How to Make Your Spray Tan Last Longer (Without Living Like a Fragile Victorian Doll)

So you’ve gotten a gorgeous spray tan from Sunless by Stephanie. Congrats, you radiant bronzed beauty!!!!

Now comes the question every Glow Girl wants answered:

“How do I make this baby last?”

Good news: you don’t need to avoid showers, human contact, or spontaneous rainstorms like you’re starring in a dramatic Netflix series. You just need a few smart tricks to keep your tan looking fresh, even, and envy-inducing.

1. Moisturize Like You’re Being Sponsored By Lotion

Starting 24 hours after your first rinse, moisturize daily. I MEAN IT. Dry skin = patchy fading. Moisturized skin = “who is she??” levels of glow.

Pick something (ideally) fragrance-free and gentle and gel based. If the lotion smells like a tropical piña colada, it’s probably filled with ingredients that break down your tan faster than a 3-day weekend disappears.

2. Avoid Long Hot Baths (Sorry, Bubble Bath Lovers)

Your tan and hot water? Frenemies at best. Long, steamy baths or showers soften your skin and speed up fading.
Quick, warm showers keep your colour even and happy.

If you absolutely must have your spa moment, keep it short… and maybe light a candle for the vibe.

3. Pat Yourself Dry. Don’t Rub Like You’re Buffing a Car

You’re glowing, not waxing a vehicle. Rubbing your skin with a towel can cause streaking and uneven fading.
Pat gently and lovingly, like you’re drying a baby sloth.

4. Skip the Loofahs, Scrubs, and Exfoliating Gloves

Until you’re ready to intentionally remove your tan, anything abrasive is the enemy.
Keep showers simple.
Keep skin happy.
Keep your tan intact.

5. Hydrate Your Body (Inside & Out)

Water is your tan’s best friend.
Being well-hydrated = longer-lasting glow.
Plus, your skin will thank you in about 5 years.

Aim for consistent water intake. Not “I drank 40 oz today and nothing yesterday” chaos energy (like I do).

6. Use Tan-Safe Body Wash

If your body wash includes harsh ingredients, stripping agents, or smells like a fruity alcoholic beverage… it’s probably not helping. Stick with gentle, sulfate-free washes. Bonus points if it’s made for sunless tans. I have loads of these recommended on my IG highlights and pinned at the top of my feed right now!

Glow Like It’s Your Full-Time Job

A long-lasting spray tan isn’t luck, it’s strategy.
Follow these steps and you’ll keep that fresh-from-the-beach glow so long that people may ask if you own a vacation home.(If they do, smile mysteriously. Let them wonder.)

Ready for your next tanning appointment? Sunless by Stephanie is here to keep you bronzed, confident, and living your best sun-free life.