Posh do coming up - I need to be less pale - home or salon fake tan?

[mamhaf]

I'm going to a posh evening event next week and the dress I'm going to wear looks lovely but accentuates my winter paleness, so I need a bit of a "tan" on my legs, arms and face.

The nearest time I'd be able to get to a salon for a professional fake tan is 4 days before.

It would be nice to have it done professionally, but I'm concerned that
a) they'd overdo it and I'd look like David Dickinson(sp?)
b) Four days beforehand is too long in advance and it would've worn off by the time the event comes around.

Or I could use something like St Tropez Every Day (which I have used before) in the days running up, topping up the previous evening. It's turned out ok in the past, although harder to get a finish that isn't obviously fake.

I just want to look a bit "warmer" not deeply tanned.

Any advice? If you've had a salon tan, which one would you recommend? TIA

I'd do a salon tan - 4 days ahead is just about right for it to settle down.

When I've had it done, then have had the full St Tropez since I need a good exfoliation done by someone else first. Friend swears by Fake Bake too

Don't bother with fake tan from salon. Best ever is L'Oreal's Sublime Bronzing Gel - so easy to put on, nice glow, looks totally real, doesn't smell. Not too pricey either. I've tried loads over the years (salons and home) and this is the only one that works. Make sure you don't leave your face out!