Top Tips For Tanning Before Your Wedding Day

Article Published 10/05/2023

Tips For Tanning Before Your Wedding Day




If you're anything like me and like having a bronzed golden glow to you every now and again, this can really give you a confidence boost without splashing the cash jet setting before your big day. Even if you are not tan savvy, i'm going to give you some top tips to create a streak-free, natural-looking tan. There’s no reason not to consider doing your own tan before your wedding day- a bottle is all you need!

Everyone knows that tanning beds have there own risks and should be avoided at any cost. With links to skin cancer, premature aging of the skin with also a higher risk of developing melanoma, this is why you should always use the safest option which is self tanning products that can be applied at home or even considering a spray tan a few days before your wedding day- your health is so important so remember to always look after yourself.

1. PREP YOUR SKIN-Before application, it is important to prep your skin beforehand to ensure that your tan has an all over natural coverage. With the help of using exfoliating mitts, scrubs, dry brushes or even consider purchasing products on the market that can help you remove exisiting tan residue, this will give your skin the best base to allow your tanning products to glide on evenly! Here are 3 products that have been highly reccomended on the market to help you achieve this: St Tropez Prep & Maintain- 200ml (Boots- £14.50), Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser-200ml (Boots- £15.99), Isle of Paradise Over It Self Tan Eraser- 200ml (Boots- £17.99)- Be sure to shop around as products can be on offer from time to time and also consider asking friends which products they may recommend also!

2. SHAVE/WAX AT LEAST 24 HOURS BEFORE APPLICATION-This will help create an even surface for your tan to be applied to. I know personally that i have made the mistake of shaving before application, the products sits within the pores of your skin after shaving, which can give you the strawberry legs kind of look which instantly gives you the idea that the tan may not be even and may become patchy!

3. REMOVE RESIDUES-Avoid using make up, perfumes or deodorants prior to tanning as this can create a barrier on the skin. Oil based products especially are advised to be avoided also, this will increase the risk of your tan looking streaky- natural looking is the way to go! Ideally shower beforehand so that your skin is hydrated and wait at least an hour or two for optimal results prior to application.

4. TAN AREA BY AREA-Everyone knows that your hands, feet and elbows are the biggest give away when it comes to self tanning. That's why it is important to tan area by area in small circular motions ensuring that the product is even. The best way to tackle the problematic areas is to consider using a kabuki brush with a minimal amount of product on and brush your hands and feet lightly. Always consider applying your tan with an application mitt for optimal results.

5. DONT FORGET YOUR BACK- This is a tricky area to consider tanning especially if you are going solo with self tanning! If possible, you may want to ask your partner or friend to give you a helping hand. There are products on the market that can help you with tanning issues like this. Skinny Tan sell a tanning roller to help you roll the tanning product onto your skin, complete with a handle that gives you more room to work with to apply the tan as evenly as possible when you are tanning solo! Isle of Paradise also have a spray tan mister in a bottle, which can be used up-side-down to mist the product onto your skin for the hard to reach areas! These products can often be bought in bundles with the tanning products included so be sure to shop around!

6. WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING-To avoid products transferring onto your clothes, consider wearing minimal, loose fitting clothing to ensure that your tan is able to dry properly. Although this is common knowledge, i'm going to say it anyway, avoid light coloured/white clothing, this may stain especially straight after application.

7. CONSIDERING SPRAY TAN-If you would prefer to opt for a spray tan before your wedding day ( if you feel like you may not be able to create a streak free tan yourself) this is fine! Just remember to have a trail run. Spray tans often tend to give optimal results on day 2 or 3 so consider having trail runs to give you chance to see which shade is best suited to your complexion. It is also key to have in mind, the complexion of your bridemaids in group photos- Although if you are opting to wear white as your wedding day attire, the tan will naturally POP against the white regardless. The last thing that you want is for you to look like an Oompa Loompa amongst your guests- Book your spray tan 2-3 days before your wedding to allow your tan to settle completely depending on your desired look.

8. CONSIDER SPRAY TAN BEFORE MAKE UP TRIAL- By settling on the correct shade of tan prior to your wedding day make up trial, this will help your make up artist match your foundation to your skin tone.

9. WILL MY TAN TRANSFER ON MY DRESS?- The beauty of modern day tanning products is that they come in different forms like clear tanning waters, clear sprays/mouses and even clear spray tans so the chances of transferring is none! Just a heads up- do not consider applying a fresh coat on the morning of your wedding even though you may be tempted.

Recently engaged? Find Wedding Photographers and Videographers all in one place! See exact prices, availability, message and book safely and securely... All for FREE . Compare wedding photographers & videographers

Browse all our amazing suppliers now https://bit.ly/3bgLkFe


Written by
Zenouska Miller, Client Liaison Manager