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With summer fast approaching, everyone is busy getting prepared. It is important to have a sunscreen that can help you get an even tan. Or if you don’t fancy a tan in the sun due to sunburn, maybe you would like to get a spray tan instead! Here at BeautiClassy, I have tested the best sunscreen for a spray tan and the sunscreens you can use to keep yourself while you enjoy the beaches!
Top 9 Best Sunscreen for Spray Tan
| Image | Product Name | Price On Amazon |
|---|---|---|
 | Best Overall Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 15 | Check Price |
 | Best for Long Water Resistant Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Spray | Check Price |
 | Best Biodegradable Sunscreen Alba Botanica Sunscreen for Face and Body | Check Price |
 | Best for Fast-Drying Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 | Check Price |
 | Best Skincare for Daily Protection COOLA Organic Sunscreen SPF 70 Sunblock Spray | Check Price |
 | Best for Sensitive Skin La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Body and Face Sunscreen Spray | Check Price |
 | Best for Toddler Use Beauty by Earth SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Spray | Check Price |
 | Best for All Skin Types SolRX SPORT SPRAY SPF 50 Sunscreen | Check Price |
 | Best for Beautiful and Even Tan Nivea Sun Protect & Bronze Sun Spray SPF 20 Medium | Check Price |
1. Best Overall – Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 15
Specification
- SPF: 15
- Skin Type: Normal; best for lighter complexion
- Spray Type: Continuous mist
- Volume: 7 fl oz.
- Scent: Orange
Description
Get the quickest application with an immediate spray tan glow with the Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 15! Protect your skin whilst also getting a safe tan!
Features
Instant bronzing: easy application with instant tanning results
Sun-proof: a tanning spray that has an SPF rating to give you added protection in the sun
Water-resistant and lasting: get a good water-resistant spray that lasts a couple of hours
How to use
There are two ways to use a mist spray sunscreen and tanner. For the body, you need to first cleanse the area and exfoliate any dead skin to get an even application. Then you will want to hold the spray about 6 inches from the skin and spray generously over the area. Make sure to get a nice and even mist on your body and rub it all over the rest of the area.
For your face and neck, you will need to first apply the mist on your hand and then rub it on your face and neck. Make sure to be careful around the eyes and mouth. Get it everywhere, especially behind the ears and nape. Technically you can use this on your scalp but you should avoid spraying it on your scalp if you have hair. It will become a mess.
After applying, you should wait 10 minutes for the active ingredients to kick in before heading out.
Expert Verdict
For those that aren’t as adventurous and waiting to get a suntan, the Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 15 is exactly what you are looking for! It is a sunscreen and spray tan all in one, giving you a nice caramel tan on your skin. The sunscreen itself lasts for a while on your skin which gives you exactly the protection you will be needing for a day on the beach. It also has a bit of a moisturizing effect which is something you will be needing on your day out in the sun. The ease of application is also fantastic! It’s easy to spread and feels non-greasy while also drying up quickly. My only complaint with this product is the very annoying lock and unlock function! Sometimes it will work, other times it won’t. The product itself is fantastic, just the mechanism is a bit clunky to say the least.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Fast-setting bronzing and long-lasting | Frustrating lock-system |
| Bit of a moisturizing effect | |
| Spray tan with SPF rating | |
| Caramel tan |
2. Best for Long Water Resistant – Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Spray
Specification
- SPF: 15
- Skin Type: Normal; best for lighter complexion
- Spray Type: Continuous mist
- Volume: 5.5 fl oz.
- Scent: Floral smell
Description
Get one of the best water-resistant spray tan with an SPF rating from the Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Spray! Free from dyes and oxybenzone.
Features
Water-resistance: get a spray tan that does not mind getting wet
Antioxidant: benefit your skin with the antioxidation from vitamin E
Lasting tan: gets a subtle tan that lasts for days
How to use
For your face, you will first apply the spray on your hand and rub it all over your face, neck, behind the ears, and nape. For your body, shake the bottle well and spray on the desired part of the body from 6 inches away. After the mist gets on your body, rub the product all over that part. Generally, you will only need a spray for each part of the body but you can hold down the spray to get an even layer over your skin without having to rub it in.
