While some people are blessed with naturally bronzed skin, the rest of us have to work for a sun-kissed glow. By now, we all know the dangers of tanning beds and the negative effects of sun damage (premature aging, dark spots, and skin cancer to name a few), so it’s important to go faux if you want a believable tan. Unfortunately, at-home formulas can occasionally lead to bronzing blunders like uneven color or streakiness. This can be problematic if happens right before a major event such as a wedding. Enter: the spray tan. It’s the best—and safest—option to get golden. However, if you’re new to the professional tanning game, it can also be seriously intimidating. Questions like When should I get? What if I hate it? are likely to run through your head. To put your mind at ease, we had experts answer all of your biggest questions about sunless tanning.
When Should I Schedule My Spray Tan?
A good rule of thumb is two days before a big event. “This will give the tan time to settle and look its natural best,” says St. Tropez Skin Finishing Expert Sophie Evans. “Also, if we need to make an area darker or do any correcting we have the opportunity.”
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Should I Do A Trial Run?
Definitely yes, especially if it’s in preparation for your wedding. This way you can see how it looks and play around with your makeup in case you need to make a few adjustments. “Do a trial two weeks before to see if the tan suits you. A patch test on the skin is also a good way,” suggests James Read, tanning expert and CEO of James Read Tan. Lots of salons offer a package deal for special occasions (such as weddings) that includes the trial tan—be sure to ask your local salon what they offer.
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How Should I Prep?
First, stop self-tanning at least five days before your spray session. “This prevents build up,” says Read. “Exfoliate over a 48-hour period before you tan to make sure any old bronzer is removed.” It also sloughs off any dead skin for a smooth finish. Book a waxing appointment or shave at least a day before as well to ensure the hair follicles have settled. Lightly exfoliate your face the day before as well. (Use this coffee + cream exfoliating soap from the Women’s Health boutique to exfoliate your whole body.)
On the day of your tan skip or remove deodorant, makeup, and lotions since these can lead to an uneven bronze. However, you can apply a little body lotion to any super-dry areas of your body like elbows, knees, hands, and feet. “These spots can go extra-dark when self-tanned,” explains Evans. A light layer helps prevent the color from settling too deeply into skin. Also, if you have very fair, bleached, or gray hair, Evans recommends applying a light layer of moisturizer around the hairline just in case a few pieces aren’t covered by the shower cap. This will prevent those areas from getting stained by stray tanner.
How Do I Determine The Right Shade?
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It can be tricky to know how to ask for the perfect shade that won’t turn you into an Oompa Loompa. “If you have a pale skin tone, ask for one fine layer. This will look natural on your skin,” advises Read. “If you have a medium or dark skin tone, go for two layers which will be much deeper in color.” Talk with your spray tanner about your desired hue as well, so they can properly advise you. This is another reason a trial tan is so helpful—it’s a good way to test out how a certain shade will look.
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What’s The Secret To Making It Last?
The key to keeping your glow gorgeous? Moisturizer, and lots of it. “Make sure your skin is moisturized daily, particularly after showering or bathing. Moisturizing before bed time is always best for dehydrated skin, your pores open up more and allow more hydration to get in,” says Evans. Another easy way to give color a boost is through gradual tanner. Try an in-shower treatment like St. Tropez’s Gradual Tan In-Shower Lotion to subtly enhance your sun-kissed hue. Also, if your tan is fading awkwardly (read: dark in some spots, lighter in others), lightly exfoliate every other day to keep its tone even.
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What Should I Do If I Hate It?
If your faux glow finish is stressing you out, there are a few ways to fix a bad tan. If the color is too dark, Read recommends sitting in the steam room at the gym for 30 minutes. “Come out, rub your skin with a towel, and the tan will come completely off—I know this since I’ve done it,” advises Read.
For dark marks or streaks, reach for baby oil. “Apply it to the darker area and leave on for 10 minutes. (This allows the exfoliation to be more effective.) Scrub the skin with an exfoliator, then buff the skin using a hot damp wash cloth,” says Evans.
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