Alix Earle’s star power isn’t the only thing we’re noticing on this season of Dancing With the Stars. If you’ve been wondering how the social-media sensation stays so naturally bronzed while twirling under the spotlight, we have answers.
Celebrity spray tan artist Isabel Alysa is the glow guru behind Earle’s on-screen radiance, along with The Bachelorette‘s Taylor Frankie Paul, and the brand tells NewBeauty that both women swear by the same at-home self-tanner: Alysa’s very own Dolce Glow’s Self-Tanning Mist.
What makes the formula special, aside from the believable, streak-free glow, is the list of hydrating, anti-aging ingredients in every bottle that keep skin looking moisturized, not patchy. (Think actives like hyaluronic acid, Australian macadamia oil, vitamin C–rich goji berry extract and Bulgarian rose oil, to name a few.)
Unsurprisingly, the self-tanner has quickly become a cult favorite among Hollywood’s most glow-obsessed. Alysa’s client roster reads like a red carpet guest list: Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, Demi Lovato, Becky G, and the entire Kardashian-Jenner clan have all been bronzed by her. Cyrus is such a fan, she’s now an investor in the company. (Alysa has also been the go-to tanning expert for Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Dorit Kemsley for years.)
So how do you get that flawless glow without having a celebrity spray tan artist on speed dial? Alysa shared her top tips (and mistakes to avoid) when self-tanning at home:
Self-Tanning Dos:
- Prep your skin at least 24 hours before your tan. That’s when you should shave and exfoliate.
- Wear loose, dark clothing post-tan. Alysa recommends a long-sleeve top and pants—skip the summer dress to avoid skin-to-skin contact, which can cause uneven patches.
- Moisturize the day before, not the day of. Hydrated skin helps the tan develop evenly.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking water and moisturizing after your first rinse helps your tan last longer.
- Trust the process. The tan takes 24–48 hours to fully develop, so plan your appointment two days before your event.
- Use a gradual tanner to extend your glow. Dolce Glow’s formulas are packed with hydrating ingredients to keep your bronze smooth and streak-free.
Self-Tanning Don’ts:
- Don’t shave right before your appointment. Razor residue is the number-one cause of streaks.
- Don’t show up with freshly moisturized skin. It creates a barrier that can block the tanning solution.
- Don’t work out right after. Sweat and water will interfere with the tan’s development.
- Don’t book a mani-pedi post-tan. Do all beauty treatments beforehand. If you must, opt for a dry treatment to avoid fading.
