You just got that perfect, sun-kissed glow from your spray tan. It looks amazing! But now comes the big question: how do you keep that beautiful color from fading too fast? Many people love their spray tans, but they struggle to find the right lotion to make it last. It is frustrating when your hard-earned tan starts to look patchy just a few days later.
Choosing the correct aftercare lotion is super important. Some lotions might accidentally strip the color away, while others just do not offer enough moisture. You want something that keeps your skin happy and your tan vibrant. That is why we are diving deep into the best lotions designed specifically for post-spray tan care.
In this guide, you will learn exactly what ingredients to look for and which lotions top the charts for extending your glow. Get ready to say goodbye to faded color! Keep reading to discover the secrets to a longer-lasting, flawless spray tan.
Top Lotion For After Spray Tan Recommendations
- TIGHTEN, TAN, AND TONE: Get summer-sexy skin that’s tight, tanned, and toned in one ultra-hydrating, routine-simplifying step! Proprietary, innovative, multi-tasking moisturizing mist sets and seals your sunless tanning application, while deepening and darkening DHA development for long-lasting, succulent, sun-kissed color.
- BRONZING WITH BENEFITS: This hydrofirm moisturizing spray seals the deal on your self-tanning application, while providing thirsty, parched skin with a beautifying blast of sumptuous, skin-smoothing hyaluronic acid and healing and hydrating aloe vera.
- GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TAN: Exclusive formula is your faux glow’s flawless finishing touch, as it expertly extends and amplifies your tan for days longer, while firming, lifting, and perfecting the skin. Essential for body-building show contestants that need that extra dose of double-duty DHA action.
- KIND TO SKIN HEALTH: Gentle, irritant-free, 100% vegan post tan moisturizer contains zero parabens, sulfates, and gluten.
- NEW LOOK, SAME FORMULA - The Norvell formula you’ve always loved in bold new packaging. With 40 years’ experience, Norvell delivers a natural glow. Our famous Norvell University offers award winning training to certified technicians worldwide.
- SKIN-NOURISHING AFTER SUN MOISTURIZER — Blended with coconut oil, shea butter, and avocado oil
- INTENSIVELY HYDRATING — Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Body Butter offers 12-hours of hydration
- ULTRA-RICH MOISTURIZERS leave skin feeling silky-soft, with an indulgent coconut scent
- THOUGHTFULLY made — Hawaiian Tropic Body Butter does not contain oxybenzone
- BLENDS BEAUTIFULLY ACROSS ALL SKINS TONES
- Island Time body lotion is packed with some of our best anti-aging ingredients normally reserved for the face – but we say no matter where, if it’s skin...don’t skimp!
- For all skin types. Leaves behind lasting hydration, but zero sticky residue. Amazing coconut scent!
- Key ingredients include Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E, and Sunflower. Cruelty free. Fragrance free. Made in Maine, USA with love from globally sourced ingredients.
- We're all about providing truth and clarity in clean, effective skincare. In a crowded market with over-hyped “miracle ingredients”, we found most ingredients don't produce results. We drilled down to 8 key ingredients that generated the majority of the benefits for your skin: Our "Eight Saints".
- Worry Free Return Policy: Try Eight Saints body lotion for women worry free with our 30 day return policy. If a product doesn't work for you, contact us and we'll happily refund you!
- Tan-Extending Hydration: Biotanning, carrot oil and shea butter blend together to give your tan the nutrients it needs while keeping skin soft, smooth and glow-ready
- Tattoo Enhancing Dragon Fruit: Advanced formula with dragon fruit, tigergrass and ocean botanicals helps enhance and refresh the appearance of your favorite tattoos so ink looks fresh and defined
- Luxurious After-Tan Feel: Silky, fast-absorbing after-tan moisturizer leaves skin feeling comfortable and pampered, making this your skin’s bestie in a bottle
- Scent & Vibe: Finished with a Mandarin Coconut Breeze fragrance that spritzes skin in a bright, beachy aroma so you can Spritz, Glow, Repeat as part of your daily ritual
- How to Use: Apply daily to clean, dry skin after tanning or showering, avoid use on fresh tattoos; not a self tanner or SPF product
- Get A Radiant Tan Guilt-free! Our Blend Of Pure, Organic Ingredients Extends Your Sunless Glow. Made In The Usa, No Harmful Additives, Just Natural Goodness: Organic Aloe Vera, Oils (argan, Olive, Jojoba, Avocado), Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins B2, B5, B12. Vegan & Sealed For Safety.
