Franklin Dean
Getting a spray tan before your wedding can be a great way to highlight your gown, even out your skin tone, and make your bridal makeup pop. However, it's important to get the timing just right to avoid looking like an orange Oompa Loompa on your big day. So, how long before your wedding should you get a spray tan?
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What You'll Learn
Trial runs
If it is your first time getting a spray tan, it is highly recommended to do a few test runs with your spray tan technician. This will allow you to make adjustments to the colour and application level. You should schedule a test run a few days before your makeup trial, so your makeup artist knows what they are working with.
It is important to do your research and choose a reputable salon. You should communicate your desired outcome clearly, and ask any questions you have. You can work with your spray tan artist to perfect your colour and address any concerns you have before the wedding.
The preparation for your wedding spray tan starts long before you step foot into the salon. You should find the right spray tan artist, and someone who can customise your colour to your unique skin tone. You should ask to see pictures of their work, how long they have been spraying, and whether they have a professional reputation.
You should also prepare your skin before your spray tan. It is recommended to start exfoliating and hair removal a week before the wedding. You should wait 24 hours in between waxing and any self-tan application. Before your spray tan session, it is best to avoid wearing makeup, jewellery, moisturiser, body oils, fragrances, deodorant, or perfume. These products can create a barrier on the skin and affect the absorption of the spray tan solution.
The timing of your trial spray tan depends on your preference and schedule, but you could get it as far in advance as a month or as close as two weeks to the wedding date.
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Prep work
The key to achieving a flawless spray tan for your wedding is to do your research, choose a reputable salon, and communicate your desired outcome clearly. If you plan to go to a salon, it is important to find someone who can customize your colour to your unique skin tone. If you're going the DIY route, your final tan should be applied no more than two days before the wedding.
If this is your first time getting a spray tan, consider doing a few test runs with your spray tan technician beforehand. This will give you room in the wedding beauty timeline to make any adjustments to the colour and application level. You should also make sure to schedule a test run a few days before your makeup trial so that your makeup artist knows what they're working with.
- Start exfoliating your skin and completing your hair removal a week before the wedding.
- Wait 24 hours in between waxing and any self-tan application.
- Prior to self-tan application, remove all products like deodorant, makeup, and perfume to ensure you have clean, smooth skin for the solution to stick to.
- Avoid applying any moisturisers, body oils, or fragrances on the day of your appointment.
- Shower 24 hours after your spray tan, using lukewarm or cold water, and gently rinse off excess bronzer.
- Avoid exfoliating until you're ready for your tan to fade.
- Use a tinted body lotion or cosmetic bronzer on parts of your skin that will be exposed.
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Aftercare
Clothing
After your spray tan, wear loose-fitting clothing to prevent the tan from rubbing off or looking uneven. Opt for a long, black t-shirt dress and sandals or flip-flops. Avoid tight clothing like jeans, leggings, yoga pants, socks, or sneakers. If you must wear underwear, choose loose, dark pairs as the spray tan solution can stain lighter-coloured fabrics.
Moisturising
Moisturising is crucial for maintaining your tan. However, wait at least 4 to 24 hours after your spray tan before applying moisturiser to avoid blotching or fading the colour. Use an oil-free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free moisturiser with ingredients like cocoa butter. Moisturise every morning and night to prolong the life of your tan.
Makeup
You can apply makeup after your spray tan, but be gentle to avoid rubbing off the tan. Use a soft brush or sponge instead of harsh brushes or towels. Avoid liquid foundations for at least 24 hours, and if possible, wait 6 to 8 hours after your spray tan before applying any makeup.
Showering
Take your first shower 4 to 24 hours after your spray tan. Use lukewarm or cold water, and gently rinse without soap to wash off any excess bronzer. Pay attention to areas like under the arms to ensure you remove all excess product. After this initial shower, you can return to your regular shower routine but avoid exfoliating until you're ready for your tan to fade. Use only lukewarm or cold water and a natural body wash, gently rinsing with your hands. Avoid harsh scrubbing, hot water, and soap bars.
Exercise
Avoid exercising or sweating for at least 24 hours after your spray tan, as sweat may affect its appearance even after this timeframe.
Sun Protection
Avoid sun exposure, as harmful UV rays can damage your skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. Always apply sunscreen with at least SPF 15, even if you don't plan on spending a lot of time outdoors.
