Ultimate Guide to Flawless Spray Tan Prep for a Perfect Glow
- Mattilynne
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
Let’s be real for a second. We’ve all seen or worse, lived the dreaded spray tan horror story. The streaky ankles. The hands that look like you were just caught orange handed in a Doritos bag. The random patch on your elbow that somehow absorbed 80% of the product.
When you book a custom airbrush tan, you’re investing in a flawless, sculpted, "just got back from Saint-Tropez" vibe. But here’s the industry secret: 50% of a flawless tan happens in the salon, and the other 50% happens in your shower the night before.
Think of your skin like a canvas. You wouldn't paint a masterpiece on a dusty, textured wall, right?
To make sure your glow is completely seamless, non streaky, and lasts for days, follow this step-by-step, ultimate night before prep routine. Pop on your favorite playlist, and let's get ready to glow.
The Night Before: The Great Scrub-Down
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to shed your old skin like a beautiful, glowing snake.
What to do: Take a warm shower and exfoliate everything. Focus heavily on the notorious rough spots like: elbows, knees, ankles, and heels.
The Pro Tip: Avoid super oily, heavy body scrubs. While they feel luxurious, they leave behind an invisible film that acts like a forcefield against your spray tan solution. Stick to an exfoliating mitt or a clean, oil free scrub.
Bonus Round: If you need to shave or wax, do it now. Shaving right before your appointment can leave your pores open, resulting in tiny little dark dots. No, thank you!
This step is crucial because spray tans cling to dead skin and dry patches, which leads to uneven color and streaks.
Step Two: The Final Moisture Surge
Right after exfoliating, it’s time to hydrate your skin.
Why? Hydrated skin absorbs tanning solution evenly. Dry skin drinks it up way too fast, which is exactly how you end up with those patchy spots.
Timing is everything: This is the last time you are allowed to touch lotion until after your tan has fully developed and you've taken your first rinse.
Avoid heavy or greasy creams. Choose a lightweight, non-oily moisturizer that sinks in quickly.
Close up view of smooth, moisturized skin ready for spray tan application
Step 3: Day-of the Tan...Enter the Naked Zone
It’s appointment day! From the moment you wake up, you are officially in a hydration lockdown.
The Rules: Do not apply body lotion, heavy face serums, perfumes, or deodorant.
Yes, we said deodorant: We know, it feels scary to go out into the world unprotected. But putting deodorant on right before a spray tan can actually turn your armpits a lovely shade of Shrek green. Let's avoid that. (Don't worry, your artist has seen it all and won't judge).
Skip intense workouts or activities that cause heavy sweating before your session.
Don’t wear tight clothing that can rub off the tan immediately after application.
Step 4: Secure the Couch Potato Uniform
What you wear to your appointment matters just as much as what you do in the shower. Leave the skinny jeans and cute matching athleisure sets at home.
The Vibe: Baggy, dark, and wonderfully oversized. Think giant t-shirts, loose sweatpants, or a dark sundress.
Footwear: Slides or flip-flops only. Socks and sneakers will rub the fresh bronze right off your feet.
The Golden Rule: When in doubt, just remember the golden timeline: Scrub the night before, come completely bare on the day-of, and dress like you’re ready for a 12 hour flight.
By doing a little bit of homework the night before, you ensure your custom airbrush tan blends flawlessly into your natural skin tone, accentuates your features, and fades beautifully.
Ready to get your custom glow on? Let's get you booked!
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