- Enhance Your Beauty With Our Fade-fighting Formula! Extend Your Gorgeous Tan From Any Source - self-tanner, Spray, Or Sun. Also Doubles As A Superb Daily Moisturizer, Leaving Skin Soft And Tan Lasting Up To 3 Days More. No Fake Tan Smell, Non-comedogenic, And Non-sticky.
- The Proper Gift For Her Awaits! Impress With Our Organic Tan Extender Lotion, Loved By Many For Its Radiant Results. Personalize With A Heartfelt Message For Your Girlfriend, Wife, Mom, Sister, Or Friend.
- Essential For Frequent Tanners! Ensure Longer-lasting, Even Fades With Our Tan Extender Moisturizer. Formulated To Complement Our Self-tanning Oil, It Enhances Results, Reduces Break-up, And Improves Fade. Note: Not A Standalone Self-tanner Due To Lower DHA Percentage.
- Suitable For All Skin Types, Including Sensitive Ones. Achieve A Radiant, Sun-kissed Glow Year-round With Our Organic Self-tanning Oil And Tan Extender Lotion.
- FEATURES AND BENEFITS: Norvell Pro-Blending ( DHA Barrier ) Cream prevents DHA bronzing sprays from over-darkening areas of the body that tend to take too much color resulting in an overall un-even tan. Used as directed, it helps produce a more even, natural looking bronze all over without over staining of susceptible areas by tanning solutions. Our barrier cream is unscented and suitable for all skin types.
- SAY HELLO TO A PERFECT COLOR BLEND: Barrier Cream is a pre-sunless tanning, skin moisturizer that helps prepare skin for a perfect color blend. Keep the bronzing spray effect more even and avoid over-tanning of any area in need of protection. An easy and effective preventative measure to help avoid tanning solution from penetrating the soles of your feet, palms, knees, elbows etc.
- PROFESSIONAL TIP: Apply liberally to knees, elbows, palms, soles, cuticles, knuckles and areas between fingers and toes, just before a spray tan session. Since the barrier cream prevents the treated areas from bronzing, make sure to blend smoothly and gradually outward from target areas into surrounding skin to allow for even color transition. Prepare for the perfect self tanning session or a better sunless tan at the tanning salon.
- NORVELL PRODUCTS HAVE A SHORT SHELF-LIFE: Due to the quality of ingredients that are used to manufacture Norvell products, the typical shelf-life is 5-6 months from the production date to the expiration date. Please note that the transit from the manufacturer to Amazon and to the final consumer should be accounted for when purchasing Norvell products.
- GIVE YOUR SKIN A NATURAL, BEAUTIFUL GOLDEN GLOW without applying any bronzers or skin darkening products. Australian Gold's Rapid Tanning Intensifying lotion speeds up the tanning process while you bask in the sun or use a tanning bed
- BE SUMMER READY - Formulated with Biosine Complex, a proprietary blend of premium ingredients, it prepares your skin for dark color development. It does not contain sunscreen but increases the pigmentation so your skin gets a quicker tan
- BLESSED WITH AUSTRALIAN NATURALS - Enriched with Tea Tree Oil and the goodness of Vitamin E, both of which are powerful antioxidants, this tanning intensifier fights off free radicals, gently nourishes and cleanses your skin leaving it smooth and fresh
- ULTIMATE HYDRATION - The exotic combination of native oils, vital nutrients and Aloe Vera provide naturally soothing and deeply nourished skin that remains hydrated for long. Available in a delectable Coconut, Orange, and Vanilla fragrance
- SPECIALLY FORMULATED - Australian Gold's time-tested formula is designed to be Vegan, Gluten Free, while being loaded with the goodness of Kakadu Plums and Safflower Seed Oil for an instant radiant tan
- Healing aloe for soothing relief
- Nourishing rose hips oil
- Maintains and extends your tan
- Daily Moisture for Healthy Looking Skin
- Perfect for Everyday Hydration
Finding Your Glow: The Essential Buying Guide for After Spray Tan Lotion
A spray tan gives you a beautiful, sun-kissed look instantly. To keep that glow looking amazing for as long as possible, you need the right lotion afterward. This guide helps you choose the best lotion to lock in your color and keep your skin happy.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for an after-tan lotion, look for specific features that make a big difference in how long your tan lasts.
- Moisturizing Power: The best lotions deeply hydrate your skin. Dry skin flakes faster, taking your tan with it. Look for words like “intense hydration” or “24-hour moisture.”
- Tan Extenders: Some lotions have a little bit of the tanning ingredient (DHA) in them. These are called tan extenders. They help slowly build back color as your old tan fades, making the fade look more even.
