As summer heads towards the finish line and days are growing shorter, is there anything more depressing than sun-kissed skin turning back to its natural shade?

The good news is cooler weather doesn’t necessarily mean compromising your complexion. If you’re hell-bent on preserving your tan, follow these simple steps to keeping your glow.

Exfoliate

While you may think that scrubbing away the dead (and seemingly bronzed) skin cells would fade your tan faster, it’s actually these dead skin cells that make your skin look drab. So scrub away for lasting luminosity.

Luminize

Light-reflecting lotions instantly brighten (and seemingly darken) any tan, no matter how light it may be. Highlight the bridge of your nose and the highest point of your cheekbones further with luminizing powders or luminizing creams.

Cool Showers

Hot baths can dehydrate your skin, leading to faster peeling. Stick to cool showers and use a moisturizing shower oil to really lock-down your color.

Eat Beta-Carotenes

A diet rich in beta-carotenes (a type of red-orange pigment) can recreate the glow of sun-kissed skin from within. We all know about how carrots help out here, but don’t snooze on sweet potatoes, apricots, mangoes and especially carrots.

Fake It!

When all else fails, look into sunless tan options (and in all honesty, we know by now this is your safest bet). Using a daily self-tanner will ensure your beautiful glow looks prolonged and natural, not fake and orange. For your face, add a drop of self-tanner to your favorite foundation or facial cream.