Expert Verdict
When you want a light spray tan that will last you a couple of days, then look no further than the Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Spray! With its nice floral smell, you also get a tan that will be water-resistant even when you submerge in the water! The added vitamin E will give the added sun protection you desire even with only an SPF rating of 15. But the fact is, it’s just not enough in the bottle for continuous use. After a couple of applications, I can already tell that the bottle is half-empty. Too little product in the bottle to give a whole body coverage consistently. It would be better to spray only a little and then spread it over your body.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Water resistance even when submerged | Too little in the bottle to cover the whole body |
| Vitamin E for added sun protection | |
| Tan lasts for a few days |
3. Best Biodegradable Sunscreen – Alba Botanica Sunscreen for Face and Body
Specification
- SPF: 50
- Skin Type: All
- Spray Type: Single spray mist
- Volume: 6 fl oz. each
- Scent: Coconut
Description
Get the benefits of sunscreen with the added coconut and other natural ingredients in the Alba Botanica Sunscreen for Face and Body!
Features
All natural ingredients: made from natural ingredients; no synthetic ingredient or fragrance
Biodegradable material: the sunscreen is biodegradable so you won’t be harming your surrounding
Hair safe: can use on your hair to protect it and your scalp
How to use
As this is a single spray mist, you can spray on a part of your skin and then spread it over with your hands. It can be a bit greasy when you first apply so make sure to rub it in well. For the face, spray on your hands first and then rub it on your face, spreading it all over your face, neck, around your eyes, nape, and back of the neck. You can spray it on your hair and spread it over to protect color-treated hair in the sun
Expert Verdict
When you are conscious about the environment and the impact you might have on it, a decision to buy Alba Botanica Sunscreen for Face and Body is the product for you! The single spray use makes it very viable to protect your hair from the sun, especially if you have color-treated hair. The spray is made of natural ingredients that are biodegradable so you won’t be harming the environment every time you spray. After using it, you can be safe from the sun for up to 2 hours so make sure to reapply it every 2 hours or so. It gives any tan you get a nice glossy glow. However, the spray can be hard to press down so you really have to use all your strength to get the product out.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Protection for color-treated hair | Hard to press down the spray |
| Biodegradable natural ingredients | |
| Glossy glow for your tan |
4. Best for Fast-Drying – Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
Specification
- SPF: 30
- Skin Type: Normal
- Spray Type: Aerosol spray
- Volume: 6.5 fl oz.
- Scent: Tropical smell
Description
Prepare for a day out on the beach with the Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 30! Get a quick set of suntan spray on your body to get that perfect tan yourself!
Features
For large areas: get sun protection over large parts of your skin and hard-to-reach places
Fast absorbing: get a sunscreen spray tan that absorbs quickly into the skin
A light tan: get a nice light tan without the need for tanners!
How to use
After washing your body, apply liberally all over large parts of the skin and then rub it with your hand. You might need to apply it again so make sure to reapply to get the best protection. For the face, spray on your hand first and then rub it all over your face, neck, and behind the ears. For long-term use, I would advise spraying on your hands and then rubbing it in as this is an aerosol spray so you will be spraying a lot without getting much of the product on your skin. Apply 10 minutes before heading out in the sun and reapply if you are swimming or sweating for 80 minutes and 2 hours after the initial application.
