There’s nothing better than achieving a flawless, Sunkissed glow, but keeping your tan looking fresh for as long as possible can sometimes feel like a challenge. The good news? With the right preparation, application, and aftercare routine, you can enjoy your golden glow for longer!
Here are our top tips for making your tan last longer this summer:
15th June 2026
1. Start with a Clean Canvas
Removing old tan and dead skin cells helps create a smooth, even base, allowing your fresh tan to develop flawlessly and fade more evenly. Use the Sunkissed Tan Be Gone Exfoliating Mitt 24 hours before tanning to buff away any remaining tan and leave your skin feeling silky smooth.
Top tip: Pay extra attention to dry areas such as elbows, knees, ankles, and wrists.
2. Moisturise Dry Areas Before Tanning
Dry skin tends to absorb more tanning product, which can lead to uneven patches and faster fading.
Before applying your tan, lightly moisturise areas that are naturally drier, including your elbows, knees, hands, and feet. This helps create a more even finish and ensures your tan develops consistently.
3. Build Your Glow with a Second Layer
If you love a deeper, longer-lasting tan, layering can make all the difference.
Apply your chosen Sunkissed Self Tan, then wait around 15 minutes before applying a second layer. This helps intensify your colour and can improve the longevity of your tan by ensuring more even coverage across the skin.
Remember to use a tanning mitt for the smoothest, streak-free finish.
4. Avoid Water for the Recommended Development Time
Once you've applied your tan, give it time to fully develop before showering, swimming, or exercising.
Avoiding water, excessive sweating, and tight clothing during the development period will help your tan develop evenly and reach its full colour potential.
5. Hydration is Key
When skin becomes dry, it naturally sheds more quickly, causing your tan to fade faster. Daily moisturising helps maintain healthy skin and keeps your glow looking fresher for longer.
Our favourite summer pairing is the Sunkissed Marshmallow Sweet Swirl Body Lotion, which helps nourish and hydrate skin while leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and beautifully scented.
6. Top Up with a Gradual Tanner
Rather than waiting for your tan to fade completely, maintain your glow with regular top-ups.
The Sunkissed Gradual Tanning Butter is perfect for extending your tan between applications. Use it every few days to gradually build colour while delivering essential hydration to the skin.
7. Avoid Harsh Exfoliants
While exfoliation is essential before tanning, over-exfoliating afterwards can strip away your glow more quickly.
Avoid using harsh scrubs, exfoliating acids, or rough cleansing tools while you're trying to maintain your tan. Focus instead on keeping your skin hydrated and healthy.
8. Stay Hydrated from Within
Hydrated skin starts from the inside out.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps support healthy skin function, which can contribute to a smoother, longer-lasting tan and a more radiant appearance overall.
Making your tan last longer doesn't require a complicated routine. By preparing your skin properly, keeping it hydrated, and maintaining your colour with gradual tanning butter, you can enjoy a flawless glow for days longer.
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