Have you ever walked out of a spray tan session feeling glowing, only to watch your color turn patchy or orange just a few days later? That flawless, sun-kissed look is the dream, but maintaining it often feels like a full-time job. Many people struggle to find the right lotion to keep their glow alive without ruining the hard work of their tan.
The beauty aisle is crowded with endless bottles, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Some lotions contain harsh ingredients that strip away your color, while others are too heavy and leave your skin feeling greasy. Choosing the wrong product can lead to streaks, uneven fading, or an unexpected smell. You deserve a tan that lasts longer and looks natural from start to finish.
In this post, we will take the guesswork out of your skincare routine. You will learn exactly which ingredients to look for and which ones to avoid to keep your skin hydrated and your color vibrant. We have done the research so you do not have to stress about your glow anymore.
Ready to keep your tan looking fresh for days on end? Let’s dive into the best lotions for spray tans and find your perfect match.
Top Lotion For Spray Tan Recommendations
- 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.
- Wash hands after application
- Leaves skin velvety soft and smooth
- Reduces tan break-up and improves fade
- For perfect results and a tan that lasts longer and fades more evenly
- ENHANCING SPRAY TAN PRIMER – Prep your skin with the Norvell Glow System Pre-Tan Enhancing Primer! Step one of our Glow System regimen, this smooth primer lotion is designed to balance pH levels of your skin to intensify your spray tan.
- NATURAL COLOR COMPLEX – Infused with natural ingredients, the pre-spray tanning lotion protects and nourishes a lasting tan. Vitamin E in the moisturizing lotion helps block free radicals from skin to reduce wrinkles and keep the skin youthful-looking.
- HYDRATING – Aloe Leaf Juice in the pre-tanning primer moisturizes skin to help with anti-aging. Tomato Seed Extract enables skin to absorb oxygen and prevent signs of aging. The pre-tan lotion’s Vitamin C stimulates collagen to tighten and smooth skin.
- EASY TO APPLY – Blend the pre-tan primer evenly over desired areas before tanning. For best results, use the Glow System regimen. It helps you to prep your skin pre-spray tan, use the proper products during your spray tan, and extend your glow post-tan.
- 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.
- SELF TANNER BODY LOTION - Create a flawless light bronze tan with gradual, natural-looking color while nourishing and hydrating dry and extra dry skin
- FIRMING TAN LOTION - Infused with antioxidants and Coconut Water, Jergens +FIRMING Moisturizer’s hydrating blend of nutrients boosts moisturization for healthier looking skin and daily skin hydration.
- CELLULITE REMOVER - Infused with collagen, elastin, and green tea infusions, our fast-acting, anti cellulite formula will help reduce cellulite appearance within 7 days
- ACHIEVE HEALTHY-LOOKING SKIN - With antioxidants and Coconut Water, Jergens +FIRMING Moisturizer hydrating blend of nutrients boosts moisturization for healthier looking skin and daily skin hydration
- FRESH SCENTED SUNLESS TANNING - Jergens Natural Glow sunless tanning daily moisturizers will keep you feeling fresh with a light and fresh scent
- 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.
- Barrier Cream will Block DHA (tanning ingredient) Entirely where product is applied prior to receiving a spray tan. Guarantee you and your customers do not tan unwanted areas (Palms of hands, elbows, and feet)
- WORKS WITH ALL BRANDS - SJOLIE Pro-Blend DHA Barrier Cream is compatible with all premium sunless product lines.
- INGREDIENT: Safflower Seed Oil – odorless plant oil containing essential fatty acids to help hydrate and moisturize dry skin
- INGREDIENT: Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E) – naturally derived anti-oxidant
- FLAWLESS SELF TANNER - Create a flawless tan for gradual, natural-looking color before, or after, the beach
- SUNLESS TANNING LOTION - Our Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer will gradually enhance and deepen your natural skin tone to provide hassle-free, streak-free color
- EASY, FAST-DRYING APPLICATION - For use on wet skin, our in-shower body lotion gives you control with no wait time before toweling off
- FRESH SCENTED SUNLESS TANNING - Jergens Natural Glow self-tanning in-shower moisturizer will keep you feeling fresh with a light and fresh scent
- GLIDES ON SMOOTH - Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer glides on smooth for in-shower application, and develops tan with minimal transfer or drying time
- SUNLESS TAN SOLUTION – Indulge yourself in bold, beautiful color with Norvell Venetian Tanning Solution. It gives a deep, rich color with a unique combination of cool violet and brown tone bronzers. Dispense the tanning solution in a spray tan gun to use.
