Don’t let all that sunbathing go to waste.

Just returned from a month on the Amalfi Coast and not quite ready to return to reality? Well, too bad – your boss just called and it’s time to trade the Italian sun for a set of fluorescent tube lamps. But if you want to hang on to that Sofia Loren-level glow in memory of your summer travels, here a few helpful tips on how to keep a tan.

How to Keep a Tan

Stay Wet

And by that, we mean hydrate the heck out of things – chug water like it’s going out of style and slather on the moisturizer if you want your tan to live.

Stay Cool

Now is not the time for long hot bubble baths – the heat can strip your skin of moisture (and color!). It’s still scorching out, so a cool shower will do you and your tan some good. Also, opt for a rich shower cream or oil instead of anything soap-related.

Exfoliate

Though it may seem counterintuitive, a gentle exfoliation is important to extending the life of your tan. Dead skin cells can act like a wet blanket on your bronzed glow, and make skin look dull. A dry body brush is your best bet to slough them off without scrubbing away color. As a matter of fact, LUNA mini 3 is the ideal device for gentle exfoliation. This outstanding beauty-tech comes with 12 adjustable intensities – to make sure you find the perfect fit for your skin.

Let Your (Body) Hair Down

Shaving, waxing and depilatory creams remove the top layer of skin, and take your tan with it. Avoid hair removal as long as possible.

Wear White

Optical illusions, anyone? White clothes make your tan look deeper and more prominent. Luckily for any fashion rule followers, you’ve still got a bit of time before the Labor Day cut-off.

Fake it ‘Til You Make It

If all else fails, reach for the self-tanner. A real tan makes for a solid foundation, and you’re less likely to see those dreaded orange streaks when your skin is already sunkissed. Try this one from Tan Luxe, or this one from Josie Maran for a glow so gorgeous you’ll almost forget you’re not still on vacation.