Hey there, sun-kissed friends! Welcome back to this cozy corner of the internet. Today, we're diving into the world of spray tans – those magical mists that gift us with a bronzed glow, sans the UV exposure. If you know me, the answer for an INSTANT confidence boost is a spray (you’ve probably heard me say “I was not ugly or frumpy, I was just pale!”) As someone who's always on the hunt for that perfect golden hue (without the lobster-red aftermath), I get it. Spray tans can be a bit mysterious, leaving us with questions galore. But fear not, my fellow glow-seekers, because I sat down with my go-to spray tan artist about some of the most common spray tan questions, and I’m here to spill the beans. I live to serve 😇
1. What's the deal with spray tans, anyway?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Picture this: instead of baking under the blazing sun or hopping into a tanning bed (yikes!), you get misted with a specially formulated solution that gives your skin that sun-kissed look. It's like magic in a bottle, minus the harmful UV rays. I find that spray tans are BEST served right before an event or right when my self confidence needs a little boost. This time of the year is PEAK spray tan season: it’s the beginning of shorts and tank top season and we’ve not really had a chance to get the sunshine that naturally comes from these brighter months!
2. Are spray tans safe?
Safety first, right? Rest assured, spray tans are totally safe when done properly. The key is choosing a reputable salon or using high-quality products. Plus, spray tans don't carry the same risks as traditional tanning methods, like sunburns or skin damage. Win-win!
3. How long do spray tans last?
Think of your spray tan as a temporary tattoo – it'll stick around for about a week-and-a-half or so before gradually fading away. Of course, factors like skincare routine, swimming, and exfoliation can affect its longevity. To get the most out of your spray tan, you’ll want to skip the exfoliation and the long baths, but make sure you’re getting plenty of hydration and moisturization! Anything you can to stop your skin cells from turning over.
4. Do I need to prepare my skin before getting a spray tan?
Prep is key, my friends! To ensure your spray tan goes on like a dream, exfoliate your skin beforehand to slough off any dry patches. Skip the moisturizer, though – it can create a barrier between your skin and the tanning solution. And don't forget to wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment to avoid any unwanted stains! My spray tan routine typically goes like this: night-before *everything* shower, shaving and exfoliating and washing your hair. Light moisturizing and major hydration. Day of: no makeup (or pack makeup wipes in your spray tan go-bag), no moisturizer, except for a little bit on my dry patches, and a loose dress all day. I schedule my spray tan for after work, change into loose dark clothes (I typically go long sleeves and pants to avoid rubbing on anything else) and go home to marinate. Listen to your spray tan artist, but I typically sleep in my spray tan, and take a rinse the next morning. My first real shower will be that evening, but I skip a hair wash (which is why we everything shower the night before our spray tan).
5. Can I still hit the gym or take a dip in the pool with a spray tan?
Absolutely! While sweating or swimming might cause your tan to fade a bit faster, it won't completely ruin your golden glow. Just be sure to pat yourself dry instead of rubbing, and moisturize like there's no tomorrow to lock in that color.
6. What if I end up looking like an Oompa Loompa?
We've all been there, my friend. If your spray tan turns out a tad too tangerine for your liking, fear not! A quick shower should help tone down the color, and exfoliating with a gentle scrub can speed up the fading process. Remember, practice makes perfect – finding the right shade for you might take a bit of trial and error. I recommend to find a spray tan artist you love and work with them to find EXACTLY what you’re looking for— your skin’s undertones will tell you a lot about what your spray tan’s undertones should be. I prefer that my spray tans have a green or purple undertone, because I have cooler undertones.
7. Can anyone get a spray tan?
For the most part, yes! Spray tans are suitable for all skin types and tones. However, if you have sensitive skin or allergies, it's always a good idea to do a patch test first or consult with a dermatologist.
And there you have it, folks – the lowdown on spray tans, served up with a side of sunshine. Whether you're a spray tan newbie or a seasoned bronzing pro, I hope this little Q&A sesh has shed some light on the wonderful world of faux glow. Until next time, stay golden! ✨
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