It feels like every other day TikTok is producing a new (and very questionable) trend. We must admit, the app has blessed us with some amazing and extremely affordable luxury makeup dupes. But there are plenty of TikTok trends we go out of our way to avoid – think shaving with dry shampoo and the viral fork contour hack. And now there’s a new trend to add to the list – beer tanning. And yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Beer tanning involves pouring a whole can or bottle of beer over your body (yikes) before stepping outside to lay in the sun (double yikes).
But why on earth would TikTokers be dousing themselves in beer to get a tan? Let’s find out…
Why are TikTokers tanning with beer?
We’ve all heard of (and honestly probably tried) the controversial tanning methods of decades past. Whether you slathered yourself in olive oil or even coconut oil (which is actually great for your skin and hair, when you’re not in the sun), neither compares to the latest tanning tragedy.
Soaking your skin in beer is not only not going to save you a few dollars, it’s not even going to help you tan any faster. Your skin will be a sticky mess, you’ll smell like a keg and chances are you’ll give yourself a skin irritation.
Is there a safe way to tan?
That’s the million dollar question and ultimately, the answer is no. And trust us, we totally get it. There’s no better feeling than when you’re totally sunkissed, bronzed and glowy. But it’s never worth the cost to your skin or your health.
According to the Cancer Council, “a tan is a sign of skin damage… there is no such thing as a safe tan.” It’s really seeming like Gen Z wasn’t hit with nearly enough ‘dark side of tanning’ ads as kids to remind them to ‘slip, slop, slap’…
So bottom line: sun tanning, with beer or without, is a major faux pas. But that doesn’t mean you have to forgo that bronzed goddess glow for good. And that’s where self tanners come in.
The best fake tans
As always we want to avoid your skin getting sun damaged. The best way to do that is to get a glowing tan from a bottle.
These are our fake tan picks for the only safe tanning option:
pureTAN Gradual Tan SPF15
Naturally build your tan with this luxe moisture boosting, skin-loving lotion.
$29.99 at pureTAN
St Tropez Self Tan Dark Mousse
Ultra-dark tan for that (faux) fresh from holiday glow.
$59.99 at Priceline
Bondi Sands Technocolor Emerald 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam
An express foaming tan, specifically developed to suit your skin tone.
$26.95 at Bondi Sands
JERGENS ® Natural Glow + Firming Daily Moisturiser in ‘Fair to Medium’
A texture-smoothing tanning moisturiser ideal for a subtle ‘sunkissed’ look.
$15.99 at Priceline
#ThereWeGlow Clear Self Tan
A classic mousse tan with a very noticeable difference: this skin-nourishing foam is formulated with hydrating ingredients and has been created to be totally mess-free, AKA this easy-to-use tan is totally without pigment. Yep, a clear tan. What will they think of next?
$34.95 from There We Glow
If you are spending time out in the sun, make sure you’re avoiding those peak UV times (around midday) and always make sure to apply sunscreen.
Main image credit: Getty
What are your thoughts on beer tanning? Have you found any helpful TikTok trends?
Not that I would try it, but I read somewhere that using black tea is a way of getting a tan as it can stain the skin. Sticking with tested products is a safer way to go.
I agree S-P so easy to use current products and results are usually successful.
Never heard of black tea to tan the skin! Makes sense, since it’s stained my teeth quite brown before
Yes mine too .I will stick to the known brands for tanning though.
How sticky would that be. The ants & bees would swarm towards you. Bring on standard fake tans in a can or tube.
This is just next level stupidity
People on TikTok will do anything to get attention
Classic media circus act 🙄🙄
What’s next? Coca-cola?
Ugh so glad I don’t bother with TT
I am so glad I never look at Tik Tok. The crazy ides that come out of there are unbelieveable that I read about here and elsewhere. Eww re beer to tan. There are great products on the market that would be so much better.
The worst part is people are silly enough to believe all the rubbish they see-What ever happened to common sense?
Smell of it is so bad, can not imagine even when it’s cooked on the sun. Yuck
I won’t try the beer tan, I rather drink it on a hot day.
I would too Ralucap. Nice cold beer at a barbecue with friends.
For me, that’s just one more reason to continue avoiding tiktok!
What a waste of a good drink !!
Nope. I avoid the sun wherever possible
Great for first coming out from winter for a super boost!
The nice products that is, not the beer!
Common sense out the window.
That is just ridiculous!
The only time I’m covered with beer it tends to be at night anyway!
What next hey!!
Beer smells awful. Why would you want that on your skin?
This practice just sounds stupid.
This sounds really unpleasant. No idea why anyone would try it.
Oh definitely know of this, when i was younger all the girls were using beer on their skin and were getting amazing tan. I never had access to beer haha so never tried it
Really, I have never heard of it.
I won’t try this, I don’t tan anyway
No. I don’t need this.
No thanks.
I always prefer a glowing tan from a bottle.
JERGENS ® Natural Glow + Firming Daily Moisturiser in ‘Fair to Medium’ this is a favourite of mine. Love that I am getting a tan and moisuriser at the same time.
Tanning is never a trend.
This sounds very unhealthy.
You’d smell like a brewery!
very strange
Like the Le Tan of the ‘s or the 00’s Coconut Oil. I would never do this. I have seen a dermatologist since I was a child for my skin.
Ridiculous!
Never heard of beer being used as a tanning option, is it because of the tannin ingredients?
I’ve used the Jergens product mentioned and it’s good, but the smell of beer is awful, no way!
To each his own they say, but I dont think I would like smelling like beer all the time while on the beach or at the pool