Rhiannon Hendricks
Spray tanning before your wedding is a personal choice. While some people prefer to embrace their natural skin tone, others might want a hint of a tan. If you're considering a spray tan before your wedding, it's important to get the timing right. Getting a spray tan too early might cause it to fade, while doing it too late could result in an uneven tan or staining. It's recommended to get a spray tan 48 hours before your wedding to allow it to develop and settle into your desired shade. Additionally, doing a trial spray tan a few weeks or months before the wedding is advisable to ensure you find the right shade and technique that suits you.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How early to get a spray tan before a wedding | 48 hours or two days before the wedding is a reasonable amount of time to let the tan develop and settle into your desired shade. |
| How to avoid staining your wedding dress | Do a trial run at least three weeks before your wedding day. After you take your first shower, put on a white t-shirt to test if any bronzer got on your shirt. |
| How to avoid an unnatural look | Try something milder than a spray tan, like tinted lotion, to achieve a natural skin tone. |
| How to avoid an uneven tan | Get your spray tan after your other beauty services like nails, lymphatic drainage massages, and facials. |
| How to avoid an overly dark tan | Choose a medium shade instead of light or dark. |
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What You'll Learn
Photographers recommend against spray tans
Photographers also recommend embracing one's natural skin tone, as fair skin photographs beautifully and spray tans can create an unnatural contrast with the groom and bridesmaids, who often have not been tanning. This contrast is especially harsh in group photos, with the spray-tanned individuals standing out against those with natural skin tones.
Additionally, photographers have expressed concern about the potential for spray tans to look patchy or uneven, which can be difficult to fix in post-production. They suggest that if a bride is concerned about looking pale, she should opt for milder alternatives, such as tinted lotions, to achieve a subtle glow while maintaining a natural skin tone.
While some photographers remain firmly against spray tans, others are slowly coming around as new products and technologies produce more natural-looking results. Custom spray tans, for example, can be tailored to match one's natural skin tone, creating a radiant, even glow without the risk of looking overly tanned or orange.
Ultimately, the decision to spray tan before a wedding is a personal one. Photographers advise that feeling confident and secure on one's wedding day is essential, and if a spray tan enhances that confidence, it may be worth considering. However, they recommend proceeding with caution and, if possible, doing a trial run to ensure the desired results.
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Do a trial run
Doing a trial run is a critical step in the process of getting a spray tan before your wedding. Not only will it help you choose the right spray tan artist and colour, but it will also ensure that you know how to care for your spray tan to make it last.
It is recommended to start testing colours a few months before the wedding. This will give you plenty of time to find the right shade for your skin tone and to ensure that you are happy with the results. If you are planning on having a makeup trial, it is a good idea to schedule your spray tan trial beforehand so that your makeup artist can match your foundation to your tanned skin.
When doing a trial run, it is important to follow the same steps that you would for your actual wedding spray tan. This includes exfoliating and removing any hair a week in advance, as well as ensuring that your skin is clean and free of any products before the tan is applied. After your trial spray tan, pay attention to how your skin reacts and how the colour develops. This will help you determine if you need to make any adjustments for your wedding spray tan.
To ensure that your spray tan does not ruin your wedding dress, it is recommended to do a "white t-shirt test" after your trial. Put on a white t-shirt after your first shower following the spray tan. If any bronzer transfers to the shirt, it means that you need to shower again to fully rinse off the bronzer. By doing this test, you can be confident that your spray tan will not stain your wedding dress.
By doing a trial run, you can also assess how the spray tan fits into your overall wedding beauty routine. It is recommended to schedule your spray tan as the last service before your wedding, as other beauty treatments like nails, lymphatic drainage massages, and facials can affect the evenness of your tan.
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Timing is critical
If you get a spray tan too early, it might fade into a patchy mess by the time of your wedding. Get it too late, and you risk walking down the aisle looking like an Oompa Loompa. When timed perfectly, a spray tan will give you a healthy, sun-kissed glow that complements your features and creates a beautiful backdrop for your bridal makeup.
The general consensus is that you should get a spray tan two days before your wedding. This gives you time to do a quick rinse to stop the tan from developing, and then take a full shower the day before your wedding. However, if you are pressed for time, you can use a fast-developing solution at home the night before, but you will need to be sure to rinse it off before putting on your wedding dress.
It is recommended that you do a trial spray tan at least three weeks before your wedding day. This will give you time to find a good spray tan artist and ensure you like the colour. You can also plan your trial spray tan to coincide with a wedding dress fitting, but be sure to get the tan a few days before the fitting so that the colour has had time to settle.
