We all love a good tan when the warmer weather hits,  but it’s still very early and most of us haven’t had time to bronze our pale skin.   Additionally, as mature adults, we are very aware of the dangers of the sun and tanning beds.  So what’s a girl to do, you ask?  Simple!  She spray tans!   Now, I realize that spray tans have gotten a bad rap in the past (think Snooki in Jersey Shore), but if done correctly and SPARINGLY, a spray tan can be a quick and easy way to start out the season with a little color.    Below are a few tips to get a gorgeous, even tan, so you can begin wearing those sleeveless tops and shorts.

 

Exfoliate

Exfoliating is the single most important thing you can do to ensure an even tan that will last.  Several hours before you step into that tanning booth, you should exfoliate head to toe, making sure you concentrate on knees, elbows, feet and hands.   This removes the top layer of dead skin, leaving a clean palette that allows the color to penetrate rather than just sitting on the surface.  It also allows the color to go on more evenly and will help prevent orange elbows and knees!  I prefer to use a natural facial peel to get the job done.

Dress Appropriately

Now is not the time to wear your favorite undergarments.  And it certainly isn’t the time to wear tight or heavy clothing.  The spray-on color will stain your skivvies and, with tight clothing, you run the risk of streaking or rubbing some of the color off.  Dress loose and casual.

Take cover

Although you have exfoliated, it is still best to cover elbows, knees, palms and between fingers with a light lotion.   This will further prevent dark spots.  I also lay a towel down on the floor of the booth so I don’t end up with dark orange soles on the bottom of my feet.  I wasn’t aware of that issue the first time I had a spray tan. The next day I went to the neighborhood pool with what I thought was a gorgeous tan only to have my girls laughing hysterically at my brownish-orange feet!  Not a great look.

Hope this helps!   How about you?  Do you have any tips for a perfect spray tan?