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Sun-Kissed Skin: How to Get a Lasting Summer Glow in 3 Steps

By Melissa Federico, LE and Beauty Writer

Summer dresses slip on a little better with a tan.

All around, life just seems a little better with a tan and as California begins to lockdown again, we are up for any at-home remedy that will help us feel better and keep summer alive.

Step 1: Prep Skin

Exfoliation and circulation will help your body get ready for a self-tanning session. To remove dry skin that can lead to patchy spots it’s always good to exfoliate with a dry brush. By using a dry brush instead of an exfoliating scrub you eliminate the chance of any lotion or oils in the skin that could result in your tan not absorbing evenly.

The natural bristles and the round design of the Legology Lymph-Lite Boom Brush For Body gives it a perfect fit in your hand so you can hold it tight in those hard to reach spots. Remember to brush upwards towards the heart to aid in circulation and smoother skin.

Step 2: Self-Tanning Solution

First, choose your self-tanning solution. There are a lot of options from lotions to sprays, foams, tanning wipes, masks, mousses and even tanning waters.

Experience has taught us to keep it simple and a lightweight mousse is by far the easiest to apply on your own, with or without a mitt.

Those who are looking for a deep, sultry tan formulated with natural ingredients will love Vita Liberata’s Phenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse. It has all the charm of a tropical vacation tan but doesn’t look like it came from a bottle. About as odorless as a self-tanning solution can get, it’s an investment worth making if you want a longer-lasting natural look.

Jergen’s Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse gives a golden color that develops over 4 hours and is easy enough to use without a tanning mitt. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly dupe for the Vita Liberata, this is is a great pick. While it won’t last quite as long it’s easy to find and will only set you back roughly $12.

Perhaps even easier than the mousse, James Read H2O Illuminating Tan Mist. It’s a lightweight spray formulated with rose water and light-reflecting particles and it miraculously dries clear to reveal a luscious, lit-from-within glow.

Step 3: Moisturize

Keeping skin hydrated is the key to a lasting tan. If you’ll be exposing more skin than usual, you’ll be reaching for these multi-tasking products multiple times a day to revitalize and firm skin.

Keep your legs looking toned and tight with Weleda Cellulite Body Oil. Featuring birch extracts, this crisp and lightweight oil melts into skin to reduce the appearance of cellulite and uneven tone.

Another great option for keeping skin looking healthy and glowing is a multivitamin lotion. Necessaire Body Lotion will give your skin a dose to daily vitamins and you can choose your fragrance or opt for fragrance-free.

Keeping sunkissed skin all season long won’t be hard with this guide, with last minute options that you can find at the local store to investment lotions that never fail to deliver a natural bronze.