Everyone likes to look their best, especially in summer time when our calendar is packed with weekends away and days out. One of the best ways to give yourself an instant boost is to have a good quality spray tan. This is much safer than exposing your skin to harmful UV rays, and modern products can give you a very natural looking sun-kissed glow.
Long gone are the days when fake tans made you look blotchy, streaky, and slightly orange. With the right preparation, you can get a flawless finish that complements your natural skin tone. If you have never had a professional salon tan before, here’s some tips on what to expect and how to get the most out of your experience.
Prepare you skin first
For the best results,
exfoliate your skin
to remove dead cells and smooth out any rough areas. This will ensure that your tan goes on evenly and has a flawless finish. If you choose to remove your body hair, wax or shave at least one day before so that the tanning solution can soak straight into your skin rather than coating the hairs.
Protect your nails with a clear coat of varnish to prevent them from being stained. Remember not to wear foundation on the day of your appointment, as this will prevent the tanning lotion from being absorbed on your face. The same goes for body lotion or other products: these will act as a barrier on your skin.
If necessary the salon should be able to provide you with a cleanser or wipes to remove any other products such as deodorant that you might have applied to your skin.
Tie long hair up and remove all jewellery
To avoid getting any lotion in your hair and having missed patches around your face and upper body area, tie back long hair as neatly as possible. Remember to remove all your jewellery beforehand.
During your tan
Your therapist will provide you with disposable underwear should you wish to wear it, and give instructions on how to stand. They should also consult you about how deep you want the tan to look. It’s best to choose a shade that complements your natural colouring, rather than going several shades darker in one go.
After your tan
It’s best to wear loose dark coloured clothing to your appointment to avoid the possibility of the tanning rubbing off and spoiling the finish, as well as your outfit. Remember that this applies to footwear too—pumps or sandals are best to avoid any marks around your ankles.
If rain is forecast, take an umbrella to keep yourself completely dry and avoid the possibility of the tan running and leaving streak marks.
Depending on the brand of tanning lotion used, you may be advised to wait 6-8 hours before showering. If you choose to go to bed before showering, wear long sleeves or protect your bed sheets with towels.
The next day you can enjoy looking healthy and naturally kissed!