Picture this. You want a gorgeous tan but without the harmful UV rays, expensive salon trips, or hours spent baking in the sun. What if you could wake up with beautifully bronzed skin?
That’s where Sun Laboratories By Giesee comes in. This brand has been making waves in the self-tanning world, and people everywhere are curious about what makes these products so special.
Are they really worth your money? Can they deliver a natural looking tan without streaks or orange tones? Keep reading because we’re about to reveal everything you need to know about Sun Laboratories By Giesee products in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Sun Laboratories By Giesee offers three main shade options including Tan Overnight for medium tones, Dark Sunsation for intense bronze, and Ultra Dark for the deepest color payoff
- The brand uses organic DHA based formulas that develop your tan gradually overnight without sun exposure or harmful UV damage to your skin
- Application is simple and streak free when you follow proper prep steps like exfoliation and moisturizing dry areas before applying the product
- Most products work for both face and body giving you complete coverage and a uniform tan from head to toe in one application
- Results typically appear within 4 to 8 hours with the color continuing to develop and deepen for up to 24 hours after initial application
- The products are budget friendly with prices ranging from $18 to $31 on Amazon, making professional quality tanning accessible for everyone
What Makes Sun Laboratories By Giesee Stand Out
Sun Laboratories By Giesee has built a solid reputation in the self tanning market. The brand focuses on creating natural looking tans without exposure to harmful UV rays. Their formulas contain organic ingredients that work with your skin’s chemistry to produce color.
Unlike cheap tanners that turn you orange, these products develop into beautiful bronze tones. The company has been perfecting their formulas for years.
They understand that people want results that look real, not fake. The texture is smooth and easy to spread. You won’t find that sticky or greasy feeling that some tanners leave behind.
Ultra Dark Sunless Tanning Lotion 8 oz
This product is the ultimate choice for people who love deep bronze color. The Ultra Dark formula gives you the richest tan possible from a sunless product. With over 2,900 reviews and a 4.3 star rating, customers clearly love what this lotion delivers.
The 8 oz bottle provides plenty of product for multiple applications. You can use it on your face, body, and legs for complete coverage. The organic formula feels good on your skin while developing your tan.
Most users report seeing color within just a few hours. The tan continues to deepen over 24 hours. You get that vacation ready glow without ever stepping foot on a beach.
Dark Sunsation Sunless Tanning Lotion 8 oz
The Dark Sunsation line offers another excellent option for achieving dramatic color. This formula is designed for both men and women who want a long lasting tan. The 8 oz size at $26.25 gives you great value.
Users appreciate how this product creates an even application. There are no weird patches or streaky marks when you apply it correctly. The fragrance free formula means you avoid that typical self tanner smell.
Your skin looks naturally sun kissed instead of artificially colored. The lotion absorbs quickly into your skin. You can get dressed soon after application without worrying about transfer.
Tan Overnight Sunless Tanning Lotion 8 oz
Want to wake up with a tan? The Tan Overnight formula makes that dream a reality. This product works while you sleep to develop beautiful color. Apply it before bed and rinse off in the morning.
You’ll see a noticeable difference right away. The medium intensity is perfect for beginners or people who want a subtle glow. The 8 oz bottle lasts for several applications.
At $22.99, the price point makes it accessible for regular use. The natural formula includes moisturizing ingredients. Your skin stays hydrated while developing color. No more choosing between soft skin and a great tan.
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Understanding the Different Shade Options
Sun Laboratories By Giesee offers multiple shade levels to match your desired look. The Tan Overnight line provides a medium shade for everyday natural glow. This option works great for fair to medium skin tones.
The Dark Sunsation gives you a very dark shade for bold, intense color. Ultra Dark delivers the richest, deepest bronze available. You can choose based on your natural skin tone and how dramatic you want your results.
Some people start with medium and layer for deeper color. Others jump straight to ultra dark for immediate impact. The choice depends on your personal preference and comfort level.
How to Apply Sun Laboratories Products for Best Results
Preparation is everything when it comes to self tanning. Start by exfoliating your entire body with a gentle scrub. Focus on rough areas like elbows, knees, and ankles. These spots tend to absorb more product and can look darker.
After exfoliating, take a shower and pat your skin dry. Apply a light moisturizer to dry areas but let it absorb completely. Your skin should feel smooth and slightly damp, not wet.
Pump some lotion into your hands or onto a tanning mitt. Work in circular motions across your body. Start from your feet and move upward. This prevents drips and ensures even coverage.
The Science Behind Self Tanning Formulas
These products work through a chemical reaction with your skin. The active ingredient is DHA or dihydroxyacetone. This compound reacts with amino acids in the outer layer of your skin.
The reaction produces a brown pigment that looks like a natural tan. The process takes several hours to complete. That’s why you see color developing gradually.
The formula doesn’t actually tan your skin like the sun does. It temporarily colors the surface layer. As your skin cells naturally shed, the color fades. Most self tans last between 5 to 7 days. Regular reapplication maintains your glow.
