Tan-tastic for a Week: Top Self-Tanners for Lasting Color

Your Guide to a Glow That Goes the Distance

A fake tan that lasts a week is the holy grail of at-home tanning—and it's absolutely possible with the right formula and routine. Here's what actually delivers that full-week glow:

Top Self-Tanners That Last a Week:

• Water-light tinted tanning sprays – Quick-dry, sweat-resistant, and streak-free (like 3VERYBODY Life Proof Tan)
• Customizable tanning drops – Mix with moisturizer for buildable, long-lasting color
• Hydrating formulas with color-correcting undertones – Green or violet tints prevent orange fading
• Prep matters – Exfoliate 24 hours before, moisturize dry spots, and hydrate daily after
• Longevity boosters – Skip harsh soaps, pat dry (don't rub), and avoid chlorine when possible

The secret? A thin, water-light layer blends cleaner, dries faster, and fades more evenly than thick, sticky formulas. Products enriched with argan oil, cucumber extract, or hyaluronic acid keep skin hydrated—and hydrated skin holds color longer. Most quality self-tanners develop in 4–8 hours and can last 5–10 days, but hitting that full week depends on your routine before and after application.

The global self-tanning market is booming—valued at $1.2 billion in 2022 and projected to hit $2.1 billion by 2030—because people want that sun-kissed look without UV damage. While traditional, thicker formulas used to dominate, water-light mists and customizable drops are taking over thanks to their ease, speed, and natural finish on every skin tone.

I'm Emmy Bre, founder of 3VERYBODY, and I've spent over a decade testing nearly every self-tanner on the market before creating our sweat-resistant, non-orange formulas designed to deliver a fake tan that lasts a week on all skin types. After watching my mom and grandma battle skin cancer, I knew safer tanning had to exist—so I built it.

Know your fake tan that lasts a week terms:

• does moisturising help fake tan last longer
• how long does fake tan last on skin

The Secret to a Tan That Lasts: Prep and Post-Care

Here's the truth: a fake tan that lasts a week starts before you ever spray a single drop. The longest-lasting tans come from skin that's been properly prepped and then cared for daily—it's a two-part commitment that pays off in a full seven days (or more) of even, natural-looking color.

Perfect prep is non-negotiable. Think of your skin as a canvas. If it's bumpy, dry, or covered in dead cells, your tan will cling unevenly and fade in patches by day three. Start by exfoliating 24 hours before you plan to tan. Use an oil-free scrub or a cleanser with glycolic or salicylic acid to slough off that top layer of dead skin. This creates a smooth, fresh surface for the tanning water to bind to. An exfoliating mitt works beautifully here—just rinse thoroughly afterward so no residue interferes with your tan.

Next, shave or wax in advance—again, at least 24 hours prior. Hair removal treatments can strip away self-tanner, so you want those pores closed and calm before application. As spray tanner Anna Stankiewicz from Louise O'Connor Salon puts it, "All of those treatments can remove self-tanner," so timing matters. For the full step-by-step, check out our guide on Best Practices for Prepping Your Skin Before Applying Self-Tanner.

Once you're exfoliated and smooth, lightly moisturize dry spots like knees, elbows, and ankles. These areas are naturally drier and can grab too much product, leading to dark, uneven patches. A thin layer of moisturizer acts as a barrier without diluting the formula. Just avoid moisturizing your entire body right before tanning—you want most of your skin bare and ready to absorb. Wondering about the details? We break it all down in should you moisturize before self-tanning.

Post-tan care is just as crucial. After your tan has developed and you've done your initial lukewarm rinse, the real work begins: daily moisturizing extends your glow. Hydrated skin sheds slower, which means your tan fades more gradually and evenly. Users who moisturize every day report their tans lasting well past the week mark, while those who skip it see patchiness by day four. It's that simple. Dive deeper into why does moisturising help fake tan last longer.