Expert Verdict
There are 3 things you need for beaches: sunscreen, tanning, and a good time. The Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 does all three for you! It’s a great tan sunscreen that you wouldn’t think about if you looked at the bottle. It will also give you the perfect amount of protection from the sun even if it is only SPF 30. So make sure to apply well over all parts of your exposed skin to get the best benefit of the sunscreen. And lastly, it is so fast absorbing that you wouldn’t even notice! It will absorb into your skin without leaving a white cast either! The only bad thing I could think of from this was the overpowering smell. It might go away a few minutes after application but it does hit you with that tropical breeze smell hard.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| The right amount of spray tan | The smell can be overpowering |
| Fast absorbing | |
| Perfect amount of sun protection |
5. Best Skincare for Daily Protection – COOLA Organic Sunscreen SPF 70 Sunblock Spray
Specification
- SPF: 70
- Skin Type: All, even for sensitive skin
- Spray Type: Aerosol spray
- Volume: 6 fl oz.
- Scent: Peach blossom
Description
Coola Organic Sunscreen SPF 70 Sunblock Spray is a great protective tanner that provides your skin with all the benefits of daily protection with its natural ingredients.
Features
Natural goodness: aloe, strawberry, and seaweed extract helps provide skincare on a daily basis
Non-sticky: get a slick application of the sunscreen
Beach tan: a tan that compliments the perfect beach look
How to use
As this is an aerosol spray, what you will want to do is first apply it on your hand and then apply it on your skin for the best and most efficient use of the product. So spray directly on your hand and then rub it all over your body, even your face. Make sure to use it 15 minutes before heading out and reapply it every 2 hours or so.
Expert Verdict
Coola Organic Sunscreen SPF 70 Sunblock Spray provides a lovely beach tan that you can rock while enjoying the sun! You can use this product every day and get the benefits of great skincare with all the natural ingredients of aloe, strawberry, seaweed, and many more! What I also liked about this was the fact it wasn’t too oily and didn’t leave a white cast either. The only problem is the tan you get is temporary and can stain your clothing so make to be aware of that before you start using this product.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Best for daily use | Can be staining so be careful with your clothes |
| Perfect beach tan | |
| No white cast |
6. Best for Sensitive Skin – La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Body and Face Sunscreen Spray
Specification
- SPF: 60
- Skin Type: All; best for sensitive skin
- Spray Type: Lotion spray
- Volume: 5 fl oz.
- Scent: Unscented
Description
Get a unique sunscreen spray that works like lotion when applied with the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Body and Face Sunscreen Spray, formulated especially for sensitive skin!
Features
Lotion spray: a unique product that works like a lotion when applied
Made for sensitive skin: leaves your skin feeling like nothing has touched it
Great suntan spray: get a nice tan while having this on out in the sun
How to use
This is quite a unique spray since it leaves a lotion-like consistency on your skin when applied that needs to be rubbed on. You could apply it directly to your skin and then rub it or you could apply it on your hands first and then apply it on the skin. Either way can work, just make sure you rub it in until the product is nicely absorbed into the skin. Be careful when applying it to the face and avoid using it around the eyes.
Expert Verdict
When you want a tan in the sun while also protecting your skin, there is none better than the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Body and Face Sunscreen Spray! It is made with sensitive skin in mind which is why all the irritating ingredients are considerably reduced in concentration so that it won’t cause any problems. It is even great for people that have skin conditions like eczema! The lotion is easy to rub in and does not feel greasy and does not leave a white cast either. The only problem is that it can cause your eyes to sting. So do be careful when you are applying it on your face. I would suggest not applying it around the eyes and instead wearing sunglasses!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Best for sensitive skin | Causes the eyes to sting |
| Great for tanning out in the sun | |
| Easy to rub lotion, non-greasy and lightweight |
7. Best for Toddler Use – Beauty by Earth SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Spray
Specification
- SPF: 30
- Skin Type: All; baby-safe
- Spray Type: Mineral sunscreen spray
- Volume: 6 fl oz.
- Scent: Vanilla + coconut mixture
Description
Get the best out of a mineral sunscreen spray in Beauty by Earth SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Spray to a sunscreen that is safe for your toddlers!
