How To Nail Your Wedding Tan, According To A Celebrity Tanner

So you’ve found the dress, chosen your nail colour and planned your hair style. But how will you achieve that perfect wedding glow? Rather than risking a patchy, orange look, many brides choose to leave their wedding tan to the professionals, booking a spray tan for the big day. But what you do before and after the treatment can be the key to success (or disaster). So, we’ve enlisted one of the UK’s leading tanning experts James Harknett to share his ultimate guide to wedding spray tans – from the optimal timing to exfoliation and preservation tips. Whether you’re after a subtle sun-kissed look or a deep bronzing, James’ advice will ensure you achieve a natural, long-lasting wedding spray tan.

An Expert Guide To Wedding Spray Tans

When is the optimal time to get a spray tan before your wedding?

Most brides decide that the second day after the spray tan is when it looks its best. In this time you have had around three cool showers on the tan, which ensures all guide colour has been washed away. This gives peace of mind that nothing will rub onto the inside of the wedding dress. Also, having a day or two of gentle cleansing settles the colour on the face. I gently dust the face with tan, for brides. This gives them an opportunity to wear minimal make up – if they wish. It’s a great idea to have a make up trial a day or so after the tan as this really helps you gain confidence with the look you will have for the wedding.

What should you do to prepare your body?

With regards to prepping before the big day, it’s said time and time again to ensure your hair removal is done well in advance. Not only does this allow the pores to close, but it gives time for the skin to renew. Tanning straight after waxing is a disaster, so wax a good two or three days before the tan. You can, however, shave 24 hours before your tan is applied.

Another tip is to start to exfoliate the parts of the body where bra straps or sports bras dig in, and are tight on the body. Do this a good few weeks leading up to the wedding tan. The reason is the skin gets compacted by the tightness of the fabrics against the body. This can lead to the tan grabbing darker on bra strap lines and around the breast area leading up to the arm pits. I recommend Three Warriors Tasmanian Sand Scrub, as not only does it smooth the skin, it leaves it feeling hydrated. 

What are the best ways to preserve your spray tan?

Once the tan is on the skin it’s your job then to cherish it. This will allow longevity and a natural fade off, as if it were real. So first, have quick showers instead of taking baths. Remember to keep it at a cooler temperature than normal. Remember fake tan dyes our dead skin cells, so we need to keep them intact for the longest time possible. Hot water beating down on our skin will encourage it to wear away faster.

Always gently dry the skin with a quick pat, then use your hair dryer on the cool setting.

Once the skin is dry, moisturise it generously twice a day. I adore Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream. It works wonders and leaves a sheen to the tan that looks beautiful in daylight, reflecting the light onto the skin. 

(c) Oscar de la Rental Bridal Fall 2019

What should you wear immediately after a spray tan?

After your treatment wear something loose and avoid a bra. My top tip is to wear a loose maxi dress and get a cab home from the salon or spa (to avoid sweating on hot tubes/buses). Dusting some talc under the arms and in the creases always ensures my clients avoid smudges and streaks. 

What treatments should you avoid after getting your spray tan?

I always advise my clients to have their tan last. This way you won’t have the chance of it fading prematurely. So avoid everything after the tan as you don’t want to disturb the skin. This will help keep the tan intact and even. 

Would you recommend a tan trial? 

A tanning trial for your wedding is as important as your dress fitting and make up trial. It’s a great idea to have it two days before the make up trial, so your MUA can match your foundation. I carry many different solutions that all react differently on every unique skin tone. The undertone of the person is a huge factor in choosing the right tanning formula, so ensure at least one trial before your big day. It’s crucial you feel the colour is authentic and natural to your colouring. 

Will the spray tan rub off on your wedding dress? How can people avoid this?

After the first rinse, dry your skin with a white towel. If you see any tint or guide colour, hop back in the shower and gently massage your soap or shower gel over the body to ensure that all remnants have been washed off. With a couple more showers in the days leading up to the ceremony, you can be confident nothing will transfer. The tan is in your skin so simply dust some baby powder on a fluffy brush over the skin where your dress sits. This will allow slip and movement, and help avoid perspiration rubbing away the colour. 

If you’re in crisis mode and the tan is too dark, are there any ways to make it lighter?

Yes, just take a few long baths. The soak strips the skin cells that contain the tan and lighten it up in no time.

James Harknett offers wedding spray tans at The W London, jamesharknett.co.uk