cocoa brown

Cocoa Brown is the Irish self-tan brand that changed the game when founder Marissa Carter launched the world’s first 1 Hour Tan in 2012. The idea came after Marissa, a qualified beauty therapist and cosmetic chemist, woke up to find her newborn son had been bronzed overnight by her developing spray tan, and decided there had to be a better way. Built on the belief that a great tan should be fast, affordable, and genuinely beautiful, the brand quickly earned cult status globally.

Cocoa Brown’s range has something for every tan lover. The 1 Hour Tan Express Self Tan Mousse is the one that started it all, a fast-developing, streak-free mousse that delivers a deep, natural-looking colour without the overnight wait. For a more skin-boosting approach, the Sunshine Serum Hyaluronic Self Tan Body blends self-tan with hydrating hyaluronic acid for a gorgeous glow that also nourishes the skin. The Instant Bronze Wash Off Self Tan Lotion is perfect for those who want instant colour with zero commitment. For a flawless, streak-free application every time, the Deluxe Velvet Thumb Self-Tanning Mitt is an essential addition to your tanning kit.

Prep is everything when it comes to a flawless, long-lasting tan, and Cocoa Brown has you covered. If you have existing tan to remove, start with the Fresh Start Self Tan Eraser, a targeted formula that breaks down and lifts old tan for a clean, even base. Follow up with the Tough Stuff 3-in-1 Exfoliating Body Scrub, combining exfoliation, cleansing, and skin-smoothing in one formula, paying extra attention to dry areas like knees, elbows, and ankles where tan can cling and look patchy. After exfoliating, moisturise dry areas lightly and avoid applying oils or thick creams directly before tanning.

Absolutely. Body tans are too heavy for delicate facial skin, so it’s always worth using a formula made for the face. The Sunshine Serum Hyaluronic Self Tan Face Serum is ideal, delivering a buildable, natural-looking colour while hydrating the skin with hyaluronic acid. For a seamless, professional application, pair it with the Kabuki Brush, which buffs the serum evenly across the face and into hairlines and brow areas for a finish that looks genuinely sun-kissed rather than self-tanned.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Once your tan is developed, Cocoa Brown’s makeup range lets you take things up a notch. The Liquid Illuminator adds a gorgeous, skin-like glow when swept over cheekbones, collarbones, and shoulders, perfect for catching the light. For more sculpted definition, the Cream Contour and Highlighter Palette lets you shade and highlight with ease, while the Bronzer Powder adds a natural warmth to the complexion wherever you need it. The Double-Ended Brush is the perfect tool to apply and blend all of the above seamlessly. Together, they make for a seriously glowy, bronzed finish that complements your tan beautifully.

Cocoa Brown is 100% cruelty-free and PETA-certified, so you can tan confidently knowing no animal testing was involved in your glow routine. They also offer several vegan-friendly products, these are clearly labelled so you only use the products that are right for you.