Benefits of Choosing Sunless Tanning
UV protection is the biggest advantage of self tanning products. You get gorgeous color without skin damage from the sun. No more worrying about premature aging or skin cancer risks. The convenience factor is huge too. You can tan at home on your own schedule.
No appointments needed at tanning salons. The cost savings add up quickly compared to professional spray tans. You also have complete control over your shade. Want to go lighter? Use less product or choose a medium formula. Want to go darker? Layer applications or pick an ultra dark option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people skip the exfoliation step and regret it later. Dead skin cells cause uneven color and patchiness. Always exfoliate first for smooth results. Another mistake is applying too much product at once. Start with a small amount and build up if needed. Using too much creates dark streaks.
Don’t forget about your hands after application. Wash them thoroughly right away. Otherwise you’ll have telltale orange palms. Avoid getting wet for at least 4 to 6 hours after applying. Water can cause the color to run and create streaks. Wear loose, dark clothing until the product fully develops.
How to Maintain Your Tan Longer
Moisturizing daily is the secret to extending your tan’s life. Dry skin sheds faster, taking your color with it. Use a rich body lotion every morning and night. Avoid long, hot showers that strip away color. Lukewarm water is gentler on your tan.
Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing vigorously with a towel. Consider using a tan extending lotion with a small amount of DHA. These gradual tanners refresh your color between full applications. Exfoliate gently only once or twice per week. Too much scrubbing removes your tan faster.
Comparing Sun Labs to Other Brands
Sun Laboratories By Giesee competes well against high end brands at a fraction of the cost. St. Tropez products often cost $40 or more for similar sizes. Sun Labs gives you comparable results for $18 to $31. The organic ingredients match what you find in luxury tanners.
The color development time is similar across brands. Most deliver visible results within 4 to 8 hours. Where Sun Labs really shines is in the ultra dark options. Few brands offer such intense color payoff. The value for money makes Sun Labs an easy choice for budget conscious shoppers.
Real User Experiences and Reviews
Customers consistently praise the natural looking color these products produce. Many mention how surprised they were by the lack of orange tones. The streak free application gets mentioned frequently in positive reviews.
Users appreciate how easy the products are to work with. Some reviewers note the scent is much better than expected. Self tanners often smell terrible, but Sun Labs minimized that issue.
A few users mention needing to apply carefully around joints. The elbows and knees can grab extra color if you’re not careful. Overall, the satisfaction rate is high with thousands of positive reviews.
Who Should Use Sun Laboratories Products
These products work for almost everyone wanting a sunless tan. Fair skinned people love the medium options for a natural glow. Darker skin tones appreciate the ultra dark formulas for noticeable color.
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts use these products to enhance muscle definition. Brides often choose self tanners for wedding day glow. Anyone concerned about sun damage should consider switching to sunless options.
People with sensitive skin can use these organic formulas safely. The products work equally well for men and women. Age doesn’t matter either. From teenagers to seniors, everyone can enjoy beautiful bronzed skin.
Price and Value Analysis
The cost effectiveness of Sun Laboratories products is impressive. The 4 oz bottles start around $18 on Amazon. The 8 oz sizes range from $22 to $31. A single bottle typically lasts for 4 to 6 full body applications. That breaks down to about $4 to $6 per use.
Compare that to salon spray tans at $40 to $60 per session. You save substantial money doing it yourself at home. The quality rivals professional results when applied correctly. The long shelf life means you can stock up when prices drop. Just store the bottles in a cool, dark place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Sun Laboratories By Giesee tan last on skin?
The tan typically lasts 5 to 7 days with proper care. Daily moisturizing helps extend the color. Your tan will gradually fade as your skin naturally sheds cells. You can reapply every few days to maintain consistent color.
Can I use Sun Labs products on my face?
Yes, all Sun Laboratories By Giesee products are safe for facial use. Apply carefully around your hairline and eyebrows. Use less product on your face than your body. The skin on your face is more delicate and may develop color faster.
Will these products stain my clothes or sheets?
The products can transfer to fabrics before fully drying. Wear dark, loose clothing after application. Wait at least 4 to 6 hours before getting into bed. Once dry, the risk of transfer is minimal. Wash any stained items promptly with regular detergent.
What’s the difference between medium and ultra dark formulas?
Medium formulas create a subtle, natural glow suitable for fair to medium skin. Ultra dark formulas produce deep bronze color for dramatic results. Start with medium if you’re new to self tanning. You can always layer for more intensity.
How soon will I see results after applying?
You’ll notice color developing within 4 hours of application. The tan continues to deepen for up to 24 hours. For best results, avoid showering for at least 6 to 8 hours after applying the product.
Can I swim or exercise after applying Sun Labs tanner?
Wait until the product fully develops before swimming or working out. Heavy sweating or water exposure within the first 8 hours can cause streaking. After the tan sets, regular activities won’t affect your color. Just remember to moisturize after swimming.
