“Sun-kissed glow”: The 6 products French women are snapping up this summer for a natural sun-kissed complexion
In 2026, the quest for a natural sun-kissed glow takes on a whole new dimension. French women are no longer content to simply hope for a few hours of sunshine: they’re creating their sun-kissed glow with a specific skincare routine, and sales figures revealed by Klarna, the flexible payments platform, point to a real shift in beauty habits.
A tan that starts long before you’re exposed to the sun
The first step to any good tan is preparing your skin. According to Klarna data collected between January and May 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, sales of exfoliating scrubs surged by 155%. Experts point out that well-exfoliated skin holds onto self-tanner better and prevents unsightly streaks.
The top-rated product in this category is Yves Rocher’s Rich Body Scrub. As a result, this often-overlooked step has now become an essential part of any summer skincare routine.
What’s more, self-tanning drops for the face are cementing their status as this season’s star product. Sales of these products have soared by 124% over the same period. You mix them with your day cream to precisely control the intensity of the tan—a far cry from the uniform and sometimes overly orange self-tanners of the past.
“Well-exfoliated skin holds onto self-tanner better and prevents an unsightly streaky tan.”
Self-tanning drops: the go-to custom-sized option
The recommended product in this category is Caudalie’s Self-Tanning Sun Drops. Their popularity stems from how easy they are to use. In contrast, traditional self-tanners offer little room for customization.
Consequently, this personalized approach reflects a profound shift: French women want a sun-kissed glow that suits them, tailored to their skin tone and lifestyle.
Sculpt, protect, illuminate: three steps that make all the difference
Once the foundation is applied, bronzer sculpts and warms up the complexion in just a few minutes. Sales have risen by 89% according to Klarna data. As a result, French women are no longer relying on a single product but are building their tan in successive layers.
The recommended product is Too Faced’s Sun Bunny Bronzer. What’s more, this layering approach is reminiscent of professional makeup techniques, which are now accessible to everyone.
- Exfoliating scrub: +155% in sales between January and May 2026 (Klarna)
- Self-tanning drops for the face: +124% in sales over the same period
- Bronzing powder: +89% in sales, according to Klarna
- BB cream with SPF: +70% in sales, according to the platform
- Vitamin C serum: +82% in sales over the same period
These days, it’s hard to separate tanning from sun protection. Sales of SPF BB cream have increased by 70%, according to the Klarna platform. This product does both: it evens out the complexion while protecting the skin from UV rays.
The recommended product is Erborian’s Ginseng BB Cream. However, a BB cream without SPF no longer meets the expectations of French women in 2026, who now associate a radiant complexion with sun protection.
Vitamin C serum and hair oil: the two steps that make all the difference
To ensure that a tan truly enhances the skin, vitamin C serum has become an essential step in the skincare routine, with an 82% increase in sales. Known for its antioxidant and brightening properties, it prepares the skin to absorb the tan while giving it a real boost of radiance.
The recommended product is Aroma-Zone’s 10% Vitamin C and Astaxanthin Concentrated Serum. This skincare product positions the ” Sun-kissed glow ” as a holistic approach, not just a superficial effect.
The trend doesn’t stop at the face. Sales of hair oil have surged by 128%, as it’s highly sought after for the shine and sensual texture it provides. The recommended product is L’Huile des Rêves by Lazartigue.
A stylish look from head to toe
French women now take a holistic approach to their sun-kissed glow —even when it comes to their hair. This approach reflects a new way of embracing summer: more thoughtful, more strategic, but always with the goal of achieving a tan that looks natural.
Furthermore, these six products do not work in isolation. Each step prepares for or extends the next, from exfoliation to hair oil. As a result, the Sun-kissed glow routine comes together as a cohesive whole.
Klarna’s sales figures, collected between January and May 2026, confirm that this shift is profound and lasting. As a result, a natural sun-kissed glow is no longer a matter of chance: it is the result of a deliberate strategy, product by product, that places the sun-kissed glow at the heart of summer 2026 beauty routines.
