Your skin feels tight and looks a bit dull just a few days after your appointment. The glow is fading fast and patchy spots are starting to appear where you least want them.
It is a common struggle to keep that fresh bronze color from losing its luster. These picks for the Best Lotions to Use after Spray Tan help you hold onto that sun-kissed look for as long as possible. Stick around to see which ones keep your skin hydrated and smooth.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize formulas containing aloe vera or shea butter to deeply replenish moisture and prevent the dreaded snake-like flaking.
- Avoid any products that contain harsh chemical exfoliants or mineral oils because they can strip away your tan prematurely.
- Check labels for tan extenders that feature DHA to subtly maintain your pigment levels between professional appointments.
- Select lightweight sprays if you dislike the feel of heavy creams during humid weather or busy mornings.
- Focus on fragrance-free or lightly scented options to ensure the product does not clash with your natural scent or leave a sticky residue.
| Ultimate Hydration Mist |  |
Nirvanta AfterBurn Tan Recovery Spray | Lightweight mist application | Soothes with aloe vera | Fast absorbing formula | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Rich Color Extender |  |
Norvell Post Tanning Repairing Butter | Prevents uneven fading | Deeply hydrating formula | Enhances color depth | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Professional Finishing Mist |  |
Norvell Hydrofirm Moisturizing Spray | Professional grade results | Firms and softens skin | Easy to layer | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Tropical Skin Soother |  |
Maui Babe After Browning Lotion | Contains macadamia nut oil | Deep skin hydration | Pleasant tropical scent | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Reliable Daily Essential |  |
Australian Gold Moisture Lock Lotion | Enriched with Vitamin E | Prevents skin flaking | Large volume bottle | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Gradual Tan Builder |  |
Jergens Natural Glow Firming Moisturizer | Builds gradual color | Firms skin texture | Reduces cellulite appearance | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Hyaluronic Acid Infusion |  |
Organic Oil Tan Extender | Contains hyaluronic acid | Rich in organic oils | Deep moisture retention | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Shea Butter Nourisher |  |
Aloha Sun Golden Tan Extender | Contains shea butter | Features rose hip oil | Preserves golden glow | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Fast Absorbing Gel |  |
Australian Gold Accelerator Spray Gel | Fast absorbing gel | Non greasy finish | Easy spray application | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Tattoo Protecting Hydrator |  |
Brown Sugar Sunset Spritz | Protects tattoo color | Features carrot oil | Refreshing mandarin scent | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
-
Nirvanta AfterBurn Tan Recovery Spray
If you find that rubbing thick creams onto fresh spray tan feels like trying to butter toast with a heavy spatula, this spray is for you. It uses a continuous mist that settles gently on the skin without requiring aggressive scrubbing.
This is a great choice for those who want a lightweight feel and a quick application. The botanical extracts help soothe the skin, though you should remember that a mist might not provide the same deep barrier as a dense body butter.
- Brand Name:Nirvanta
- Product Type:Recovery spray
- Primary Ingredients:Aloe vera, botanical extracts
- Key Benefit:Reduces dryness
- Application Method:Continuous mist
- Additional Feature:Non greasy finish
- Additional Feature:Simple post shower application
- Additional Feature:Helps extend tan duration
-
Norvell Post Tanning Repairing Butter
Think of this butter as a heavy-duty shield for your tan. It is designed specifically to stop the uneven fading that often happens around joints like elbows or knees.
This product is ideal for people whose skin tends to dry out quickly after a tanning session. While it excels at locking in moisture, its thicker consistency means you will need to spend an extra minute massaging it in to ensure an even coat.
- Brand Name:Norvell
- Product Type:Body butter
- Volume Amount:8.5 fl oz
- Key Benefit:Restores moisture
- Application Method:Topical lotion
- Additional Feature:Extends tan longevity
- Additional Feature:Softens skin texture
- Additional Feature:Rich creamy consistency
-
Norvell Hydrofirm Moisturizing Spray
This spray is essentially the secret weapon that professional salons reach for to ensure a smooth finish. It acts as a firming agent that keeps your skin looking plump while simultaneously extending the life of your tan.
It works best for those who want a salon-quality result without the hassle of a thick lotion. Just keep in mind that you need to be thorough with your application to avoid missing spots, as the spray form can sometimes be deceptive in coverage.
- Brand Name:Norvell
- Product Type:Moisturizing spray
- Volume Amount:8 fl oz
- Key Benefit:Reduces uneven fade
- Application Method:Spray
- Additional Feature:Enhances natural color
- Additional Feature:Quick drying finish
- Additional Feature:Lightweight feel
-
Maui Babe After Browning Lotion
There is something undeniably pleasant about using a product that smells like a vacation. This lotion uses macadamia nut oil to provide a deep level of hydration that leaves skin feeling supple rather than tight.
This is a fantastic pick for anyone who enjoys natural botanical ingredients. Be aware that because it is a daily moisturizer, it does not have the intense tan-extending chemicals found in some specialized sunless products, but it keeps the skin healthy enough to hold a tan naturally.
- Brand Name:Maui Babe
- Product Type:Daily moisturizer
- Volume Amount:4 fl oz
- Primary Ingredients:Aloe vera, macadamia nut oil
- Key Benefit:Tan enhancement
- Application Method:Topical lotion
- Additional Feature:Daily use formula
- Additional Feature:Soothing aloe base
- Additional Feature:Lightweight texture
-
Australian Gold Moisture Lock Lotion
When you want a staple that does exactly what it promises without unnecessary drama, this is your go-to. It uses Vitamin E and aloe to keep your skin from flaking, which is the primary cause of a patchy, fading tan.
