How To Make Your Summer Glow Last Longer

Keep Your Skin Hydrated

Undeniably one of the best ways to prevent your tan from fading is to keep your skin hydrated. “It is the answer to a healthy and long-lasting tan,” says Tan-Luxe’s founder Marc Elrick. This should be the case for both a natural and fake tan. Dry skin often results in your natural tan peeling, while it can leave your self-tan looking patchy. Be sure to moisturise your skin both morning and night to prevent this.

“Look for a hyaluronic acid-based body moisturiser,” advises tanning expert Amanda Harrington. Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating ingredient most of us use daily on our faces to keep our skin looking fresh and plump, and it's equally as effective on our body. Both Caudalie Vinotherapist Body Lotion, £18.00 and Summer Fridays Summer Silk Nourishing Body Lotion, £28.00 contain the magical ingredient and absorb into skin quickly. “Always drink plenty of water too as this will really help to keep your skin hydrated from within,” adds Emily Lansley, tanning expert at Nichola Joss Clinics.

Consider The Ingredients You’re Using

This is particularly important if you regularly fake tan as generally speaking active ingredients don’t sit well with tanning agents. “Retinol and enzymatic skincare products can accelerate the fade time of your tan on both your face and body,” says Amanda. This is because they encourage cell turnover and therefore dissolve fake tan. That’s not to say you have to give up your active ingredients. Instead, switch to a gradual tanner.

Gradual tanning products help to prevent patches and keep things looking even. “Incorporating a gradual level self-tanner into your routine will give your skin a welcome boost – especially if you’ve just exfoliated,” says Marc. Try the Tan-Luxe Super Glow Body Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum, £36.00. It is ideal for daily use thanks to the innovative formula, which contains the perfect level of gradual glow with hyaluronic acid and other superfood ingredients for a natural finish. It’s also handy for topping up a natural tan.

Alongside hyaluronic acid, it's worth looking out for glycerin too. It helps your skin retain moisturise while also acting as a softener too. You'll find it in Dizziak Body Conditioner, £20.00, Space NK Rewild Body Lotion, £14.00 and to name a few.

Don’t Skip Exfoliation

Although you may be tempted to skip this step, Emily recommends that you keep exfoliating: “dead skin cells can make your skin look dull and less glowy, so be gentle but keep it up.” For the body, we love both Goldfaden Md Doctor's Body Scrub, £75.00 and Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub, £39.00. For your face, you can’t go wrong with, Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, £11.00 which is gentle enough for even the most sensitive of skin.

Try A Glow-Boosting Primer

Whether you want to enhance your tan or simply boost your glow, makeup artist, Cher Webb swears by a good primer. “If your base is looking or feeling a little dry or heavy on the skin, try adding something like the under your foundation. It instantly brightens and gives a great glow from within,” she says. If you want something more skincare focused, look to Rose Inc Radiant Reveal Brightening Serum, £58.00.

Or Mix A Highlighter In To Your Foundation

Cher also recommends mixing liquid highlighters or bronzers into your foundation. “Liquid highlights tend to look more natural on the skin as they mimic a natural glow,” she says. “I always tend to use these on my clients in the winter months as they work in harmony with your base. I love on the higher parts of your face or even mixed into foundation.”

Bronzers Aren’t Just For Summer

Whilst we’re all likely to use a bronzer throughout the summer, don’t switch it out of your makeup bag as autumn arrives. They are the easiest and quickest ways to warm up a sallow complexion. “Bronzers should be your best friend all year round as they wake up your skin and give it an instant boost,” says Cher. NARS has recently brought out a cream version of its iconic Bronzing Powder in Laguna, Nars Laguna Bronzing Cream, £31.00, which Space NK customers are loving. If you'd rather stick to a powder formula, we recommend Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer, £44.00 and Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer, £54.00.

Cher's top tip is to apply bronzer where the sun would hit. “Visualise the number three shape and start at the hair line with a big brush. Sweep around and down under the cheekbone and along your jaw line.

“Always take your bronzer down your neck and across any skin on show for a natural look. Anything left on your brush can be brushed over your eyelids,” adds Cher. You can also try liquid bronzers for adding a deeper colour all over, which is great if your face is a slightly different colour to your body. Liquid formulas are also particularly good if you’re wary of fake tan. We love By Terry Tea to Tan Face and Body, £19.00.