Plastic Free, Zero Waste Self Tanner

Normally I'm several shades lighter than my white tank top. A few swirls of homemade henna self tanner later imparts streak-free, smudge-proof, summery color. Unlike conventional self tanners, it doesn't smell like cat pee, either! I'm all for embracing your natural skin tone, but it's fun to experiment sometimes. This was my shade six months a year before moving to Paris, where I developed Victorian pallor.

This recipe looks muddy and dirty at first, leaving a nice, subtle glow after showering. For the most part, the formula doesn't transfer onto white sheets or light clothing. It came off on white towels after a shower, and it smudged my white t-shirt once. In both instances, the color washed out beautifully and didn't stain. You can shave, take baths, and swim and your tan won't budge. After five days, it starts to look patchy, but fades nicely until then. Unlike typical self tanners, this won't stain your bathtub or sink, wiping away easily with soap or vinegar.

Homemade Zero Waste Self Tanner

50 grams henna (not black henna)

100 grams oil (you can use coconut, almond, or even mango / shea / cocoa butter)

20 grams loose leaf black tea steeped in 100 mL hot water

Let tea cool before making a smooth paste with henna and oil (it's green and looks disgusting). Apply in long, circular motions. Contour to make fake abs and stuff. Wait fifteen minutes before getting dressed. Makes one light full-body application; double or triple as desired. You can make a big batch and store it in a dark glass pump bottle in the fridge for one month. Allow at least eight hours to set before showering. Repeat every night to gradually build your tan, rinsing between applications. 

To remove the self tanner, I scrubbed with a hemp washcloth. I like that this doesn't settle in pores or leave dark dots where I shaved; it is extremely messy and not worth using regularly, but nowhere near as complicated as storebought self tanners. After several applications, the color is comparable to Vita Liberata- I've gotten the spray tans and used the 2-3 week lotion in the past (packaged in #7 plastic). I've also tried Olay, L'oreal, and Neutrogena, and they were more orange than this. Some people recommend taking a bath with a few teaspoons of henna instead, though I heard this can result in an Oompa-Loompa look. Not in the mood to DIY? Try plastic free, all-natural self tanner from Etsy.