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Want to keep that sun-kissed glow for longer? A good tan extender moisturizer is your secret weapon. These lotions not only hydrate your skin but also contain ingredients to help prolong your tan, whether it’s from the sun, a tanning bed, or self-tanner. Finding the right one can be tricky, so I’ve rounded up some of the best tan extender moisturizers to help you keep that summer feeling all year round.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Australian Gold Moisture Lock Tan Extender Moisturizer: Classic, reliable, and smells amazing.
- Sun Bum Daily Hydrating Moisturizer: Great for sensitive skin and everyday use.
- Millennium Tanning Solid Black Tan Extender: Intensifies and extends your tan with added bronzers.
- Devoted Creations HEMP NUTRITION Moisturizing Tan Extender: Hemp seed oil provides deep hydration.
- Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tan Extender: Smells like vacation and adds a touch of shimmer.
Top 5 Best Tan Extender Moisturizer Reviews
1. Australian Gold Moisture Lock Tan Extender Moisturizer
Australian Gold Moisture Lock is a cult favorite for a reason. This lotion is designed to keep your skin hydrated and your tan looking fresh. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and has that signature Australian Gold scent that everyone loves.
Pros:
- ✅ Classic Australian Gold scent is a major plus.
- ✅ Lightweight and non-greasy formula.
- ✅ Contains sunflower and olive fruit extracts for hydration.
Cons:
- ❌ Scent can be overpowering for some.
- ❌ Doesn’t contain bronzers, so it only extends your existing tan.
- ❌ May not be moisturizing enough for very dry skin.
Verdict: A solid choice for maintaining a natural tan and keeping your skin hydrated, especially if you love the classic Australian Gold scent.
2. Sun Bum Daily Hydrating Moisturizer
If you have sensitive skin or just prefer a more natural approach, Sun Bum Daily Hydrating Moisturizer is a fantastic option. It’s packed with good-for-you ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E, and it’s free of harsh chemicals and fragrances.
Pros:
- ✅ Great for sensitive skin; hypoallergenic and fragrance-free options.
- ✅ Contains aloe vera and vitamin E for soothing hydration.
- ✅ Vegan and cruelty-free.
Cons:
- ❌ Doesn’t contain tan-extending ingredients specifically.
- ❌ More focused on hydration than tan maintenance.
- ❌ Some may find the texture a bit thin.
Verdict: A great daily moisturizer that will help keep your skin healthy and hydrated, which indirectly helps prolong your tan. Best for those with sensitive skin.
3. Millennium Tanning Solid Black Tan Extender
Want to boost your tan while keeping your skin hydrated? Millennium Tanning Solid Black Tan Extender is the way to go. It contains added bronzers to deepen your color and keep it looking rich and even.
Pros:
- ✅ Contains bronzers for added color.
- ✅ Helps even out tan lines.
- ✅ Rich and moisturizing formula.
Cons:
- ❌ Bronzers can transfer to clothing if not fully absorbed.
- ❌ May not be suitable for fair skin tones due to the bronzers.
- ❌ Strong scent that may not appeal to everyone.
Verdict: Ideal for those who want to enhance and extend their tan with the help of added bronzers, but be careful about transfer to clothing.
4. Devoted Creations HEMP NUTRITION Moisturizing Tan Extender
If your skin is screaming for moisture, Devoted Creations HEMP NUTRITION Moisturizing Tan Extender is your savior. It’s infused with hemp seed oil, which is known for its amazing hydrating and skin-nourishing properties. I tried this after a particularly drying beach trip, and it really helped revive my skin.
Pros:
- ✅ Hemp seed oil provides intense hydration.
- ✅ Helps improve skin elasticity.
- ✅ Contains vitamins and antioxidants.
Cons:
- ❌ The scent can be divisive; some love it, some don’t.
- ❌ May be too heavy for oily skin types.
- ❌ Primarily focused on hydration, not specifically tan extension.
Verdict: Perfect for dry or mature skin that needs a boost of hydration while maintaining a tan. The hemp seed oil is a game-changer.
5. Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tan Extender
Who doesn’t want to smell like a tropical vacation? Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tan Extender not only hydrates your skin but also leaves it with a delicious coconut scent and a subtle shimmer. It’s like a little bit of sunshine in a bottle.
Pros:
- ✅ Smells amazing (if you love coconut!).
- ✅ Contains a subtle shimmer for a radiant glow.
- ✅ Helps keep your tan looking fresh.
Cons:
- ❌ The shimmer may be too much for some.
- ❌ Scent can be overpowering.
- ❌ May not be as moisturizing as some other options.
Verdict: A fun and fragrant option for those who want a little shimmer and a tropical scent along with their tan extension.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right tan extender moisturizer can make a big difference in how long your tan lasts and how healthy your skin looks. Here are a few things to consider:
- Skin Type: If you have dry skin, look for rich, hydrating formulas with ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or hemp seed oil. If you have oily skin, opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic lotions. For sensitive skin, choose fragrance-free and hypoallergenic options.
- Ingredients: Look for ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and antioxidants to nourish and protect your skin. Some tan extenders also contain bronzers to enhance your color.
- Scent: Consider the scent of the lotion. If you’re sensitive to fragrances, choose a fragrance-free option or one with a light, natural scent.
- Purpose: Are you looking for a daily moisturizer that will indirectly help prolong your tan, or are you looking for a product specifically designed to extend your tan with added ingredients?
- Reviews: Read reviews from other users to get an idea of how the product performs and whether it’s right for you.
FAQs
Q: How often should I use a tan extender moisturizer?
A: You should use a tan extender moisturizer daily, ideally after showering, to keep your skin hydrated and your tan looking fresh.
Q: Can I use a tan extender moisturizer on my face?
A: It depends on the product. Some tan extenders are formulated for the body only, while others can be used on the face. Check the product label before applying.
Q: Will a tan extender moisturizer make me darker?
A: Some tan extenders contain bronzers, which can add a touch of color to your skin. However, most tan extenders primarily work by hydrating your skin and preventing your tan from fading.
Q: Can I use a tan extender moisturizer if I don’t have a tan?
A: Yes, you can use a tan extender moisturizer even if you don’t have a tan. It will help keep your skin hydrated and healthy, which is always a good thing.
Q: What ingredients should I look for in a tan extender?
A: Look for hydrating ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid, as well as tan-enhancing ingredients like DHA and erythrulose.
Conclusion
Extending your tan doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right tan extender moisturizer, you can keep your skin hydrated, your tan looking fresh, and yourself feeling like you just stepped off the beach. Whether you’re looking for intense hydration, added bronzers, or a tropical scent, there’s a tan extender out there for you. So go ahead, find your perfect match and keep that summer glow going strong!
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