Spray Tan Tips

As summer creeps closer, I am full of excitement for some sunshine and hopefully some long weekends with no work. Here in the Pacific Northwest, spring has had some really chilly days making me even more ready for the warmth ahead.

While I do love basking in the sun, I now do so loaded up in sunscreen. I had many years of using tanning beds in my younger days so now I try to gain a little color on my skin in alternative ways. I’ve tried many different at home self-tanners. Some are obviously better than others and I’ll have to report my opinion on them here for you soon.

But there is one method I always come back to time and time again. Something I consistently do anytime we are going to head out on vacation and I want to look a little sun-kissed. Something I do anytime we have an event that requires me to wear a dress or something showing my legs. It’s not a necessity but it makes me feel much more confident.

The good ol’ spray tan booth at tanning salons.

It can be really intimidating if you have never tried it. If you have been curious about checking it out, read these tips and give it a try!

Go easy on the level: They will ask you what level you want and your mind will start spinning. I suggest something in the middle if it’s your first time. My natural complexion is pretty pale but I now go for a level three (the highest) only because I know how it looks on my skin and I also know I can exfoliate it off slightly if it’s too dark.

Don’t wear nice clothes to your session: Yes, it washes off so no permanent damage done. Yet I still prefer to wear comfortable clothes that I don’t mind getting tanner on – preferably something loose-fitting like joggers and a t-shirt that you can easily get back on without being too tight on your skin.

Ask the technician how to use it: Don’t go in unless you are certain you know what button to press and what position to place yourself in while in the booth. Most have pictures to refer to which is very handy and I suggest following those poses. But it’s always a good idea to get a quick tutorial from the technician.

Wear a provided hair cap: They should provide a hair cap to put over your head. Make sure your ears and your hairline are exposed. I have had many friends miss this step and then their ears are a different color as well as the edge of their forehead. Allow some of your hair to be out to ensure that doesn’t happen. It washes out so it won’t damage your hair.

Know how to use the barrier cream: This is probably the most intimidating step. The salon will provide a barrier cream to help you ensure certain areas don’t get overloaded with color. Be sure to use the cream all over your hands. All over. Not just the nails, like some might recommend. I rub it on my hands like I would any lotion which then helps my fingers to not get that streaky look. You will still end up with some color on them. I do the same on my feet. Pro tip- I also lightly dab a bit on a dark spot I have on my face to ensure the spray tan doesn’t make it even darker.

Think about what you wear in the booth: I have had times where I wore larger underwear only to then have an awkward tan line with a bathing suit I wore. Think about what you are getting the spray tan for. Is it a dress where you don’t want any bra/swimsuit top lines? I now try to wear very little to ensure limited lines.

Arrive with clean skin: If possible, shower before and do not put on any lotions. If coming from work, bring some baby wipes or something to at least remove makeup.

Don’t make plans after: Yes, there is a clear formula option that doesn’t start darkening for a few hours so technically you could go out and be fine. But my recommendation is to just go home afterwards, if you can. The spray will have a distinct scent to it that I don’t particularly care for. I just prefer to wait a few hours and then take an initial shower prior to going anywhere. For my skin, I prefer the shade that a spray tan gives me after one shower. Otherwise it’s a little too dark and over-the-top for my liking.

I hope this helps and I’d love to hear any tips you have!