We Asked the Beauty Buddy Squad How They Get Their Glow!

Written By Mariana Aleman

Let's settle something once and for all: you do not have to choose between a sun-kissed glow and healthy skin. We surveyed the Beauty Buddy Squad about everything tanning: sun habits, self-tan routines, SPF non-negotiables, and yes, all the streaky mishaps along the way. The results paint a picture of a community that has officially leveled up.

Turns out, most of you aren't baking in the sun, and you're not swearing off tanning altogether either. You're blending. And your SPF game? Genuinely impressive.

Here's everything we learned.

The Blend Is Winning 🥇

When it comes to getting a glow, one strategy is dominating: mixing self-tan with selective sun exposure. A full 42% of the Squad said this is their go-to approach, and it makes total sense. You get the color without fully relying on UV rays to do the work.

Compare that to:

  • 33% who stick to natural sun only

  • 12% who skip tanning altogether

  • 11% who go self-tan only, no sun needed

The takeaway? The Beauty Buddy Squad has figured out that a glow doesn't have to come from one source. Mix and match is the name of the game.

As for how often you're reaching for that bottle of self-tan, it's all over the map. 20% use it a few times a year, 17% are weekly (or more!) devotees, and 22% don't use it at all. Among the self-tanners, though, lotion and gradual tan formulas are the clear favorite (37%), followed by mousse (28%) and mist or spray (19%).

SPF Is Non-Negotiable (As It Should Be)

Okay, this is the stat that made us want to give the whole Squad a round of applause: 90% of you consider SPF extremely or very important when spending time in the sun. Not "nice to have." Essential.

And you're not just talking the talk. 67% reach for SPF 50+ on a sunny day, making it the single most popular protection level by a landslide. Add in SPF 30–49 users, and 89% of the Squad is applying SPF 30 or higher. That's basically everyone.

The Beauty Buddy Squad says it loud and clear: a tan is not worth compromising your skin for. We love that for you.

The Self-Tan Struggle Is Real (But So Is the Effort)

Here's where things get honest. Even with all that SPF diligence, self-tan still has some kinks to work out. When we asked users about their biggest frustrations, three complaints rose to the top:

  • Streaky or patchy results (26%), the #1 frustration by a clear margin

  • Uneven fading (23%), because a good tan shouldn't turn into a patchy mess three days later

  • Unpleasant smell (22%), we see you, self-tan biscuit smell haters

It's not for lack of trying, either. Most self-tan users are prepping like pros. 33% exfoliate and 29% moisturize dry areas before applying. But even with all that prep, 49% of self-tan users say they're only "somewhat satisfied" with the products they've tried. There's clearly room for a self-tan hero product to swoop in and steal hearts.

What Actually Matters When Choosing a Self-Tan

If you're formulating your self-tan wishlist, you're in good company. When asked what matters most, the Squad was crystal clear:

  • Natural-looking color, the top priority by nearly double any other answer, at 48%

  • Long-lasting formula (22%)

  • Easy application (18%)

  • Pleasant or no scent (7%)

  • Skin-loving ingredients (6%)

Translation: nobody wants to look like they rolled in cocoa powder. Natural is king.

The Face Is Its Own Category, Apparently 💁‍♀️

One of the more interesting findings? A huge chunk of the community treats their face as a completely separate tanning zone. 40% use a dedicated face self-tan, while 16% skip tanning their face entirely, even if they tan their body. Only 10% use the same product everywhere.

Makes sense. Facial skin is more sensitive, and breakouts from body self-tan on your face are nobody's idea of a good time.

Confidence, Spend & Where You're Finding New Products

A few more fun findings before we wrap up:

  • 57% feel very or extremely confident applying self-tan at home, and that confidence climbs the more often you use it

  • £10–£19 is the sweet spot most of you spend on a self-tan product (38%), showing there's real appetite for accessible, high-quality formulas

  • Social media is the #1 discovery channel for new tanning products (24%), with TikTok and Instagram leading the way, followed by online reviews and blogs (18%)

Thank You, Beauty Buddy Squad 💕

This survey proved what we already suspected: our community doesn't mess around when it comes to sun safety, but you're also not afraid to chase that perfect golden glow. You're smart, you're SPF-obsessed, and you deserve a self-tan that actually lives up to the hype.

Got thoughts on your own tanning routine or a self-tan formula you swear by? We want to hear it.

Curious what the rest of the Beauty Buddy Squad thinks about their favorite self-tan and SPF picks? Download the Beauty Buddy app and dive into their reviews!

Want to be part of our next survey and have your voice heard? Join the Beauty Buddy App! 😊🌟

Mariana Aleman
Next

We Asked the Beauty Buddy Squad: What Really Makes theM Click "Add to Cart"