Paper knickers and disposable shower caps may not be the most glamorous treatment accoutrements, but if the pay-off is an almost instant transformation from ghostly pale to golden goddess, we think they’re worth enduring. As well as disguising a multitude of imperfections (we know of no better way to diminish the appearance of cellulite than with a layer of café au lait colour) and giving you instant abs (ask your tanner to get creative with the contouring next time), a spray-tan is the fastest way to boost body confidence and make you walk a little taller. So far, so good, but what happens after you step out of the booth? To banish unsightly streaks and post-tanning patchiness for good, and to maintain that gorgeous tawny tint long after it’s been applied, read on. This is some essential summer reading you won’t want to miss…
By Georgia Day
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1 Preparation is key to longevity…
Although you might not realise it, the length of your spray tan relies almost entirely on how well you prep for it beforehand. Applying fake tan to dull skin (caused by a build up of dead cells) will only result in a patchy, uneven finish, so take time to exfoliate thoroughly to ensure your skin is soft and smooth. As fake tan tends to cluster on very dry areas (that’s elbows, knees and heels especially) pay close attention to those hotspots, going over them with extra scrub if necessary. Waxing is a big no-no after you’ve been sprayed, as it will pull the colour right off, so if you plan on tending to your bikini line or underarms as part of your pre-holiday pampering package, you’ll need to do this ahead of your tan.
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2 Obey the tan commandments…
Once you’re prepped for your full body bronzing, there are a few simple rules that will make all the difference when it comes to enjoying a long-lasting glow. While you may feel like you want to show off your caramel complexion as soon as you’ve stepped out of the booth, try to resist – this is crucial development time when the colour is still settling. ‘I always advise wearing loose, dark clothing afterwards’, says Jules Heptonstall, St Tropez’s Tanning & Skin Finishing Expert. ‘You don’t want clothes that cling to your tan or that make you feel hot, as sweat can affect the end result. Flip-flops are ideal too, as they won’t rub it off.’ Just as tight clothes (and wearing fragrance, deodorant or make-up right away) will compromise the finish of your tan, avoid swimming immediately afterwards (the chlorine will cause it to disintegrate instantly) and wait around 8 hours – the time it usually takes to develop – until you shower. Even then you need to tread carefully; James advises keeping skin clean with a shower cream rather than a gel (which can be too drying and strip the colour) and finally, making sure you pat the skin dry afterwards, rather than rubbing it. Once your tan has developed, the golden rule to keep your colour in tact is simple: ‘The trick to tan maintenance is to moisturise, moisturise, moisturise’ says James, but he warns, be careful what you use. ‘Avoid anything oil-based, as it breaks down self-tan’. Instead use an oil-free moisturiser such as St.Tropez Tan Enhancing Moisturiser RRP £10 (which hydrates with aloe vera instead) and slather on generously morning and evening to prevent skin from drying out.
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3 Just fade away…
Although it might sound counterintuitive, gentle exfoliation every couple of days will not only help sustain an even finish and keep your colour fresh, it will also encourage a natural fade, says Jules. Thanks to an unpredictable UK summer, the chances are you’ll want to book in for your next appointment before your tan has even begun to wane, and although it’s tempting to simply apply new colour on top of old colour, it’s not a great idea: ‘Leave at least a week in between tanning sessions to ensure the previous layer has faded. For the best results always try to ensure any leftover remnants have been removed [before you reapply]’. If you really can’t bear to go bare, there are other, more temporary options that will offer a respite from a pasty pallor but without causing a residual build-up of colour. ‘St.Tropez Instant Tan Wash Off Face and Body Lotion (Light/Medium) (Medium/Dark) RRP £10, will give you colour for a day like make-up, but without overloading your skin', recommends Jules. Now that sounds like a strong tan plan to us…