Tanning options

missymr · May 2011

The only sun tan I have ever had is a natural one and never really that much because I have fair skin.

I'd like to have some sort of bronze glow for the wedding at the end of July but I'm paranoid about having tan lines since I'm wearing a strapless dress.

So I'm thinking about self-tanning somehow.

Can anyone recommend what is the best way go to - regular sun beds, spray tans or self-tanning creams? I don't want to look unnatural, but I don't want to look like a ghost who hasn't been outside in months either.

SouthernBelleLA · May 2011

Ok, I'm probably going to get all kinds of flack for this, but honestly, the best tan I've ever gotten is from a sun bed. I don't do it often, but it works great for me. I'm naturally fair skinned as well, so I know how tough it is to get a natural tan. If you're having an outdoor summer wedding, I would be careful of the spray tanning or bottle tanning. I have had friends that got a little bit sweaty and the tan got streaky. Of course, it probably helps to have the spray tan done a few days before the wedding instead of the day before, which is what a friend of mine did and stained her dress. Definitely if you want to go the spray tan or bottle tan route, do it a few months before your wedding so you are able to tell how your skin will react.

StacyJenniges · May 2011

I don't tan well either, my wedding is October, so I plan on only going out in the sun with either long sleaves or with a tub top to prevent tan lines! if you have fair skin and are proned to burning I would be careful with the tanning beds.

SouthernBelleLA · May 2011

Oh, and if you're not comfortable doing any sort of tanning, don't! Fair skin is just as beautiful as tan skin. Personally, I only tan for special occasions, and the rest of the time, it's very fair for me. Plus with the harmful skin cancer risks, it's probably best to go natural or get a spray-on.

fallbride1109 · May 2011

Any type of self-tanning takes practice. I personally make a mess of self-tanners whenever I try them so I get spray tans (which also take a time or two to get used to).

If you just want a nice glow for the wedding, I suggest airbrushing. This is where a person sprays you rather than you doing it yourself. It's quick, easy, and more precise. I still recommend you try it once before the wedding however just to gauge how the color looks on your skin.

MrsChasey · May 2011

I have used airbrushing and it's awesome, but I think just this once I'm going to use a tanning bed. I'm a little paranoid of getting a little bit of the stuff on my dress. I'd have to do it the day of the rehearsal dinner too and that's going to be very busy. I can't do it the day before that bc my BM's and I are getting massages. I think the oil would mess it up.

leia1979 · May 2011

I've heard airbrush tanning is good. I've never tried it. I only use self tanner mixed with lotion when I need to darken a specific area (usually my legs). Mixing tanner with lotion provides a gradual change so you don't go too dark.

caseyhaynes429 · May 2011

Be careful with airbrusing-definitely do it and test it out in a white dress. Make sure u wash good before puttung anything white on because I LOVE airbrush tanning, however sometimes it does come off unevenly. Regular tanning in a booth gives me the best results but I am naturally very fair so it takes a long time to progress to a good tan.

BrideJackie11 · May 2011

Definitely try out whatever you plan on doing beforehand. I do mystic spray tans. I have tried airbrushed tanning by a person but I prefer the mystic tan. I thought it looked more even because the machine goes up and down so many times. Just my personal preference. After I started testing out the different tans, I bought a membership so I can go as many times as I want a month to get spray tanned. I love it! However, it was overwhelming the first couple times I did it with all the spray and holding your breath, etc.

I used to go to the tanning bed in college but it's not worth the sun damage and future wrinkles to me.

nj001 · May 2011

Xen tan is my favorite rub on tan. But, like someone said, it takes practice. Like, maybe 2-3 applications ahead of time..:)

Sun bed will look the most natural but, you know. Cancer and wrinkles (especially WRINKLES! :-p) aren't worth it to me!!

katelyn26 · May 2011

go to a tanning bed...thats where youll get your best results...spray tans u have to get done at least once a week or it gets blotchy looking and they look orange

BrideJackie11 · May 2011

I usually go once a week to get a spray tan. You can choose clear or bronze. I find that the bronze is much darker but neither have come out looking orange on me.

karbear21 · May 2011

One word of warning about spray-on tans. You come out TAN. I'm fair skinned and got a spray on tan. Everyone knew what I did because I was so much darker than I was the day before! If you do get a spray on tan, do it a few days before the wedding so it can tone down a bit.

Hays2be · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-beauty_tanning-options?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:358Discussion:50d805d1-15a5-41aa-a2c3-e21e486d4898Post:292c82d8-234d-475b-9480-5204bcfe6aa5">Re: Tanning options</a>:
[QUOTE]go to a tanning bed...thats where youll get your best results...spray tans u have to get done at least once a week or it gets blotchy looking and they look orange
Posted by katelyn26[/QUOTE]

It's also where you increase your chances of skin cancer. Don't do it.

Nicole Nortz · May 2011

If you are going to get a spray tan, make sure that wherever you go has good ratings. I recently went somewhere for a spray tan and came out like an oompaloompah! AND on top of that, it was streaky and I couldn't wear flip flops or sandals for almost 2 weeks because my feet looked so awful. I have heard of other people having great results, and I have had good results from mystic tanning. I also like Estde Lauder sunless tanner, but I am used to using it and have help applying to my back. Whatever you do, just try it out once in advance to see if it is something you like!

Tanning options

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