First, Let’s Get Our Skin Prepped

If you’re a first-spray tanner, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. There are a few things you need to know and do in preparation of getting your spray on to ensure the best results possible (no streaks, less patchiness, a more even tan). So, if you know this part, skip over this section to find out where to find your nearest tanning salon. Beginners, keep reading!

Exfoliate!

First things first, you need to exfoliate your skin to remove dead and dry skin. By doing this, the bronzing spray will be more easily absorbed into the skin. Not only will your tan be more even, but it’ll last longer too! So, use a light exfoliating and moisturising body scrub (oil free) or an exfoliating glove. Try avoid bar soaps or in-shower moisturisers (such as Nivea) as it could interfere with the bronzing process or turn you into an Oompa Loompa. You have been warned.

Choose The Right Time

This one may be a little tricky, but the WHEN to do your spray tan is quite important. You’ll need to avoid water for at least 4-8 hours after your tan so that it can develop. So, if you’re going to be swimming, taking a shower or sweating, it’s definitely not the right time for a spray tan. Try get an appointment as early as possible in the day.

Pick The Right Clothing

As for clothes, make sure you wear loose-fitting, dark clothing. Because 1) tight-fitting clothes will leave streaks, smudges or marks on your freshly sprayed tan and 2) the residue will leave horrible stains on light clothing. And as for knickers, rather wear an old pair you aren’t attached to or that are dark. Also, remove all jewellery and keep it off until your tan is set.

Clean Skin for the Perfect Canvas

Make sure you do all your ablutions before your appointment. That means grabbing a shower, maybe even exfoliating again (gently), shaving and just having overall squeaky clean skin. If you wax, do so at least 24 hours before your appointment to allow your pores to close. Now, this is a tip we got from actually having a spray tan done, but avoid putting on deodorant (eeeeekkkk). You want your skin as clean as possible. This also means giving makeup and moisturising a skip for the day.

Lastly, Protect your Nails

This is another one learnt through trial and error – apply nail polish to your your toenails and fingernails to prevent discolouration from the spray tan. No one wants to walk around with orange nails (unless it’s done properly with a manicure).

Where To Get A Spray Tan

The Laser Beautique

Get your bronze on at The Laser Beautique without jeopardising your skin! It’s the perfect solution if you’re prepping for a special occasion, having a photo shoot or heading to the beach for some well-deserved relaxation. As they say, “there is nothing better than looking sun-kissed without the sun risk”. So, head to either the Bassonia, Bedfordview, Menlyn Maine, Morningside or Rosebank branches and take your pick of either Spray Tan via spray gun (R450*) or by airbrush/aerosol application (R700*).

The Tan-Can

September is spray tan month, so why not get your tan on at The Tan-Can in Sandton? All it takes is 10-minutes of your time for a glow that’ll have you looking like a beach goddess! Take your pick from one session or a treatment package with up to five spray tan sessions. And you don’t need to get a spray tan solely for the purpose of being sun-kissed and golden, it’s also ideal if you’re looking to cover up uneven skin tone, blemishes, sunspots and even stretch marks.

The Sun and Beauty Room

Get summer ready at The Sun & Beauty Room at Blackheath Centre. Other than a variety of beauty treatments that’ll leave you feeling absolutely gorgeous, they also offer tanning via sunbeds and spray tanning if you’d prefer the less risky way to achieve that glow. One 15-minute treatment  is R385*, five treatments is R1 550* and R120* for an extra coat.

Allure Lashes

Don’t let the name deceive you. Yes, they are known for giving amazing and fluttering lashes for days, but they also offer a variety of other beauty treatments including spray tans. The Full Body spray with the Express Solution (develops in 1 – 4 hours) is R350* (package of 10 tans is R3 200*) and the Full Body Normal Solution (develops in 8 hours) is R300* (package of 10 tans is R2 800*).

Flutter

You don’t need to fly to some tropical island to get that beautiful bronzed glow, you can just head to Flutter in Sandton for a quick spray tan. No one will be the wiser! Just book your appointment and choose which option you would like to have done (full body and face; half body waist up or down; express full body and face; express half body; or a tan package). The express options develop faster than the normal and treatment prices range between R350 – R1 710*.

Skin Sense Day Spa

Achieving a natural looking tan is easier than you think! Skin Sense Day Spa will do everything for you, all you have to do is prep your skin, stand still and hold your breath. A stunning and seamless tan only takes 30 minutes. You can get your beautiful spray tan here for R360*.