How to fake tan on holiday

We all want to look our best on holiday, so if you’re going on a Summer vacation, a flawless fake tan is almost as crucial as your passport. But maintaining your colour takes some dedication – especially if you’re away for more than 10 days. Since I’ll be jetting off to soak up some warmer weather soon, I’ve been doing my own research on how to get the most out of my golden glow.
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Here’s my plan for maintaining a flawless faux tan on holiday.
Wait until just before your trip
You want your tan to be at its peak when you arrive at your destination, so don’t waste it during transit. I’ve booked a professional spray tan the morning of my flight so that I’ll be bronzed by the time I land. The day before I’ll make sure I exfoliate and shave so that my skin is smooth and ready for my tan the next day. I usually get a dark two-hour tan (which I always leave on for three) so while it’s developing I can finish my packing and get organised for the trip. After three hours, I’ll wash it off and apply a lightly scented body butter to keep the tan hydrated and mask any fake tan smell that might linger.
bh loves these scented body butters: The Body Shop Honeymania Body Butter, Love Beauty and Planet Delicious Glow Murumuru Butter & Rose Body Lotion
Stay hydrated
When you get to your destination, the key to keeping your tan as long as possible is to keep your skin hydrated. Moisturise your entire body twice a day with a rich body lotion twice a day.
bh loves these body lotions: Palmer’s Shea Formula Raw Shea Body Lotion, Sukin Hydrating Body Lotion
Give your tan a boost
Summer vacays are a nightmare for a fake tan. Swimming in a pool or the ocean can strip your tan so that it won’t last as long. But you don’t want to be that girl who doesn’t swim on holiday! I’m bringing a gradual tanner with me to use instead of body moisturiser every second or third day to give my colour a boost and keep it looking fresh.
bh loves these gradual tanners: Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Foam, Isle Of Paradise Happy Tan Everyday Gradual Glow ($29, mecca.com.au)
Reapplying during your holiday
If your trip is longer than 10 days, you may want to consider reapplying your tan halfway through. To minimise any interruptions during your holiday, the best plan is to set aside one night to remove your tan and reapply a new coat. Make sure you make space in your suitcase for a body exfoliator, exfoliating gloves, a tanning application mitt and your favourite fake tan. To help speed up the removal process (so you’re not spending hours in the bathroom while on holiday) replace your body lotion with a body oil one or two days before you plan on removing your tan. Oil helps to lift the tan making it easier to remove.
bh loves these body oils: Ipsum Best Skin Vetiver Citrus Body Oil, Oil Garden Rosehip Body Oil
Travelling with fake tan
If you’re shuddering at the thought of your tan exploding in your suitcase and staining your belongings, it’s worth rethinking which formula you use. Mousse formulas are more prone to mishaps, so try switching to tanning water instead. I’m packing Isle Of Paradise Self-Tanning Water ($37, mecca.com.au) for my trip. This clear formula is great for travelling as it won’t stain any fabrics and doesn’t smell like fake tan. So, if you accidentally stay out too late on your tanning night (you are on holidays after all) you can easily apply it the next morning and let it develop during the day without anyone noticing. By dinner time, you’ll be glowing. For my face, I’m bringing the Isle Of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops ($39, mecca.com.au) which you can mix in with your facial moisturiser for a perfect customised tan.
Hot tip: I always choose a gradual tanner that’s the same brand as the tan I’m using as the result is a more natural-looking glow.
Main header image @hannahg11
How do you maintain your fake tan on holiday? What’s your favourite fake tan formula?
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24 Member Comments
I have to say that fake tanning would be about the last thing on my mind before a holiday. I'd have so many other things to worry about and remember to do...
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I fake tan if I’m headed to a hot destination. It makes me feel bikini ready as soon as I arrive.
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I love to fake tan because I'm so pale and have spider veins on my legs so don't look too nice when wearing shorts! Tanning while on holiday is too much of an effort though!
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It’s a long time since I’ve used a fake tan. I honestly don’t think I could be bothered anymore. Last time I used one it made me look orange. But like I said, it was a long time ago.
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so mny great tips here but i couldnt be bothered these days...
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I wish, and my skin hates the sun
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The latest Tan Tootie tan has been what I've used on my skin while on a swimming holiday this winter. Great that it has a strong colour and also that it stays for ages!!
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Not my thing but sounds so interesting
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I dont mind not having a tan. I use fake tan on occasion and thats great but i dont mind not having a tan either.
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Great article! I always feel so much better with a bit of colour and I am a huge fan of fake tan. I have a spray gun and a mini one too but I've been getting into the mousse for the last year or so. I have tan solution left and I think it's the same stuff but it is packaged with a pump to make it foam. I am tempted to mix some in with a thin moisturiser to see if it works like a gradual tanner. I think it would work and then I don't waste my solution!
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Don’t forget lots of sun protection, that’s much more important
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This is a great plan and fantastic tips; very helpful, thanks.
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Great advice and tips on maintaining a great tan. I love fake tanning.
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I'm not a beachy or summer person. I hibernate in summer - there's no way I'd holiday in a summery, beachy place.
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Great tips. Will try packaging gradual tanning in addition to tanning before a holiday.
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My skin is too fair and turns orange, but it sure does look nice here
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Great tips, not that I bother with fake tan, holiday or not, lol
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I need a fake tan right now, I feel so pale
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This is a need for winter
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I don't do fake tan but I've developed a nice natural tan while travelling around Europe for the past 7 weeks. I don't tan in Australia at all because I don't spend time in the sun but I usually end up with a lovely glow in Europe. And, yes, I'm using plenty of sunscreen.
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For the first time ever wearing fake tan! And have to say, looks so good. Main reason: BH gave me to try Tan Tootie (great stuff by the way. I got that golden olive sun kissed look, as if I was in Mediterranean again!)) and wanted to stop people asking me if I wear makeup when I am not. My face is darker than body, so this evens things out, making me look more even and 'normal' =D
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Ive given up with fake tan as well. I find it so difficult to get on and they always tend to look orangey.
I like to use a bronzer brushed over my legs, arms and face for a soft easy to remove look.
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I remember when a real tan was something you made a point to get on your holiday. Fake tan is something I just can’t be bothered with. Sounds like a lot of work.
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I tend to travel to a lot of underdeveloped countries for 1-2 months at a time. Fake tan isn't a practical option for me when I travel.Would be ok for a 1-2 week holiday at a beach location though.
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