Why Every Spray Tan Artist Should Be Upselling a Gradual Tan (Especially for Holidays)
, by Lynsey Bennett, 4 min reading time
As a spray tan artist, your results don’t stop when your client walks out the door - they continue over the next 5–10 days. And the difference between a good tan and a great one?
👉 How it fades.
If your clients are coming back saying their tan went patchy, faded unevenly, or didn’t last on holiday… the issue often isn’t your spray tan.
It’s what they’re doing after.
The Missing Link: Aftercare
You can deliver the most flawless spray tan application, but if your client isn’t maintaining their skin properly, the tan will:
- Fade unevenly
- Break apart on dry areas
- Disappear faster in heat, pools, and sea
Dry skin is the biggest reason tans don’t last - and most clients simply use the wrong moisturiser (or none at all).
This is where a gradual tan becomes essential, not optional.
The Professional Secret: Use a Gradual Tan to Extend Results
Products like The Daily Gradual Tanner are designed specifically to maintain, extend, and improve the life of a spray tan.
It’s not just a moisturiser - it actively works with the tan.
Why it works:
- Deeply hydrates the skin (preventing patchiness)
- Gradually adds colour as the spray tan fades
- Keeps the overall tone even and fresh
In simple terms:
It replaces lost colour while protecting the skin barrier
Which means your client’s tan looks freshly done for longer.
Why This Is a Must for Holiday Clients
Holidays are where spray tans are most at risk.
Between:
- Chlorine
- Salt water
- Sun exposure
- Dehydration
Tans can fade much faster than normal.
A gradual tan solves this by:
✈️ Maintaining Colour Daily
Clients can apply it like a moisturiser, topping up their glow every day without overdoing it.
🌊 Preventing Patchy Fade
Because it’s hydrating and colour-building, the tan fades evenly instead of breaking up.
☀️ Keeping Skin Hydrated in Heat
Ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter help restore moisture balance and support skin elasticity, which is key for long-lasting results.
Why Spray Tan Artists Should Be Retailing This
Upselling a gradual tan isn’t just about retail - it’s about protecting your work and your reputation.
✨ Better Results = Better Reviews
Clients judge your tan based on how it lasts, not just day one.
✨ Increased Client Loyalty
When their tan lasts longer and fades better, they trust you - and rebook.
✨ Extra Revenue Stream
Retailing a product like this gives you consistent add-on income with every appointment.
✨ Positions You as an Expert
You’re not just applying tan - you’re providing a full skincare and tanning solution.
How to Recommend It to Clients
Keep it simple and confident:
“Use this daily from day 2 onwards - it’ll keep your tan even, hydrated, and lasting longer, especially on holiday.”
You can also:
- Bundle it into holiday prep packages
- Offer it as an aftercare essential
- Include it in bridal or event prep kits
The Bottom Line
A flawless spray tan doesn’t end with application - it’s maintained through the right aftercare.
By recommending a gradual tan like Lusso Tan’s Daily, you’re ensuring:
- Longer-lasting results
- Even, natural fade
- Happier, returning clients
✨ Better prep. Better aftercare. Better results. That’s what sets great spray tan artists apart.