- BOLD, BEAUTIFUL COLOR – The tanning spray solution formula blends with all skin tones to produce a bold, radiant tan. Our sunless tanning spray solution features Vio7 technology, a unique blend of pigments that counters orange undertone for natural glow.
- SHORT SHELF LIFE – Made with quality ingredients to prepare skin for a deep, lasting glow while natural moisturizing ingredients hydrate the skin. Due to the high-quality of ingredients, the tan solution has a shelf-life of 7 months from production date.
- EASY TO APPLY – Designed for spray tan artists to give clients a natural glow. Results show in 2-4hrs. Full medium tan results in 24hrs. Avoid getting wet for 24hrs. Ordenone️ and essence of Coconut Paradise reduce odor common in sunless tan solution.
- CLEARLY LABELED EXPIRATION DATE – Norvell products are manufactured in the US to the highest standards and have a short shelf life. The product’s expiration date is printed on the package. Check before use to ensure optimal results and freshness!
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Lotion for Spray Tan
A spray tan gives you a beautiful, sun-kissed glow without the dangers of UV rays. However, the secret to a long-lasting tan is not just the spray itself—it is the lotion you use afterward. Using the right moisturizer keeps your skin hydrated and prevents your tan from looking patchy or fading too quickly. Follow this guide to pick the best product for your skin.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a tan-extending lotion, look for these specific features:
- Oil-Free Formulas: Oils can break down the spray tan solution and cause it to fade unevenly. Always choose oil-free or lightweight lotions.
- Tan Extenders: Some lotions contain a tiny amount of DHA. This ingredient helps maintain the color of your tan as it begins to fade.
- Fragrance-Free Options: Strong perfumes can sometimes react with the spray tan chemicals. Choose unscented products if you have sensitive skin.
- Fast Absorption: You want a lotion that sinks into the skin quickly so you can get dressed without feeling sticky.
Important Ingredients
Check the ingredient label before you buy. Your skin needs moisture to hold onto the color. Look for these “hero” ingredients:
- Aloe Vera: This ingredient soothes the skin and provides deep hydration.
- Shea Butter: It locks in moisture without clogging your pores.
- Hyaluronic Acid: This helps your skin hold onto water, which keeps your tan looking fresh and plump.
- Vitamin E: This antioxidant protects your skin and helps repair it after the tanning process.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all lotions are created equal. Here is what changes the quality of your tan:
What Improves Quality
Using a lotion specifically labeled for “post-tan” use is the best choice. These products have a balanced pH level. A balanced pH keeps the skin’s surface stable, which helps the tan stay locked in place for several days longer.
What Reduces Quality
Avoid any lotion that contains mineral oil, harsh alcohols, or exfoliating acids like salicylic or glycolic acid. These ingredients act like a scrub. They will strip away the top layer of your skin, which takes your tan off with it.
User Experience and Use Cases
Consistency is key for a great spray tan. Apply your lotion once or twice every day, ideally after you shower. Pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing it. Gently apply the lotion in smooth, circular motions. If you are going to the gym or the beach, use a light layer to protect your skin from chlorine or salt water, which can fade a tan rapidly.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use my regular body lotion?
A: Only if it is oil-free and does not contain exfoliating acids. Many standard lotions contain ingredients that will fade a spray tan quickly.
Q: How soon after my spray tan should I apply lotion?
A: Wait until your first shower. After that, apply lotion every day to keep your skin hydrated.
Q: Will lotion make my tan look streaky?
A: No, using a high-quality, oil-free lotion actually prevents streaks by keeping your skin smooth and hydrated.
Q: Should I use a tanning bed lotion?
A: No. Tanning bed lotions are designed for UV exposure and often contain ingredients that are too heavy for spray tans.
Q: Does lotion help the tan fade evenly?
A: Yes. Hydrated skin sheds naturally and slowly. This helps the tan fade in a uniform way rather than in patches.
Q: How much lotion should I apply?
A: Use a generous, even layer over your entire body. Do not miss areas like your elbows and knees.
Q: Can I use lotion on my face?
A: Yes, but use a facial moisturizer that is non-comedogenic so it does not clog your pores.
Q: Does scented lotion hurt the tan?
A: Strong perfumes can sometimes cause the tan to turn a different color. It is safer to use fragrance-free products.
Q: Can I apply lotion before my spray tan appointment?
A: No. You should arrive with clean, dry skin. Lotion acts as a barrier and will prevent the spray tan from absorbing properly.
Q: How do I know if my lotion is “tan-safe”?
A: Check the back of the bottle. If it says “paraben-free,” “oil-free,” and “pH-balanced,” it is usually a safe choice.