You all know I am a spray tan lover, a girl that has learned her lesson the hard way and will never ever step foot in a tanning bed again… only took having to have spots surgically removed from my dermatologist after years of damaging my skin, but hey, you live and you learn, right?
Anyways, back to the issue at hand… the miracle that is a spray tan! I’m an avid fan and I partake in one weekly, just so I don’t go around scaring people looking like Casper, as I naturally have a pretty fair complexion. Having that extra bit of color makes me feel slimmer in my clothes.. yes, I know it’s all in my head, but it works people I’m telling you the truth.
Today, I’m sharing my tips and tricks for making the most of your faux glow…
First up, if you venture into a tanning salon and want to get a spray tan, ask the person working there what type of solution it is… there are so many out there and some work better than others. You can ask for clear or tinted, light, medium, or dark, and then there are options for post-hydrating treatments which act like an extra protectant to ensure a longer-lasting spray tan.
In the spring and summer, I use the dark/clear with hydration… clear so it doesn’t stain my clothes and it gradually appears over a 4-8 hour time frame. I go to Sun Tan City for anyone that has these in your city/state and I have had great experiences every time I go!
Beforehand, make sure to exfoliate your skin so you have a fresh “palette” and don’t overly moisturize your skin…sometimes that can block the spray tan and leave you looking blotchy. Next, be sure to remove your makeup. For that, I buy these Australian Gold Face Mates. Finally, I apply barrier cream (provided by STC) to my feet and hands so I don’t stain my nails, toes, and fingers… then I hop in and let the machine go to work!
After both sessions (spray tan and post-hydrating treatment), I dress (usually I attempt to wear loose fitting clothing) and then try not to get wet (i.e. take a shower) for at least 4-6 hours…which can be tricky! This is why I try to plan my spray tanning times the day before an event/party/etc. I also make sure to moisturize as much as I can so my tan sticks around and for that I use my favorite Body Drench Lotion.
Usually, my spray tan lasts a good 5-7 days and sometimes I can go a bit longer in between sessions, especially with using a good sunless tanning lotion/foam every other day or so (favorites include Jergens and the Rodan+Fields varieties).
Good luck and happy SAFE tanning!!!!
This is great advice – I had a spray tan this weekend and EVERYONE commented on my weight loss… Haha x
I've only had a few but they seriously do make you feel thinner and better about yourself! Strangely, the versa spa spray left me with a rash, but the spray at Benefit doesn't…..which is weird….but that's where I've been going when I'm in desperate need!
A group of us neighbor gals went and got spray tans on Saturday morning. The first thing I said when I was done was how I felt 5lbs lighter! Maybe it is just in our heads, but we all had a little extra confidence when we were done – time and money well spent I'd say!
I haven't had a spray tan in years! But I completely agree, I feel so much slimmer when I am tan!
I love spray tans! But I admit, I am afraid of the machines and only get the airbrushed ones. Maybe I will venture into the machines…. they are a ton cheaper.
Thanks for the tips! I've been dancing around the idea for awhile now and might just have to go check it out!
After seeing that Friends episode of Ross spray tan incident, it makes me nervous. But thanks for the tip.