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E! Illustration/ Dolce Glow, Amazon
A heat wave can only mean one thing—it's officially fake tan season. Once you've figured out how to flawlessly apply fake tan, you likely have one remaining question: how do I make it last?
To find out, we spoke with Isabel Alysa, celebrity spray tan artist and CEO and founder of Dolce Glow and Sunnee BAEskin, for expert advice.
With famous clients like Kim Kardashian, Sabrina Carpenter and Miley Cyrus, she has all the secrets to making your red carpet worthy glow last longer.
- Expert-Approved Moisturizer: Kiehl's Crème de Corps Hydrating Body Lotion
- Easy-to-Use Tanning Drops: Dolce Glow Goccia di Sole Hydrating Self-Tanning Serum Drops
- Fan-Favorite Gradual Tanner: Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Self Tanner Body Lotion
What are the best moisturizers to extend my fake tan?
Alysa shared that regularly applying moisturizer all over your body is the ultimate way to extend your fake tan. But not just any body lotion will do.
Alysa suggests opting for formulas with “ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera, as they help lock in moisture and keep the skin barrier healthy.” She recommends a budget-friendly CeraVe option and the cult-classic Kiehl's Crème de Corps.
On the other hand, avoid moisturizers containing harsh actives including AHAs or BHAs, retinol, or “brightening” agents as they can accelerate fading. And steer clear of lotions infused with rich oils or heavy fragrances as these can also strip away fake tan and cause uneven fading.
Alysa also emphasizes that consistency is key. She suggests moisturizing twice daily for long-lasting results.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Alysa says this moisturizer "helps extend the life of a tan by deeply hydrating and supporting the skin barrier, which prevents dryness and uneven fading for a longer-lasting, more even glow."
NIVEA Essentially Enriched Body Lotion
Infused with nourishing hyaluronic acid, this fan-favorite Nivea lotion effectively targets dry skin and leaves behind a non-greasy, healthy glow.
Kiehl's Crème de Corps Hydrating Body Lotion
Alysa calls this lotion, "a classic, ultra-nourishing moisturizer I always recommend. It doesn't feel greasy, and it leaves my skin so soft and smooth."
Naturium Bio-Lipid Restoring Moisturizing Body Lotion
This TikTok-loved Naturium lotion replenishes the skin's moisture for lasting hydration. The fragrance-free formula absorbs quickly without feeling thick or leaving behind a detectable residue.
Jergens Soothing Aloe Body Lotion
Formulated with aloe vera, an expert-recommended ingredient, this highly-rated lotion delivers soothing, lightweight hydration for instant dry skin relief.
Cetaphil Face & Body Moisturizer
Ideal for sensitive skin, this fragrance-free moisturizer is made from a blend of Alysa-approved glycerin, niacinmaide, and panthenol to strengthen the skin barrier. It has 16,000+ 5-star ratings on Amazon.
How can I make my fake tan last longer?
“One of the biggest keys to a flawless, long-lasting tan is exfoliating at least 24 hours before application,” explains Alysa. Skipping this step can lead to premature fading and splotchy, uneven fake tans.
Apart from keeping skin hydrated by applying a moisturizer twice daily, Alysa also recommends using a gentle, sulfate-free body wash to prevent fading.
“I also love incorporating gradual or serum-based tanning products to extend and refresh the glow in between applications,” says Alysa. She calls out adding Sunnee BaeSkin and Dolce Glow tanning drops to a moisturizer or topping up with a gradual tanner, like the OG Jergens Natural glow lotion to maximize longevity.
Sunnee BAEskin BAEside SEArum Drops
To revive a fake tan glow, Alysa recommends these tanning drops, "which you can mix into your moisturizer for a super natural, buildable radiance while keeping skin hydrated."
Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk
Alysa suggests "topping up with a gradual tanner or tan extender in between applications and reapplying your self-tan once a week to maintain an even, natural-looking glow." This pick is enriched with aloe vera.
Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Self Tanner Body Lotion
You can never go wrong with this cult-favorite Jergens tanning lotion, which helps to slowly build or maintain a fake tan. An OG in the gradual tanning space, it comes in fair and medium and medium to dark shades.
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