The Ultimate Spring Break Spray Tan Guide: Get Glowing & Keep It Fresh
Spring break is all about having fun, feeling confident, and looking your best—so a spray tan is a must before you go! Whether you're hitting the beach or just heading somewhere exciting, a golden glow will have you feeling like your best self from the start. Plus, it means you can ditch the heavy makeup and still look effortlessly radiant. Get your tan, pack your bags, and get ready to shine all vacation long! ✨🌴
When to Get Your Spray Tan
Timing is everything when it comes to a long-lasting, even tan. The best time to book your spray tan is the day before you leave for vacation. This ensures your tan has enough time to develop fully while minimizing exposure to sweat, water, and friction before you even hit the beach.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid booking your tan too early—you don’t want it fading halfway through your trip!
How to Prepare for Your Spray Tan
Proper skin prep is key to achieving a flawless, long-lasting glow. Follow these steps to get your skin ready:
✅ Exfoliate Twice: Exfoliate your skin 3 days before and again the day before your spray tan using a non-oily body exfoliator or mitt to remove dead skin cells. This ensures your skin is even and allows the tan to develop evenly and last longer.
✅ Wax or Shave 24 Hours Before: Shaving or waxing right before your appointment removes a layer of skin and could lead to uneven absorption, and therefore a streaky looking tan. Give your skin time to settle before your spray tan.
✅ Skip Lotions, Oils & Perfumes: On the day of your spray tan, keep your skin free from any products, as they can create a barrier that prevents the tan from adhering properly including moisturizers, makeup, deodorant, perfumes and oils. And don’t forget to remove all jewelry.
✅ Wear Loose Clothing: Tight clothes can cause streaking right after your spray tan, so opt for loose, dark clothing for your session. Yes, that means no bra, a perfect excuse to be free!
To read more detail about properly preparing your skin, check out my blog How to ensure an even spray tan.
How to Maintain Your Spray Tan on Spring Break
You made it to your destination with a perfect spray tan—now it’s time to keep it looking fresh!
1. Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Hydrated skin holds a tan longer, so make sure to:
💦 Drink plenty of water throughout your trip.
🧴 Use a spray tan-safe moisturizer (avoid ones with mineral oil or alcohol).
2. Sun Protection is a MUST
A spray tan does not provide UV protection, so always apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn and premature fading.
☀️ Choose a spray-tan-friendly sunscreen (avoid aerosol sprays as they have alcohol, and mineral oil-based formulas).
🔄 Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming.
💡 Pro Tip: Did you know that not only does sunscreen protect your skin from burning, it can also act as a barrier or protective layer when you are in the pool or ocean, as well as hydrating your skin, helping your tan to last longer!
3. Be Gentle with Water
Water exposure can break down your tan, but you can take steps to minimize fading:
🏖 Before Swimming: Apply a waterproof sunscreen or a barrier cream to protect your tan.
🚿 After Swimming: Rinse off with fresh water immediately to remove chlorine or salt.
🩴 Pat Dry, Don’t Rub: Rubbing with a towel can cause patchy fading—always pat your skin dry.
🧴 Use a Spray Tan-Safe Body Wash: Opt for a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser to keep your tan intact and avoid harsh soaps that can strip your glow.
Insider’s Tip to Extend the Life of Your Spray Tan
Even with the best care, your tan will fade over time. But don’t fear, there is a way you can maintain your tan even if you can’t go back for another spray tan… a gradual tanning lotion can extend its life by adding a subtle boost of color!
🖤 Apply every 1-2 days to maintain an even, natural glow.
✨ Blend well around joints (knees, elbows, and ankles) to prevent buildup.
🖐 Always wash your hands after applying to avoid stained palms.
Another great option specifically for the face is a face tan mist. Since we tend to wear makeup and wash the face more regularly, the spray tan on your face will often fade more quickly. A face tan mist is a light tanning solution that can be applied 1 - 2 times per day and will help to keep the tan on your face glowing.
Final Thoughts
A spray tan is the perfect way to achieve a radiant, sun-kissed look for spring break—without the UV damage. With the right prep, maintenance, and sun protection, you can enjoy a flawless tan from the moment you arrive to the day you head home.
🌴 Pack your essentials, hydrate, and glow with confidence all vacation long!