One last tip: when you shower, pat skin dry, don't rub. Vigorous towel-drying exfoliates your skin prematurely, taking your tan with it. Gentle patting keeps that color locked in and fading naturally. Follow these prep and post-care steps, and you'll have a beautifully even fake tan that lasts a week—no touch-ups required.

Our Top Picks for a Fake Tan That Lasts a Week

Here's what you need to know about getting a fake tan that lasts a week: it comes down to formula. We're all about water-light, quick-dry products that blend cleaner, dry faster, and last longer than those thick, sticky alternatives. After years of testing (and honestly, dealing with plenty of orange disasters), we built 3VERYBODY around what actually works—products that give you a natural glow without the transfer, the smell, or the stress.

When we developed our line, we tested relentlessly for four things: longevity (because what's the point if it fades in three days?), natural color (no orange, ever), scent (that biscuit smell had to go), and hydration (healthy skin holds color better). Every product we make is designed to deliver on all four.

Here's how our products stack up for delivering that coveted week-long glow:

Best Overall for a Sweat-Proof, Week-Long Tan: 3VERYBODY Life Proof Tan

If you want a fake tan that lasts a week and actually holds up through workouts, hot days, and real life, our Life Proof Tan is where you start. This is our hero product—a tinted tanning water that's engineered for performance and a truly natural finish on every skin tone.

The water-light, quick-dry formula is what sets it apart. It dries in minutes, so you're not standing around waiting or worrying about transferring color onto your favorite clothes. That quick-dry technology also makes it sweat and transfer-resistant, which means your tan stays on your skin, not your sheets. We designed it specifically to be sheet-safe because waking up glowing—not stained—matters. If you've ever wondered which self-tanner dries quickly and wont transfer to sheets, this is your answer.

The color is never orange, always natural. We formulated Life Proof Tan with precision to give you an authentic, sun-kissed glow that works beautifully from very fair to deep skin tones. But we didn't stop at color—this formula actually nourishes your skin while it tans. We've packed it with hydrating argan oil and cucumber oil to keep your skin soft and supple, which helps your tan last longer. Plus, caffeine and guarana extract add skin-firming benefits.

As a brand built on clean beauty, Life Proof Tan is vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens and sulfates. It's a formula we're incredibly proud of, and yes, it's HopeScope-approved.

Best for a Custom Glow: 3VERYBODY Tanning Drops

For anyone who loves control over their color, our Tanning Drops are your perfect match. These customizable drops let you build exactly the fake tan that lasts a week you're after—whether that's a subtle hint of bronze or a deeper glow.

The concept is simple: mix a few drops with your favorite moisturizer, serum, or oil, and you've created your own custom tanning product. You control the color depth completely, adjusting up or down depending on the look you want. It's intuitive, flexible, and honestly kind of fun. If you're new to the whole drops concept, we break it all down in what are self-tanning drops and how do you use them.

Our Tanning Drops work beautifully on both face and body. They're formulated with rosehip oil and cucumber extract, so you're getting real skin benefits alongside your tan—hydration, nourishment, and care. Many people worry about using the same product on their face, but our drops are gentle and effective everywhere. Not sure how much to use? Check out how many tanning drops should i use for my face versus my body for clear guidance.

Like everything we make, our Tanning Drops are vegan and free from parabens, palm oil, and sulfates. Clean, conscious, and completely customizable.

Best for Streak-Free Application: 3VERYBODY Tanning Mitt & Complete Kit

Even the best self-tanner needs the right tool for a flawless finish. Our double-sided, washable Tanning Mitt is designed specifically for water-light formulas like ours, giving you even, streak-free control every time. The right mitt makes all the difference—it helps the product glide smoothly and blend seamlessly, especially in tricky spots. Still wondering do i need to use a tanning mitt to apply self-tanner? The short answer is yes, if you want professional-looking results.

For the complete at-home tanning experience, we created the 3VERYBODY Kit. It brings together our Tinted Tanning Water, Tanning Drops, and the Mitt in one package—everything you need for salon-quality results at home. It's our full solution for achieving a fake tan that lasts a week with confidence and ease.

