To Prime or Not to Prime Before an Airbrush Tan

If Airbrush tanning is a part of your regular beauty routine. Our goal is to maximize the value of each session by safeguarding your investment and extending the lifespan of your tan. We’ll guide you through pre- and post-tanning skincare steps.  Remember the most beautiful skin is the skin that’s well cared for, and these tips will help you do just that. A question we receive a lot of is should I prime before I get an airbrush tan?

We’re going to address exactly what steps you should take to get your skin in optimal condition to hold its best glow and we’ll tell you what product we recommend to perfectly prime your skin.   

24 hours Before 

One of the best things you can do before you get your spray tan is to shave and exfoliate. You’ll want to exfoliate gently but be sure to remove any trace of any former tan you’ve received. (If not, your tan will not be even.) Shaving and exfoliating is best done a full 24 hours before. Then you will want to moisturize your skin well. Pay special attention to areas prone to dryness like elbows knees and legs. Moisturizing well will help even out the canvas of your skin so it can absorb optimal color.

The day of you’ll want to leave your skin a blank canvas. That means no makeup, and not even deodorant. You don’t want to put anything on your skin that your skin will want to absorb before your appointment.    

Prime 

Before your tan service your technician will provide you with a barrier cream to use on your hands and feet. This will help the color to develop evenly across your body and look more natural. Next, we recommend using our Pre-Sunless- Color Balancer-Conditioning Air Brush solution.

 Basically, we’ve taken everything you love about your perfect makeup primer and engineered it for airbrush tanning. Your technician will coat you in our specially optimized primer. Then in your customized color.  

Spray and Delay 

The day you receive your airbrush service is a great day to delay anything that’s going to cause you to work up a sweat. That’s right After your primer and color has been applied, we’re giving you permission to treat yourself. Treat yourself to a relaxing day. During the 8 hours following your spray tan, it’s advisable to avoid physical activities that might induce sweating or wet your skin. Take this opportunity to catch up on your Netflix queue.

 Sit inside where it’s cool and take it easy. Or go shopping or grab lunch with your girls, just avoid sweat, and anything that will rub against your skin.  

Dress Comfy 

Of course, another thing to consider is what you wear to your tanning session. We recommend dark colors and loose flowy clothes. You do not want to wear anything tight or binding after your tan or anything that will rub roughly against your skin. Try to wear loose fitting shoes like flip flops and then plan on relaxing for about 8 hours.

Remember you’ll want to avoid water or sweat until your tan has had a chance to complete processing. Keep coming back here for more tips for preserving your perfect tan, and don’t forget to tag us on Insta, we want to see you showing off your glow!