prep & aftercare instructions

trust us, you're gonna wanna follow these steps!

prep is key

PrEP 24 hrs before your tan, plz&ty

Your spray tan is your very LAST stop! Complete ALL other services at least 24 hours before your tan, such as manicures, pedicures, waxing, facials, massages, eyelashes etc.

Don't worry, your nails won't get stained with us!

  • •Shower, shave and exfoliate the night before, and NOT right before. If you must exfoliate the day of your service we recommend at least 4 hours before your tan application.

  • Exfoliating the skin is very important for a flawless tan outcome! Our favorite methods are dry brushing, or using an exfoliating mitt, scrubs can contain ingredients a such as oils that could leave a film on the skin. 

  • Avoid wearing any lotion, deodorant, makeup or any products to your session- these will create a barrier to the tan! We do provide makeup wipes for clients coming straight from work. 

flawless tan goals require good prep, period.

What to wear:

ditch the dove:

Wear dark loose-fitting pants, a baggy shirt and loose shoes or flip-flops to your appointment. Do NOT wear jeans or leggings.

If it is raining be sure to opt for a long sleeved shirt, crewneck, or hoodie! We do provide rain ponchos to protect your tan on the way to the car. 

Ewww, Dove soap creates a barrier to your tan. Olay body wash, bar soap and washes containing oils are other NO-GOs!

We retail spray tan safe body washes that we love, but if you are looking for a new soap to use while you prep we love the Aveeno Hydrating Body Wash! 

the more you know...

Please be advised there is a small percentage of people whose skin may not react favorably to a spray tan.

Examples include recently using retinol or skin resurfacing products, Accutane etc.

Please discontinue these products at least 7 days before your session; we can also avoid spraying the treated areas if that is preferred.

dry skin woes? Follow our tips for juicy, hydrated skin:

Moisturize with shea butter for the week before your appointment every day up until the day before your tan. DO NOT APPLY SHEA BUTTER THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR TAN AFTER PREP, you will want clean skin for your appointment the next day. 

Example: If your tan is on Friday, the last day you would use shea butter is Thursday morning, then you will rinse it off with your prep that should be done that same day (Thursday night).

what to expect

during your tan at stl

During your tan, women will have the option to wear as much or as little as you are comfortable with.

Men will be required to wear undergarments.

Before beginning, we will do a quick consultation to discuss your desired color and level of darkness to ensure you are feeling confident when the session is complete!

The application of your airbrush tan takes about 20 minutes.

During this time you will be guided through a series of positions to stand in as your solution is applied.

After application, we'll perform a drying service and powder application to help you feel more comfortable as the solution develops on your skin.

After a few moments of drying, you're welcome to get dressed in your dark, loose-fitting clothing.

Spray Tan Tip: The instant cosmetic bronzer that you see upon application is like makeup! It will build up/move around or smudge and may appear imperfect. It is important to wait until after the first initial rinse and full soap shower to see the real results!

after your appointment

aftercare & maintenance

Rinse times may vary depending on the solution we used. We will provide the optimal rinse time for your desired result. 

First shower after tan:
  • During your initial post-tan shower use warm water, and no soap to rinse off the top coat of your tan. Use your hands to brush the bronzer down your body until the water runs clear down the drain, ensuring all of your cosmetic bronzer coat is washed off. Don't worry! This is not your spray tan washing away! 

  • Gently blot your skin with a towel to dry, do not rub.

  • After your appointment wait 24 hours before using soap or body wash.

  • Do not be worried if your tan appears lighter after your first shower, this is totally normal! It will be a full 24 hours before you see your full color.

make your stl glow last

let's keep you bronzed & beautiful

Your tan needs moisture to last! Moisturize every morning and night to prolong the life of your tan.

Avoid the following as much as possible, but if you're going on a fun vacay to the beach, just let us know and we'll give you some tips for prolonging your glow in the water:

• NO ocean, hot tubs and swimming pools for the first 48 hours.
• NO exercise/sweating for 24 hours, but please be aware that sweat may affect your tan even if you wait longer than 24 hours to sweat.
• NO perfume or any sprays for 24 hours
• NO Dove, Olay body wash or soap
• NO lotions or body wash containing oils

TIPS IF YOU'LL BE GETTING WET:
Using a waterproof sunscreen will repel water off your skin and help to keep the spray tan from lessening, we love Coola aerosol or crean, or the SunBum cream lotion.

Rinsing off immediately after leaving the water will also ensure that high contents of chlorine or salt will be removed. Be sure to apply lotion after your rinse off to ensure your skin is hydrated after being in the water.