Features
Toddler-safe: non-toxic ingredients that are safe for your toddlers
Non-nano zinc oxide: get the best out of non-nano zinc oxides which are safe for reefs
Hydrating: have your skin feel hydrated while under the sun
How to use
This is a mist spray bottle, but what comes out is like mineral sunscreen. Therefore, when you apply it on your skin, make sure you really rub it until the sunscreen isn’t visible. That way you get protection from the zinc oxides while the sunscreen is absorbed in your skin for the other benefits it provides.
Expert Verdict
If you are someone that wants a tan but are scared of products that might put your toddler in harm’s way, then you should have no worry with Beauty by Earth SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Spray. Most people I have seen worry about sunscreen because they are not safe for babies. But the fact this product is safe means you as a parent can be worry-free. You could even use this to protect your toddler if you take them on the beach! Zinc oxide is something that provides the best sun protection so you can be sure that you are getting a good sunscreen product. It will also allow you to tan under the sun without having to worry about sunburns or sun-related damage. The only downside is the nozzle can be drippy after using it so you will be constantly cleaning it as a result.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Safe for toddlers; can even use on them too | The spray can be drippy around the nozzle |
| Great suntan lotion | |
| Zinc oxide provides the best sun protection |
8. Best for All Skin Types – SolRX SPORT SPRAY SPF 50 Sunscreen
Specification
- SPF: 50
- Skin Type: All
- Spray Type: Dry mist continuous spray
- Volume: 6 fl oz.
- Scent: Fragrance-free
Description
Be sports-ready under the sun with the SolRX Sport Spray SPF 50 Sunscreen! Have no worries about sweat or water and get a lovely tan instead!
Features
360° nozzle: get to all the hard-to-reach places with this spray
Non-comedogenic: be safe with a product that is non-comedogenic and for all skin types
Long-lasting: have this product on all day without worrying about reapplication
How to use
This is a continuous spray so you can very liberally spray it all over your body and then rub in the product afterward. For the face, you will need to first apply on your hands and then rub it on your face, neck, nape, and behind the ears. Wait for 15 minutes before heading out in the sun.
Expert Verdict
When you are in need of spray sunscreen that will be suitable for all skin types, then look no further than the SolRX Sport Spray SPF 50 Sunscreen! It’s non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic making it suitable for all skin types, even sensitive and combination skin! It is suitable for wear during any type of sports-related activity, protecting your skin from sun damage while giving you a nice sun tan too! It also lasts a really long time if you don’t sweat much. Even then, the water resistance is fantastic, so you wouldn’t have to worry about reapplication for about 80 minutes under heavy sweating. However, it does not have a cap on the nozzle so you could end up losing much of the product if you keep it in a bag. My tip is to cover the tip with something so that you don’t spill the product.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Very long-lasting | Not travel-friendly; tip needs to be secured |
| Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic so it’s suitable for all skin types | |
| Suitable for all sports activities and heavy sweating |
9. Best for Beautiful and Even Tan – Nivea Sun Protect & Bronze Sun Spray SPF 20 Medium
Specification
- SPF: 20
- Skin Type: Normal; best for dry skin
- Spray Type: Oil spray
- Volume: 10 fl oz.
- Scent: Rosy smell
Description
NIVEA Sun Protect & Bronze Sun Spray SPF 20 provides highly effective and immediate UVA/UVB protection with natural pro-melanin extract to support the skin’s natural tanning process for a beautiful and even tan.
Features
Bronze tan: get a bronze tan with the help of a pro-melanin active ingredient that promotes the production of melanin to produce a nice and even tan!
Anti-stain: this won’t stain your clothes
Moisturizing: keeps your skin moisturized for 24 hours after use
How to use
This is an oil spray type so you will need to cover an area with only one squeeze of the pump. After that, rub and spread into the skin, coating the skin with an even layer of oil. If you feel like you have applied too much of the product, then you can take a towel and lightly pat the oil off your skin. Make sure to get it over all parts of the face, neck, and hard-to-reach places like the back of your knees and elbows.
