If you are looking to achieve gorgeous bronzed skin without exposing yourself to the sun's harmful rays, well, look no further than spray tanning.
That said, if you're a bit of a spray tanning newbie and aren't sure about how the process works (or how to prep before your upcoming appointment), we've got you covered: We spoke to both a celebrity spray tan artist and a celebrity makeup artist about all the dos and don'ts worth keeping in mind on your big day.
So, from when to shower post-tanning and what to wear when you go, below is everything you need to know before you get a spray tan for the first time.
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Always Remember to Exfoliate
"Make sure that you exfoliate and shave before each tan," suggests celebrity spray tan artist Carly Frei, founder of Glow Boss, a mobile spray tanning service. Also, she advises to be extra-sure to remove any dead skin and old self-tanner, since this will help ensure that your tan goes on evenly.
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Do Not Wear Makeup to Your Appointment
"It's super important to remove any makeup on your face before getting bronzed," says celebrity makeup artist Mary Irwin. And while most tanning salons provide cleansing wipes, she explains that they can leave a residue on the skin, making it important to cleanse before you go.
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Wipe Off Your Deodorant Before You Tan
You'll also want to wipe off your deodorant before you begin the spray-tanning process, Irwin suggests, as tanned skin and white armpits can look a bit awkward.
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Leave Your Skin Alone
"Lotions, creams, and soaps that are left on the body can make a solution spray go on unevenly," says Frei. She explains that it's best to have clean skin — meaning, no products — prior to your tan.
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