Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned glow-getter, a flawless spray tan starts well before you step into the booth. At SUGARED + BRONZED, we’ve perfected the art of sunless tanning—and that includes helping you prep like a pro. As featured in our recent Glamour interview, here are our best tips to make the most of your glow.
How to Prep Your Skin Before a Spray Tan
Preparation is everything. We recommend exfoliating 24 hours before your appointment to slough off dead skin cells and create the smoothest possible canvas for your tan. Our go-to duo? The S+B Exfoliating Scrub (psst… the relaunch is coming soon!) and the S+B Exfoliating Mitt. Together, they gently polish the skin and ensure an even, natural-looking result.
Day-of, arrive with clean, dry skin—free from lotions, oils, or deodorant. These can act as barriers and prevent the tanning solution from fully absorbing. Pro tip: use the S+B Sunless Tanning Prep Wipe right before your session. It helps balance your skin’s pH for longer-lasting, deeper color that fades beautifully over time.
What to Wear to Your Appointment
Think: loose, dark, and breathable. A comfy maxi dress, oversized tee, or soft joggers are perfect picks. If possible, skip the bra post-appointment—tight straps can interfere with the tan as it develops. On your feet, go for slides or sandals to avoid smudging.
What to Wear During Your Spray Tan
This one’s all about your comfort level. At S+B, we provide disposable garments, or you can opt to wear a thong or swimsuit bottoms. Many clients choose to go nude to avoid tan lines, and that’s completely okay too—our Sprayers are pros at making you feel comfortable and confident.
What to Wear After the Tan—and When to Change
Stick with that same loose, cozy outfit until your first rinse. Depending on the Elixir used, you can rinse as soon as 1 hour after your appointment or wait up to 24 hours for deeper color development. After your rinse, you’re free to slip back into your everyday wardrobe—hello, glow!
What to Avoid Before & After Your Spray Tan
The night before your tan, shower and exfoliate. After your tan, avoid:
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Sweating
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Swimming
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Getting your skin wet
until your initial rinse.
Also, hold off on lotions, oils, and beauty services (like manis, pedis, blowouts, or sugaring) until after your session. Planning ahead will keep your tan intact and radiant.
First-Timer? We Got You.
There’s nothing to stress about—we’ve built the S+B experience to be welcoming, comfortable, and easy to navigate. Our expert Sprayers will walk you through every step and help you choose the right Elixir based on your desired look and skin tone.
Our #1 tip? Don’t judge your glow too soon! What you see right after your spray is just the bronzer layer. Your full color will develop over the next 24 hours, revealing a natural, even tan that interacts with your skin tone.
Ready to glow? Book your next spray tan with SUGARED + BRONZED and let us take care of the rest. ✨