- Lightweight Feel: You want something that soaks in quickly. Heavy, greasy lotions can feel uncomfortable, especially on warm skin right after a tan.
- Scent: After spray tans, some lotions have a slight chemical smell from the tanning solution. Many modern lotions use pleasant, light scents like coconut or vanilla to cover this up.
Important Ingredients: What Makes a Good Lotion?
The ingredients list tells you a lot about how well a lotion will work. You want ingredients that nourish the skin without stripping the color.
Hydrators and Humectants:
These ingredients pull water into your skin. They are crucial for preventing dryness.
- Hyaluronic Acid: This is a superstar ingredient. It holds lots of water, keeping skin plump and tan lines smooth.
- Glycerin: A very common and effective moisturizer that helps lock in hydration.
Nourishing Oils and Butters:
These ingredients create a protective barrier to stop moisture from escaping.
- Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter: These are rich and great for very dry areas like elbows and knees.
- Coconut Oil or Jojoba Oil: These oils absorb nicely and help keep the tan looking dewy.
Ingredients to Avoid (The Tan Killers):
Some common ingredients break down spray tans quickly. You must avoid these in the first week after tanning.
- Alcohol (especially high up on the list): Alcohol dries out the skin very fast.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) like Glycolic or Lactic Acid: These acids are chemical exfoliators. They speed up cell turnover, making your tan fade faster.
- Retinoids or Retinol: These are powerful skin renewal ingredients. Keep them away from your fresh tan.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the lotion affects your tan longevity.
Quality Boosters:
Lotions formulated specifically for post-tan care usually have better quality. They balance deep moisture with lightweight application. High-quality lotions often use natural extracts that soothe the skin, which is important because the DHA process can sometimes feel slightly drying.
Quality Reducers:
Cheap, heavily fragranced lotions often contain more drying agents or mineral oils. Mineral oil can sometimes sit on top of the skin rather than sinking in, leading to a patchy look as the tan wears off. Always check that the lotion is labeled “Paraben-Free” and “Oil-Free” if you are worried about clogging pores.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the lotion matters as much as what’s in it.
Best Use Cases:
You should apply this lotion at least once, preferably twice, every day after your shower. Focus extra attention on areas that tend to fade first: hands, feet, neck, and wrists. If you are going to the beach or swimming, apply a generous layer before and after exposure. This acts as a shield.
User Feel:
A good lotion feels luxurious but disappears fast. You should be able to get dressed five minutes after application without the lotion feeling sticky or transferring onto your clothes. If the lotion leaves a white residue or feels heavy, it will likely feel unpleasant during daily use, making you less likely to use it regularly.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About After Spray Tan Lotion
Q: When should I apply the lotion for the first time?
A: Wait until after your first official shower following your spray tan appointment. Then, apply it generously all over your body.
Q: Can I use my regular body lotion instead?
A: You can use your regular lotion, but only if it does not contain any exfoliating ingredients like AHAs or high amounts of alcohol. Specialized after-tan lotions work better because they are color-safe.
Q: Do I need a specific lotion if my skin is oily?
A: Yes. If your skin is oily, choose a very lightweight, gel-based formula or a non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) lotion. Avoid thick butters.
Q: How much lotion should I use?
A: Use a generous amount, especially on dry spots. Think of it as feeding your skin. You want enough to rub in completely until the skin looks smooth, not shiny.
Q: Will this lotion make my tan look darker?
A: Only if it is a specific “Tan Extender” lotion. Regular moisturizing lotions just keep the color you have looking fresh and even.
Q: Is it okay if the lotion has a slight fragrance?
A: Yes, a light fragrance is usually fine. Just make sure the main ingredients are moisturizers, not alcohol or perfume oils.
Q: Does the lotion help if my tan starts looking patchy?
A: Absolutely. Applying lotion regularly helps the tan fade evenly. If you have a very patchy spot, apply extra lotion just to that area a few times a day.
Q: Can I use this lotion on my face?
A: Check the label. Some body lotions are too heavy for facial skin. If the lotion is labeled “non-comedogenic,” it is usually safe for the face.
Q: How long will using the right lotion help my tan last?
A: Good moisturizing can extend your tan by two to three extra days compared to not using any lotion at all.
Q: Should I put the lotion on before or after applying sunscreen?
A: Always apply your after-tan lotion first. Let it soak in completely. Then, apply your sun protection (SPF). The lotion keeps the tan healthy, and the SPF protects your skin.