Always Remember to Exfoliate
"Make sure that you exfoliate and shave before each tan," suggests celebrity spray tan artist Carly Frei, founder of Glow Boss, a mobile spray tanning service. Also, she advises to be extra-sure to remove any dead skin and old self-tanner, since this will help ensure that your tan goes on evenly.
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Do Not Wear Makeup to Your Appointment
"It's super important to remove any makeup on your face before getting bronzed," says celebrity makeup artist Mary Irwin. And while most tanning salons provide cleansing wipes, she explains that they can leave a residue on the skin, making it important to cleanse before you go.
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Wipe Off Your Deodorant Before You Tan
You'll also want to wipe off your deodorant before you begin the spray-tanning process, Irwin suggests, as tanned skin and white armpits can look a bit awkward.
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Leave Your Skin Alone
"Lotions, creams, and soaps that are left on the body can make a solution spray go on unevenly," says Frei. She explains that it's best to have clean skin — meaning, no products — prior to your tan.
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Shave AND Shampoo Before Your Appointment
"I always advise my clients to shave, wash their hair, and exfoliate before their appointment," Frei explains. That way, your first shower post-tanning can be a really quick rinse (which in turn will help your tan stick around a little longer).
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