Sunless Tanning Hacks

One of the best ways to instantly feel thinner, more confident, look more muscular and basically upgrade your entire errrrythang is get a professional airbrush tan. I’m not talking about the booth that sprays up and down and you hope for the best while turning from side to side hitting Egyptian poses, I’m talking about a live human. I have been going to Tan2Glow for years for my airbrush tans, right now I am going once a week. It’s not a one color fits all kind of situation. They assess your skin color and undertones, what you are wanting and customize each tan. Rapid solutions are my favorite because you can shower after just a few hours. Madison is my go to girl and she is fabulous! She gets it flawless every time. I hesitated to even say that because I don’t want her to be more booked up than she already is. MADISON I WANT YOU ALL TO MYSELF!!! But, it’s polite to share, and I set out to share the things I love with this blog, so go ahead and book her up Fort Worth girls!

It seems to be (via the handy dandy instagram poll) that almost all of us struggle with prepping and removing the tan. Some girls even said they have given up on airbrush tanning altogether because of the way it can fade off unevenly. I am one of these dry, crackly, bad faders. Tanning over it kinda sorta helps, but it’s best to remove as much of the old tan as you can before going in for the next one. I have compiled a list of hacks and secrets to help you get the most out of your airbrush tan. I’m not even going to recommend self tanner to rub on yourself at home, because I have tried so many and none of them even come close to comparing to a pro spray tan.

1. Before a tan, it is super important that you exfoliate and shave. This sugar scrub works really well.
2. I always dry brush before a tan too. Dry brushing helps with lymphatic drainage and can reduce cellulite and increase energy! Brush each section of your skin 10 or so times moving toward the heart. My itchy dry skin says yaaaaaas when I pull out the brush.
3. This tan eraser helps to remove the flaky, cracked leftover tan. Here is the key, it says foaming cleanser on the front of the bottle BUT you have to put it on when your skin is dry BEFORE you shower. I put it on at least 10 minutes before, but try to leave it on around 15. When you get in the shower, use a normal wash cloth and the tan just sort of rolls up and peels off. I experimented with one side of my body using this and one side using nothing and it was so much easier to remove the tan with the cleanser.
4. In between tans, I use this gradual tan lotion. It’s moisturizing and great for every day use. It doesn’t smell weird or streak. I always wash my hands after I use this though! I am not chancing that!
5. This super awesome face serum is anti aging, has hyaluronic acid and adds a subtle tan to your face. I love this stuff!
6. Dark loose clothes are a must. This dress is perfect. I have tan clothes that I wear to my appointments. I wear a bra there, but then after my tan I shove it in my purse. You definitely don’t want lines or spots that got rubbed off because you put on a sports bra and yoga pants to drive home in.
7. Exfoliate your back before you tan and when you are removing it.
8. Self tan eraser, also good for getting rid of that week old tan.
9. Exfoliator mitt is super helpful when your tan has seen better days. It’s especially good for the stubborn areas. I like to alternate this and a regular washcloth and I get great results.
10. If your tan tends to crack as it’s fading, you want to use a body cream and not an oil. This Bum Bum cream is making people go nuts. The smell is so good, has a subtle shimmer and so many people swear it firms their skin.
11. Whitening toothpaste can spot treat any patches.
12. Take a bath with this oil if you are a bath gal. It really breaks down the tan and makes it pretty easy to scrub off with a washcloth and mitt combo. Stick to quick showers and patting dry with a towel for the first few days after a tan though.
13. Baby oil or the bath oil all over your bod for 30 minutes, then a bath with the exfoliating mitt and washcloth scrub a dub is also a great removal technique. You know, if you have a half hour to spare sitting all oiled up.
14. Stay hydrated! Your skin is never going to get out of that dry zone if you don’t drink enough water. I absolutely love my water bottle with the time marked on the side. It makes it so easy to drink to the line of the times listed throughout the day. When things are broken into smaller easier steps, I do well.

A few last tips before I lay down on my gray sheets, sheets that are purposely gray so that when some tan rubs off I can’t really see it.

Getting in a chlorinated pool for a while then taking a shower afterward can work wonders on tan removal. Steam rooms and saunas are a do if you want to loosen and remove tan and a don’t if you are freshly tanned and trying to stay sexy. I haven’t gotten around to trying this yet, and I highly doubt I will since my tan eraser and exfoliating techniques are doing the trick, but lemon juice alone or mixed with a cup of sugar is supposed to work for taking off that old tan.

Don’t let a tan that faded badly keep you from feeling and looking great this summer with airbrush tans. Trust me when I say my tan comes off the worst of anyone I have seen and these techniques have helped a ton!