First spray tan booked - what do I need to know?

[MrsMeow]

I've never had one before and have just booked one for next week. I know I need to exfoliate, but when? The day before or a few times before?

Any top tips please? :)

[frankietwospots]

It's probably a good idea to do a deep exfoliate now (I used the Sanctuary salt scrub that comes in a little sachet) and then do one the night before. You should also moisturise after you exfoliate. Don't put any moisturiser on the morning of your spray tan or any deodorant.

Take flip flops.

Wear an old pair of black knickers or you can use the paper pants they give you (depends how brave you are!).

Wear loose dark clothing that you are not too bothered about. I tend to wear a black maxi skirt and a loose top.

Prepare yourself for adopting ridiculous superhero style poses while you are being sprayed - I always end up laughing!

The spray is colder than you might think and the smell can be quite strong.

What time of day are you having the spray tan? Is it St Tropez?

[MrsMeow]

thanks very much Frankie, thats really helpful! I've got some scrub at home so will do it tonight. I'm having it at 1pm next Tuesday - LA tan I think its called? I've asked for a subtle one

Does yours look natural? I saw a girl in town yesterday that looked terrible and really patchy, this was literally 5 minutes after I'd booked mine and I very nearly called back to cancel!

How long does yours last? Sorry for all the questions!

[frankietwospots]

I've had a St Tropez spray tan a few times and I think they have come a long way since the early days. I find that the colour looks good although if I'm honest, it can be streaky on my legs. You look filthy when you first have it done but then you shower off the guide colour and underneath should be a nice tan (at least, that's what happens with St Tropez). I found it lasts for about a week and fades gradually. Best to keep up with the moisturiser to avoid it going flaky.

The only thing I'm wary of now is having it sprayed on my face too. One time I looked like a beacon! So now I just say to spray once lightly on my face, not twice.

[NannyK7H]

Put towels down over your bed sheets! I always seem to leave brown patches the first night ;).
It normally lasts about a week or 10 days when I have mine. I sometimes use a gradual tan moisturiser towards the end just so any patches that might appear are disguised!
Under arms and neck are the bits that seem to get patchy after a week or so for me.
Good luck. It will make you feel so much healthier!

[Dancergirl]

Is anyone else thinking Ross from Friends??

[ThatBloodyWoman]

That you will look orange.
Sorry.

[hollyangel]

Some spray tans come in different shades, so ask for a light spray if it's your first time.

Make sure your skin is super exfoliated and moisturised in the days leading up to it, but put nothing on your skin day of.

Loose clothing to put on afterwards, ideally cotton maxi dress, no bra and cardigan.

Lots of moisturiser to maintain colour afterwards.

Tell us how you get on!

[CashmereMouse]

I have a tip...

Do not wear lace knickers for a spray tan!

I wore lace knickers for my first spray tan and had a very fetching flowery pattern across my bum where the tan had reached some areas and not others.

DP found it highly amusing and I was just grateful that I hadn't had the tan in preparation for a beach holiday!

On a separate note, make sure you don't wear anything with tight elastic afterwards as it will rub the tan off. Also, make sure you have an umbrella with you, because if you get rain drops on you then it leaves lovely reverse dalmatian spots.

I have learnt this the hard way!

I have had mine using Sienna X and I asked for a light hint of colour. I am fairly fair skinned and have medium brown hair, and I tend to have one for special occasions. I've always been complimented on how healthy and glowing I look, rather than an obvious tan ifyswim.

I think asking for subtle is the trick to looking good with a fake tan, rather than orange!

But it does seem to depend on the beautician you go to. The lady who does mine has very similar colouring to me and only ever has a light application herself. I think would be a bit apprehensive if she was bright orange herself though!

[MrsMeow]

Thanks everyone for the tips! PMSL at the Ross from Friends and the lace knickers - duly noted!

All jokes aside, I will literally just be having the lightest possible. I have a party where I'm wearing a dress and would like to look less blue, more normal colour if possible

[frankietwospots]

You will look great I'm sure! Hope it goes well.

[LinghamStyle]

If its one of those automatic spray tan booths, then empty your bladder before you go in. Otherwise you'll end up with super streaky legs like I did.

[frankietwospots]

Eh? You mean, you pissed yourself?

[LinghamStyle]

Yes Frankie, I did. Not something I'm particularly proud of.

[TigsytheTiger]

If you are brave enough don't wear any knickers and have an all over tan which looks much nicer, IMHO. Nicer to me and DP that is, no one else sees that much!! Agree with all the other advice about exfoliating now and keep moisturising etc. light touch is definitely the way to go, I describe it as wanting to look like I've had 4 days in Spain not a fortnight in the Caribbean. Good luck!