Interview with a tanning goddess
Sarah speaks with Sally Robbins about the perfect fake tan
Recently, Klementine's fake tan enthusiast Sarah spoke with tanning goddess Sally Robbins about all things golden brown. As we come into the miserable winter months, our legs get pastier than the top of Mount Bulla. Here are the tanning tips that you never knew you needed!
What is the difference between professional tanning and DIY?
When you get a professional spray tan, you are being tanned by someone that is trained to evaluate your skin type and choose the right tan for you. When tanning at home there is a higher risk of turning orange, from either using the wrong colour or applying the wrong amount. Professional spray tanners also know what signs to look out for to make sure you will get a good tan. PH levels as well as many other factors come into it.
What are the pros of professional tan?
• The right colour for your skin: A good tanner knows where to draw the line and which tan to use so you won’t turn orange!
• Guaranteed even coverage: Not only are you not bending around trying to tan your own back, but the tanner also has a gun and machine with adjustable settings. A good spray tanner will change the settings of their gun during the tan.
• Good advice: For people who haven’t tanned before or don’t tan very often, having a professional do the tan means you can not only ask questions, but you will also be told exactly how to prepare for your tan and how to take care of it afterwards.
• Long lasting: A professional spray tan, if prepared for properly and then looked after, should last you 7 – 10 days and will fade naturally and evenly from the skin, although this will vary depending on your skin type and after care.
The only cons of having a professional tan are that they are obviously more expensive than doing it at home and that you have to be seen naked by your tanner, but a good tanner will always be professional and discreet.
How can you be sure you're choosing the right spray tan technician?
Ask a lot of questions. Someone who will take the time to answer all of your questions, no matter how silly they may seem, will also take the time to make sure your tan is going to be perfect.
What should you do before you get a professional spray tan?
You must exfoliate your skin, paying special attention to dry areas like knees, elbows and heels.
Ensure any waxing or shaving is done at least 24 hours before your spray tan.
Shower before you go for your tan and make sure there are no moisturisers, oils, deodorants, make up or perfume on your skin.
If you are going to a good tanner, you will able to get a barrier cream applied to your dry areas, as well as a tan prep spray applied to your back and chest before your tan to ensure you won’t end up with orange elbows and knees or spots from having a PH imbalance.
How do you maintain and care for your tan to get the best results?
After you get your tan, wear loose fitting clothes and don’t get wet until after you’ve had your shower to wash off the bronzer.
Use a tan extender after every shower – every professional tanner will either sell or be able to recommend a good tan extender. This keeps your skin hydrated and subtly tops up your tan if it begins to fade.
To maintain your tan, try not to have long hot showers or baths as they will dry out your skin causing your tan to fade quicker.
Also keep in mind that individual PH levels can vary due to many factors, for example, hormones, stress, being pregnant or during your period, so although you can’t put your life on hold and not get a tan during these times, remember to take particularly good care of your tan if you think you could have a PH imbalance. Imbalances will effect your application and cause faster fading.
Get in touch and get a tan with Spray Tans by Sally. Or if you want to try self tanning check out our 10 tips for tanning at home!
Do you prefer getting a professional tan or doing it yourself? Tell us why below!
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