Tanning tips.

Proper spray tan preparation plays a huge part in how your spray tan will look and how long it lasts. Follow these steps for the perfect spray tan, every time!

Preparing for your spray tan well, will ensure the longevity of your tan. A big part of this is making sure you exfoliate before getting a spray tan. This will remove any dead, dry skin cells which will allow the spray tan to absorb into fresh, clean skin. This will mean your tan will not only be more even, but it will last a lot longer too. An exfoliating mitt or glove in a warm shower or bath works perfectly. You can use a paraben free and sulphate free body wash on your mitt or glove if you wish and exfoliate in a circular motion, just avoid any body washes that contain oil as these will create a film over the skin and may interfere with the tanning process. DO NOT USE DOVE PRODUCTS! Dove soap and Dove lotions leave a film on your skin that directly leads to a blotchy tan.

Wax at least 24 hours before treatment, ideally 48 hours before to allow the pores to close and to ensure an even looking tan. The same rule applies to shaving. Aim to shave at least 24 hours before your spray tan.

Leading up to your tanning session moisturise your knees, elbows, knuckles and any other dry or rough skin you may have. An aloe vera based moisturiser is perfect for this. Avoid AVEENO moisturisers as these can leave a film on the skin and lead to a blotchy looking tan.

Remove any makeup you are wearing prior to your tanning session to ensure you have a clean canvas for best results. Jewellery needs to come off too and can be worn again once the bronzer has been rinsed off.

On the day of your tan don’t moisturise your body or wear deodorant or perfume. This can lead to a blotchy tan.

Preparing for your spray tan also means wearing the right clothing. The Tanning Boutique will supply disposable underwear, or if you prefer an old dark pair of your own will also work. We will also supply a disposable hat for you to wear if you wish and if you have long hair you need to have a hair band to tie it up.

After your spray tan, make sure you bring dark, loose clothing for after your spray tan and slip on sandals. Underwear without tight waistbands are ideal to wear home or just your disposable G provided by The Tanning Boutique. Shoestring straps and tight clothing can cut into your tan during the development time so wide straps and loose clothing are best. Avoid bras and socks until you have washed off your tan. Still not sure what to wear? We’ve got you covered (literally!) The Tanning Boutique stocks kaftans that are designed with the spray tanner in mind thanks to Kaftanned with kaftans starting from just $40.00 – Check them out here.

After your spray tan if you rub and touch your tan before you’ve rinsed it off, you’re going to end up with tanned palms. Don’t do this! If you’ve gone for the 8 hour / overnight tanning option, you may want to think about covering your hands with some loose material to avoid tanning your palms while you are sleeping.

While your tan is developing (between 1 – 8 hours depending on which tan you have chosen) do not allow your skin to get wet. This can result in little droplet patches. The Tanning Boutique uses Tan Lock after each tan which helps to water proof your tan, however washing your hands and getting caught in the rain can result in your tan washing off in patches.

It’s important to avoid sweating after your tan, during the developing time. Workouts are best avoided until the tan has fully developed and especially before your 2 hour rinse off window if you’ve chose the Black Magic Rapid Tan or 8 hours for the other tans. Development time ranges from 8 – 14 hours.

When you rinse off in the shower, after your spray tan has been on for 2 – 8 hours (depending on which tan you have opted for), you want to use lukewarm water and no products. You will see the bronzer washing off and it is quite normal to go back to close to your original colour. Your tan will continue to develop over the next 8 – 14 hours and you will be left with a gorgeous tan.

Proper hydration is what will help to maintain your tan, but an oil-rich formula can actually make it come off faster. Use a very basic lotion that isn’t oil-based and moisturise right after your shower (12 hours prior to your first rinse off). Fragrance and alcohol free is best. The Tanning Boutique sells a couple of great options with Black Magic Tans – Tan Lock and Nourish (includes SPF 15) if you are in the market for a new moisturiser. Tan Lock is the perfect option when travelling to tropical destinations which will involve a lot of swimming.

Bathing, swimming, rubbing sand all over your body…all of these activities result in a layer of your skin coming off which makes maintaining your tan difficult. These things will also make a layer of your tan come off so it won’t last as long. The Tanning Boutique sells a product called Xtend from Black Magic which contains the self tanning product from your spray tan. This can be applied on day four of your tan to extend its life. Final tip, pat your skin dry with a towel rather than rubbing vigorously. It all sounds like a lot to remember but you get used to it very fast

If you want your spray tan to last even longer then you might want to try a tan extender. Black Magic have come up with an amazing product call Xtend. It has the same self tanning product in it that is used in the spray tan and can be used from day four of your tan to make it last longer. The perfect tanning after care is to use either Tan Lock or Nourish for the first three days following your spray tan, then Black Magic’s Xtend from day four to extend the life of your tan.