We're a woman-owned brand, and inclusivity is at our core. Our products work beautifully on every skin tone and type, and we're proud to be creator-approved by voices like HopeScope. We're here to make beautiful, lasting tans accessible to everyone—no exceptions.

How to Apply for a Flawless, Week-Long Finish

The application process is where everything comes together—where your prep work and the right product combine to create that perfect, week-long glow. With our water-light formulas, the technique is refreshingly simple and incredibly effective.

The right technique makes all the difference, and honestly, it's easier than you might think. Start by making sure your skin is completely dry after your prep routine. Any moisturizer you applied to dry spots like knees and elbows should be fully absorbed.

Spritz your Tinted Tanning Water directly onto your 3VERYBODY Tanning Mitt, not onto your skin. This might feel counterintuitive at first, but it's the secret to even, streak-free coverage. The mitt distributes the product uniformly while keeping your palms clean. If you've ever wondered do i need to use a tanning mitt to apply self-tanner, the answer is a resounding yes—it's the difference between professional-looking results and patchy, streaky ones.

Starting at your legs, smooth the product in long, sweeping strokes, working your way up your body. Think of it like painting with broad, confident brushstrokes. Then use gentle circles to blend everything seamlessly. This circular motion helps the tanner melt into your skin for that natural, sun-kissed finish rather than obvious lines.

Here's a crucial tip: leave your hands and feet for last. These areas are notorious for absorbing too much product and ending up darker than the rest of your body. When you're ready for them, flip to the clean side of your Mitt and use just the lightest touch to blend. You want barely any product on these spots—just enough for an even transition. If you do end up with darker hands than you'd like, our guide on how to get fake tan off hands will help you fix it fast.

Let your tan dry for a few minutes before getting dressed. Thanks to our quick-dry formula, this won't take long—usually just 2-3 minutes. Once it feels dry to the touch, slip into loose, dark clothing. This prevents any potential transfer while your fake tan that lasts a week develops fully.

After the recommended development time—typically 4 to 8 hours, though you can check your specific product instructions—do a quick lukewarm rinse. Keep it gentle; avoid harsh soaps or scrubbing during this first shower. You'll see the tinted guide color wash away, revealing your natural-looking tan underneath. Pat your skin dry with a towel rather than rubbing.

Finally, the maintenance step that truly makes your tan go the distance: moisturize daily. Hydrated skin holds onto color longer and fades more evenly. This simple habit is what transforms a good tan into a gorgeous, week-long glow that looks freshly applied day after day.

Following these steps will give you salon-quality results right at home—a natural, even tan that stands up to sweat, sheets, and everything your week throws at it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Long-Lasting Tans

We hear from people every day who want a gorgeous, natural tan but have real concerns about what they're putting on their skin. Here are the questions that come up most often—and the honest answers you deserve.

Will my self-tan turn me orange?

This is the number one fear we hear, and honestly? It's completely understandable. We've all seen those unfortunate orange tans that look nothing like a day at the beach.

Here's the truth: no, not with the right product. The secret to avoiding that dreaded orange tone comes down to two things—the quality of the DHA (that's dihydroxyacetone, the active ingredient that creates your tan) and, just as importantly, the formula's undertone.

Modern self-tanners like ours use color-correcting undertones—specifically green and violet—to neutralize the yellow and orange tones that can naturally develop on skin. It works just like a color wheel: green cancels out red, violet cancels out yellow. By building these undertones into the formula, we ensure your tan develops into a beautiful, natural shade that actually looks like you spent time in the sun, not in a bottle.

It's not just about picking the right shade from a lineup—it's about how the entire formula is designed to work with your skin's natural undertones. For more guidance on finding your perfect match, check out our guide on How to Choose the Right Self-Tanner for Your Skin Tone.

We formulated 3VERYBODY to deliver a natural, never-orange glow on every skin tone, from very fair to deep. That's our promise, and we stand behind it. If you're curious about specific formulas that skip the orange, our article on what self-tanner wont turn me orange dives even deeper.

