

While not officially here yet, preparation for the summer season has already started.
That means that you should have already gotten your look together, which includes your summer uniform, your hair, and of course your beauty routine. Everyone strives to achieve that enviable summer glow, yes, even us melanated goddesses. So you want to make sure that this summer you are making the most out of your naturally sun-kissed skin.
One of the best ways to do this is by using body bronzer. If you're not familiar with it, surely you've heard the phenomenon surrounding Rihanna's Fenty Beauty Body Lava, a product that is the perfect touch for those summer days and nights when you want to make jaws drop and everyone stare at your gorgeous skin.
To make things easier for you, so you can skip the research and get straight to buying, we compiled a list of the best body bronzers for WOC that range from high-end to drugstore and offer a deep color payoff or just a subtle shimmer. Check out our picks and let us know yours!
1.Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Body Oil
Designer Tom Ford is a staple in the fashion and beauty communities and he consistently delivers, even in the area of body bronzers. A favorite among some of the most popular beauty bloggers and influencers, the Soleil Blanc Body Oil is definitely expensive, but the gorgeous glow payoff is worth it.
Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Body Oil, Shop Here
2.Melanie Mills Gleam Body Radiance
It may not be as much of a well-known name as some of the other products on this list, but within the inner beauty circle, it is highly-coveted. The Gleam Body Radiance stands out because it is available in a variety of shades, which lets you control just how deeply you want your melanin to glow.
Melanie Mills Gleam Body Radiance, Shop Here
3.L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion
As a drugstore staple and one of the biggest beauty brands in the world, L'Oreal has committed itself to making women feel their absolute best for several decades, so it shouldn't be surprising that they also offer one of the best body bronzers around. The Sublime Bronze Body Lotion provides an impressive wash of color that gives you the look of the perfect summer suntan.
L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion, Shop Here
4.The Body Shop Honey Bronze Shimmering Dry Oil
The Body Shop has a long reputation for offering skin care products that are crowd-pleasers and get the job done without a lot of added frills. The ever-popular Honey Bronze Shimmering Oil not only gaining popularity for being an affordable dupe for Fenty Beauty's Body Lava, but it is also the epitome of summertime glow in a bottle. And the price isn't too bad either.
The Body Shop Honey Bronze Shimmering Dry Oil, Shop Here
5.St. Tropez One Night Only
If life were perfect, we could all have the pleasure of spending at least one day in the picturesque scenery of St. Tropez, but since that may not be possible, you can still look like you were there. The One Night Only bronzer is unique because it is only supposed to last 24 hours before you reapply, which means it's perfect for those of you who want your skin to standout for a mere moment.
St. Tropez One Night Only, Shop Here
6.NARS Laguna Body Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Few in the beauty business are as beloved as NARS. Whether you flock to the brand for the high-end luxury experience or simply can't tear yourself away from the amazing products, there is always a reason to bet on them. For that summer glow to make heads turn, it doesn't get much better than the brand's Laguna Body Tint.
NARS Laguna Body Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 30, Shop Here
7.Sol De Janeiro Glow Oils
The sun and sand of Rio is the inspiration behind these compact bronzer oils that are made to lather on when you want your skin to look so perfectly smoothed and bronzed that it almost looks unreal. Offering a subtle and deeper option, these Glow Oils are hard to resist.
Sol De Janeiro Glow Oils, Shop Here
8.Fenty Beauty Body Lava
Fenty Beauty
You heard about it, seen YouTube reviews on it and unfortunately haven't been able to get your hands on it unless you were lined up during the initial launch. Rihanna's Fenty Beauty Body Lava has quickly become the must-have summer beauty product…and it's currently sold out practically everywhere. Lucky for you, we did a little digging and managed to find a few from third party sellers, but be warned—the prices have be inflated for demand.
Fenty Beauty Body Lava, Shop Here
Which bronzer are you excited to try for your summer '18 glow up?