Expert Verdict
When you need a sunscreen that works as a tanner, there is little I can do when there is such a product as Nivea Sun Protect & Bronze Sun Spray SPF 20 Medium! It will help you moisturize your skin and keep it protected from the sun. You get all of these benefits while also getting a nice and even bronze tan on your skin thanks to the pro-melanin! Adding to that, when this is rubbed in properly, you can expect it to leave no stains on your clothes either, making it a very versatile spray tan! However, if you have an oily face like mine, I can’t recommend you put this on your face. But if you have dry skin, then this is exactly the spray tan you will need!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Sun protection and beautiful even tanning | Not for oily skin |
| Keeps the skin moisturized | |
| Doesn’t stain clothes |
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Can You Use Sunscreen After a Spray Tan?
The thing about getting a professional spray tan is you have to let the tan develop. This will likely take about 8 to 24 hours of application to fully develop on your skin. This type of spray tan works with a chemical called dihydroxyacetone or DHA that reacts with your skin to darken its appearance. As such, you need to let it set on your skin before you use any product like sunscreen on it.
However, if you are talking about tanning lotions or self-tanners, you are in luck. Most of these products do contain an SPF rating on them so you will have no need for extra sunscreen protection whatsoever! But for those spray tans that don’t have an SPF rating, you could definitely use sunscreen over them. For that, you will need to wait for the spray tan to absorb into your skin completely so that you can apply the sunscreen. I would advise waiting around 30 to 60 minutes before applying sunscreen to allow the bronzer or spray tan to absorb and start working.
Will Sunscreen Ruin a Spray Tan?
Not only will sunscreen not ruin your spray tan, but it will also actually benefit you more! Just because you got a professional spray tan does not mean that you are safe from sunburns or other sun-related damages. That is why you will need to apply sunscreen on your fake or temporary tan to give your skin ultimate protection from the sun.
While spray tans and tanning lotion can be applied after it has absorbed into the skin, you will have to wait to apply sunscreen on DHA tans that you get professionally done. This is because the DHA needs time to work on your skin due to the reaction that darkens the skin. Applying sunscreen over this can cause the DHA to wear off and not give you the desired tan you were looking for. That is why it is best to wait the full 24 hours after getting a DHA spray tan from the shop and then apply sunscreen so that you don’t ruin your spray tan!
FAQs
1. Can you wear sunscreen with a spray tan?
Yes, you can wear sunscreen with a spray tan. You will just have to wait until the spray tan is absorbed into the skin before applying the sunscreen. DHA spray tan requires 24 hours before applying sunscreen while tanning lotions would need only 1 hour at most before you can apply the sunscreen.
2. What sunscreen does not remove fake tan?
Oil-based sunscreen will remove fake tan by softening the dead skin and making them fall off. Otherwise, other types of sunscreen are perfectly fine for a fake tan.
3. What SPF is best to protect but still tan?
An SPF rating between 30 and 50 is the best way you can protect your skin while also getting an even tan. Just make sure you apply it properly so you don’t damage the skin with sunburns!
4. What should you avoid with a spray tan?
Hot baths, perfumes, deodorant, and makeup and makeup removers will be the things you need to avoid with a spray tan. These can take off the spray tan and give you an uneven tan.
5. How long will a spray tan last?
Usually, a DHA spray tan will last you anywhere between 7 to 10 days. Normal tanning oils and lotions will last you about 3 to 7 days at most due to the production of new skin cells in your body.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, the best sunscreen for spray tans! Some of the sunscreens did not really give a tan without you going out in the sun and enjoying it but I found these to be the best in their respective categories. I really liked the Australian Gold product because it gave such a nice tan but I was pleasantly surprised by the Nivea oil spray tan sunscreen too, just it wasn’t something I could put on my face. I hope that one of these products helps you get that perfect beach tan for the summer. And as always, stay classy!
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