As we pack away the beach towels, dump the sand out of our tote bags, and stuff the sandals into their autumn coffin, we can’t help but think of the one summery thing we’ll miss the most: our golden glow. Luckily, with some strategic tricks, and key products we’ve crafted the perfect plan to extend that bronze alive far into fall—here’s how to keep glowing.

Moisturize

The first way to keep your glow is to lock in the color that you’ve already got. The key: moisture. Maintain your summer skin with in the shower with a moisturizing body wash, and then follow up with lotion, lotion, and more lotion. We’re also particularly in love with body oils right now, for their moisturizing benefit, but also their summertime scents and lighter texture.

MDC Recommends: The Body Shop Shea Shower Cream; Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich Body Lotion; Kiehl’s Superbly Restorative Argan Dry Oil

Bronze

The next weapon in our golden gal arsenal is bronzer. Since we’re firm believers that a bronze appeal lasts far beyond summer, we say pull out the bronzer as much as you want this fall. Apply your product where the sun would naturally hit your face (nose, cheeks, forehead), and your end result will be subtle and sun kissed.

MDC Recommends: Urban Decay Baked Bronzer; Too Faced Endless Summer 16 Hour Long-Wear Bronzer; Lancôme Star Bronzer

Build Gradually

Since your summer tan may fade gradually as temperatures drop, why not combat the process with a gradual tanning lotion? We like the subtlety of a buildable tan, as you’ll never end up looking too oompa loompa-like when you can tailor the color to your own skin tone and preferences.

MDC Recommends: L’Oréal Sublime Glow Daily Body Moisturizer + Natural Skin Tone Enhancer; Philosophy Here Comes the Sun Age-Defense Gradual Glow Self Tanner for Face; Jergens Natural Glow Daily Firming Moisturizer

Flatter

While bronzer is an obvious choice for a natural-looking radiance, the rest of your makeup choices can also have a surprising affect your glow. Opt for colors that will flatter and draw attention to your (faux) tan, like copper or golden eyeshadow, and a peach-hued lip.

MDC Recommends: Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss in Golden Peach; Shu Uemura Pressed Eye Shadow in Metallic Bronze; Maybelline Color Whisper in Coral Ambition

Fake It

When all else fails, and the glow is gone, fake it. Exfoliate to prep your skin, whip out your favorite sunless tanner (here are some of ours), apply like a pro (thanks to this step-by-step guide), and stand back to admire your golden masterpiece.

Here’s to glowing year round! Have any tips of your own for maintaining your summer color? Leave them below in the comments, or tweet us @makeupdotcom.

Photo: Thinkstock