- One Night Only Wash Off Body Bronzing Mist - St. Tropez Tanning ... ›
- Illuminate By Ashley Tisdale Body Bronzer | BH Cosmetics ›
- Bronzer Tips For Dark Skin | Beautylish ›
- Best Bronzers For Brown Skin | Essence.com ›
- Which Bronzing Body Oil Makes Skin Most Glowy? -- The Cut ›
- Best Bronzer for Dark Skin - Balance Me Beautiful ›
- Bronzer for Dark Skin: Amazon.com ›
- The Best Self-Tanners and Bronzers for Dark Skin - 10 Self-Tanners ... ›
- DIY Body Bronzer/ shimmer lotion for black women/dark skin | Glow ... ›
Danielle Jennings is an Atlanta-based Style Writer/Editor, Tastemaker, Girl About Town, Fashion & Music Obsessed Long-Lost Huxtable Kid who is coming for everything they told her she couldn't have...one article at a time. Twitter: @daniellej416 IG: @prettyaries16
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Swipe Right For Sisterhood: Reginae Carter Talks Teaming Up With BLK To Make Friendships Front & Center
You know the vibes: dating apps aren’t just for finding romance anymore—at least not for Gen Z! As young people continue to redefine connection, BLK, the leading dating app for Black singles, is shaking things up with the launch of Social Mode. The new feature allows users to toggle between dating and platonic connections. Yep, you read that right—friendship is now just as easy to find as love.
To kick off this game-changing launch, BLK teamed up with TV personality and socialite Reginae Carter for the ultimate Girls’ Night In, proving that sisterhood is just as important as romance. The exclusive event was a celebration of the new feature and the power of Black women coming together to uplift one another.
“Your circle is everything,” Reginae shares with a smile, and she’s not wrong. She’s all about creating spaces where we can come together, let our hair down, and vibe with like-minded women. “We deserve spaces to meet, uplift, and vibe with each other. BLK is making that happen,” she adds.
A New Era for Friendships—Social Mode Is Here!
Gen Z is all about building meaningful connections, whether it’s with a date or a new brunch buddy. That’s why Social Mode is such a big deal. Research shows that 65% of Gen Z values friendships just as much as romantic relationships. With BLK’s new feature, users can easily toggle between “Dating” and “Social,” opening up a world of platonic connections—no swiping right required.
Bahja Rodriguez, Reginae Carter, Breaunna Womack, Lourdes Rodriguez and Zonnique Pullins attend OMG Girlz "Make A Scene" Single Release & Video Viewing Party at Trap City Cafe on March 27, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia
Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage
Reginae Carter Hosts the Ultimate Girls’ Night In—Powered by BLK Social Mode
What better way to show Social Mode in action than with an exclusive Girls’ Night In, hosted by Reginae? The event brought together top influencers, tastemakers, and press for a night of luxury, self-care, and real talk about love, sex, and relationships. From tarot readings to perfume-making and signature cocktails, the evening embodied the “soft life” vibe that many Black women are embracing in 2025—peaceful, intentional, and full of joy.
Guests mingled, laughed, and bonded over the importance of finding a tribe that supports you. It wasn’t just about fun (although there was plenty of that!)—it was about creating a circle of inspiring, strong women. “We need to stick together. We need to be each other’s village,” Reginae says, emphasizing the power of community over competition.
Sisterhood: The Real MVP
For Reginae, it’s all about friendship—and not just the surface-level kind. “We need friends who keep it real with us. The ones who can tell us when we’re right, when we’re wrong, and when we need to calm down,” she says. As someone who navigates the spotlight, she’s got the best of both worlds: friends who understand the grind and those who can give her an honest, grounded perspective.
Her advice for building strong, intentional friendships? “Be confident in yourself and know your worth,” she explains. “Also, hurt people hurt people, so make sure you’re coming from a good place when you’re building relationships. It’s not always about being nice—sometimes it’s about being real.”
Reginae couldn’t have summed it up better: “When you have the right circle, the right tribe, everything just feels easier. And that’s exactly what BLK is giving us—space to connect, laugh, and grow with each other.”
To learn more about BLK’s Social Mode, download or update the BLK app in the App Store or Google Play Store today. Who knows? You might just find your new bestie or your next brunch crew.
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Feature image by Prince Williams/WireImage