How do you stop your fresh color from looking patchy by day three? Keeping your skin hydrated is the golden rule, but using the wrong ingredients can strip your tan away in a heartbeat.
Finding the Best Lotionses to Use after Spray Tan is all about choosing moisture-rich formulas that won't interfere with your DHA. Grab your favorite robe and check out these top contenders for a long-lasting bronze.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize oil-free or lightweight lotions to prevent your color from breaking down or turning orange.
- Check labels for firming ingredients if you want to smooth out texture while you moisturize.
- Opt for spray formats if you prefer a quick application that avoids streaks on your palms.
- Seek out natural extracts like aloe vera or shea butter to keep your skin soft and supple.
- Avoid mineral oils, as these can act as a solvent and prematurely fade your spray tan.
| Best Overall Maintenance |  |
L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Mist | Lightweight mist formula | Easy to apply | Subtle color enhancement | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Professional Hydration Standard |  |
Norvell Post Sunless Hydrofirm Moisturizing Spray | Professional grade formula | Extends tan life | Softens skin texture | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Deep Moisture Recovery |  |
Norvell Post Tanning Repairing Body Butter | Restores deep moisture | Thick, creamy texture | Enhances color longevity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Aloe Infused Soother |  |
Maui Babe After Browning Lotion | Includes soothing aloe | Contains macadamia nut oil | Lightweight daily moisturizer | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Fragrant Glow Booster |  |
Brown Sugar Sunset Spritz Extender | Refreshing mandarin scent | Includes dragon fruit extract | Shea butter base | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Ultra Dark Intensifier |  |
b.tan Deep Tanning Dry Spray | Very fast drying | Deep color intensifier | Easy dry spray | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Fragrance Free Hydrator |  |
Jergens Natural Glow Hydra Gel | Hyaluronic acid moisture | Fragrance free formula | Build-able subtle color | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Facial Glow Specialist |  |
b.tan Clear Face Tan Mist | Gentle rosewater infusion | Clear facial mist | Vegan and cruelty free | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Dual Action Firming |  |
Jergens Natural Glow Firming Moisturizer | Adds firming benefits | Daily moisturizing lotion | Natural looking tan | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Vitamin Rich Intensifier |  |
Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Lotion | Includes tea tree oil | Vitamin E enriched | Rapid tanning results | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Mist
This mist is the top pick because it provides a subtle color boost while keeping your skin hydrated. It works well for anyone who finds lotions too heavy or prone to streaking.
Just apply it in a light, even layer after your shower to touch up areas that might be fading. Keep in mind that because it is a mist, you should focus on even distribution to avoid uneven spots.
- Brand:L'Oreal
- Product Type:Tanning Mist
- Volume:4.6 oz
- Target Skin Tone:Medium
- Additional Feature:Dries quickly on skin
- Additional Feature:Streak free finish
- Additional Feature:Natural looking results
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Norvell Post Sunless Hydrofirm Moisturizing Spray
If you want to treat your skin like a professional salon client, this spray is your best bet. It focuses on locking in moisture to prevent that dreaded patchy fade that often ruins a good tan.
The formula is designed to soften the skin while extending the life of your color. Just be aware that the spray format requires a bit of practice to ensure you cover every inch of your body evenly.
- Brand:Norvell
- Product Type:Moisturizing Spray
- Volume:8 fl oz
- Primary Benefit:Extends sunless tan
- Additional Feature:Reduces uneven fading
- Additional Feature:Promotes smooth finish
- Additional Feature:Hydrating professional blend
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Norvell Post Tanning Repairing Body Butter
When your skin feels particularly thirsty, this rich body butter acts as a restorative treatment. It is significantly thicker than a spray, making it perfect for dry spots like elbows and knees.
By repairing the skin barrier, it helps your tan stay vibrant and smooth for days longer than a basic lotion would. It can feel a bit heavy, so apply it sparingly to avoid a greasy residue.
- Brand:Norvell
- Product Type:Body Butter
- Volume:8.5 fl oz
- Primary Benefit:Repairing skin
- Additional Feature:Reduces uneven fade
- Additional Feature:Rich hydrating ingredients
- Additional Feature:Extends sunless tan
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Maui Babe After Browning Lotion
This lotion is a classic choice for anyone who loves the cooling sensation of aloe. It is designed to soothe the skin after sun exposure, but it works equally well to maintain a spray tan by keeping the skin supple.
The inclusion of macadamia nut oil adds a nice layer of natural hydration that feels luxurious. It is quite thin, so it absorbs into the skin almost instantly without leaving a sticky film.
- Brand:Maui Babe
- Product Type:Lotion
- Volume:4 fl oz
- Key Ingredients:Aloe, Macadamia oil
- Additional Feature:Daily skin moisturizer
- Additional Feature:Tan enhancing properties
- Additional Feature:Rapid absorption
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Brown Sugar Sunset Spritz Extender
If you like your skincare to double as a fragrance experience, the mandarin scent here is hard to beat. It is packed with unique ingredients like dragon fruit and carrot oil to keep your skin glowing.
