeping in hot, and you know what that means… it’s prime tanning season, baby.
If you’re already planning your holidays, your sunbed sessions, or just want to look like a bronzed goddess every day of the week, then you need to know what the best tanning lotion is this year. And guess what? I’ve done all the testing (and tanning) for you.
We’ve got three new lotions that are about to take over your bathroom shelf: Life’s a Beach, Cherry Good, and Summer Dreams – and babes, they are anything but basic.
Let’s get into it.
What Makes a Lotion the Best Tanning Lotion?
Before I start raving, here’s the tea. A proper sunbed tanning cream or holiday lotion needs to do three things:
- Give you that rich, bronzed tan
- Keep your skin feeling lush and hydrated
- Smell like something you’d wear out on the town
I’m not here for sticky, orange, patchy creams. No thanks. These new drops from So Damn Tanned tick every box and more. I’ve used them in the salon, on the beach, and even just before a night out – they hit every single time.
1. Life’s a Beach – The Best Lotion for Holiday Vibes
If you could bottle a beach holiday and rub it all over your body, this would be it.
Why it slaps:
- Coconutty AF – the scent is like sipping cocktails poolside
- Packed with Melanoplex Peptides for a deeper, quicker tan
- 350ml of pure tan-loving goodness
- Fast-absorbing so you’re not sticky in the heat
Best for: holidays, hot weather, and beach babes who tan quick and want to go darker faster.
How I use it: Slather this on before hitting the sunbed or the pool. I even use it as a daily body lotion when I want to feel like I’m on holiday (even if I’m just popping to Tesco).
2. Cherry Good – The Sweetest Sunbed Tanning Cream Ever
She’s pink, she’s juicy, she’s giving glowing goddess vibes. Get it HERE
Why I’m obsessed:
- Smells like cherry sweets – SO moreish
- Glides on like butter (without that greasy feel)
- Mega hydration – no flaky post-tan skin
- Boosted with skin-loving peptides
Best for: sunbed sessions where you wanna smell as good as you look. I’ve had people ask me what perfume I’m wearing after using this.
Pro tip: Layer it up before a night out tan sesh, then again after showering to lock it all in. Double whammy.
3. Summer Dreams – Glow Like It’s Golden Hour, All Day Long
This one’s for the girls who want radiance. Think dewy, golden, just-had-a-week-in-Ibiza skin.
Why it’s dreamy:
- Lightweight but gives you colour quick
- Smells fresh, fruity, and proper summery
- 350ml so it lasts ages (unless your mates start stealing it)
- Gets better every time you use it
Best for: every damn day. This is my go-to morning lotion when the sun’s out. Pairs like a dream with tanning drops if you wanna boost your base.
Keyword drop: best tanning lotion
How to Pick the Right Tanning Lotion for You
Can’t decide which one to get? Don’t stress, I’ve made it easy:
| Your Vibe | Your Lotion Match |
|---|---|
| Beach holiday? | Life’s a Beach |
| Girls’ night tan? | Cherry Good |
| Everyday glow? | Summer Dreams |
I switch them up depending on what I’m doing. Honestly, I keep all three in rotation like my fave lip glosses.
Real Talk: Why Cheap Lotions Just Don’t Cut It
I used to grab any old cream from the bargain shelf and wonder why my tan looked streaky or didn’t last. But babes – your tan is only as good as your lotion.
The stuff from So Damn Tanned? It’s salon quality. Infused with Hexapeptide-11, Octapeptide-5, and hydration boosters. Your skin gets darker, smoother, and smells unreal. And it’s all made to work with sunbeds and sunshine.
Quick Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Tan
You know I’ve got to slip in a few golden rules:
- Exfoliate first (trust me, don’t skip this)
- Apply lotion before tanning, not after
- Reapply after your session if you’re going out
- Hydrate your skin every night to keep the glow
- Don’t forget your ankles and wrists – they show everything!
Meg’s Faves: Holiday Tanning Routine
Here’s how I pack for my holiday tan:
- Life’s a Beach for pool days
- Cherry Good for nights out and sunbed prep
- Summer Dreams as my daily lotion
- One backup bottle because I will get asked to share
And yes, I label them with my name because my mates are cheeky.
Where to Get These Lotions
You can grab all three over at So Damn Tanned. Stock up now because they’re flying off the shelf – and once you try them, you’ll never go back.
Bundles available too, so you can save and slay.
Your Summer 2025 Tan Needs These
- Life’s a Beach = beachy, deep, coconut dream tan
- Cherry Good = sweet, bold, perfect for sunbeds
- Summer Dreams = soft, golden, everyday glow
Whether you’re sunbathing in Ibiza or doing a cheeky sunbed sesh at home, these are the best tanning lotions you’ll find this year.
So stop guessing and start glowing. Your tan deserves the best – and babes, these are it.
Best tanning lotions for summer 2025 lined up on a towel by the pool
Ready to glow? Shop the range now and grab your summer tanning faves before they’re gone!
Love ya, stay bronzed
Meg x
Life is a Beach Melanoplex® Tanning Accelerator Lotion 350ml
Life’s A Beach!
Introducing the So Damn Tanned Coconut Melanoplex Tanning Lotion 350ml, with a smell that will remind you of being on holiday basking in the Sun – your ultimate tanning accelerator. This advanced formula is designed to give you a deep, golden tan in record time. With our Melanoplex Technology, your skin’s natural melanin production is stimulated, enhancing and accelerating the tanning process. Experience ultra-fast tanning, deep tan, and even tan distribution. Indulge your senses with the tropical fragrance and get ready to glow with confidence. Say goodbye to pale skin and hello to a stunning, sun-kissed complexion.
