According to signage in several stores, each package contains:
- One handheld spray-tan gun with a detachable reservoir
- Three 100-milliliter bottles of DHA-based tanning solution in distinct shades
- A quick-start guide outlining pre-tan preparation, spraying technique and post-application care
While Five Below does not disclose vendor agreements, the branding indicates a licensing arrangement with the producers of “Love Island USA.” The show often highlights sun-kissed complexions, making a spray-tan line a thematically aligned extension.
Social media accelerates demand
Interest in the kit surged after beauty and budget-shopping influencers posted unboxing videos and in-store sightings during the first week of May. Clips tagged #FiveBelowFinds and #LoveIsland collectively generated hundreds of thousands of views in under 48 hours, with creators documenting stock checks, live demonstrations and before-and-after photos. Several users reported that individual outlets in major metro areas such as Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia had already sold through initial allocations by the weekend.
Search data from TikTok’s internal analytics show a tenfold increase in queries related to “spray tan gun” between May 1 and May 6, much of it linked to the Five Below offering. Brand observers note that the retailer has achieved similar viral moments with squishy toys and budget beauty dupes, but the $25 price point sets this item apart in the chain’s current catalog.
Retail implications for Five Below
Five Below traditionally concentrates on products costing $5 or less but began testing higher-priced merchandise in 2023 to broaden its customer base. Company executives said during a March earnings call that the “beyond” pricing tier—covering goods up to $25—accounted for roughly 10 percent of fourth-quarter sales. The Love Island spray-tan kit arrives amid that expansion strategy, offering a real-time case study in whether shoppers will consistently move up the pricing ladder for perceived value or exclusivity.
Inventory turnover appears brisk. Store employees in multiple regions confirmed that shipments of one or two cases, each holding 12 kits, arrived during the first week of release. Restocking schedules vary, and some outlets direct customers to sign up for text alerts when deliveries are logged into the system. Five Below’s corporate office has not indicated whether additional production runs are planned.
Product safety considerations
The tanning solutions included in the set rely on dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a color-additive approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for external application to the skin. However, the FDA cautions that consumers should avoid inhaling DHA or applying it to areas covered by mucous membranes. These guidelines, available on the agency’s official website, recommend using protective gear such as nose filters and eye shields when employing spray devices.
Five Below’s instruction leaflet does not mention protective accessories, instead advising users to apply in well-ventilated spaces and to conduct a patch test 24 hours before full use. Dermatologists commonly highlight the importance of exfoliation and moisturizer to achieve an even finish and minimize streaking. Consumers with sensitive skin are urged to consult healthcare providers before using any self-tanning formula.
User feedback and performance
Early reviewers describe the gun as lightweight and intuitive, noting that continuous spray provides even coverage without clogging. Application time for a full-body tan averages five to seven minutes, followed by a development period of up to six hours. Users say the light shade yields a subtle bronzed look, while the dark option approaches the depth typically obtained from professional salon equipment.
Some customers have expressed concern about potential overspray and the absence of a tent or protective floor mat in the box. Others appreciate the entry-level nature of the kit, citing its affordability compared with professional sessions that can cost $40 or more per visit. Anecdotal reports indicate that the tan lasts four to six days with daily moisturizing, aligning with industry norms for at-home DHA products.
Availability and purchasing tips
Five Below does not currently offer the spray-tan kit through its e-commerce platform, limiting sales to physical locations. Shoppers seeking the product can employ several strategies:
- Use the retailer’s mobile app to check real-time inventory by ZIP code.
- Call local stores early in the day to confirm deliveries.
- Follow regional social media groups where users often share restock alerts.
Because each store receives limited quantities, employees recommend purchasing immediately upon spotting the item rather than waiting for price drops or promotional events. Return policies align with the chain’s standard 30-day window, though open cosmetic items may be subject to additional restrictions.
What’s next for trend-driven inventory
Retail analysts observe that collaborative, pop-culture merchandise is increasingly critical for brick-and-mortar chains targeting Gen Z and younger Millennials. Limited-run promotions create a sense of urgency, bolstered by video-centric platforms where shoppers broadcast discoveries in real time. Five Below’s quick sell-through of the Love Island kit underscores the effectiveness of marrying a recognizable television franchise with an aspirational beauty category.
If supply continues to tighten, secondary markets such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace may see listings at inflated prices, a pattern common with other low-cost, high-demand releases from the chain. Customers interested in ancillary items from the same line—body scrubs, hand sanitizers and related accessories—report fewer stock challenges, suggesting those products are replenished more consistently.
For now, the $25 Love Island spray-tan kit remains one of spring 2026’s most sought-after beauty finds, illustrating both the power of social media amplification and the evolving merchandise strategy of a retailer once known solely for $1 candy and discounted earbuds.
