A few questions about spray tans...

[gagamama]

I'm being a bridesmaid in a couple of weeks nd will be wearing a pale gold strapless number, and being as pasty as I am, with tan burn lines increasing by the day, it looks mightily unflattering. Spray tanning has been recommended to me by a few people, however I have a few questions and I was wondering if any of you lovely ladies would be able to help.

How natural do they look? Does one shade blend to all skin tones or will they find a natural-looking colour for my complexion? Do they do a skin test or something first? Is it worth doing a 'trial run' before the big day?

How much do they fade? Should I get it done a couple of days before the wedding or is a week or so fine? Will chlorine or sweat or shaving make it rub off (as I'm likely to be exposed to these in the week running up to the wedding)?

Will it cover up acne scars (back) or cause spots (face)?

Any general advice regarding any of these points would be greatly appreciated!

[BeauticianNotMagician]

Hi most tans look natural if done correct.I prefer st tropez to all others and i have worked with quite a few different ones.

I would recommend a trial run beforehand as most people having one done for the first time say they want it to be natural and only want a light coat.However they always say they wish they had have just gone for it as it can be a little too light.It will blend to your natural skin tone and st tropez contains a green dye(dont worry you wont look like the incredible hulk)to stop the orange effect.

The tan will last between five and seven days i would get it done as close to the wedding as possible.When you go to get it done take loose dark clothing and flip flops.Make sure you shave/wax beforehand and also exfoliate your skin before as well so that the tan goes on evenly.

Hope thast helps.Any more qustions feel free to ask.x

[BeauticianNotMagician]

Oh and yes you wont really be able to swim in a pool as the chlorine will bleach the tan.

[Rhubarb]

I've never managed to get on with spray tans. I always streak. I follow the instructions very carefully, do everything they say, and yet I still bloody streak!

How can you get an even cover?

[BeauticianNotMagician]

Rhubarb do you mean in a salon or at home.
If you mean in a salon then you are going to a rubbish therapist as i never streaked a tan and i also never treated a single spray tan client once they always came back.

If tanning at home i would never use a spray as it is impossible to do yourself and my bathroom ends up with more of a coating than i do.The mousse is best for at home.Its not as messy as the cream and you can see where it has been applied.

[gagamama]

Thanks both, that's really helpful. A bit about the chlorine ruining it though, the hotel I'm staying in for the night before and of the wedding is gorgeous and has a stunning pool! Oh well. But I will be able to shave my legs after the tan, yeah? I'm not going to need to splash out on a wax beforehand too?

The wedding is on Saturday, I'm travelling up on Friday - would it be ok to get it done on the Thursday? With a trial run this weekend? The wedding is in 3 weeks time.

Now to source a local St Tropez salon! Thanks again!

[Rhubarb]

Can't afford a salon.

Which mousse do you recommend then and how would you apply it?

[gagamama]

Oh oh oh, and does it have that dreadful characteristic fake-tan smell?

[BeauticianNotMagician]

gagamama its best to sleep with the tan on and wash it off the next day.With first shower just rinse until water runs clear dont rub too much and just use soap where its really needed(this is just for the first shower) and the whole while the tan is on pat yourself dry dont rub as a towel can buff the tan off.You can shave your legs as normal.

The thursday is fine for your tan could you get it done in the afternoon/evening and then wash it off in the morning.

[BeauticianNotMagician]

Oh and it doesnt smell too bad all of them have a slight smell but the st tropez is quite pleasant.

[BeauticianNotMagician]

Rhubarb use the st tropez mousse.Make sure you exfoliate in the shower the day before you plan to apply the tan and shave your legs.

Then on the day of application put on a pair of gloves the tight fitting ones you can buy them from boots with st tropez products.Starting at your feet and working your way up your body apply the tan as you would a body lotion it has a slightly brown/grey colour and just make sure everywhere is covered.If you take to long rubbing it in thats when it streaks.It doesnt have to look perfect as it is only the guide colour any streaks you can see in the guide colour will wash away in the shower.Just make sure everywhere is covered is all you need to remeber.This is the order i apply it;
1.Apply to feet using a small amount as it tends to cling to feet.
2.Apply to calves and knees using a larger amount.Use a flicking action over the knee again as it tends to cling.
3.Apply to upper legs and bottom.
4.Apply to tummy right up to under bust and round the under arms (again just lightly round that area as dont need brown armpits) and lower back.
5.With a bit of a stretch apply to upper back.
6.Apply to chest and neck.
7.Apply to face flicking it back into hairline and over ears as to not stain highlighted hair.
8.Apply to arms.Always do arms last.
9.Remove gloves and wet a flannel.Wash hands,dry hands and then apply a small amount to hands blending onto wrist and arm.
10.Wipe insides of hands over the wet flannel so as not to stain palms and use the edge to just wipe over nails.
11.Sleep in tan and wash off in the morning.
12.Look like you have spent two weeks abroad.
Hope that helps.It really is easy i think where people go wrong is thinking too much about it.

[Rhubarb]

If you sleep in it, will it not stain your bedclothes?

[BeauticianNotMagician]

Yes as watsthe story said it will a bit but it washes out easily.