Stepping out of the spray tan salon should feel almost like coming home fresh from a beach vacation, sans sunburn. Think tanned skin, sculpted contours, and a spirited glow.
But, unlike a tan that comes from a day under the sun, a spray-on tan has a rather short lifespan. If you don’t take proper care of your fresh spray tan, its healthy hues will fade even quicker than they should.
On the flip side, taking the right steps after a spray tan session will let you bask in warm, bronzed skin for a longer time – that means more time in between your spray tan appointments too.
Ahead, we share six useful tips that’ll help you enjoy a longer-lasting spray tan!
Wear baggy clothing
It can be tempting to dress your best after a spray tan appointment, but tight-fitting clothes such as denim jeans, tights, and yoga pants will quickly buff your tan away. Instead, wear loose clothing like a flowy dress, T-shirt and elastic shorts, or a comfy set of pyjamas.
It’s also best not to wear sneakers as socks will also rub against your skin and cause your tan to fade. So, why not match your skin’s peachy glow by slipping on a pair of flip flops or sandals instead?
Stay dry for at least eight hours
Your spray tan will take about eight to 12 hours to set in, so you should keep your skin dry until then. Yes, that means you should wait at least eight hours before you take your first bath or sweat it out at the gym.
Don’t forget to bring an umbrella and take shelter if it rains too, as you don’t want your tan to look streaky because of nature’s showers!
Don’t exfoliate
While exfoliating is an ideal way to reveal smoother skin, it’s not a good idea when you’ve just gotten a spray tan. Besides removing the dead cells, exfoliating will rid your skin of its bronzed tone.
So, unless you’re ready to lose your tan, stay away from exfoliators!
Stick to sunscreen
As always, put on sunscreen daily to shield your skin from harmful UV rays! Sunscreen keeps your skin protected and at its best whilst you enjoy the golden glow of your spray tan. However, you should also take note to use ones that don’t damage it.
How? Stick to oil- and alcohol-free sunscreens. You can narrow down on safe-to-use sunscreens by looking out for labels like “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic”, and avoid alcohol-containing spray-on sunscreens.
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are also safe ingredients that block UV rays by sitting on your skin rather than be absorbed into it. Thus, they won’t interfere with the colour of your tan.
Sunscreens to use with a spray tan
Fragrance-free, oil-free and non-comedogenic, the EltaMD Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 (S$59) is a great facial sunscreen to go under your makeup. It’s suitable even for sensitive skin types.
The Neutrogena Clear Face Break-Out Free Liquid Lotion Sunscreen (S$17) is also a fragrance-free formula with a clear “oil-free” label that’s gentle on spray tans. It also provides powerful protection against UV rays with SPF 50.
Related reads:
- 19 sunscreens for darker skin tones that won’t leave a ghostly white cast on your complexion
- 22 sunscreens that you can comfortably wear indoors without feeling yucky
Use moisturisers infused with aloe vera
Although it’s important not to moisturise just before you go for a spray tan appointment in Singapore (oils from the moisturiser make it difficult for the tan to stick), moisturising daily after will help to lock in your tan and extend its lifespan.
Use moisturisers that are alcohol- and oil-free, as these ingredients will cause your tan to fade.
Two of our favourite aloe vera-based moisturisers are the Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturiser (S$58) and Earth Science Oil-Free Moisturiser (S$15.89) as they keep your skin hydrated whilst ensuring a longer-lasting tan!
Related read: 25 best body lotions that those with dry skin have to check out
Consider a tan-enhancer
Tan-enhancers add colour to your skin even as your spray tan fades over time, so you can enjoy a warm, bronzed glow for longer.
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water comes in three shades for different skin tones
The Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water (S$31.50) is a clear, colour-correcting water formula that can be used both on the face and body.
Mist your face then spread it evenly over the skin for the best results. This product is also available in three shades: light, medium and dark, so be sure to get the right one to match your spray tan!
With these steps and the right products, you’re sure to look and feel great for a longer time with your spray tan after an appointment.
Best spray tan salons in Singapore
That said, getting a good spray tan at a trustworthy salon is the first step to enjoying your glow, so check out our top picks!
Wax Factor
To ensure maximum comfort for sensitive skin, Wax Factor uses an organic, paraben-free, and fragrance-free tanning solution to spray on your tan. The result is a smooth, healthy glow that defines your body as well as balances out your uneven skin tones.
Located in the heart of Singapore, Wax Factor makes going for your spray tanning appointments a breeze!
Address: 181 Orchard Road, Orchard Central, #04-18, Singapore 238896
Opening hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon to Sun)
Contact: 6634 4818
Website | Facebook
Pink Parlour
Pink Parlour boasts pretty pink walls and snazzy decor! Since 2005, Pink Parlour has provided spray tanning alongside waxing services in Singapore.
Pink Parlour is located at Capitol Piazza, Orchard Gateway, Jurong Point, Tampines One, and Kovan Heartland Mall.
Address: Click here to view all outlets
Opening hours: 11.15am – 9pm (Mon to Sat) | 11.15am – 7pm (Sun)
Contact: 6100 8266, or click here for more contact options
Website | Facebook
Sun Tanning Studio
Get at spray tan in just four minutes at the Sun Tanning Studio! Praised by customers for its spacious, clean salon, all you have to do is get into one of their spray tanning booths to comfortably and effortlessly achieve bronzed, healthy-looking skin.
Sun Tanning Studio also offers various sunless tanning solutions such as Skin Prep to hydrate and soften your skin in preparation for your spray tan, and Post Moist that extracts skin moisture as well as removes tanning solution odour – so you leave the salon looking and feeling great.
Find out more about the services offered at Sun Tanning Studio.
Address: 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, Clark Quay Central, #03-11, Singapore 059817
Opening hours: 10.30am – 9.30pm (Mon to Fri) | 11am – 8pm (Sat to Sun)
Contact: 6534 5652, or book an appointment here
Website | Facebook
Featured image credit: Armin Rimoldi/Pexels
