So I will admit that I love my self-tan routine at home and feel like I’ve gotten it down to a science. But sometimes, especially before and event or a trip, it’s nice to get a fresh spray tan. That being said, before Florida we all decided to get spray tans so we didn’t look like ghosts on the beach 😉 We saw Alietha Sun Kissed Tans per some of your recommendations and our tans turned out amazing! Super happy with them. She comes to your house so it couldn’t be more convenient. Also at the end of my blog post I’ll list some other recommendations for spray tans in the Raleigh area! But before we get to that, I thought I would share what we learned on how to prepare for your spray tan and what to do after to make it last.

To Prepare:
-Shave and exfoliate the day before.
-Do not apply lotion that day/before your spray tan.
-Do not use any Dove products before or after. Apparently there is an ingredient in Dove products that does not work well with spray tans. Don’t ask me more details than that because I don’t remember LOL.
-If you’re planning on getting your nails or lashes done, do them at least 24 hours before.
-Have dark, loose fitting clothing ready to put on after you tan (or if it’s not dark, just have them be loose and clothes that you don’t care about potentially getting spray tan on).

After/How To Maintain:
-No dishes, laundry, bathing kids, or shower that night (tan needs to develop for 8 hours). I also used hand sanitizer for the rest of the night instead of actually washing my hands to prevent the tanner from washing off.
-Don’t use bar soap (or dove), use a body wash. She said products like Cetaphil and Aveeno are great.
-Pat dry when you’re out of the shower, do not rub the towel on your tan.
-Moisturize daily (I use the coco butter from Trader Joe’s).

Okay, I think that sums it up! I’ve only had a few spray tans in my life so no expert here, but wanted to pass along what we learned! Any other tips, drop them in the comments. PS. Apparently I got 11% DHA with my spray tan so if you plan to get a spray tan and like my color, that information should help!

Other spray tan recs:
Unfiltered Beauty
Ghost Busters Mobile Tanning
Physios
Oak City Sunless
Toast Sunless Studio
Tansformations
Glow Salon
Jills Beach