How to Tan Skin with Coffee

If you’re looking for a cheap, easy, and all-natural tanning solution to add a little color to your skin, then coffee may be the answer you’re looking for. Coffee makes a great budget beauty option, especially for getting tan skin without harsh chemicals. You can tan your skin with coffee by making a coffee tanning lotion, mixing coffee grounds and olive oil, or boiling used coffee grounds.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Making a Coffee Tanning Lotion

  1. Image titled Tan Skin with Coffee Step 1
    1
    Pour 8 ounces (250 milliliters) of water into a standard coffee maker. You’ll need about a cup of very strong coffee to make your tanning lotion, so only put enough water in to brew that amount. If you brew an entire pot of coffee, then it will not be strong enough because a standard coffee maker will not hold enough coffee grounds to brew a pot that strong.
    • If you usually use another type of coffee maker, such as a French Press, you can still use it to brew your tanning coffee as long as you can add enough coffee grounds to brew extra strong coffee.
  2. Image titled Tan Skin with Coffee Step 2
    2
    Add 6 tablespoons of coffee to a coffee filter. You can add more coffee if you want to brew a stronger cup of coffee. The stronger your coffee, the richer the color.[1]
    • Choose caffeinated coffee so that your lotion will also improve the look of your cellulite.
    • You can use a medium or dark roast, though dark roast will result in a darker color.
    • If you don’t feel like measuring, you can fill the filter with enough coffee to make a whole pot, but only add enough water to brew one cup.
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  3. Image titled Tan Skin with Coffee Step 3
    3
    Brew your coffee. Turn on your coffee maker and allow it to process. As soon as the drip finishes, turn off your machine so that the warming plate under the pot will not keep your coffee hot. Before you can make your lotion, you’ll have to wait for your coffee to cool.[2]
  4. Image titled Tan Skin with Coffee Step 4
    4
    Allow the coffee to cool. Once your coffee reaches room temperature, you’ll be ready to make your lotion. Leave it in the coffee pot until you’re ready to mix it into your lotion.[3]
  5. Image titled Tan Skin with Coffee Step 5
    5
    Pour 8 ounces (250 milliliters) of white lotion into a large bowl. You can use any type of lotion, as long as it’s white. For best results, choose a heavy lotion because it will be diluted by the coffee.[4]
    • If you choose an all-natural lotion, then your coffee tanning lotion will be a great chemical-free replacement for commercial self-tanners.
  6. Image titled Tan Skin with Coffee Step 6
    6
    Mix your coffee into the lotion. Pour the coffee into the mixing bowl and stir. Continue stirring until the color of the lotion reaches an even consistency. It should reach a dark beige or light brown color, depending on how strong your coffee was.[5]
  7. Image titled Tan Skin with Coffee Step 7
    7
    Transfer your tanning lotion to a storage container. Great storage options include the bottle that the lotion came in, a bottle that you’ve saved, a jar, or a food storage container. To make it easier to use, choose a container that allows you to easily dispense the lotion.
    • Make sure that your container is clean.
    • If you don’t have a container that holds all of the tanning lotion, you can split it into multiple containers.
  8. Image titled Tan Skin with Coffee Step 8
    8
    Rub the lotion into your skin. Use the lotion as you would a self-tanner or body lotion. Allow it to completely dry before getting dressed again. Your tan should immediately show on your skin.[6]
    • Quickly wash your hands after you use your lotion so that they aren’t darker than the rest of your body. Since they are in contact with more of the lotion, they may absorb more color.
    • Your tan may wash off the next time you shower or go swimming.
  9. Image titled Tan Skin with Coffee Step 9
    9
    Use your coffee tanning lotion daily. To maintain your tan, use the lotion every day after you take your shower.
    • You can store your tanning lotion in the bathroom if you go through it quickly. If you’re concerned about shelf-life, store your lotion in the fridge.
    • If you’re unhappy with the color, you can adjust the amount of coffee you use the next time you make tanning lotion.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Mixing Coffee Grounds and Olive Oil

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    Measure out 1 cup (250 milliliters) of used coffee grounds. For best results, use coffee grounds that are still warm from a recent brew.[7]
  2. Image titled Tan Skin with Coffee Step 11
    2
    Mix the coffee grounds into 1 cup (250 milliliters) of olive oil. Stir the two ingredients in a bowl.[8]
    • You can adjust the recipe to create more or less tanning oil, as long as you use equal parts coffee grounds and olive oil.
  3. Image titled Tan Skin with Coffee Step 12
    3
    Allow the mixture to sit on the counter for 5 minutes. The coffee needs time to tint the oil. While you wait, you can prepare to use the oil by getting the bathroom ready to follow your tanning treatment with a shower.[9]
  4. Image titled Tan Skin with Coffee Step 13
    4
    Get into your shower. Stand in the shower without turning on the water. When you use the tanning oil treatment, the grounds and oil will run down into the tub.
    • You can also line your floor with paper or plastic garbage bags.
    • Wipe out your tub after you use the treatment.
  5. Image titled Tan Skin with Coffee Step 14
    5
    Massage the mixture into your skin. Set a timer for 5 minutes and continuously rub the oil and coffee into your skin. If you have cellulite, concentrate on those areas because the caffeine in the coffee can improve the appearance of cellulite.[10]
    • It’s best to wear gloves while applying the mixture to avoid stained hands.
  6. Image titled Tan Skin with Coffee Step 15
    6
    Allow the mixture to set for 10 minutes. Stand in the shower while the tanning solution tints your skin. Avoid getting out and walking around because your oil will create a mess and may stain anything you come in contact with, such as your bathroom rug or bath towels.[11]
  7. Image titled Tan Skin with Coffee Step 16
    7
    Rinse off the mixture. Take a warm shower to clean off the tanning oil. Make sure to get the grounds out of crevices, such as the underarm and groin areas.[12]
    • Avoid shaving your legs or scrubbing your skin after you apply the coffee-oil mixture because it may rub away your tan.
  8. Image titled Tan Skin with Coffee Step 17
    8
    Repeat twice a week. If you want to maintain the look of your tan, you’ll need to repeat the process bi-weekly.[13]
    • Mix a fresh batch of tanning oil for each application.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Boiling Used Grounds

