How To Get a Natural Tan for Summer? 

28 Apr 2025

Everyone loves a healthy, sun-kissed glow, but achieving a natural-looking tan takes a little planning at Beauty Savers, we believe that perfect tans start with expert skin preparation, smart product choices, and proper aftercare. 

Whether you’re new to self-tanning or a seasoned pro, a few simple techniques can help you achieve a smooth, streak-free finish just in time for summer. 

Here’s everything you need to know to glow confidently all season long! 

How to Prepare your Skin for a Natural Tan?

Creating the perfect base is essential for achieving a smooth, natural-looking tan. Proper skin preparation not only helps your tan last longer but also prevents patchy fading and uneven results. Follow these expert self-tanning tips to prepare your skin like a pro:

• Exfoliate your entire body 24 hours before applying your tan to remove dead skin cells and create a smooth canvas.
• Shave or wax at least 24 hours beforehand to avoid irritation and allow your pores time to close properly.
• Avoid oil-based body washes before tanning, as oils can block self-tanner absorption and cause streaks.
• Moisturise dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and hands to prevent the tanning product from clinging to rough patches.

Prepare your skin for the perfect tan with our Pre & After Tanning Care Collection from gentle exfoliators to nourishing moisturisers, everything you need for a smooth, even, and radiant sun-kissed glow.

Choosing the Right Tanning Products for a Natural-Looking Glow

When it comes to achieving a natural-looking tan, choosing the right tanning products for your skin tone and goals makes all the difference.

Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the perfect match:

• Gradual Self-Tanners: Ideal for building a soft, sun-kissed glow over time with daily use perfect for beginners or those looking for subtle radiance.
• Mousse Self-Tanners: Lightweight and fast-drying, mousses are great for achieving a deeper, even tan without the sticky feel.
• Tanning Waters and Mists: Ultra-light formulas that are easy to apply and perfect for layering if you want a lighter, more natural glow.

If you’ll be spending time outdoors, Tan Accelerators can help you safely enhance your natural tan while keeping your skin deeply hydrated.

Not sure where to begin? Take a look at our Tanning Collection you’ll find everything you need for a natural, streak-free glow, no matter your skin type or tanning style.

How to Maintain Your Summer Glow?

A smooth sun-kissed glow is beautiful but maintaining your tan properly is the key to keeping it natural, radiant, and even for as long as possible. Follow these easy tips to prolong your tan and keep your skin looking healthy and luminous.

Use Tan Accelerators for a Deeper, Longer-Lasting Tan

If you’re aiming for a richer, longer-lasting natural tan, adding a tan accelerator to your routine is essential. Tan accelerators help your skin produce more melanin naturally, allowing your colour to deepen faster while staying hydrated. If you’re aiming for a richer, longer-lasting natural tan, adding a product from our Tan Accelerators Collection is essential. Tan accelerators help your skin boost melanin production naturally, allowing your colour to deepen faster while keeping your skin hydrated and healthy.

Add Bronzers and Tingle Lotions for Instant Results

For an immediate golden finish, bronzers give your skin an instant glow while your natural tan develops underneath.
If you want an extra boost, tingle lotions stimulate circulation, helping you achieve a deeper, darker tan more quickly.

Choose Hydrating Moisturisers for After-Tan Care

Keeping your skin hydrated is one of the most important steps to maintaining your tan. Using a nourishing, non-oily moisturiser daily like those in our Pre & After Tanning Care Range helps your tan fade evenly and keeps your skin looking fresh, healthy, and glowing for longer.
Focus on areas that dry out fastest like elbows, knees, and ankles to prevent patchiness and keep your colour looking beautifully natural.

Avoid Habits That Can Fade Your Tan Faster

Certain habits can cause your tan to fade more quickly if you’re not careful.
Here’s what to avoid to make your tan last longer:

• Skip long, hot showers: Hot water strips the skin of moisture, causing tans to fade faster. Stick to lukewarm showers instead.
• Use gentle, non-exfoliating body washes: Harsh soaps and scrubs can break down your tan prematurely.
• Pat your skin dry: Instead of rubbing, gently pat your skin dry with a towel after bathing.

Hydrate from the Inside Out

Keeping your body hydrated is just as important as moisturising your skin from the outside.
Drinking plenty of water daily helps maintain your skin’s plumpness and elasticity, allowing your natural-looking tan to stay vibrant longer. Combine consistent water intake with a hydrating body lotion for skin that stays radiant, smooth, and glowing all summer long.

Common Tanning Mistakes to Avoid 

Even small mistakes can cause streaks, uneven fading, or patchy results but with a few easy tweaks, you can achieve a flawless, natural-looking tan. Here’s what to watch out for:-

1. Skipping Exfoliation

Failing to exfoliate properly before tanning creates an uneven base, causing your tan to cling in patches and fade faster. Always exfoliate your skin 24 hours before applying tan for a smooth, even finish.
Pro – Tip – Try the ”That’ so Tan Extender Scrub” for gentle, professional-grade exfoliation from our Pre & After Tanning Care Range!

2. Applying Too Much Self-Tan at Once

Layering too much self-tan at once can leave your skin streaky, patchy, and unnaturally orange.
For the most natural-looking tan, apply one thin layer at a time and build up your glow gradually.
Pro – Tip – Less is more let your tan develop evenly for a sun-kissed, radiant finish.

3. Neglecting Tan Extenders

Skipping daily moisturising causes your tan to dry out and fade unevenly, leading to dull, patchy skin.
Use a nourishing tan extender like the Australian Gold Moisture Lock Tan Extender to keep your glow hydrated, soft, and vibrant. Hydrated skin helps your natural tan fade evenly and last longer!

4. Forgetting to Use a Tan Accelerator

Missing the chance to use a tan accelerator can prevent you from achieving a deeper, richer tan.
Tan accelerators help stimulate melanin production for faster, longer-lasting, and more even colour, our Tan Accelerators Collection to boost your glow and achieve a beautifully natural tan faster!

Ready to glow all summer long?
Find everything you need to prep, tan, and maintain your perfect sun-kissed look at Beauty Savers.
Explore our full Tanning Collection, Pre & After Tanning Care Range, & Tan Accelerators Collection to achieve your most natural, radiant tan yet confidently and effortlessly!