7 Ways to Make Your Spray Tan Last Longer This Summer
There’s nothing better than stepping out with a fresh, flawless spray tan, especially in the middle of summer. But between pool days, beach trips, and warm-weather outfits, your golden glow can fade faster than you’d like.
At Apres Soleil, we want you looking sun-kissed all season long, so we’re sharing our top 7 spray tan aftercare tips, plus our favorite spray tan–safe products you can grab right here in our boutique.
1. Prep Your Skin Before Your Appointment
A longer-lasting tan starts before you step into the spray booth. Exfoliate with a mitt to remove dead skin cells so your spray tan applies evenly and fades naturally.
For best results, exfoliate the day before your appointment (not the day of) so your skin has time to calm and your pores can fully close. Avoid oil-based scrubs, they can leave a residue that blocks the tanning solution.
Try from our shop:
Our 3-Way Exfoliating Mitt has 3 unique sides for 3 different exfoliating levels.
Ensures the cleanest smoothest skin so your NEW tan is streak free and perfect
Silicone hairs give light/med exfoliation and promote circulation/blood flow
Turn inside out and use the honeycomb silicone for med/hard exfoliation and deeper circulation of skin/blood flow
3 layer buffing side promotes the most exfoliation where loosened skin will be trapped by the layers
Antibacterial and Washable
Hanging Loop for drying
TO USE:
Use mitt 24 hours before sunless tanning session.
We recommend pairing with SPRAY STUDIO BLANK CANVAS to skin per direction or soak in BLANK CANVAS Tan Removing Bath Soak for 10-15 mins to loosen dead skin and tan.
Use mitt to exfoliate skin in a circular motion. Layers of skin, old tan and impurities will roll off the body onto your mitt. Rinse skin. Finish by washing skin and moisturizing very well. Glove is washable, bleach-able and reusable.
Not getting a spray tan? We recommend exfoiating once a week for younger fresher looking skin.
THE FIRST TAN REMOVING GEL IN THE WORLD!
Developed in 2019 and has become a must have in everyone's tanning routine!
BLANK CANVAS was developed in a liquid gel form...not a thin, watery spray or mousse...or one reason. We found that a formula with a slight gel component sat in the outer layer of skin longer...able to work better at releasing your color from last week! It took MONTHS and MONTHS to get this formula just right!
As a vegan product, it is packed with botanical ingredients for skin health, and no harsh ingredients to hurt your skin! The BONUS...your skin will actually BENEFIT from using this once a week! And thank us later for how soft you feel all over!
NO NASTY INGREDIENTS HERE!
**WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND ordering a EXFOLIATE 3-Way Silicone Mitt with each bottle for easier removal of your tan! It will help the exfoliation process and ensure your tanning residue is fully removed.
FRAGRANCE: Citrus
7 oz.
TO USE:
Simply apply gel to dry skin, rub in a bit, wait 5-10 minutes. Next, get in the shower or bath and towards the end after soaking/steaming skin a bit, scrub away dead skin. After exfoliation, wash skin with mild soap and rinse clean. Skin will be soft, hydrated, tan-free and ready for your next application! Blank Canvas can be used to remove professional spray tan application and at home self-tanning products.
TIP: Have a STUBBORN TAN or do you choose to use sunless tanner that is A LOT darker than your original skin color and having trouble getting it all off? No Problem. Just soak your skin in a bath or shower first...then get out, dab dry, apply BLANK CANVAS, leave on 5 mins or so, then get back in shower and scrub. The darker the tan the more maintenance sometimes.
2. Wear Loose, Dark Clothing After Your Tan
Right after your spray tan, your skin needs time to fully develop without friction. Tight clothing can cause streaks or rub marks. Stick with flowy dresses, oversized tees, or joggers in dark colors.
Pro tip: Avoid bras, socks, or anything with elastic for the first few hours.
3. Skip the Workout (Just for a Day!)
Sweat is the enemy of a fresh tan. Wait at least 24 hours before doing high-intensity workouts or taking hot yoga to keep your tan from developing unevenly.
4. Use a Sulfate-Free Body Wash
Harsh cleansers can strip your color. Instead, use a gentle, spray tan–friendly body wash to cleanse without fading your glow.
Ever felt dry right after your shower? It is probably because of the sulfates in your wash!!! Using A Lil Lather SULFATE FREE Moisturizing Body Wash, a luxurious blend of aloe vera, sea moss, hyaluronic acid, and baobab oil, will leave you feeling just the opposite. It replenishes your skin instead of stripping it of it's natural oils! Follow with your choice of Spray Studio Body Moisturizers...you'll thank us later for your unbelievably soft skin!
FRAGRANCE: Unscented
8oz. and TSA Travel Size Available
5. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
The more moisturized your skin, the longer your tan will last. Dry skin sheds faster, taking your color with it. Apply lotion morning and night, focusing on areas like elbows, knees, and ankles.
Don’t forget to hydrate from the inside out, too! Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin supple and your tan looking fresh.
Try from our store:
Did you know that shea butter not only has amazing healing properties for your skin and your sunless tan, but that it naturally protects you against ultraviolet rays?!
Seriously cool, huh?
This unbelievable blend made of the highest quality organic shea butter, argan oil, natural plant extracts and vitamins will have your skin GLOWING from head to toe! It's consistency is like pudding...not greasy at all...your body will drink it up!
The bonus of every day protection makes this body butter a must-have in your skin routine.
FRAGRANCE: Unscented
VEGAN | NO PARABENS | NO PETRO-BY-PRODUCTS | NO MINERAL OIL |NO PHTHALATES | NO PROPOYLENE GLYCOL | NO NASTIES!
6. Avoid Long, Hot Showers
We know, steamy showers feel amazing. But hot water speeds up skin cell turnover and fades your tan faster. Opt for lukewarm showers, and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing.
7. Boost Your Glow with a Gradual Tanner
When your tan starts to fade, bring it back to life with a gradual tanning lotion. This keeps your color fresh between appointments.
The Bottom Line
With the right spray tan care routine and the best spray tan safe products, you can keep your summer glow going strong for up to 10 days (sometimes more!).
Need to restock your aftercare essentials? Stop by the Apres Soleil boutique or shop online to grab everything you need for a flawless, long-lasting tan.
or shop all our favorite post-tan essentials.