Make Your (Fake) Tan Last

Victoria Land, Allure magazine

I admit it, I get lazy with my beauty routine in the winter-especially when it comes to my fake tan. I get sprayed a gorgeous golden brown for a special event here and there, and then have the luxury of letting it fade and mottle beneath my pants and sweaters without a care in the world-no one has to see it!

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Unfortunately, my laziness was all too apparent when a heat wave hit New York City this week. I went to throw on a cute spring dress and head to the office, when I noticed the spray tan I'd gotten for a wedding last weekend was now a patchy, splotchy, scaly mess. Fortunately I have Kristyn Pradas, tanner extraordinaire at Senses Salon and Spa in New York City, on speed dial. She gave me a few quick tips on how to salvage my tan.

Exfoliate lightly.
"Lightly exfoliate to remove the superficial layers of dead skin cells right on the surface, and remove some of the previous tan's speckling," said Pradas. She recommends using an exfoliating tanning mitt or a washcloth like the St. Tropez cloth.

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Add more color.
Use an instant bronzing body spray-Pradas's favorite is Victoria's Secret Beach Sexy Instant Bronze Body Spray. "Keep the bottle at least three to five inches away from your skin, and move it in a circular motion as you spray. If one area is more faded than another, spray more heavily in the lighter area, allow that area to dry, and then go over the entire area again to blend everything together."

Blend, blend, blend.
"Use a painter's sponge-nothing fancy-to blend the new tan with the old and to remove excess spray."

Pradas also shared her top tips for taking care of your fake tan from the get-go:

Don't dry out.
Apply a body oil all over before getting in the shower. This creates a barrier on your skin, allowing the tan to last longer.

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Exfoliate lightly.
Every few days, gently exfoliate so your tan stays even.

Make it last.
Lengthen the life of your tan with a gradual tanning moisturizer (Pradas likes Jergens). "It provides color little by little while adding moisture and hydration. The more hydrated and moisturized the skin, the longer a tan lasts."


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