Exfoliation
To prepare for your next spray tan, start exfoliating your skin at least 4 hours before your appointment. This helps remove any remaining tan and creates a fresh canvas for the new application. Use an oil-free exfoliator made from organic and natural ingredients, and consider using an exfoliating mitt to help remove dead skin cells.
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Timing
If you're a first-timer, it's recommended to do a test run with your spray tan technician a few months before your wedding. This will give you time to make any adjustments to the colour and application level. You should also consider scheduling this test run a few days before your makeup trial so that your makeup artist knows what to expect on the day.
In the week leading up to your wedding spray tan, it's important to prepare your skin. Start exfoliating and complete any hair removal at least a week before the wedding. Wait 24 hours after waxing before applying any self-tan products. On the day of your spray tan, avoid wearing makeup, moisturiser, deodorant, perfume, or body oils, as these can affect the absorption of the spray tan solution.
After your spray tan, wait at least four to five hours, but no longer than 24 hours, before taking your first shower. Use lukewarm or cold water and gently rinse without exfoliating or scrubbing. After this initial shower, you can return to your regular shower routine but avoid exfoliating until you're ready for your tan to fade. Moisturising is key to maintaining your tan, but wait at least 24 hours after your spray tan before applying moisturiser, and then moisturise twice a day from day four onwards.
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Salon vs. DIY
Spray tans are a great way to get an even, full-body tan. If you're considering getting a spray tan before your wedding, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of doing it yourself versus going to a salon.
Salon Spray Tan
The main benefit of getting a spray tan at a salon is that it is quick and easy. You simply stand in a booth, and the spray tan system does its job in just a few minutes. A salon spray tan also ensures an even distribution of the product and a natural-looking tan. Professionals will also be able to help you choose the appropriate colour for your skin tone.
Another benefit of going to a salon is that they will provide you with protective gear for your face, so you don't inhale the tanning liquid. When choosing a salon, opt for an airy space with good ventilation and ask for an LVLP machine, which minimises the amount of spray that could be inhaled.
However, salon spray tans can be expensive, ranging from $20 to $100 per session. You will also need to book your appointment well in advance, which may be challenging if you're planning for a wedding.
DIY Spray Tan
Doing your spray tan at home gives you more flexibility in terms of timing and saves you the cost of a salon appointment. Today, there are many natural spray tan products that contain healthy ingredients and give you a natural-looking tan while keeping your skin moisturised.
DIY spray tans also allow you to gradually build up your tan over time by regularly applying tanning creams, just like body lotions.
However, there is more room for error with a DIY spray tan. It can be challenging to achieve an even, streak-free application, especially if you're new to sunless tanning.
When to Tan Before Your Wedding
If you opt for a salon spray tan, it is recommended to get it at least two days before your wedding. This gives the colour time to settle and allows you to make any necessary adjustments.
For a DIY spray tan, the final application should be done no more than two days before the wedding. This gives the tan time to develop and settle, and you can use the second day to retouch any areas if needed.
Regardless of whether you choose a salon or DIY spray tan, proper preparation and aftercare are essential. Exfoliate and complete any hair removal at least 24 hours before your tan. On the day of your tan, avoid applying moisturisers, body oils, fragrances, deodorant, makeup, or perfume, as these products can create a barrier on the skin and affect the absorption of the spray tan solution.
After your spray tan, follow the aftercare instructions provided by your salon or the product manufacturer. Avoid swimming in chlorinated water and limit your swim time if you do. Avoid excessive moisture and exfoliation to prolong the life of your tan.
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Frequently asked questions
If you want to do a test run, it's recommended to get your trial spray tan two to three months before your wedding. This will give you enough time to see how the colour develops and decide if you want something lighter or darker.
Most sources recommend getting a spray tan two days before your wedding. This gives the tan enough time to develop and settle into your desired shade.
Avoid showering for at least four to five hours after your spray tan, but no longer than 24 hours. When you do shower, use lukewarm or cold water and gently rinse without exfoliating or scrubbing.
Avoid exfoliating and using harsh soaps, shampoos, or conditioners. Use a soft washcloth and sulfate-free products instead. Keep your skin moisturised with an oil-free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free moisturiser.
If you've never had a spray tan before, you may not want to get one for your wedding as you may not look like yourself in photos. You should also consider whether a spray tan will complement your dress and skin tone.
