How long should you get a fake tan before an event?

Author: Maiya Hagenes Sr.  |  Last update: Friday, September 5, 2025

The Two-Day Rule: When it comes to tanning before an event, it is generally recommended to have a spray tan or apply your own tan two days prior to the occasion. The reason behind this is that all tans take approximately 24 hours to fully develop, even after rinsing off the initial bronzer.

Should I get a spray tan 2 or 3 days before an event?

SPRAY TAN TIMING If your tan is for an event, the common recommendation is 2 days prior, allowing you to get in at least 2 showers. For example, if you are getting a spray tan for a Saturday event, you'd go in Thursday.

How far in advance should I self tan?

Day 1 should start at least 12 hours after Day 0. Forgo the shower (if you must, make sure it's several hours earlier in the day and try your best not to moisturize) and get straight to the tan.

How far in advance should I get a spray tan for vacation?

Timing is everything when it comes to a spray tan. Ideally, schedule your appointment one to two days before you leave for your trip.

Can you put on self-tanner 2 days in a row?

You can apply 2 days in a row. The tanner I have recommends that if you want it super dark to do a layer, then 30 minutes later do another layer, then rinse after 8ish hours like usual.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR FIRST SPRAY TAN | TIPS AND TRICKS BY A PRO SPRAY TAN ARTIST

Is it better to fake tan at night or morning?

Applying at night gives your self-tanner time to develop a natural tan look. Things like showering, rain, or tight clothes can mess up your tan when it's trying to settle. And some tanning products will also stain! As the self-tanner process can take up to eight hours, applying right before bed is super convenient.

Does fake tan still develop after a shower?

If you showered after just a few hours, you might notice your skin is not as tanned as you'd expected. Don't fret! Your colour will continue to develop and darken for a few hours (and a spray tan takes up to 24 hours to develop fully).

How long does a fake tan last?

Before we dive into tips on how to extend your sunless tan, you're probably wondering, “Just how long does a fake tan last?” On average, your skin retains self tanner for 5-7 days, but this period of longevity can vary based on many factors. Expired self tanning products, sensitive skin, and skin types are a few.

Should I get my nails done before or after a spray tan?

Nail appointments ideally should be done 24 hours before your spray tan. Nails and pedicures CAN be done the day of your spray tan, but please exfoliate any lotion or residue off. Nail appointments CANNOT be done immediately after your spray tan. Nail appointments CAN be done the day AFTER your spray tan.

Is it good to fake tan before vacation?

Some people think that a base tan helps protect your skin, but this definitely isn't the case. Dermatologists everywhere promote the importance of skin protection in the sun (even on vacation). Increased confidence - Everyone wants to feel great on vacation and getting a spray tan will help with that.

How to make fake tan look natural?

  1. Step 1 - Exfoliate your Skin. Having gorgeous, clean skin is great but not if there are lots of dead skin cells determined to cling onto it! ...
  2. Step 2 - Cleanse your Skin. Before applying fake tan it's vitally important to have clean skin. ...
  3. Step 3 - Moisturising. ...
  4. Step 4 - Take care of your Hair Line and Eyebrows.

Do you fake tan your face?

Yes, here's how: Take a large powder brush; spritz the self-tan spray onto the brush, then use circular motions, buff into the face, blend into the hairline and down towards the neck, and decolletage. You can always do a second layer, and just buff into the cheekbones to subtly sculpt.

Should I put lotion on before I self tan?

Apply Moisturizer Before Tanner

After exfoliating your body, continue the prepping process by applying a moisturizer. You shouldn't apply self-tanner without moisturizing first, because skipping out on this prep step could potentially leave you with patchy color — this goes for your face and the rest of your body.

When should I fake tan for an event?

Spray tans usually last between seven to nine days and it is actually better to book a spray tan two to three days before a special event, party or wedding. By doing this, you will allow your tan to fully develop. Remember when you rinse-off your tan in the shower, use warm water to avoid losing any colour.

What day does spray tan look best?

We recommend getting your spray tan 2 - 3 days before the big day. It's definitely best to avoid the wedding-eve as the tan will continue to develop for 24-48 hours, so will need some time for the full result to appear.

Do spray tans look natural?

Your Tan Will Look Natural

In fact, many people have used at-home tanning products that have given them streaky, orange tans that don't look natural or attractive. Fortunately, you don't need to worry about any of these issues when you receive an airbrush tan.

How many days before a wedding to get a spray tan?

Ideally, you'll want to get your spray tan two to three days before your wedding. "This gives the tan a full day to settle and gives you time to take two full showers so that the bronzer is completely rinsed from your skin," Ferstler emphasizes.

Do you tip after a spray tan?

Avoid Chlorine: Swimming pools, and hot tubs can remove the color and shorten the life of your Airbrush Tan. Gratuities: For Airbrush Tanning, our Artists are providing a customized service and if you are happy with your personalized service, a gratuity of 18-20% is customary.

Why is it called Russian manicure?

"The technique originated in Russia," explains Kamola Malikova, founder of Los Angeles-based nail salon Minx Nails. "The Russian manicure has moved into places like Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. In these countries, it has gone so mainstream that traditional methods are no longer used."

How long before a trip should I get a spray tan?

When should I get my spray tan before I travel? About 24 hours before your flight is ideal. This gives you enough time to book your service, get your glow on, marinate and rinse before you board the plane. By the time you arrive you will have a super fresh flawless tan.

Does showering after tanning in the sun affect your tan?

After tanning, you will produce a little bit of sweat, but that's it. There is no reason to shower right away because water does not affect the tan. This is another myth that has been around for ages. The truth is, showering right after getting a tan will not cause staining of your skin.

Does moisturizing help fake tan last longer?

Yes! Moisturising is key to a long-lasting, streak-free tan. Moisturise daily post-tanning to lock in hydration and leave your skin buttery smooth.

What not to do after self-tanning?

It is important not to wear tight clothing after applying fake tan as this can cause your tan to rub off or cause marks. This can make self-tanning in the morning more difficult as you must wear dark, loose clothing to avoid any transfer and you can't use deodorant or perfume.

How to get the perfect fake tan?

Here's the ultimate five-step skin prep routine that will majorly improve your fake tan game.
  1. STEP ONE: EXFOLIATE. We all want our fake tan to look believable, but the most tell-tale sign of an at-home job is patchiness. ...
  2. STEP TWO: MOISTURISE. ...
  3. STEP THREE: CLEANSE. ...
  4. STEP FOUR: MOISTURISE AGAIN. ...
  5. STEP FIVE: REFRESH.

How to get fake tan off toilet seat?

The first is to use a stain remover. If the fake tan is still wet, you can use a wet cloth to remove it. If the fake tan is dry, you can use a brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove it.

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