While we're avid SPF fanatics here on the Cosmo beauty team, even we can admit there are times when we've juuust missed a spot with our suncream (armpits, anyone?). We can't dwell on the past, but we can help remedy the situation with an ultra soothing after sun lotion.
Does anything feel quite as good as a cooling gel on scorched skin? We think not. These clever balms, creams and gels help to soothe sun burn, moisturise dryness, stop peeling and prolong your tan. I know, it sounds almost too good to be true.
We've tried and tested the best after sun lotions for that post-sun cool down. Whether you want an after sun with aloe vera to calm sunburn, or a formula with a touch of fake tan to guarantee that glow sticks around, we've got 'em all.
It goes without saying that sun safety comes first, so many sure you're investing in a hard-working SPF before hitting the beach, and if in doubt, be sure to hit up our top tips for getting a safe, sexy tan this summer.
This skin saving balm is jam-packed with top hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter and watermelon, to help aid skin on its sun burn recovery journey.
The moisturising formula is ultra creamy, and as a result, will help keep your tan around for longer, too.
2
Lancaster Golden Tan Maximizer After Sun Lotion
Let's be honest, when it comes to the sun, all we're after it a hit of Vitamin D and some bronzed limbs.
This claims to keep your tan going for a month after you've left the beach and aims to develop an enviable golden hue, thanks to its 'tan activating' formula, designed to intensify melanin production.
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Looking to treat your skin to something luxe? Look no further. This number can be applied to face and body, to help refresh parched skin.
We love the velvety finish that left skin feeling silky-smooth, as well as the scent, which leaves you smelling so good, you can skip the perfume step.
4
Bioderma Photoderm After-Sun Soothing Cream
£13 at LookFantastic£49 at beautyexpert.com£15 at Amazon
This lightweight milky lotion instantly cools to give inflamed skin a breather. Hot patches are relieved from soreness and irritation, and are instead left feeling moisturised. Trust us, your sensitised skin will thank you.
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An expert skin soother, this contains thirst-quenching jojoba oil and the brand’s signature refreshing Thermal Spring Water, to help chill out stressed skin and leave you with a restored skin barrier.
If that wasn't enough, the tube is made of 100% recycled or recyclable plastic, so you don't have to cause any more damage to yourself or the environment.
6
Sun Bum Cool Down After Sun Spray
£30.46 at Amazon
Can't be bothered with the faff of moisturising post-shower? We get it. You just used all your energy playing Mermaids in the pool, right? Same. This spray takes all the faff away and delivers its cooling, soothing formula in one quick spritz.
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7
Garnier Ambre Solaire After Sun Hydrating Tan Maintainer
£12 at Boots£3.49 at Sephora£15.99 at Amazon
As multipurpose as it gets, this tube can be used to prep skin before sun exposure to allow for an even tan, as a post-sun refresher and as a tan prolonger, for when those holiday blues set in.
It contains a lowkey amount of self-tan to help subtly add some glow. Skin is left softer and more supple as a result. The best part? It's only a fiver. Total bargain.
Fans of this stunning Rituals range will know just how swoon-worthy the scent is, so engulfing our post-poolside bodies in it gives pure spa vibes as you zen out on your hotel bed.
Aside from the scent, the formula contains the brand's Hydra-Boost Complex which combines aloe vera with the likes of squalane to top up lost moisture and cool the skin.
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This gel absorbs so fast so if you hate that sticky feeling that has you fanning yourself before popping on your evening attire, you don't have to worry.
It's perfect for sensitive skin (hi, me) and gives 24 hour moisture and repair.
If you haven't heard about Caudalie's antioxidant-rich grape water through the grapevine (sorry, had to), this lotion is a great place to start.
Filled to the brim with aloe vera, coconut oil and their signature grape water, this applies velvety-smooth to skin and helps to prevent any irritation post-sunbathe.
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11
La Roche-Posay Posthelios Soothing After Sun Melt-in Gel
£15.50 at LookFantastic£30 at Amazon£20 at beautyexpert.com
La Roche-Posay is famous for lending a helping hand when skin is crying out for help, and this melting jelly is no different.
It's designed to cater to the most sensitive of skin types and hydrate-away any irritation or dryness, thanks to the shea butter and glycerin blend.
Ok hear me out because yes, oil as an after sun feels rogue but if you, like me, get a lil flaky on holiday then I implore you to layer this on top of your moisturiser before bed.
Your skin will remain supple, soft and hydrated and be all glowy from the sun. All the wins.
Keeks Reid
Beauty Director
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
Charlotte Bitmead
Former Senior Beauty Writer
Charlotte Bitmead (she/her) is the Senior Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. She has over six years experience writing about beauty and has previously written for ELLE and The Sunday Times Style, covering everything from politics to sustainability to inclusivity within the beauty industry. When she’s not writing in-depth features, testing out the newest skincare fad or trying to decide what nail art to get, you can find her overspending in bookshops or shouting at Arsenal matches. Find her on LinkedIn
