How to Maintain Your Spray Tan on a Summer Beach Vacation
Tips from the Pros at Shades Atelier
Planning a spray tan beach vacation? Whether you’re headed to the coast for a weekend getaway or a full summer escape, keeping your glow intact can be tricky. At Shades Atelier in Bryan/College Station, we specialize in helping clients maintain a flawless tan—even in sun, saltwater, and sand.
Here’s how to make your spray tan last longer on a summer beach vacation:
1. Prep Properly Before You Go
The key to a long-lasting spray tan starts before your appointment. Exfoliate thoroughly (we recommend using one of our exfoliating mitts or scrubs—loofahs just don’t cut it) and avoid any lotions or oils the day of your tan. Want more detailed prep tips? Check out our full prep guide here and how to properly exfoliate here.
2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Moisturizing daily—especially after sun exposure—is a must. Use a spray-tan-friendly lotion (avoid anything with mineral oil, alcohol, or heavy fragrance). We carry several great options at Shades Atelier designed specifically to extend your tan.
3. Use Spray Tan Safe Sunscreen
This one is big. Most traditional sunscreens will cause your spray tan to break down. Choose a spray tan safe sunscreen like SunBum or Coola. These formulas offer broad-spectrum protection without streaking or fading your color. We carry SunBum in our studio for your convenience! Read more about how sunscreen can affect your spray tan HERE.
4. Avoid Long Soaks and Hot Water
Ocean dips are fine in moderation—but avoid long swims, especially in saltwater or chlorinated pools. Rinse off with cool water after swimming and skip the long hot showers. The hotter the water, the faster your tan fades.
5. Pat Dry, Don’t Rub
After swimming or showering, gently pat your skin dry with a towel. Rubbing can cause uneven fading, especially on delicate areas like your chest, shoulders, and legs.
6. Pack a Tan Extender
Extend the life of your glow by using a tan extender lotion with a touch of bronzer. This helps your color stay even and refreshed, especially on day 4-6 of your trip. Our favorite options are available in-studio before you leave town.
7. Plan Timing Right
If possible, get your spray tan 1–2 days before your trip. This gives the solution time to fully develop and lets you rinse off the cosmetic bronzer so you’re good to go for that first beach day.
8. Consider a Custom Tan for Extra Longevity
Our custom spray tans last longer than most booth tans and give you better fade-off. We recommend our rapid solution if you’re in a time crunch before vacation—you can rinse off in as little as 2–4 hours depending on your desired color depth. Learn more about rapid versus regular solution HERE and more about our customer sprays versus booth spray HERE.
Final Tip: Bring Back the Glow
Coming back from vacation and your tan is starting to fade? Book a refresh spray with us and keep the glow going. We also offer memberships if you want to stay bronzed all summer long (and save money while doing it).
Need help choosing the best solution for your trip?
Call or DM us on Instagram and we’ll match you with the perfect formula and prep routine.
📍 Shades Atelier | Bryan-College Station, TX
✨ Custom Spray Tans • VersaSpa Pro Booth • DaVinci Teeth Whitening
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