Tips for the Best Spray Tan

So, Spring Break has started and I am leaving tomorrow to go to Florida. The problem is, I look like Casper the Friendly Ghost. Because I didn't have enough time to go tanning and get a base, and the fact that it can cause cancer, I decided to do a spray tan for the very first time. For those of you first timers, I will break it down for you and give you all the pointers you need to get an awesome tan your very first time!

1. Shave! Make sure you shave. When you tan, you will be completely naked and you want to make sure that the tanner sticks to your legs. Having hair there can prevent this from happening, or even worse, leave an uneven tan.
   
2. Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate! I can't stress this enough. Before you go tanning, you want to make sure to remove all the dead skin cells so the product will stick to your skin and not flake off. I suggest buying exfoliating mits, like the Body Shop's Hemp Body Mitt. You also want to look for a water based scrub. Try True Blue Spa's I'm In The Mood For Scrub Body Scrub. It is also a good idea to use a scrub on your face as well. St. Ive's Apricot Scrub is the best!
   
3. DON'T Moisturize. You don't want to have any product off your skin that could potentially create a barrier between your skin and the product. This goes for your face as well.
4. Wear Dark Baggy Clothes. You want to make sure that when you are done getting spray tanned, it won't rub off on your clothes. Wearing baggy clothing will help this. If the weather permits, wearing flip flops instead of sneakers is also a better way to go.

Few more tips:

• Bring chapstick with you to apply to your lips before you tan.
• Don't apply makeup. You want your skin to be clean and natural
• Timing is key. You can't shower for 4 to 6 hours after the spray tan, but the longer you wait to get wet, the better. Try going in the early evening, around 4 or 5 and then don't shower till the next morning.
• When you get to the tanning place, make sure to ask them about the different levels and color choices you have.
• Want to keep your tan longer? Try using Jergen's Natural Glow Moisturizer for the Body and Face after you get your spray tan to continue building the color.