New Year’s Eve is our next opportunity to drink a little fizz, eat a lot of beige, and catch up with old friends. It’s also the last opportunity to do all of that and justify it within the ‘festive celebrations’ category. Whatever your plans may be (pub, club, sofa), we’ve seen bookings for spray tans at their highest levels around this time. So, if you’re hitting the spray tan booth, here’s how to prep (and keep that colour lasting right through the celebrations).
By Rachel Spedding
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1 Exfoliate first
To make your tan last longer (and apply to a more even base), exfoliating is a must. An in-shower scrub will slough away dead skin cells settled on your body, and reveal the fresh skin beneath. I’d suggest doing so a few times in the lead up to your tan appointment, it’ll remove any lingering fake tan and leave an ideal base for tan application. You’ll also feel extra soft.
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2 Do your hair removal in advance
If you’re into the hair-removal thing, make sure it’s all done by 24 hours before your appointment. This will give your hair follicles a chance to settle down, and prevent that speckled-situation that can often arise post-tan. That’s your tan seeping into the pores, FYI. Follow with a rich moisturiser focused on the dry bits (like elbows and knees).
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3 Have a shower before you go
But, avoid washing with oil-based products. This doesn’t mix well with spray tan formula, and can leave a lingering residue on the skin that will interfere with tan development. The same goes post-tan FYI, oil can strip the colour.
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4 Remove all your makeup
Time to fresh-face it. Your therapist will be able to offer cleansing wipes to remove any makeup, but save a little time and head to the salon foundation-free. Wipe under the arms too, deodorant residue might leave its mark on your shiny, new tan. Scrub, scrub.
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5 Choose your accessories wisely
Alright, this one could sting – flip flops are my top suggestion. Or a pair of those fluffy sandals you’ve probably ‘borrowed’ from a previous spa trip. This will stop the tan rubbing off courtesy of your Stan Smiths. Same goes with your bag choice – a cross-body strap may rub at the top level tan colour. Clutch bag, your time is now.
FAQs
How do you prepare your skin before a spray tan?
Exfoliate your skin a few times before your spray tan appointment to remove dead skin cells and old fake tan. This creates a smooth, even base and helps the colour last through festive celebrations. You’ll also notice your skin feels extra soft.
When should you do hair removal before a spray tan?
Complete all hair removal at least 24 hours before your spray tan appointment. This gives your hair follicles time to settle and prevents the tan from seeping into your pores, avoiding a speckled appearance. Always follow up with a moisturiser on dry areas like elbows and knees.
What should you avoid using before a spray tan appointment?
Skip any oil-based shower products before getting your spray tan. Oil can interfere with the spray tan formula, leaving a residue that makes it harder for the colour to develop evenly. The same goes after your tan—using oil can strip away the colour.
Why should you remove makeup and deodorant before a spray tan?
Arriving with a clean, makeup-free face ensures the spray tan applies smoothly and evenly. Deodorant residue can also affect how the tan develops on your skin, so it’s best to wipe under your arms as well.
What should you wear to your spray tan appointment?
Wear flip flops or soft sandals to your spray tan appointment to avoid rubbing off the colour. Choose a clutch bag instead of a cross-body strap to keep your tan looking flawless, since straps may rub and affect the top-layer colour.