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?