  1. Image titled Tan Skin with Coffee Step 18
    1
    Transfer 1 cup (250 milliliters) of used coffee grounds to a medium pot. Use freshly brewed grounds for the best results. Your pot should be large enough to boil two cups (500 milliliters) but not so large that the water you’ll use will evaporate away.
  2. Image titled Tan Skin with Coffee Step 19
    2
    Add 1 cup (250 milliliters) of water. Stir the pot so that the water and coffee mix together. This will allow for better color saturation and will prevent having clumps of coffee burn onto the bottom of the pot.
    • To create more tanner, increase both the coffee grounds and water in equal parts.
  3. Image titled Tan Skin with Coffee Step 20
    3
    Boil the coffee grounds. Bring your water to a boil and let it continue to boil for about two minutes. If it boils too long, the water will evaporate.
  4. Image titled Tan Skin with Coffee Step 21
    4
    Allow it to cool. Set the coffee-water aside until it cools back to room temperature.
    • Do NOT rush to apply your product. If it’s too hot, then you may suffer burns.
  5. Image titled Tan Skin with Coffee Step 22
    5
    Rub your cooled coffee-water on your skin. Massage both the water and the grounds onto your body. You should have coffee grounds spread across your skin when you’re finished.
    • It’s best to wear gloves while applying the product to prevent stained hands.
  6. Image titled Tan Skin with Coffee Step 23
    6
    Allow 15 minutes for the tan to set. The coffee needs time to seep into your skin, so set a timer. Try to remain still so that the coffee grounds stay on your skin.
  7. Image titled Tan Skin with Coffee Step 24
    7
    Rinse off the coffee grounds. Avoid cleansing your skin or shaving because you may accidentally remove your new tan. Gently towel off when you’re finished.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    If I don't have olive oil, is vegetable oil okay?
    Sophia McCormick
    Sophia McCormick
    Community Answer
    Yes. You can substitute vegetable oil for olive oil. You won't have the aroma olive oil brings to the party, but in the case of more refined olive oils, it really won't make much difference.
  • Question
    Can I use coconut oil instead of olive oil or vegetable oil?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it will work better with olive oil or vegetable oil.
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Warnings

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References

  1. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adrienne-vendetti/fake-it-without-baking-it_b_1452331.html
  2. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adrienne-vendetti/fake-it-without-baking-it_b_1452331.html
  3. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adrienne-vendetti/fake-it-without-baking-it_b_1452331.html
  4. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adrienne-vendetti/fake-it-without-baking-it_b_1452331.html
  5. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adrienne-vendetti/fake-it-without-baking-it_b_1452331.html
  6. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adrienne-vendetti/fake-it-without-baking-it_b_1452331.html
  7. ↑ http://www.oliveoilsource.com/article/get-sexy-summer-tan-olive-oil
  8. ↑ http://www.oliveoilsource.com/article/get-sexy-summer-tan-olive-oil
  9. ↑ http://www.oliveoilsource.com/article/get-sexy-summer-tan-olive-oil
  1. ↑ http://www.oliveoilsource.com/article/get-sexy-summer-tan-olive-oil
  2. ↑ http://www.oliveoilsource.com/article/get-sexy-summer-tan-olive-oil
  3. ↑ http://www.oliveoilsource.com/article/get-sexy-summer-tan-olive-oil
  4. ↑ http://www.oliveoilsource.com/article/get-sexy-summer-tan-olive-oil

About This Article

Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA
Co-authored by:
Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Danielle Blinka is a Writer, Editor, Podcaster, Improv Performer, and Artist currently living in Houston, TX. She also has experience teaching English and writing to others. Danielle holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Master of Arts in English with a concentration in writing, and Master of Public Administration from Lamar University. This article has been viewed 75,468 times.
69 votes - 88%
Co-authors: 5
Updated: March 22, 2023
Views: 75,468
Categories: Handmade Cosmetics
Article SummaryX

To tan your skin with coffee, try making a tanning lotion. You’ll need to combine a strong cup of coffee with 1 cup of thick white lotion. Mix the ingredients, then apply it to your skin after showering. Rinse it off after 10 minutes. If you're unhappy with the color, try adding more coffee for a darker color. You can also tan your skin using coffee and olive oil. Just mix equal parts coffee grounds and olive oil, then apply it to your skin after showering. Leave the mixture on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off. You should apply this tanning oil twice a week for best results. For tips on how to make a tanning product by boiling used coffee grounds, read on!

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