Airbrush tanning: wedding edition

It's officially wedding season!  What is wedding season? It starts in early spring and goes through to the beginning of fall. But regardless of what month you plan your big day, you'll want to make sure that you've planned enough time in advance to try your tan before taking your vows. Don't treat your skin differently than you would your hair, makeup or photos!  Your skin should be looking just as fabulous as the rest of yourself on your big day. You and your groom will be the focus of your big event.  It will be filled with hugs, kisses, and LOTS of photos. I'll say it again, don't wait until a week before your wedding to get tanned for the first time.  I'm not talking about the tanning "regulars", but those that have never tanned, or haven't tanned in the recent past. 

Why is this so important to try your tan first if you go to a credible airbrush tanner? 

1. Pick your color - You will want to know what shade you will like and what will look best on you for the big day.  Once you tan, you'll be able to tweak the color if you want to go lighter or darker for your wedding day.  Your tanner will note the product used during your trial and that will be the guideline for knowing what to use in the event you want to be lighter or darker.  
2. Not everyone will have the same reaction to tanning - You may have had a solution before that you were allergic to (ChromaTan uses a formula with no added fragrance, no oils, and no alcohol to limit allergy reactions).  Don't wait to find out if you will have a bad reaction to a tanning solution.
3. Be familiar with your results - Know how long the tan developed for, how long the tan lasted, and how well it faded.  This is necessary to know so you can gauge how many days prior to your wedding day you should tan.  This also will let you know if you fade quicker in certain areas and allow you to plan ahead if you are going on a honeymoon (tan extenders!)

How do you plan your tanning trial?

Call me to discuss your tanning trial. You may even consider a tanning party for your wedding party.  This is a great way to get together and pamper yourselves well before the wedding.  It will also be a great way to introduce airbrush tanning to your friends and family.  Jack and Jill parties are great for tanning wedding parties!  Whether you schedule it alone, with your fiance, or as a group, you will want to book your first tanning trial about 6 weeks before your wedding, with about 8 - 10 days between trials.  This will allow sufficient time between sprays to scrub off the top layer for fresh tanning.  When you are satisfied with the color choice, schedule your final tan about 2 - 3 days before the wedding.  

Is there a special rate for wedding trials?

ChromaTan always offers amazing deals for tanning.  Contact me to discuss the details for it.  I am excited to make you look and feel your best on your wedding.  Both mobile and non-mobile options available for your trials and your final choice.  

Congratulations on your engagement! 

Please comment: 

What month are you/did you get married?

Where are you going/did you go for your honeymoon?

photo credit: Tracy Hunter via photopin cc
photo credit: Garrett Coyte | www.GarrettCoyte.com via photopin cc
photo credit: http://www.ali-nasser.com/ via Flickr

Tips to make your spray tan last

When you book your appointment for your next custom airbrush spray tan think of it as an investment on yourself.   Like any other pampering you do such as your hair, nails, or massage appointments, you will want to make some investments on products to help your tan last as long as possible.  The better you take care of your tan, the fewer times you need to book your tanning appointments.  Also take note of the care tips that are listed below.

Products

1. Exfoliate - Specifically an exfoliator that is designed especially for spray tanning.  If you're not using exfoliant that is designed for spray tanning, you run the risk of it leaving behind residue.  This residue can block the DHA from properly absorbing into your skin causing uneven fading and patchiness.  As your custom airbrush tanner, I don't want you feeling like you wasted your money on a spray tan because your skin wasn't properly prepped.  I can't believe how many clients miss this critical step in prepping for their tan.  It's not to say that your tan won't come out right if you don't use the correct product, but it's just that this will help remove all the dead skin cells without leaving any oily residue and expose fresh skin before you tan.  A good exfoliant like Aviva's Deep Clean (Pecan Shell Exfoliant) is my recommendation and can be purchased through me.


2. Moisturize - Super important!  From the first rinse you will want to make sure that your skin stays very hydrated. Your skin naturally sheds it's skin cells and the dryer your skin is the more it sheds, and the quicker your tan fades.  Your first defense is a moisturizer that does not contain sulfates.  A lot of your drugstore brand moisturizers contain sulfates that break down your tan.  I suggest using Aviva's Velvet Soft Moisturizing Creme.  This product was designed especially for spray tans. There is no DHA in this product so it can be used daily, as often as you like.  I recommend at least twice a day, and this product can be purchased through me. 


3. Body Wash - Only use body wash, do not use bar soap.  Bar soap dries your skin which will degrade your tan and make it fade.  Try to find a sulfate free body wash, or body washes that are meant for spray tanning. The Aviva line has Shower Glow DHA-Infused Body Wash that puts DHA back on your skin to help boost your tan again.  You should use this product every other day after your tan, and this can be purchased through me. 


4. Tan Extender - A moisturizing formula that refreshes your tan and has a light DHA to extend the duration of your tan up to 3 days.   Aviva's Skin Glow can be used every other day and is my best selling product!  Clients love this.  You can use this between the Velvet Soft applications.  


5. Tan Restore - Aviva's Tan Restore is a perfect option for those going on a long vacation or don't have the time to make an appointment every week. The nice thing about Tan Restore is that you can build a tan with this product alone.  You can also use this product every 3 - 4 days with your spray tan to restore areas that may have faded.   Aviva's Tan Restore can be used on your body and on your face. It can be purchased through me. 

Tan Care Tips

In addition to the products listed above you should consider these care tips before, during, and after your spray tanning appointment.

1. Shaving and teeth care - It's important to shave before you tan because you will want to refrain from shaving for the few days after.  When you do shave you will want to use a sharp new blade to avoid scraping off the top layer of your skin.  You can also opt for an electric razor.  As for your teeth, you will want to brush before your tan and not again until after your wash time.  Brushing before it's time to wash off can cause a white ring around your lips - very unattractive!  


2. Wait to get wet - Wait the recommended amount of time (determined by your tanner) before getting you skin wet.  This might be several hours, over night, or maybe just a few hours for an express tan. If the weather is rainy... you may want to opt for a mobile tan!


3. Hydrate - Drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin from the inside out. It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to hydrate your body for healthier skin.  


4. Warm water - When you take a shower you should use warm water not hot water.  Hot water in the shower causes your skin to dry out later.  


5. Blot, don't rub - After you shower use the towel to blot dry. When you rub your skin you can rub skin cells off causing the tan to rub off and fade prematurely. 


6. Moisturize - Moisturize at least twice a day and choose appropriate products as listed in the products section above. 


7. Chlorine or hot tubs - These are not off limits but as mentioned in #4 above the hot water can dry out your skin.  Chlorine adds another element of degrading.  If you plan on going in a hot tub or chlorinated pool, you may want to add the Skin Glow or Tan Restore to your regimen.   

When in doubt, ask me your question about how to care for your tan or comment below!