It’s one of the biggest, most beautiful days of your life. You want everything to go perfect right?
Here is my recommendations when it comes to the “Do’s and Don’ts” of wedding tan.
Please also read my FAQ post
DO: Schedule a Trial session
At Tancouver, trials are mandatory for all first time bridal clients who want a tan for their wedding. Similar to booking a trial ahead of time for your hair & make up, your spray tan should be no different. Unlike make up, tan doesn't just "rinse off" so it is important you are happy before your big day. My books open 50 days in advance, however, once you complete a trial, I can personally book you in for your wedding tan, even if it is outside of the booking parameter. ***If you are a new client and have not booked a trial and you come in for your wedding tan, I will not be able to spray you.
Q: HOW DO I BOOK A TRIAL?
A: A trial is effectively two separate sessions. Book your trial a minimum of 2 weeks before your big day, but ideally much further in advance. I book out every year during wedding season you may not get a trial & a wedding booking during wedding season. All tan must be fully removed in order for an even application at your next appointment.
DO: Book 1-2 days before the event. This allows sufficient time for your tan to be in “Full Glow Mode”. Tan starts to develop immediately but can continue to develop for up to 24 - 48 hours.
DO: Your research
I cannot stress this enough! Not all artists are the same, I highly recommend word of mouth and google reviews, be aware that the beauty industry is not regulated here. Try find someone who is a specialist in tanning, trained in colour theory (like me), so you can be assured that you’re in the right hands.
DO: Listen to your Spray Tan Technician tips
I cannot stress the importance of clients doing their prep before the appointment. I have the easy job of spraying you, ensuring you come to your appointment prepared by doing simple 2-3 steps will ensure that your skin is in its best possible condition to absorb the tan evenly. I give full client prep instructions upon booking for all of my clients. A spray tan is one of the only beauty services where the service provider has to also rely on the client for the job to be done with guaranteed satisfaction. A spray tan is 60% client prep and aftercare and 40% skill of the technician.
DON’T: Skip out on your aftercare.
Now that you have your tan on, it is your responsibility to keep it perfect for your big day. Your spray tan technician should give you aftercare advice on how to maintain the tan in the best way possible.
DON'T: Get Sunburn within 6 weeks of your spraytan.
Not only does 5 sunburns in your life double your risk of skin cancer, I can also not spray over a recent sunburn. Even if it is healed to the naked eye, tan will peel straight off and take your sun damaged skin along with it, it will ruin your tan and you won't be able to conceal it. If you arrive with sun burn to your appointment, you will need to reschedule and will also be charged for the appointment slot.
Sunburn penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin and causes DNA damage. Spray don't lay & always wear a broad-spectrum SPF everyday to ensure you don't burn.
PS: It looks nasty and is extremely dangerous please protect your skin!
DON'T: Forget to read my FAQ post, it will provide a lot of helpful information for you.
*Q: HOW DO I KNOW WHICH SERVICE TO BOOK?
A: Being a bridal tan specialist , I created a customized service perfect for bachelorettes, bridal showers & all things wedding related called The Bridal. The Bridal includes a custom mixed spraytan unique to your individual skin-tone, mini contouring (arms, collarbones, back) and finished with hydrating moisture mist infused with Aloe Vera to extend the life of your tan. Just like hair and make up, all bridal clients new to Tancouver must do a trial anytime but but a minimum of 2 weeks before to ensure you are prepared for your big day. The Hydra is also very popular.
*Q: WILL I HAVE RUB OFF ON MY DRESS?
A: Absolutely not! There are many tans to chose from, including clear tan, we discuss options at your trial during your consultation.
*Q: HOW DO I SCHEDULE MY SPRAYTAN AROUND OTHER BEAUTY TREATMENTS ?
A: Manicure, Pedicures, Waxing, Tinting, Facials, Lashes & Botox etc have to be done at least 24 hours before spray tanning so they don't disrupt the tanning process. A spraytan should always be scheduled at least 24 hours after nearly every beauty service out there.
*Q: CAN YOU FIX MY TAN LINES?
A: The more harsh the lines the harder they are to cover. Similar to painting a wall, for an even colour the base must be even. Tan is not cream based camouflaging make up, it purely temporarily tints the skin by reacting with the amino acids on your skin. While we can help to take the look of lines away it is all very dependant on how bad they are. Although nothing can 100% cover them, if you are looking to conceal more intricate tan lines, please book the spray and contour for your trial session, it is a longer more specialized appointment using the contouring pen to cover the lighter areas first etc.
If you arrive with sunburn, you will be charged for the appointment but I won't be able to complete the service. I can't spray over sun damaged skin.
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You can see my Wedding portfolio on my Instagram Highlights.