If someone had told us five years ago we'd be lining up to stand in the buff while a stranger with a spray gun hit us with faux tan, we'd probably have shook our heads and laughed.
Now? It's such common practice, we schedule spray tans into our weekly beauty routines for an all-year glow. Here are our top tips for getting a spray tan ...
- Plan ahead. Which day do you want to look most gorgeous? Book your spray tan for the day or two before this.
- Always make sure your skin is exfoliated. If you haven't exfoliated your body for a while, do it every couple of days in the lead up to your spray tan. Concentrate on areas such as knees, feet, elbows and ankles. Try Garnier Skin Naturals BodyTonic Sugar Scrub, $11.99
- If possible, have a shower before your spray tan appointment You need to remove moisturiser, deodorant and, ew, sweat.
- Timing can be tricky. If you have your spray tan in the morning, you risk smelling like fake tan for the rest of the day (while you also go deodorant free). Afternoon tan? Well, you might not have time to leave the office and have a shower first. Our tip: Make an afternoon appointment, and if there's no time for a shower, wipe yourself over with a cleansing wipe first.
- Wear lose, dark clothing to your appointment — even go sans bra if you can. Don't wear anything you'd want to risk fake tan ending up on. Remember to take thongs — slipping strappy heels straight back on will only cause patchiness on your feet.
- Don't be shy. Spray tanners have seen it all; from drag queens to grandmas in the nude. The less you wear, the better the results. If you feel more comfortable wearing your underwear, go ahead. Otherwise take advantage of the paper panties some beauty salons provide.
- Keep it quiet. There's no point forking out $$$ if you're going to head straight to the gym or out on the town within four to eight ours of your tan. You'll just sweat and your colour will either come off or become patchy.
- Wait at least eight hours before washing. And remember: it's normal for some colour to come off when you first shower. Keep your water temperature at cool to warm and don't scrub your skin. Instead, gently wash your body (without a loofah) and when drying, pat your skin rather than rub it.
- Keep your body moisturised over the next seven days. You can't stop the natural cycle of shedding skin cells, but you can keep your skin hydrated so that patchiness is reduced as your tan fades.
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