I’m pasty…like super white unless I tan. I even own my own tanning bed, but it lives in the garage and I never end up making my way out there, at least not on a regular basis. Last year I found an awesome body lotion with just a hint of bronzer which was perfect for just a hint of color when I needed it. Sadly, it was a limited edition product and I have not been able to find it again. Par for the course right? You find an awesome product, decide it’s your favorite thing ever, and BAM! off the market.
After searching several stores and the internet for something similar I was left unsatisfied with my options so being a gal that doesn’t like to take no for an answer, I decided to make my own. You may remember the awesome body butter I made a while back (if not you can). What I did was take that recipe, and adapt it just slightly and just like that I have my own homemade bronzing body butter and it works and smells amazing (just like chocolate).
Bronzing Body Butter Recipe
1/4 cup Shea Butter
1/4 cup Cocoa Butter
1/2 cup Coconut Oil
4 tbsp Cocoa Powder
1/2 tbsp Gold Mica Powder (for shimmer)
*20 Drops Coconut Essentials Oil (optional)
Melt the Shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut oil down into a liquid. I usually melt mine down in my stainless mixer bowl so I can just transfer the entire bowl to the mixer when I’m ready.
Once the butters/oils are melted down add cocoa, mica powder and essential oils if you choose to use them. Mix together and place bowl in refrigerator to firm up (about 30-45 minutes).
Once firm use mixer to whip and transfer into container of your choice. You can apply daily or just when you want a little touch of sun-kissed color.
It’s really super easy and takes about an hour total to make. It would also make an awesome personalized gift (think Mother’s Day!!).
*This post does contain affiliate links.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
May 6, 2015 at 10:27 amI have never made my own body butter before, but I would love to try it. It sounds awesome.
Crystal says
May 6, 2015 at 1:27 pmI’m pretty fair too and will probably remain so. I never even considered making my own bronzing body butter. It would be a fun project to make with the girls.
stella says
June 22, 2018 at 6:56 amI am really pale so if this works my friends will stop telling me I am blinding to look at!!!!!
Michele says
May 6, 2015 at 4:42 pmIt is definitely better for you then using a tanning bed or sitting out in the sun! I generally have enough color in my face and arms that I would not need this–however–maybe I’d better make up a batch for my legs!!
Michelle F. says
May 6, 2015 at 8:37 pmThat is pretty cool that you can make it yourself. I have to try this.
Rosey says
May 7, 2015 at 12:48 pmWhat a great idea to do it yourself. I think it’s better that way, you can at least pronounce and know what’s in it.
kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor says
May 7, 2015 at 1:55 pmThis sounds like a neat thing to try! I’ve never made my own before!
Jen says
May 7, 2015 at 5:13 pmI’ve made a spray on self tanner with cocoa but this butter looks so luxurious! Pinning to make in a few weeks when capris and skirts are all I’ll be wearing.
Akaleistar says
May 8, 2015 at 3:40 pmThis sounds awesome!
No name says
April 1, 2016 at 12:13 pmIs there a substitute I can use in place of cocoa butter? I don’t have any and I don’t want to but any
Alison says
April 1, 2016 at 6:02 pmYou know I haven’t tried it with this particular recipe, but I’ve made other lotions with all Shea butter so I bet it would work for this also.
No name says
April 1, 2016 at 6:14 pmThanks. Is it alright if it is solid form?
Alison says
April 3, 2016 at 10:08 amYes, you would just melt it down so that you could mix/whip it all together.
LIsa says
May 5, 2016 at 1:03 pmDoes this rub off onto your clothing?
Alison says
May 5, 2016 at 2:58 pmI haven’t had any issues with it rubbing off — I just put it on in the morning before my makeup and hair so that it has plenty of time to dry a bit before I get dressed for the day – same as I would with any other lotion or moisturizing products.
Senora says
February 27, 2018 at 3:33 pmThis sounds amazing! Two questions though….. Hiw long does it last? Is it an apply and then when you shower, it washes off, or does it actually last a self-tanner? And, second, any issues with it ever staining clothing? Thanks so much!
Alison says
March 9, 2018 at 7:58 pmI have not had any issues with clothes staining as long as I let it dry a few minutes after application, but it is a daily use to get the bronzing effect – it doesn’t actually “tan” the skin like a sunless tanner.
JAYNE T RANDLE says
November 4, 2018 at 4:54 amDoes it need to stay refrigerated?
Alison says
November 11, 2018 at 2:22 pmNo refrigeration necessary! Easy peasy right?!
Cheri says
May 3, 2019 at 4:19 amCan you use it on your face?
Alison says
May 7, 2019 at 6:30 pmYes, but I wouldn’t suggest using on your face if you’re also going to apply regular makeup, as this is a bronzing lotion, not a self-tanner, so I can’t guarantee using them together would work well.