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Summer Is Here( Well Nearly ) Solariums Are Out Sunless Tanners Are In

January 13, 2011 by Nellie Lee Luhrmann 6 Comments

To make your own homemade self-tanner/sunless tanner for face and body.

Simply mix ¼ cup of  cocoa  powder with 100ml of a natural white lotion (or lotion with an SPF for added protection), and spread it evenly over your body. When you apply this lotion it does feel rather sticky at first. The result takes a bit of time, but will leave you with good, even color. Unlike many that leave you looking like  a carrot

It may not be the top selling sunless tanner, it is however a great option if you need a quick glow and are short of cash.

This homemade self-tanner can also be used on your face if you use a face-friendly lotion.

Don’t forget to Slip Slop Slap

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Comments

  1. katiec says

    January 13, 2011 at 9:20 pm

    how long do you leave it on? is it truly a self tanner or a wash-away bronzer?

  2. Nellie Lee Luhrmann says

    January 14, 2011 at 12:09 am

    Hi Katie,

    You leave it on the cocoa must be in the baking powder form to work, because the hot cocoa mix is too diluted in other powders such as milk powder. It takes a few applications to get your desired shade and it will wash away

  3. T.P. says

    January 14, 2011 at 8:49 pm

    Did you actually say “summer is here?”

  4. Nicole says

    June 9, 2013 at 3:41 pm

    How long do you keep it on for?

  5. Gabby says

    February 7, 2014 at 1:40 am

    Tried this… just had caky chocolate lotion all over that wouldn’t rub in or keep from getting streaky. Read somewhere else to wash it off after 15, tried that and left no color at all :-/ any tips?

  6. kendall says

    April 1, 2015 at 11:42 pm

    It works, I left mine on for about an hour (be careful it gets everywhere) and the took a warm cloth and wiped it off gently. Color isn’t drastic but there is a difference!

Have you read?

DIY Halloween Bath Bombs – Spooky-Fun Self-Care for Ghouls of All Ages

If your idea of Halloween fun includes a little bubbling, fizzing magic—without the sugar crash—these DIY Halloween Bath Bombs are your new favorite trick and treat. Think spooky swirls, candy-free gifts, and a little self-care potion-making, all rolled into one bewitching bath-time delight.

These are perfect for mums who’d rather stir up a bath bomb cauldron than bake another round of cupcakes for the class party. They also make fang-tastic gifts for teens, neighbours, or anyone who needs a little seasonal sparkle in their soak.

Why You’ll Love These Spooky Bath Bombs

  • Kid-safe ingredients – No creepy chemicals here 
  • Great for gifting – Pop into mini cauldrons, treat bags, or mason jars 
  • Smells like fall – Think pumpkin spice, candy corn, or sweet orange 
  • Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable citric acid 
  • Easy to customize – Add spiders, glitter, glow-in-the-dark mica, or even a surprise toy 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup baking soda 
  • 1/2 cup citric acid 
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch 
  • 1/2 cup Epsom salt or fine sea salt 
  • 2 tsp sweet almond oil (or coconut oil) 
  • 1 tsp water or witch hazel in a spray bottle 
  • 10–15 drops essential oil (sweet orange, lavender, cinnamon, or candy-like blends) 
  • Natural colorants or skin-safe mica powder (orange, purple, black, green) 
  • Optional: eco glitter, mini plastic spiders or Halloween charms 
  • Silicone molds or mini plastic cauldrons 

How to Make Halloween Bath Bombs

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, and Epsom salt. Whisk until it’s smooth and uniform—like a dusty spellbook.

2. Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, mix your carrier oil and essential oils. Add your chosen colorant and glitter here too. If using black, go light—it can stain tubs if overdone.

3. Combine with Care

Slowly drizzle the wet mixture into the dry mix, whisking continuously. It should feel like damp sand. If it clumps when squeezed, you’re ready. Mist lightly with water or witch hazel if too dry.

4. Add Hidden Surprises

Press a small plastic spider, glow cube, or toy into the center for a trick-or-treat effect!

5. Mold It Up

Spoon the mixture into your molds, pressing firmly. Let them dry at least 24 hours before popping out.

Spooky Variations to Try

 Spider Surprise

Hide a plastic spider inside and use black mica for a creepy crawl effect.

 Pumpkin Spice Delight

Add a dash of cinnamon and orange essential oil with orange coloring.

 Glow-in-the-Dark Witch Bombs

Use glow mica and store under light for a fun bathroom glow!

 Boo Bombs for Kids

Make ghost-shaped fizzies using a silicone mold and sweet vanilla oil.

Packaging Ideas for Gifting

  • Wrap in cellophane with twine and a tag: “Drop in warm water and summon a spooky soak!” 
  • Nestle in mini cauldrons from the dollar store 
  • Use kraft boxes lined with Halloween tissue paper for classy spooky gifting 
  • Add a punny printable tag like “You’re the bomb!” or “Witch, please!” 

Tips & Tricks

  • Don’t over-wet your mixture—it can fizz prematurely. 
  • Use gloves to avoid stained fingers. 
  • Let kids help with colors and pressing (just maybe keep the glitter far away unless it’s a full moon). 

Why These Are Better Than Candy

Let’s be honest—October sugar overload is real. These bath bombs are a charming alternative that still feel like a treat. Plus, they turn your bathroom into a spa and a mad scientist lab.

Whether you’re making them for your kids’ school party, teen Halloween sleepovers, or your own pumpkin-scented peace and quiet after bedtime chaos, these DIY bath bombs are a crafty way to keep Halloween fun—and fizzy.

 

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