Spray tanning: how to get (and keep) a flawless tan

A spray tan is a quick, easy way to get a golden glow without spending time in the sun. A full body spray tan takes about 10 minutes in clinic, and with a little preparation and the right aftercare, your colour can look even and natural for days.

Whether it’s your very first spray tan or you’re a regular, here’s how to get the best result and keep it looking fresh.

Before your spray tan: how to prepare

Most of the secret to a flawless tan happens before your appointment.

• Exfoliate at least 24 hours beforehand. This removes dead skin so your tan goes on evenly and fades evenly too. Focus on elbows, knees, ankles and hands. The Body Exfoliation Buff and Polish Mitt or our Exfoliation Cloth make it easy.
• Shave or wax at least 24 hours before. Book any waxing a day or more ahead so your skin has time to settle.
• Arrive with bare skin. On the day, skip moisturiser, deodorant, perfume and makeup, as they can act as a barrier and affect how your colour develops.
• Wear loose, dark clothes. Bring loose, dark clothing and shoes you can slip on easily, so nothing rubs or marks your tan on the way home.

What happens during your appointment

Your therapist will start with a quick chat about the colour you’d like. If you’re after a deeper result, ask about the Extra Tan Coat add-on.

Your therapist will then apply your tan in a fine, even mist, guiding you through each position so every area is covered. The whole thing takes around 10 minutes. Once you’re touch dry, pop on your loose clothes and you’re good to go.

After your tan: rinsing and the first day

This is where many first-timers go wrong, so here’s what to do:

• Rinse off after 2 to 6 hours, as guided by your therapist on the day. They’ll let you know the right timing for your tan and the colour you want.
• Make your first rinse lukewarm, without soap or scrubbing. Just let the water run over you.
• Pat yourself dry gently with a towel rather than rubbing.
• Until your first rinse, avoid water, sweating and tight clothing so your colour develops evenly.

Don’t worry if the water runs brown during your first rinse. That’s just the excess tan coming off, and your colour stays put.

How to make your spray tan last

A spray tan usually lasts around 5 to 7 days. These habits help it fade evenly and look fresh for longer:

• Moisturise every day. Hydrated skin holds colour better and fades more evenly. Our Mango & Witch Hazel Body Moisturiser is a lovely daily option.
• Top up with Tan Extender. Our Tan Extender helps keep your colour looking fresh between appointments.
• Pat dry after every shower and keep showers short and warm rather than long and hot.
• Go easy on scrubs while your tan is on. Save your exfoliating for a day or so before your next tan.
• Remember, your tan has no SPF. A spray tan won’t protect you from the sun, so keep using sunscreen whenever you’re outdoors.

Find all our tan and body care products in our online shop.

Timing your tan for events and winter

Booking a tan for a wedding, formal or holiday? Aim for 1 to 2 days before the event. That gives your colour time to develop and settle after your first rinse, while still looking fresh on the day. Book any waxing at least 24 hours before your tan.

Winter is a great time to keep your glow going too. Cooler weather can leave skin feeling drier, so daily moisturising is even more important, and regular, gentle exfoliation before each tan helps your colour go on smoothly. Your therapist can help you choose a natural-looking shade that suits the season.

Four quick tips for longer-looking legs

Want your legs to look their best in a dress, shorts or swimwear? Try these simple styling tricks:

• Add a little colour. A spray tan helps legs look smooth and defined.
• Keep them hair-free. Smooth legs look polished. A Half Leg ($65) or Full Leg ($85) wax, booked at least 24 hours before your tan, keeps them smooth for weeks.
• Choose nude or skin-tone shoes. Shoes close to your skin tone help the eye travel further, so your legs look longer.
• Moisturise for a soft sheen. Well-hydrated skin reflects light beautifully and keeps your tan looking fresh.

Prices, offers and the Beauty Pass

• Full Body Spray Tan: $49
• Extra Tan Coat add-on: $29

New clients receive 50% off their first spray tan, so your first full body tan is just $24.50. See all our current offers.

If you love being golden all year round, a Beauty Pass is the easiest way to save. You pay monthly and receive extra credit to spend on spray tanning, waxing, IPL, lashes and brows or massage. For example, two fortnightly spray tans ($98) plus a Brazilian wax ($79) come to $177, which fits within the Complete pass: $149 a month for $200 credit. Or keep it simple with the Maintenance pass, $99 a month for $125 credit, which covers two tans and a lip wax ($123). There’s a 6-month minimum commitment.

Prefer to prepay? With Buy 4 or 6 and save, you save 15% when you buy 4 of the same service, or 20% when you buy 6, valid for 6 months. Six full body tans would normally be $294, or $235.20 with your 20% saving.

Explore all our tanning options on our spray tanning page.

Ready to book? Get your glow on in around 10 minutes. Book online or visit one of our six Brisbane clinics.