Your wedding day is one of the most memorable and important days of your life, so it's only natural to want to look your best. In addition to flawless hair and makeup, for many brides, having a golden, sun-kissed glow is part of their wedding day look. While some opt for natural sun exposure, others turn to fake tan as a safer and more convenient alternative.
However, using self-tan for your wedding requires some careful consideration to ensure a flawless and natural finish. Here are the dos and don'ts of using fake tan for your special day.
Dos of Fake Tanning Before Your Wedding
Do a Patch Test
Before applying a new self-tan product all over your body, it's essential to do a patch test to check for any allergic reactions or skin sensitivity. The last thing you want is to end up with a painful rash or reaction that spoils the big day. Apply a small amount of the product to a discreet area of your skin and wait 24 hours to see if any irritation occurs.
Exfoliate Before Application
To ensure an even application and prevent streaks or patches, exfoliate your skin thoroughly before applying fake tan. This will help remove any dead skin cells and create a smooth surface for the tan to adhere to.
Keep Moisturised
Moisturised skin will help your fake tan go on smoothly and evenly. Make sure to hydrate your skin well in the days leading up to your wedding to achieve a natural and glowing finish.
From the experts
Practice Application
If you're applying the fake tan yourself, practice the application beforehand to perfect your technique, especially if you are not a regular self-tan user. Pay special attention to blending areas like elbows, knees, and ankles, which tend to absorb more product and can result in a darker appearance.
You may wish to ask your maid of honour, mum or your partner to help you with these areas and any hard to reach places to ensure a smooth and even application of the product. Additionally, don't be afraid to trial other methods of applying a fake tan too. You may find you prefer the look of a tan that's been sprayed on by a professional versus one you have applied yourself.
Choose the Right Shade
When selecting a fake tan product, choose a shade that complements your natural skin tone. Opt for a lighter shade for fair skin and a deeper shade for darker skin tones to achieve a natural-looking tan.
Don'ts of Fake Tanning Before Your Wedding
Don't Rush the Application
Take your time when applying fake tan to avoid streaks, patches, or uneven colour. Rushing the process can lead to a less-than-desirable result that may be difficult to fix before your wedding day.
If you haven't applied fake tan regularly before, you'll want to get some practice in over the 6 months prior to the wedding. This gives you time to try a couple of spray tan appointments too should you find self-application to be difficult or inconsistent.
Avoid Over-Tanning
It can be tempting to layer on multiple coats of fake tan to achieve a darker colour, but this can result in an unnatural appearance. Stick to one or two light coats to avoid looking orange or overly tanned.
Don't Forget To Blend Well
Remember to blend carefully when you apply fake tan to your hands, feet and other absorption areas such as knees. Neglecting these areas or not blending well can result in a two-toned look that doesn't match the rest of your body.
Avoid Sweating and Water
After applying fake tan, avoid doing activities that will get you sweating or involve you getting wet. You want to avoid this for the recommended time specified on the product packaging. Moisture can interfere with the development of the tan and lead to an uneven finish. To avoid this, many brides will apply the tan before bed and let the colour develop overnight before washing it off in the morning.
Don't Experiment Last Minute
Unless you have a few months to trial different tanning products, it's best to stick to a self tan brand you're familiar with and have used before. Trying a new product or technique right before your wedding can be risky and may not yield the desired results.
FAQs about Fake Tanning for your Wedding
FAQs about Fake Tanning for your Wedding
How Far in Advance Should I Apply Fake Tan for My Wedding?
It is a good idea to apply fake tan about 2 days before your wedding day. This timeframe allows the tan to fully develop and settle into your skin for a natural appearance. For best results, we always recommend reading the advice on your chosen products label.
Can I Wear Makeup Over Fake Tan?
Of course! You can wear makeup over fake tan. Just make sure to use products that complement your tan shade to avoid a mismatched look. It is a good idea to tan before any wedding makeup trial to so that your makeup artist will be familiar with the shade you will need.
What should I do if I encounter any issues with my fake tan before the wedding?
In case of any streaks, uneven colour, or other concerns with your fake tan, reach out to your spray tan provider or seek advice for guidance on corrective measures from the self-tan brands website. They may recommend exfoliating specific areas or touch-up products to achieve a flawless finish.
How do I prepare my skin for a fake tan before my wedding?
To ensure an even application and long-lasting results, exfoliate your skin thoroughly before getting a fake tan. Moisturise dry areas, such as elbows, knees, and ankles, and avoid applying any lotions or oils immediately before the tanning session.
How do I maintain my fake tan leading up to the wedding day?
To prolong the life of your fake tan for the wedding or while on honeymoon, moisturise your skin daily, avoid prolonged exposure to water, and opt for gentle cleansers when bathing or showering. Additionally, it's best to refrain from activities that may cause excessive sweating to prevent tan fading.
