Vintage Suntan Lotion – Vintage Picks of the Week

Back before we knew about the damage sun exposure can do to your skin and your health, suntan lotion was a way of life during the summer. You buttered yourself up and baked in the sun, moving and removing straps so you wouldn’t have tan lines. Getting an even tan was an art. One isn’t nostalgic for the skin cancers or the premature aging all that tanning caused, but one misses the smell of vintage suntan lotion. Combined with sea, sand and sun, it was one of the finest scents on earth. If you have a chance, find a sample of Bobbi Brown’s Beach perfume–it captures that lotion smell plus more familiar beach day aromas from the 1970s.

We aren’t advocated slathering up and roasting yourself, but we are more than willing to take you down to the shore, for some vintage suntan lotion.

Vintage Coppertone Suntan Lotion

Why this is awesome:  The eBay seller states this deadstock bottle of vintage Coppertone Suntan Lotion is “for conversation only,” but how great is this warehouse find.

What I would do with this: I’ll admit it. I’d open it for a sniff.

1940s Skol Tanning Lotion Ad

Why this is awesome: Skol was before my time, but who wouldn’t buy a product that “promotes a beneficial tan – prevents painful sunburn – contains no grease.”

How I would use this: I would absolutely frame this advertisement and display it with other vintage summer ephemera.

1963 Sea and Ski advertisement

Why this is awesome: Remember what I said about no tan lines? This ad illustrates why! What do you think was in their “oil-less oil?”

How I would use this: Again, frame it up and put it with other vintage suntan lotion and summer ephemera.

It would be a darned shame to end a post on vintage suntan lotion with just those three picks, so here’s a few other nostalgic beach buddies.

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