Whether it’s legs out weather or the dead of winter, there’s something about having glowy bronzed skin that immediately makes you feel better. Haven’t got a trip to mediterranean planned anytime soon? Fret not. A spray tan will have even your closest friends fooled that you’ve been sunning yourself in the South of France!
What to expect from a spray tan?
So how does it work? If you’re a little prude and don’t fancy getting your kit off in front of a stranger, most tanning salons have a booth, which uses automatic nozzles on a timer to evenly spray your body from front to back. Drying almost instantly, it’s a tried and tested way to achieve a fake tan in under 5 minutes, though like most other spray tans, will slowly develop over 6-8 hours, so it’s always best to have yours a day or two before your event to let the chemicals set.
If you want something a bit more thorough, spray tans can also be performed by a therapist, using a handheld triggered spray bottle. For this treatment, you simply step into pop-up ‘tent’ (that can be erected just about anywhere) and let your therapist work their magic. Depending on whether you mind a tan line or two, you will in most cases be asked to strip down naked, and be given a disposable thong to protect your modesty. You can of course go completely naked - the choice is yours! This technique is often the preferred choice for seasoned fake tanners, as your therapist will be able to ensure no areas are missed and you have a perfectly even full body tan. You are also able to request for a deeper shade if desired.
Perfect if you’re prepping for an event [...] a spray tan is designed to temporarily deepen your skin tone, evenly covering your body in a tanning mist that quickly absorbs into your skin leaving you with a healthy bronzed glow from head to toe.
For best results
When booking in for a spray tan, there are a few key ways to prep your skin in order to keep your tan fresh and even for as long as possible. Be sure to shower and exfoliate your whole body the morning of, using a mitt to focus especially on the thicker skin around your wrists, elbows and ankles. This will ensure there is no residual build up, which can result in the dreaded tangerine stains affiliated with a spray tan. Do not apply any product to your skin, as this can interfere with the ingredients of the tanning solution. Most importantly, when the spray tan is over, be sure to wait to shower until the next day, as this will allow the tan optimal time to set into your skin. Quick, easy and completely painless, the only downside of a spray tan is a slightly sharp scent, so best to stay indoors the evening of, before the big reveal!
Good to know
Depending on how often you shower, a good spray tan should last up to five days - to keep it for as long as possible, avoid shaving and exfoliation as this will remove the top layers of skin that your tan is sitting on. Ideal for every skin tone, a spray tan is a safe and easy way to get that ‘just came back from holiday’ glow without having to catch an aeroplane!