Is it safe to use a fake tan that lasts a week?

Yes, and this is something I'm passionate about. Using a fake tan that lasts a week is widely considered the safest way to get a sun-kissed look—far safer than UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds.

The active ingredient in self-tanners, DHA, reacts with the amino acids in the dead cells on the very surface of your skin. This reaction, called the Maillard reaction, is what creates that tanned color. Think of it like how a sliced apple turns brown when exposed to air. DHA only affects the top layer of your skin—it doesn't penetrate deeper, doesn't cause DNA damage, and doesn't increase your risk of skin cancer.

I created 3VERYBODY after watching my mom and grandma battle skin cancer. I knew there had to be a safer way to get that glow, and self-tanning is it. The FDA has approved DHA for external use, and while there were some early questions about inhaling it during spray-gun sessions (which we don't offer), recent research confirms that DHA is unlikely to be harmful in current product quantities.

For a complete breakdown of self-tanner safety, including what to look for in clean formulas, read our article is self-tanning safe. We formulate our products to be applied safely at home, giving you peace of mind with every application.

How do I remove old tanner before reapplying?

Getting a consistently flawless fake tan that lasts a week means starting with a clean canvas each time. Layering new self-tanner over old, patchy tan is a recipe for streaks, uneven color, and buildup in dry areas like your knees and elbows.

After about 5-7 days, as your tan naturally begins to fade, it's time to refresh. Gently exfoliate your skin using an exfoliating mitt with warm water and a gentle body wash. You're not trying to scrub aggressively—just encourage an even fade and prepare your skin for a fresh application.

For stubborn spots where the tan has settled more deeply—think elbows, knees, ankles, or anywhere you applied a bit more product—use a dedicated tan remover. These products are specifically designed to break down self-tanner color without harsh scrubbing. Apply it to dry skin, let it sit for a few minutes as directed, then rinse and gently buff away any remaining color.

Once you've exfoliated and removed any lingering tan, your skin is ready for reapplication. This simple step prevents patchiness and buildup, ensuring your next week-long tan looks as fresh and even as your first.

Get Your Week-Long Glow

You've made it to the finish line, and honestly? You're already glowing just thinking about it. Achieving a beautiful, natural-looking fake tan that lasts a week isn't some impossible dream—it's totally achievable when you know the formula. And I don't just mean the product formula (though ours is pretty incredible). I mean the three-part formula for success: smart prep, the right water-light product, and consistent aftercare.

Think about it this way: when you exfoliate 24 hours before, lightly moisturize those dry spots, and start with smooth, clean skin, you're setting yourself up for success before you even open the bottle. Then, when you choose a quick-dry, transfer-resistant tanning water that blends seamlessly and never turns orange, you're giving yourself the best possible canvas. And finally, when you commit to patting dry instead of rubbing and moisturizing daily to keep your skin hydrated, you're actively extending that glow day after day.

We've poured everything we've learned—over a decade of testing, formulating, and listening to real people with real skin—into creating self-tanning solutions that actually deliver on their promises. Our sweat-proof, transfer-resistant Life Proof Tan isn't just a product; it's the result of watching my mom and grandma battle skin cancer and knowing there had to be a safer way to get that sun-kissed look. It's water-light because a thinner layer blends cleaner and looks natural on every skin tone. It's quick-dry because you shouldn't have to wait around sticky and uncomfortable. And it's enriched with skin-loving ingredients like argan oil and cucumber oil because your tan should nourish your skin, not just color it.

Whether you go with our Tinted Tanning Water for that all-over glow, customize your own shade with our Tanning Drops, or grab the complete 3VERYBODY Kit for the full at-home experience, you now have the roadmap to a flawless, week-long tan. You know how to prep, how to apply, and how to make it last. The confidence that comes with a natural, even tan that doesn't fade by Wednesday? That's yours for the taking.

So go ahead—discover our sweat-proof, transfer-resistant Life Proof Tan and experience what a fake tan that lasts a week really feels like. You've got this, and we've got you.