It seems as though, despite all our best efforts, summer always sneaks up on us. One day it’s gloomy sweater weather and the next it’s hot, sunny, and everyone’s going to the beach.
As a native Californian, I understand the need to be bikini-ready at all times {90 degree weeks in January seem to be the new norm for LA!} The best trick for looking bikini-ready in a crunch {even if you haven’t been to the gym in months} is a bronzed body. The safest way to get the bronzed look? Spray tan!
I got my first spray tan over a decade ago and have been a devotee ever since! As a veteran spray tanner, I know all the tricks to make those 60 seconds in the booth the least stressful and most successful. Enjoy!
7 Steps to a Perfect Spray Tan:
1. Obviously, it’s exfoliate.
My tip: Don’t use an oily exfoliant—it can leave a filmy residue that can affect how the spray tan bonds with your skin. A simple loofah and an organic, water-based body wash are all you need!
2. Shower before, but NOT right before.
Everyone always told me to shower and exfoliate before I spray tanned, which I always did. Then I started to realize that the tan came out a lot better when there was a large space of time between my shower and my tan. Why? I’d imagine that my freshly-washed skin was well-hydrated and thus less ready to absorb the tanner.
My tip: If your tan is in the morning, shower and exfoliate the night before a tan. For a late afternoon/evening tan, shower first thing in the morning.
3. Post-shower moisturizer should be used with caution!
I, for one, cannot shower and skip moisturizer—my skin is too dry. But I have to be careful that whatever moisturizer I choose, will not interfere with the tan. What’s the best choice?
My tip: Use a water-based, gradual tanning lotion {I like Nature’s Gate Glow Lotion, $12.99}. The lotion already has the self-tanning agents in it, so you know its ingredients won’t interfere with the absorption of your spray tan.
4. Don’t wear deodorant/antiperspirant.
5. Use the barrier cream wisely.
The number one complaint I hear from amateur spray-tanners is that they hate how tan their hands and feet look. The fix is simple—use the barrier cream they provide you with and use it correctly!
My tip: pump the barrier cream into your palm {about the size of a quarter} and rub your hands together then rub the tops, sides, and back of your feet with the cream. The idea here is to create a thin barrier on the feet and then to apply more to extra dry spots {heels, ankles, etc.} Also, make sure to put a tiny bit on your knees, tops of your hands, and cuticles.
6. Towel off from your feet up. Use the paper towels for your hairline.
My tip: Don’t rub! Towel off starting with your feet by lightly blotting the skin. I use the paper towels to clean off my feet and hands {I don’t want to risk spreading around that barrier cream!} and to clean my hairline.
7. Don’t shower, sweat, or wear a bra.
My tip: Wear a bandeau bra top or just a cami and stretchy undies {like Hanky Pankys}—avoid tight fitting or strappy undergarments as they can rub away the tan. Don’t shower for as long as possible {the active ingredients will continue to tan you for up to 24 hours, so although the most tanning occurs within the first 6 hours, every hour you can wait will only improve your tan}!
Find a mistake? The BEST way to fix an error or badly tanned spot is NOT to scrub your skin raw in the shower. Take a shower as you normally would and then upon exiting the shower use a clean, dry {and dark colored! } wash cloth to rub your still shower-moist skin. Trust me, this works!
Still have questions? Need help? Comment below for other readers’ feedback and click on the image below to print out a quick guide to take with you the day of.
PRINT THIS!
