Unlock a sunless summer glow: expert tips from hollywood's top tanning pro

Spray tans are no longer just for special occasions. With the rise of at-home self-tanning products, a radiant, sun-kissed glow is now within reach for anyone. But achieving that perfect, streak-free tan requires more than just a bottle of bronzer. Enter Isabel Alysa, the go-to tanning expert for A-listers like Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, and Selena Gomez.

Alysa's top self-tanning mistakes to avoid

Shaving on the day you apply self-tanner is the number one cause of streaks, Alysa warns. It acts as a form of exfoliation, revealing fresh skin that absorbs the product more intensely. Her advice? Always shave or exfoliate the day before applying self-tanner. If you need to shave again, wait until at least day three, otherwise the tan will fade faster.

The secret to an even application

Before applying self-tanner, keep your pre-tan shower simple. Avoid heavy soaps or shower gels, as residue left on the skin can interfere with an even application and lead to streaking. Alysa also notes that DHA, the active ingredient in most self-tanners, works best on clean, balanced skin.

Concealing dry areas

Dry areas like elbows, knees, hands, and feet naturally absorb more pigment, which is why they tend to turn darker. Alysa's trick is to use much less product—or skip those areas entirely during the initial application. Alternatively, she recommends using a lighter tanning mist or tanning water with a lower DHA concentration for these areas. When tanning hands, she sprays in circular motions while keeping the 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.

Shading for fair skin

For fair skin, choosing a formula with a high DHA concentration can result in an orange tint. To avoid this, opt for a lighter shade or a self-tanning serum with a lower DHA concentration. Alysa also suggests applying a moisturizer with a subtle bronzer to even out your complexion.

Extending your tan

To make your faux tan last longer, Alysa emphasizes the importance of skin hydration. She recommends moisturizing once or twice a day, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding harsh scrubs in the shower. Surprisingly, 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 itself sits slightly deeper. In fact, dry brushing can even help refresh the skin and restore glow.

Sos for self-tanner streaks

If your faux tan turns patchy or streaky, don't panic. Alysa suggests getting in the bathtub, applying something very oily to your skin, letting it sit for twenty minutes, then scrubbing it off. This removes some of the color immediately.

Alysa's insider tip

Finally, one last insider trick—straight from Alysa's work with Kim Kardashian. When spray tanning, Alysa sprays the hair part as well. The result is a seamless, believable glow that looks natural from every angle.