It’s one of the biggest beauty frustrations there is; you’ve gone and got yourself a professional tan and played by all the rules (that includes a top-to- toe scrub and paper knickers), but no sooner do you whip out the denim shorts to show it off, than it begins to fade. Luckily, before you step into a booth, we’re here to tell you that while preparation is important, it’s upkeep and specifically regular moisturising, that’s the secret to a long-lasting golden glow. Here, 5 tried and tested products that keep skin silky-smooth and hydrated, meaning your tan (and your smile) stays intact.
By Georgia Day
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1 Frank Body, Body Balm, £19.95
Best for: sore, irritated skin
One of the great things about a spray tan is the multitude of skin woes it can hide. From redness to eczema, a couple of coats are all it takes to even out imperfections and give the impression of polished, problem-free skin. To keep the illusion going, even in the days after application, you’ll need a moisturiser that delivers a hefty dose of hydration (essential for locking in colour) and keeps any skin conditions placated, too. Thanks to a virtually edible cocktail that includes anti-inflammatory coconut oil, sweet almond oil and coffee arabica seed oil, this keeps skin supple, thus reducing flare-ups, which can cause skin to become irritated and flaky and consequently your tan to go patchy.
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2 Aveda, Stress-Fix Body Crème, £36
Best for: stressed skin
Rich, golden colour and heavenly-scented, soothed skin shouldn’t be mutually exclusive and happily, with this divine lotion they aren’t. A brilliantly kept beauty secret from one of our favourite aromatherapy brands, this sumptuous moisturiser defies cracked complexions (a fake tan’s worst enemy) and ensures skin stays soft and springy to the touch thanks to the inclusion of organic Shea Butter and Sunflower Oil. In addition to its considerable beautifying benefits, it also envelops skin in a heady blend of French Lavender, Clary Sage and Lavindin, all proven to calm the mind and encourage relaxation. So whatever the reasons for reaching for a stress fix, you can rest easy that a fading tan needn’t be one of them.
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3 Sanctuary, 5 Day Moisture Creamy Body Oil, £7.00
Best for: long-lasting hydration
If you’re planning on heading straight to your holiday destination as soon as you step out of the spray booth, then you’ll want to make sure you pack this little gem. That’s because, thanks to mango seed oil, apricot and gold of pleasure oils (the latter a rich source of omega 3 and 6 oils and revered for its deeply nourishing properties), it leaves skin hydrated and feeling bouncy for up to 5 days, after just one use. Which means, you need nothing else to ensure a perfectly polished tan that lasts as long as your trip. Better still, the dewy glow it imparts onto limbs will leave them with a glossy gleam that’s just begging to be paired with sundresses and sarongs.
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4 St Tropez, Tan Enhancing Moisturiser, £10
Best for: pre and post tanning
There’s nothing we love more than products that do more than one (important) job and this silky cream is definitely one of them. As well as topping the list of our post-tan necessities, it’s also ideal for use as a barrier cream during your tan too. To prevent it from gathering on very dry skin, simply smooth on to areas such as elbows, heels and knees, which have a tendency to soak up extra (unwanted) colour. To make sure your tan stays looking as convincing as it did on day one, repeated use morning and night is recommended. Packed with a nourishing trio of shea butter, apricot and jojoba extracts, this tan-tailored hydrator will quench all skin types but thanks to addition of soothing aloe vera, it’s especially good for skin that requires some soothing relief too.
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5 Fake Bake, Skin Smoothie Dry Oil Spray, £10
Best for: skin you want to show off
While oils can often be a bit of a no-no when it comes to post-tan care, this fruity-scented beauty is specially designed to work with fake tan to moisturise skin and maintain its golden colour and stop it from going patchy and flaking off. The perfect addition to your daily regime (frankly, whether you’re tanned or not) intense hydration and leg-lengthening sheen comes courtesy of rosehips and linden flower extract. Best of all, its clever dry oil formula means it’s totally non-greasy and is absorbed instantly, so you can get dressed virtually straightaway without worrying about transferral onto clothes.
FAQs
How can you make your professional tan last longer?
Regularly moisturising your skin is the key to a long-lasting tan. Using hydrating products helps lock in colour and keeps your skin smooth, preventing your tan from fading or becoming patchy.
Which moisturiser is best for irritated or sensitive skin after tanning?
Frank Body Body Balm is especially suited for sore, irritated skin. It contains anti-inflammatory coconut oil, sweet almond oil and coffee arabica seed oil to keep your skin supple and reduce flare-ups that can cause patchiness.
What should you use for long-lasting hydration after a spray tan?
Sanctuary 5 Day Moisture Creamy Body Oil offers hydration that lasts for several days after just one application. Its blend of mango seed oil, apricot and gold of pleasure oils helps maintain a glossy, dewy glow and ensures your tan looks polished longer.
How do you prevent your spray tan from going patchy on dry areas?
Apply a dedicated tan-enhancing moisturiser, like St Tropez Tan Enhancing Moisturiser, on elbows, heels and knees before tanning. This acts as a barrier, preventing the tan from gathering on extra-dry spots and keeping colour even.
Can you use oil-based moisturisers after fake tanning?
Fake Bake Skin Smoothie Dry Oil Spray is specially designed for use with fake tan and maintains your golden colour without causing the tan to flake. Its dry oil formula absorbs instantly without leaving residue on your clothes.