It is specifically formulated for people who have tattoos or dry skin, as the shea butter base is incredibly nourishing. Because it is a large volume bottle, it will last you through many weeks of tan maintenance.
- Brand:Brown Sugar
- Product Type:Tan Extender
- Volume:18 fl oz
- Key Ingredients:Shea butter, Carrot oil
- Additional Feature:Enhances existing tattoos
- Additional Feature:Deep ocean botanicals
- Additional Feature:Large volume container
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b.tan Deep Tanning Dry Spray
This dry spray is for the person who wants the deepest, darkest glow possible. It is meant to be used alongside your current tan to ramp up the color intensity.
Since it acts as an intensifier, use it carefully so you do not end up darker than you intended. It dries very quickly, which is a major bonus when you are trying to get dressed in a hurry.
- Brand:b.tan
- Product Type:Tanning Oil
- Volume:8 fl oz
- Primary Benefit:Dark glow
- Additional Feature:Accelerating actives
- Additional Feature:Hydrating bronze effect
- Additional Feature:Beach and pool friendly
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Jergens Natural Glow Hydra Gel
For those who are sensitive to scents or prefer a clean, gel texture, this is the perfect match. The hyaluronic acid content provides a refreshing surge of moisture that plumps the skin.
It builds color so gradually that you never have to worry about looking orange or streaky. The clear gel formula is also a relief if you are tired of lotions that stain your clothes or sheets.
- Brand:Jergens
- Product Type:Self Tanning Gel
- Volume:8.3 fl oz
- Key Ingredients:Hyaluronic Acid
- Target Skin Tone:Fair to Medium
- Additional Feature:Gradual tan development
- Additional Feature:Clear non-staining gel
- Additional Feature:Hydrating skin treatment
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b.tan Clear Face Tan Mist
Your face often fades faster than your body due to frequent washing, so this targeted mist is a life saver. It is infused with rosewater, which helps keep your complexion feeling fresh and dewy.
It is a clear tanning water, meaning you can spray it on without worrying about clogged pores or transfer onto your pillow. It is a fantastic tool for maintaining a unified, glowing face all week long.
- Brand:b.tan
- Product Type:Face Tan Spray
- Volume:6.7 fl oz
- Key Ingredients:Rosewater
- Additional Feature:Gradual sunless tanning
- Additional Feature:Non-comedogenic feel
- Additional Feature:Easy application mist
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Jergens Natural Glow Firming Moisturizer
This is a double duty product that hydrates your skin while improving its appearance over time. It contains collagen and elastin to help firm the skin, which is a nice perk for a daily moisturizer.
It works best if you use it consistently every day after your shower. The result is a natural, subtle tan that looks better the longer you use it.
- Brand:Jergens
- Product Type:Daily Moisturizer
- Volume:7.5 oz
- Key Ingredients:Collagen, Elastin
- Target Skin Tone:Medium to Tan
- Additional Feature:Reduces cellulite appearance
- Additional Feature:Gradual sunless color
- Additional Feature:Daily skin maintenance
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Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Lotion
When you want to pack your skin with essential vitamins while tanning, this lotion is the right choice. It features tea tree oil and aloe vera, both of which are excellent for keeping the skin surface calm and hydrated.
It is designed to give you a dark, deep color very quickly. Use this as your primary maintenance lotion if you want to keep your skin feeling soft and healthy throughout your tanning cycle.
- Brand:Australian Gold
- Product Type:Tanning Lotion
- Volume:8.5 fl oz
- Key Ingredients:Tea Tree, Aloe, Vitamin E
- Additional Feature:Deep tanning intensification
- Additional Feature:Skin soothing properties
- Additional Feature:Rich moisture blend
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after my spray tan should I apply lotion?
Wait at least 8 to 12 hours before applying any lotion. Your tan needs time to fully develop and set on the skin surface. Applying moisture too early can interfere with the chemical reaction and cause streaks.
Can I use body butter instead of lotion?
Most body butters are too heavy and contain thick oils that can compromise your tan. These products often sit on the surface of the skin rather than absorbing into it. Use a lightweight lotion instead to ensure your skin stays hydrated without clogging your pores or stripping the color.
Will lotion make my tan fade faster?
Actually, the opposite is true if you choose the right product. Dry, neglected skin naturally sheds its outer layers faster, which takes your tan with it. A daily moisturizer keeps the skin intact and helps your glow last for several extra days.
Should I look for lotions with built in bronzers?
These can be helpful if you want to touch up areas that are starting to look faint. However, be careful because these tan extenders contain small amounts of DHA. Use them sparingly to avoid creating an uneven, blotchy appearance over time.
What should I do if my lotion makes my tan look splotchy?
Stop using that specific product immediately. You may have a reaction between the chemical additives in the lotion and the DHA in your tan. Gently exfoliate the area with a soft washcloth to even things out before applying a different, simpler moisturizer.
