Isabel Alysa is in a rush. She’s headed to a spray-tan appointment with Kim Kardashian. It’s just another day for one of Hollywood’s most sought-after tanning experts. Kylie Jenner (who once said, “Sometimes I think I’m depressed. Then I get a spray tan, and I’m like, I was just pale.”), Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, and Miley Cyrus all rely on Alysa for their glow. She’s also the founder of Dolce Glow, a self-tanning brand that’s a hit on TikTok and with celebrities. Even Hailey Bieber is a fan.

When it comes to self-tanner, it’s safe to say few people know more than Alysa. Here, she shares her best tips for getting a sunless summer glow without streaks or blotches. Keep reading for the self-tanner advice you didn’t know you needed.

The most common self-tanner mistake
“Shaving on the same day you apply self-tanner is the number one cause of streaks,” Alysa says. Why? It acts like exfoliation, revealing fresh skin that absorbs self-tanner more strongly.

Her advice: always shave or exfoliate the day before applying self-tanner. “If you want to shave again, wait at least until day three. Otherwise, the tan will fade faster.”

Before applying self-tanner, Alysa also recommends keeping your pre-tan shower simple. Avoid heavy soaps or shower gels, since leftover residue on your skin can mess with an even application and cause streaking.

She also notes that DHA—or dihydroxyacetone, the active ingredient in most self-tanners—works best on clean, balanced skin. DHA is a sugar that reacts with proteins in the outer layer of skin to create a bronzed look without UV exposure.

The areas that make a fake tan look obvious
Dry areas like elbows, knees, hands, and feet naturally soak up more pigment, which is why they tend to turn darker. Alysa’s trick? Use much less product—or skip those areas entirely during the first application. Or, she suggests using a lighter tanning mist or tanning water with a lower DHA concentration on these spots.

When tanning hands, she sprays in circular motions while keeping her fingers slightly spread in what she calls a “bear claw” position. This helps prevent stained palms and streaking between the fingers and knuckles—two classic signs of a fake tan.

Wrists are another giveaway. “When you’re lying in the sun, you don’t have your arms fully stretched out,” Alysa explains. “A natural tan is always lighter on the inner sides of the arms. A self-tanner should copy that.” For the same reason, she avoids applying self-tanner directly to the underarms.

Another key factor: choosing the right shade. If you have fair skin and pick a formula with a high DHA concentration, you’re much more likely to end up with an orange tint.

How to make a spray tan last longer
When it comes to making a fake tan last, Alysa says keeping your skin hydrated is everything. To extend the life of your spray tan, she recommends moisturizing once or twice a day, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding harsh scrubs in the shower.

Surprisingly, though, she says dry brushing won’t necessarily strip your tan. By day four or five, dry brushing mostly removes dead surface skin cells, while the color sits a bit deeper. In fact, dry brushing can even help refresh your skin and bring back the glow.

Emergency fix for self-tanner streaks and spots
If your fake tan turns patchy or streaky, don’t panic. “Get in the bathtub, apply something very oily to your skin, let it sit for twenty minutes, then scrub it off. That removes some of the color right away.”

And finally, one last insider trick—straight from Alysa’s work with Kim Kardashian. “I spray her hair part too.” The result? A smooth, believable glow that looks natural from every angle.

Shop Vogue’s favorite self-tanners below.

Chevron
Chevron
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Save to wishlist
Tan-Luxe
The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
$50 BLUEMERCURY
$50 NORDSTROM
$55 $50 (9% off) AMAZON
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Save to wishlist
Saltyface
Tanning Water
$42 AMAZONChevron

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Save to wishlist

Coola
Organic Sunless Tan Luminizing Body Serum
$54 – AMAZON

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Save to wishlist

Cyklar
Self Tanning Milky Essence
$36 – CYKLAR

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Save to wishlist

Dr. Dennis Gross
Alpha Beta Glow Pad Self-Tanner for Body
$48 – NORDSTROM
$48 – AMAZON

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Save to wishlist

Jergens
Natural Glow Self Tanner Lotion
$12 – $10 (17% off) – AMAZON

Have a beauty or wellness trend you’re curious about? We want to know! Send Vogue’s senior beauty & wellness editor an email at beauty@vogue.com.

Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about getting a naturallooking glow from a spray tan based on tips from Kim Kardashians spraytan expert

Beginner Questions

1 How can I make my spray tan look natural instead of orange
The key is to choose a tan with an olive or neutral undertone not a red or copper one Kims expert recommends looking for a solution with a green or violet base to cancel out orange tones Also exfoliate well beforehand and avoid heavy moisturizer right before your appointment

2 Whats the best way to prepare my skin before a spray tan
Shower and exfoliate 812 hours before your tan Use a gentle oilfree scrub Dont use any lotion deodorant or makeup on the day of the tan as these create barriers that lead to streaks

3 How long should I wait before showering after a spray tan
Wait at least 810 hours if possible For a lighter more natural look some experts suggest showering after 46 hours The longer you wait the darker the color develops

4 Will a spray tan protect me from the sun
No A spray tan does not provide any SPF protection You still need to wear sunscreen if you go outside The tan is just cosmetic color

5 How can I avoid streaks on my hands and feet
Before the tan ask the technician to apply a barrier cream to your cuticles knuckles elbows and ankles After the tan wash your hands with mild soap and water but avoid scrubbing Use a damp cloth to gently blend any harsh lines around your wrists and ankles

Advanced Questions

6 Whats the twotone trick Kims expert uses for a natural look
She suggests using a slightly lighter solution on the face and décolletage than on the body The face naturally sheds skin faster so a lighter formula prevents it from looking darker or patchy compared to the body This creates a seamless sunkissed effect

7 How do I fix a patchy or uneven spray tan
Dont panic For small patches use a damp makeup sponge to gently blend the edges For larger areas apply a small