Oh, the decisions we have to make in life. But this one’s important – is a fake tan best sourced from a bottle or a salon? Luckily you don’t need to hop on a flight to the Bahamas if you’re after a golden glow for yourself (although we wouldn’t say no).
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1 Bottle tan pro: it's wallet-friendly
Bottle tans come with a wide range of price-tags – from cheap and cheerful Rimmel to splurge-worthy St Tropez. There's something for everybody, from gradual-tanning lotions and quick-drying formulas as well as lightweight mousses and sprays for hard-to-reach areas. If you're a self tan newbie it's worth experimenting with a few to see what works best for you.
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2 Bottle tan con: it can be tricky to apply
Like everything, practice makes perfect. Whether this is your first (or twenty-third) time self-tanning, it takes skill and patience to totally nail it. As highly skilled as, say, figuring out what all your smart TV's remotes actually do. That said, if you're careful, it's not likely to be a disaster – and there's always YouTube if you're struggling.
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3 Spray tan pro: minimum effort required
Putting yourself in the hands of a professional pretty much guarantees a flawless finish – especially on hard to reach areas like your back. Unless you can talk your partner or flatmate into donning the tanning mitt – and of course you'll need to trust them enough to leave your golden glow in their hands. Nipping into the salon for a spray tan also means someone else is on clean-up duty.
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4 Spray tan con: it can be a ~tiny~ bit awkward
Getting naked with a stranger might not be the most comfortable experience, but spray tan therapists totally get it. The vast majority know exactly how to make you feel as relaxed as possible – yep, even while you're wearing a paper thong. Anyway, a few seconds of awkwardness is definitely worth it for 5–10 days of golden, glowing skin.
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5 And the winner is...
We might be biased, but we'd go for a spray tan in a salon over DIY in the bathroom. The risk of turning up to work looking streaky is too much to handle. But if you're a self-tanning pro, we're in awe – and we say go for it.
With Treatwell, you can book beauty online at all your favourite salons – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go. Discover amazing salons in your area.
FAQs
How long does a spray tan last on your skin?
A professional spray tan gives you golden, glowing skin for 5–10 days. The longevity depends on your skin type and how well you maintain your tan, but you can expect a lasting sun-kissed glow without the need for frequent touch-ups.
What are the main benefits of getting a spray tan at a salon?
Getting a spray tan at a salon requires minimum effort from you and almost guarantees a flawless finish. Professionals can reach tricky areas like your back, and you won’t have to worry about messy clean-up after your appointment.
Is self-tanning from a bottle difficult to apply evenly?
Applying self-tan from a bottle can be tricky, especially for beginners. It takes patience and some practice to achieve an even result, but with careful application and trying different formulas, you can find what works best for you.
Why might someone feel awkward during a spray tan session?
Some people feel a bit awkward because getting a spray tan often requires wearing minimal clothing around a stranger. Most spray tan therapists are experienced at putting clients at ease and will make you feel comfortable, even if you’re wearing a paper thong for the treatment.
What types of self-tanning products can you find in stores?
You can choose from a wide range of self-tanning products, including gradual-tanning lotions, quick-drying formulas, lightweight mousses and sprays. Options vary from budget buys to premium brands like Rimmel or St Tropez, catering to everyone from beginners to experienced self-tanners.