When Should You Get a Spray Tan Before Your Event?
If you’re planning for a special event (a wedding, vacation, photoshoot, or night out), timing your spray tan correctly makes all the difference.
At Après Soleil, one of the most common questions we hear is:
“How many days before my event should I get my spray tan?”
The short answer: 2 days before is ideal.
But the sweet spot is actually anywhere from 1–5 days before your event, depending on your schedule and personal preference.
Here’s how it works.
The Ideal Timing: 2 Days Before Your Event
The best time to get a spray tan is about two days before your event. However, beautiful results are still very possible if you tan anywhere from one to four days before your event. Your spray tan is fully developed after about 24 hours, so even a day-before appointment can work well.
We often recommend two days simply because it provides a little extra time in case anything needs adjusting after the development period.
During the first several hours after your tan, the solution is developing and reacting with the skin. If anything interferes during this phase (such as water, sweating, or skincare products), it’s helpful to have an extra day available so we can easily correct it if needed.
Preparing Your Skin Before Your Appointment
Proper skin preparation helps your spray tan develop evenly and last longer.
For best results:
Exfoliate the day before your appointment
Shave the day prior to your tan
Avoid lotions, oils, and perfumes on the day of your appointment
Avoid Dove deodorant during the week of your tan, as it can interfere with how the color develops
These simple steps help create a smooth canvas so your tan applies beautifully. We recommend:
Our 3-Way Exfoliating Mitt has 3 unique sides for 3 different exfoliating levels.
Ensures the cleanest smoothest skin so your NEW tan is streak free and perfect
Silicone hairs give light/med exfoliation and promote circulation/blood flow
Turn inside out and use the honeycomb silicone for med/hard exfoliation and deeper circulation of skin/blood flow
3 layer buffing side promotes the most exfoliation where loosened skin will be trapped by the layers
Antibacterial and Washable
Hanging Loop for drying
TO USE:
Use mitt 24 hours before sunless tanning session.
We recommend pairing with SPRAY STUDIO BLANK CANVAS to skin per direction or soak in BLANK CANVAS Tan Removing Bath Soak for 10-15 mins to loosen dead skin and tan.
Use mitt to exfoliate skin in a circular motion. Layers of skin, old tan and impurities will roll off the body onto your mitt. Rinse skin. Finish by washing skin and moisturizing very well. Glove is washable, bleach-able and reusable.
Not getting a spray tan? We recommend exfoiating once a week for younger fresher looking skin.
What Happens After Your Spray Tan
After your appointment, you’ll rinse according to the instructions we provide.
We generally recommend rinsing twice before your event to ensure the cosmetic bronzer is completely removed and your final color is fully revealed.
For clients who prefer to skip the cosmetic bronzer altogether, we also offer a bronzer-free spray tan option, which develops into color without the temporary guide color.
How Long a Spray Tan Lasts
A spray tan typically lasts 5–10 days, depending on your skin type and how you care for it.
To help extend the life of your tan:
Moisturize daily
Use spray tan–friendly body wash and moisturizers
Avoid harsh exfoliating products
Some body products contain ingredients that can break down your tan more quickly, so choosing products designed for spray tans can make a noticeable difference. We recommend:
Did you know that shea butter not only has amazing healing properties for your skin and your sunless tan, but that it naturally protects you against ultraviolet rays?!
Seriously cool, huh?
This unbelievable blend made of the highest quality organic shea butter, argan oil, natural plant extracts and vitamins will have your skin GLOWING from head to toe! It's consistency is like pudding...not greasy at all...your body will drink it up!
The bonus of every day protection makes this body butter a must-have in your skin routine.
FRAGRANCE: Unscented
VEGAN | NO PARABENS | NO PETRO-BY-PRODUCTS | NO MINERAL OIL |NO PHTHALATES | NO PROPOYLENE GLYCOL | NO NASTIES!
Ever felt dry right after your shower? It is probably because of the sulfates in your wash!!! Using A Lil Lather SULFATE FREE Moisturizing Body Wash, a luxurious blend of aloe vera, sea moss, hyaluronic acid, and baobab oil, will leave you feeling just the opposite. It replenishes your skin instead of stripping it of it's natural oils! Follow with your choice of Spray Studio Body Moisturizers...you'll thank us later for your unbelievably soft skin!
FRAGRANCE: Unscented
8oz. and TSA Travel Size Available
A Natural Glow for Any Occasion
With the right preparation and timing, a spray tan gives you a natural, healthy glow that looks amazing both in person and in photos.
Whether you're preparing for a wedding, vacation, photoshoot, or special event, we’re here to help you achieve the perfect glow.
Ready to Book?
If you have an upcoming event and want a natural, flawless spray tan, we’d love to help.
Book your appointment at Après Soleil in Walnut Creek, and we’ll customize the perfect glow for you.