You may have noticed that your Instagram feed is already starting to fill up with shots of golden limbs, bronzed bellies and honey-hued complexions. Tanning season is officially on.
It might seem a tad early, but if you want to look like a golden goddess by summer, it’s best to get a handle on your faux glow now. Just for a second, put yourself in the perma-tanned shoes of model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley; one woman who knows how to subtly shimmer all year round. Would she jump wildly from a pale winter pallor to deep shade of bronze? No she wouldn’t. She preps, she buffs and she builds her level of bronze up gradually. By the time summer comes she’s already got a firm grip on her tanning regime.
Like Rosie, we know that there’s nothing worse than being overzealous with a deeper than deep spray the moment the sun comes out, especially if you’ve ‘forgotten’ to exfoliate and moisturise your bod over winter. Out of sight, out of mind right? The whole point of a good, natural looking tan is that it looks, well, natural. This means getting the condition of your skin into shape before you hit the spray tans, starting lightly and building up to a warmer shade, so that by summer you look like you’ve been gently baking on a caribbean beach for about a month. See below for our top tips on getting your glow – Rosie style.
1) Ease into it! If you haven’t hit the beach in a while and it’s been months since your skin has seen the sun, it’s important to give yourself a good exfoliation before you get a spray tan. Scrubbing away dead skin cells preps your body for a fake tan session and stops any dry areas from grabbing the tan and creating a patchy effect. Look for body scrubs in oil to get the most transformational results. We love Aveda Caribbean Therapy Body Scrub, £32
2) Moisturise like a mad person the week before you book in for your first spray tan of the season. Look out for body creams containing Glycolic acid to help to smooth the skin. Dr Lancer Body Nourish, £54, is the bomb.
3) Tailor your tans to your needs and your skin tone. We find a classic St Tropez spray tan gives the most natural effect on paler, sun-starved skin. You can build up to the darker tones of a Fake Bake glow once you’ve warmed up, or had a dose of natural Vitamin D. Golden skin tones will perfectly pull off this darker effect just be sure to keep the skin hydrated to make it look as natural as possible. Take inspiration from Gigi Hadid whose faux summer glow is always on point, despite her naturally porcelain complexion.
4) And finally, whatever you do, don’t do it drastically. Just like summer bodies, summer tans are also made in Spring, Rosie knows it. We know it. And now you know it as well.
Book spray tan nowFAQs
How do you prepare your skin before getting a spray tan?
You should exfoliate your body thoroughly to remove dead skin cells before a spray tan. This helps prevent dry areas from absorbing excess product and causing a patchy effect, ensuring the tan looks even and natural. Using body scrubs that contain oil can provide the most transformational results.
Why is it important to moisturise before your first spray tan of the season?
Moisturising helps keep your skin smooth and hydrated, creating an ideal base for a fake tan. Applying creams with Glycolic acid can further help to improve skin texture before your tanning appointment. Well-hydrated skin allows for an even application and prolongs the life of your faux glow.
How should you approach building up your tan for a natural look?
Start with lighter shades and gradually build up your tan intensity over time. Avoid dramatically jumping from a very pale shade to a deep bronze in one session. This approach ensures your tan appears naturally sun-kissed and blends well with your skin tone by summer.
Which type of spray tan is best for paler skin tones?
A classic St Tropez spray tan provides the most natural effect for paler, sun-starved skin. You can build up to darker tones, like those offered by Fake Bake, as your skin tone warms or after some sun exposure. Keeping your skin hydrated helps any spray tan look more natural.
When should you start your tanning routine if you want a summer glow?
Begin your tanning routine in Spring to allow your glow to develop gradually before summer starts. Starting early lets you perfect your technique and avoid an unnatural, sudden change in skin tone. Consistent exfoliation, moisturising, and gradual tanning help you achieve a long-lasting golden look.