Glowing Skin is Always In
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Renee Mazza with Show Tanning Professionals. For many years I spent A LOT of time inside the spray tanning tent as a competitor, before I was trained on the other side of the spray gun. I consider myself very lucky to do what I do…especially because I get to show up in that inevitable show-day nightmare you’ll have sometime within the last 2 weeks of your prep. You know the one: Your suit is on and perfect, and you’re rocking your blinged-out TSF heels. You’re in line to be walked backstage. You look down…and NO TAN! You forgot to get sprayed!
Which brings me to my first point:
The tan seals the deal!
You will not feel ready until you have your tan. It is amazing what the right color can do for your confidence before your show. And in all seriousness, THAT is why I consider myself lucky. After months of hard work, I get to be the icing on your cake. (That wasn’t meant to be a pun, but I like where it went.) So remember that when you are in your peak week panic…the tan changes everything!
That being said…don’t mess it up!
Skin prep does matter.
But you don’t need to buy some exclusive products to get the job done. Here are a few do’s and don’ts for skin prep leading up to your spray tan that won’t cost you!
You’ll want to exfoliate the week prior to your tan. All you really need for this is your loofa and some baking soda. Mixing baking soda with water will create a paste. The baking soda works as a light exfoliant, but it also perfects your skins PH levels to best absorb our Liquid Sun Rayz color, and ensure or develops as intended. No orange, no green…just perfection!
For your final shower, you’ll want to wash with a clear body wash – avoiding built in moisturizers or too many fragrances. Any shaving should be done at least 8 hours before your tan to be sure no areas of your skin are irritated when the formula is applied. (Waxing should be done a week prior.)
After your final shower, you should not apply any body lotion or deodorant. (I know…it definitely gets stanky.) Baby Powder is a great trick to keep the armpits and lady bits more fresh though! You’ll have to hold off until after your tan though.
What to expect at your appointment:
Typically, the first coat is applied the night before your show. You’ll want to stay away from wearing elastic bands and tight fitting undergarments the day of your tan, to avoid any lines or indentations in the skin. The smoother the skin, the smoother the tan!
Dark colored clothing is recommended. You should wear something loose fitting (draw string is a good idea) and soft, so the material won’t scratch a fresh spray tan. It should cover arms and legs so they do not rub against anything (car seat, etc.)
Now, while our color is absolutely beautiful, don’t expect to look like you just got back from the tropics. A competition tan is intense…for lack of a better word. You won’t recognize yourself, and you’ll regret not running into Wawa to use the ATM earlier in the day. But you WILL finally see every cut and curve you’ve been busting your ass for! So it is well worth the paranoia that everyone at Wawa is looking at you like you’re crazy. Rest assured though, once you are able to shower it off, you’ll have developed a gorgeous glow that will last for about a week!
So you’re back home…now what?
Well first and foremost…avoid the dribble! Grab yourself a stack of paper cups, cut out the bottoms, and consider them your new bathroom buddies. Using these as a funnel for the next 24 hours will save you (and your spray tanner) lots of stress.
Now you can use a large duster brush to fluff some baby powder in the necessary areas. (Anywhere you may tend to sweat)
You may want to lay down a towel or dark sheets so you don’t stain yours. And if you are staying at a hotel, DEFINITELY pack your own sheets and pillowcases.
After 8 hours your tan will be fully developed, however whether or not you should shower before your final coat on show day will be up to you and your tanner.
But either way, wash your face! Your makeup artist will be very upset if you arrive for your appointment with the bronzing top coat on your face.
As long as you follow these guidelines, and remember to pack your “bathroom buddies”, you should have a flawless spray tan for your big day!
Good luck, and I hope to see you in my tent this season!
