Faking it with self-tan

If you have ever applied a self-tan, the chances are you experienced orange palms and streaky legs. An all-over glow could be just what you want on your wedding day, but it is not the occasion to experiment with a self-tan that clearly states you have faked it. It is a time in your life we recommend you leave it to the professionals.

Self tanning products and methods of applying them have come a long way in the last decade. Faking it both effective and affordable. Consider trying out a self-tan in a salon several weeks before. The different products and methods of applying them produce very different results. No two people will get the same tan from the same product, so you need to experiment.

Beauty salons will apply self-tan by one of three methods. The first technique involves a tanning product being sprayed by hand using an air compressor and airbrush delivery system. This takes about twenty minutes to apply and dries within ten. Based on similar technology are spray tanning booths where the tanning solution is automatically sprayed as you stand in the booth. The downside of this method is that you will be asked to perform a set of contortions within the booth to ensure an even application. If you get it wrong you can end up with a less-than-perfect result. But the process is quick, about fifteen minutes in total. Finally, there are tanning creams and lotions that are rubbed in by hand. These take longer to apply, but it is a very relaxing process which usually involves a full body exfoliation first.

Whichever method and product you use, the darker you natural skin tone the darker the result will be. The airbrushing technique has the advantage of the tanning solution containing a bronzer which shows up on the skin immediately to aid an even application. Areas to watch for are the hair line and neck where the tanning solution can collect. Especially watch out for this if you use a tanning booth where your hair will be covered and solution can collect around the head or cap they'll give you to wear. Tell the salon why you are having the tan and if you are planning to wear your hair up. Ask them to ensure an even application and to remove any residue in problem areas.

For the best results it is a good idea to start preparing your skin a few days before you tan by exfoliating in the shower daily and moisturising night and morning. Pay particular attention to ankles, knees, elbows and knuckles. Moisturiser can interfere with the absorption of the tanning product so avoid using it immediately before. Have the tan applied two days before the wedding day, not the day before, and keep your skin well-moistured to prolong the effects.