Spray Tanning
Beauty Lab- Peptide tanning- anti ageing (used on Strictly come dancing and Xfactor)
Full Body €30
Upper Body €15

Preparing For The Perfect Tan

We all want that healthy sun-kissed glow, but these days we’re a lot more savvy about taking care of our skin and the dangers of prolonged exposure to the sun. Baking ourselves is a no-no, not only because it can cause our skin to age prematurely but harmful UV rays can result in skin cancers.

We’ve also learned (a lot of us through personal experience – cringe!) that bottles of self-tanning lotion hastily applied in our bathrooms the day before an important event or unveiling of a new bikini can lead to untold embarrassments.

So, of course, getting your tan done professionally is the safest, most convenient way of getting that healthy sun-kissed glow.

The Perfect Tan

Anyone can get the perfect tan – if applied correctly by a professional.

Slop on some tanning lotion yourself and you can bet you’ll end up deeply regretting your bit of DIY. The end result will most likely be streaky colour, blotchy patches, stained fingernails and your skin turning an unnatural shade of orange!

Save yourself a lot of headaches and heartaches and go to an experienced tanning technician. They can advise you which shade of tan will work best with your skin type and colouring, ensure that the tan is perfectly applied, and tell you how to care for your tan and make it last longer.

But before you head to the salon, there are a few things you’ll have to take care of yourself for your tan to turn out just right.

Plan ahead

If you want a tan for a special occasion like a wedding, book your tanning appointment for about two days beforehand. This will give the tan time to settle. If it’s your first time to get a fake tan, go for two or three tanning sessions well in advance of your big day, slowly building up the colour each time. This way you’ll have time to get used to your new look and end up with a tan that looks and feels natural.

Always get a patch test 24hrs before your tanning session to make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.

Exfoliate

Exfoliating removes dead skin so your tan won’t become uneven or fade quickly. Concentrate on knees, ankles, elbows – all those knobbly bits you might usually neglect. Use an exfoliating lotion daily for a week or so before your session and, on that morning, scrub yourself with a dry mitt for best results.

Protect your nails

The enamel on your fingernails and toenails will stain if they come into contact with the tanning solution. The best way to protect them is to paint them with a coat of clear nail varnish before your appointment.

Hair removal

It would be a shame to shave or wax away your lovely new tan! To avoid this, wax at least two days before your appointment or shave at least 24hrs before. This gives your skin time to heal and pores to close.
And let it relax!

Avoid swimming, showering, bathing or wearing any tight fitting clothes or jewelry for about one full day after your tanning session. Your tan needs time to settle on your skin so arrange your appointment for a time when you can lounge around in loose old clothing afterwards.

Maintenance

After showering or bathing, dab your skin dry instead of rubbing it with a towel and moisturise your skin daily – this will help the tan to last longer, as well as keeping your skin feeling smooth and supple. Also avoid spending too long in swimming pools as the chlorine can fade the tan.

By following these crucial steps before and after visiting your tanning technician, you’ll be ensuring that the tan you get will glide on more smoothly, be more easily maintained, and last a whole lot longer.

And of course, the happier you are with your tan, the more fun you can have without worrying about streaky, blotchy bits and premature fading.

For more advice about getting the perfect tan, read all of our Tanning Secrets.