This lotion is perfect for those who want a straightforward routine. It is not particularly fancy, but it gets the job done consistently. The size is generous, making it a great value for those who tan often.
- Brand Name:Australian Gold
- Product Type:Tan extender
- Volume Amount:16 fl oz
- Primary Ingredients:Vitamin E, aloe vera
- Key Benefit:Moisture lock
- Application Method:Topical lotion
- Additional Feature:Suitable for daily use
- Additional Feature:Long lasting hydration
- Additional Feature:Non sticky residue
-
Jergens Natural Glow Firming Moisturizer
If you notice your tan starting to look a bit tired, this lotion is a clever way to top off your color. It adds a tiny amount of pigment with every use, ensuring your glow never truly fades away.
This is best for users who want to combine hydration with subtle color maintenance. Because it contains tanning agents, you must wash your hands carefully after application to avoid getting darker palms.
- Brand Name:Jergens
- Product Type:Daily moisturizer
- Volume Amount:7.5 oz
- Primary Ingredients:Collagen, elastin
- Key Benefit:Gradual darkening
- Application Method:Topical lotion
- Additional Feature:Medium to tan shades
- Additional Feature:Skin firming benefits
- Additional Feature:Daily color maintenance
-
Organic Oil Tan Extender
This lotion treats your skin like a high-end face serum. By including hyaluronic acid, it manages to pull moisture deep into the skin rather than just sitting on the surface.
This is an excellent match for anyone with dehydrated skin that struggles to hold onto a tan. The organic oils provide a nice glow, though you should avoid using it right before you plan to wear delicate silk clothing due to the oil base.
- Brand Name:Generic
- Product Type:Tan extender
- Volume Amount:8.0 fl oz
- Primary Ingredients:Organic oils, hyaluronic acid
- Key Benefit:Tan extension
- Application Method:Topical lotion
- Additional Feature:Works with spray tans
- Additional Feature:Improves skin elasticity
- Additional Feature:Soothing botanical blend
-
Aloha Sun Golden Tan Extender
Think of this as a warm hug for your skin after a tanning session. With shea butter and rose hip oil, it focuses heavily on restorative care and keeping the skin barrier intact.
This is perfect for people who deal with dry patches that usually turn white when the rest of the tan starts to fade. It is quite rich, so a little goes a long way, which is great for your supply but means you should apply it sparingly.
- Brand Name:Aloha Sun
- Product Type:Body lotion
- Volume Amount:8 fl oz
- Primary Ingredients:Aloe, shea butter, vitamin E
- Key Benefit:Long lasting glow
- Application Method:Topical lotion
- Additional Feature:Post sun care
- Additional Feature:Hydrating formula
- Additional Feature:Vitamin E enriched
-
Australian Gold Accelerator Spray Gel
If you hate the feeling of lotion lingering on your skin, this spray gel is a breath of fresh air. It dries almost instantly, leaving behind a smooth finish that does not transfer to your clothes.
It is ideal for people who need to get dressed quickly after their routine. While it is technically an accelerator, the hydrating properties make it a reliable choice for keeping skin conditioned post-tan. Just be aware that the scent is quite distinct and tropical.
- Brand Name:Australian Gold
- Product Type:Spray gel
- Volume Amount:8 oz
- Key Benefit:Hydrates skin
- Application Method:Spray
- Additional Feature:Unique gel texture
- Additional Feature:Quick drying time
- Additional Feature:Light refreshing scent
-
Brown Sugar Sunset Spritz
This is a fun, multifaceted option that does more than just keep your tan alive. The ocean botanicals and carrot oil give the skin a healthy sheen, while the formula is gentle enough to keep tattoos looking sharp.
This is the best pick for someone who has ink they want to keep vibrant and protected. The bottle is quite large, and the mandarin scent is a refreshing change from the typical chemical smell associated with some tanning products.
- Brand Name:Brown Sugar
- Product Type:Tan extender
- Volume Amount:18 fl oz
- Primary Ingredients:Dragon fruit, carrot oil, shea
- Key Benefit:Tattoo enhancement
- Application Method:Spray
- Additional Feature:Large volume bottle
- Additional Feature:Hydrating ocean botanicals
- Additional Feature:Bright citrus fragrance
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after my appointment can I apply lotion?
You should wait until your initial rinse, which usually happens 8 to 24 hours after your session. Applying anything before that first shower risks smudging the developing color.
Will regular body butter ruin my spray tan?
Most body butters are too heavy and often contain heavy oils like shea or cocoa butter. These create a barrier that can make your tan turn yellow or fade in uneven patches.
Why is my tan fading in spots after using my usual moisturizer?
Your current moisturizer likely contains exfoliating acids or oil that acts as a solvent for the tan. Even a small amount of mineral oil can cause the tan to lift right off your skin.
Can I use lotion that has shimmer in it?
You can, provided the base of the lotion is oil free and free of harsh chemicals. Shimmer can be a fun way to accentuate your glow, but check the ingredient list for hidden alcohols first.
How much lotion should I apply daily?
Use enough to keep your skin supple, but do not overdo it to the point of a thick residue. A light, even layer applied morning and night is the sweet spot for maximum longevity.