If you are doing other beauty treatments before your wedding, it is recommended that you get your spray tan last, as treatments like nails, lymphatic drainage massages, and facials can make your tan look uneven.
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Prepare your skin
Preparing your skin for a spray tan is essential to ensure the best results. Here are some tips to help you get ready for your pre-wedding spray tan:
Exfoliate and Moisturize
Exfoliation is key to achieving a flawless, even tan. Aim to exfoliate every 2-3 days leading up to your tan, paying special attention to areas like elbows, knees, and ankles. The day before your tan, exfoliate again to ensure a fresh base for the spray. It is also important to keep your skin moisturized during this prep period. Moisturize daily, focusing on dry areas, to ensure your skin is super hydrated.
Hair Removal
If you plan on shaving, waxing, or any other form of hair removal, it is recommended to do so at least 24 hours before your spray tan session. This is to ensure that the tanning solution does not settle into open pores, which can lead to an uneven, dotted appearance.
Avoid Certain Products
On the day of your spray tan, avoid using any lotions, moisturizers, deodorants, makeup, or perfumes. These products can create a barrier on your skin, hindering the absorption of the spray solution.
Skin Care
In the week leading up to your tan, be mindful of your skin care routine. Discontinue the use of any products that may cause your skin to be dry, such as retinol or skin resurfacing treatments. Ensure your skin is in its best condition and well-hydrated for optimal tanning results.
Timing is Everything
When it comes to your wedding spray tan, timing is crucial. Aim to book your appointment 48 hours before your big day. This allows enough time for the tan to develop and settle into your desired shade. You can then do a quick rinse to stop the tan from overdeveloping and take a full shower the day before your wedding.
Remember, it is always a good idea to do a trial spray tan before your wedding to ensure you are happy with the results and to test how it looks in photographs.
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Avoid self-tanning products
While a spray tan can help you achieve a flawless faux glow on your wedding day, it is generally recommended to avoid self-tanning products if possible. Here are some reasons why:
Risk of an Uneven Tan
Self-tanning products can sometimes result in an uneven tan, especially if you are not an experienced self-tanner. It can be challenging to apply the product evenly and smoothly all over your body, leading to streaks or patches of missed-out areas. In contrast, a professional spray tan artist will have the skills and expertise to ensure a flawless, all-over tan.
Inadequate Prep and Aftercare
Achieving a perfect self-tan requires proper prep and aftercare. This includes exfoliating and completing hair removal at least 24 hours before application, ensuring clean skin, and knowing how long to wait before showering. Without the right knowledge and techniques, you may end up with an uneven tan or a tan that does not last until your wedding day.
Potential for a Dramatic Change
A dramatic change in your skin tone on your wedding day can be jarring and may not be the look you want. As celebrity spray tanner Jules Von Hep advises, "a tan is subtle and gives you a healthy, natural glow... [you want to] enhance your natural features, not draw attention to a deep tan people aren't used to seeing you with." A professional spray tan artist can help you choose the right shade to complement your natural features.
Staining and Transfer Issues
Self-tanning products can sometimes stain your clothing or your wedding dress, especially if not properly rinsed off. Spray tan solutions are designed to be rinsed off after a certain amount of time, and professionals can guide you on how to avoid staining.
Lack of Customization
Professional spray tan salons often offer customization options by mixing light and dark solutions to create your desired glow. They can also contour and add more color to specific areas of your body, giving your skin depth and definition. Self-tanning products may not offer the same level of customization.
In summary, while self-tanning products may be tempting, they come with a higher risk of something going wrong. For your wedding day, it is generally advisable to trust a professional spray tan artist who can help you achieve a flawless, natural-looking tan that complements your skin tone and enhances your bridal glow.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to get a spray tan before a wedding is 48 hours before, according to spray tanning artist Alexandra DiMarchi. This gives the tan enough time to develop and settle into your desired shade. It also allows time for a quick rinse to stop the tan from developing further, and then a full shower the day before the wedding.
This is a personal choice. While some people recommend avoiding spray tans before a wedding, others believe that a light spray tan can give you a healthy, sun-kissed glow. If you do decide to get a spray tan, it's important to do a trial run first to ensure you like the colour and to test how it looks in photos.
To ensure your spray tan looks its best, it's important to prepare your skin properly. This includes exfoliating and removing any unwanted hair at least a week before the tan is applied. It's also crucial to remove all products like deodorant, makeup, and perfume before the tan is applied to ensure it adheres properly to your skin. After the tan is applied, avoid exfoliating and using harsh soaps, shampoos, or conditioners. Instead, use a soft washcloth and gentle, sulfate-free products. Keeping your skin moisturized is also key to maintaining your glow.
