How to get the perfect spray tan glow before your wedding day

By Falen Whipple

Celebrity Spray Tan Artist and Owner at VALET TAN Miami

There is absolutely a routine that you need to follow in order to get the perfect spray tan glow before your wedding day. I will give you the tips I give to all my brides and bridal party guests before the big day. You’re going to be in photos, so you’re going to want to make sure it is perfect, and the color is natural.

1. You should definitely book a trial tan. Don’t skip this step to save money or because you don’t think you need it. The only reason you shouldn’t need it is if you’ve been going to the same spray tan artist for a while, and you two have already figured out the perfect solution and shower time for your skin type. You should do the trial tan at least 2-3 weeks before your actual wedding. That way, the tan will be fully removed from our skin, and you’ll have fresh, clean skin ready for a new application with no build-up. This will also allow you to see what day you like your spray tan results the best and can schedule your spray tan wedding appointment accordingly. For example, if you like your spray tan best on day 2, book your spray tan two days before the wedding day. This will allow you to be tan for your rehearsal dinner the day before, as well! Bonus! If you want to experiment with different solutions, I would recommend doing a trial a month in advance to see which solution you like the best.
   
   
2. Exfoliate! It’s one of the most important steps. Exfoliation should be done at least the day prior to your spray tan. Never the day of! Your skin needs time to go back to its natural state of PH level. The pores need to close, and your skin needs to be dry before your spray tan appointment. Spray tans attach it’s self to the dead skin cells and reacts with the amino acids in your skin to begin the development process. That’s why it’s best to get the old stuff off and make room for fresh dead skin. So gross, but so true. Do not exfoliate with a loofah, it doesn’t do anything. You need to use an exfoliation glove. If you haven’t tried dry brushing yet, you’re missing out! That’s a whole new topic to discuss!
   
   
3. Do not shower right before your spray tan appointment. You should shower at least a few hours prior. For the same reason, you don’t want to exfoliate directly before you come in. Your tan won’t last, and chances are it won’t look as flawless. When you shower before your spray tan, try not to use any DOVE products. Make sure you rinse really thoroughly. The last thing you want is soap residue to block the spray tan from developing, and you end up with streaks down your legs and arms. Believe me, we’ve seen it all. RINSE very, very well. You want to use soap with no parabens, no mineral oils, no sulfate, no alcohol.
   
   
4. Waxing, Nails, and shaving should be done at least 24 hours before a spray tan session. Always! The technician should apply barrier cream to your nails and dry spots like elbows, knees, and tops of the toes to ensure a flawless application. The technician should also clean your palms, nails, ear lobes, and toenails post spray tan application.
   
   
5. I recommend going lighter on the face. Chances are you would have hired a makeup artist, and she will be able to match your skin with makeup and make it look as natural and beautiful as you like. It’s much easier for her to make the skin to look darker, not lighter. It will look caked up and fake. So, for the face, less is more! Your makeup artist will love you if you follow this important rule.
   
   
6. Avoid going in the sun right before a spray tan appointment or a tanning bed. You do not want to have red or sunburned undertones or peeling skin. That will make for a disaster of the final result. Have faith in your spray tan artist, find a good one, and you won’t need the sun or a tanning bed. Not to mention, it’s horrible for your skin.
   
   
7. Don’t overspray your hands or your feet. Your photographer is most likely going to be taking photos of your rings on your hands or fancy heels. The last thing you want is orange or splotchy, unnatural looking hands. After you get your spray tan, take it easy with soaps and hand sanitizer. These will strip the tan on your hands so fast. Use lotion and keep them moisturized. Avoid wearing sneakers and socks. This will cause your feet to sweat and could potentially make the spray tan come off weird and uneven. When you spray tan your hands, you should make a claw-like movement and allow the technician to get in between all the nooks and crannies, and she can use a blending brush to make sure it’s all nice and even.
   
   
8. Avoid saunas, pools, and massages with oils. This will make your tan fade fast, and you won’t have much left for your wedding day. Even the beach is risky because the sand can act as an exfoliator, and you’re going to be sweating. I recommend renting a cabana and staying in the shade. Sip on some champagne and save the swimming for after your wedding day.
   
   
9. You should definitely be using a setting powder after your appointment and even get some to go home with you. It will be your best friend for sticky and sweaty situations. You can put it in your socks if you absolutely find yourself needing to wear socks. You can put it under your breasts and inside the cleavage area if you have to go to the gym. You should really be avoiding wearing a bra right after your appointment and definitely not a tight sports bra until after your wedding. Those can cause uneven fading in the sweaty areas. Especially with friction.
   
   
10. Wear loose, dark clothing like a cotton dress with no tight straps and no cinched waists. A big baggy T-shirt and loose cotton shorts are great too. Open toe shoes like flip flops are a must. Don’t even think about wearing tight boots, yoga pants, a bra or tight dress. 
    
    
11. Stay hydrated. Drink a lot of water. Your skin will glow and won’t dry out. Your tan will last longer as well.
    
    
12. Moisturize daily, ask your technician for specific lotion and body wash to maintain your spray tan. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer.
    
    
13. Take warm showers, not hot showers. Hot showers dry your skin out and create dead skin cells to start shedding. This is a great way to see your tan fade fast and can even cause orange hues. When you rinse after your first spray tan, do not use any soap during that first shower; no lotion after. Just rinse 3-5 minutes, and dab dry, do not rub dry. You can use soap and lotion (approved by your tech) during/after your second shower. 
    
    
14. You should sleep in long pants, t-shirt, and socks, so you don’t transfer product from skin to skin contact if you’re doing an overnight spray tan. 
    
    
15. To get an old tan off, soak in a hot bath for 15 minutes, use baking soda and lemon juice as a scrub. Use your exfoliation mitt and a salt or sugar scrub. Some scrubs work better on certain skin tones than others.
    
    
16. Final Tip: Your husband should spray tan too! Why? So you guys match in photos! Men need to glow also. So don’t forget about the groom!
    
    
17. Have fun, and don’t stress. Prepare yourself, follow your instructions, do your research for a good spray tan artist, and everything will be amazing!

Let me know if these tips on how to get that perfect spray tan glow before your wedding day have helped you, in the comments below.
Check Valet Tan Miami listing, other awesome vendors and more tips, tricks, and advice on our website.

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