Prep Party: How to Get the Best Spray Tan Results in 2025
The best part of going to a party is getting ready—dancing to your hype music, picking out the perfect outfit, and feeling confident as ever. The experience of prepping for your spray tan at Brightbar should be no different!
Proper preparation is essential for achieving a flawless, long-lasting glow. Without the right steps, your tan may fade faster or apply unevenly. Here’s how to prep your skin for the best (and brightest) experience:
The Week Of:
If your event prep includes other beauty treatments, schedule your spray tan last. Waxing, hair coloring, eyelash extensions, and manicures/pedicures can affect how your tan develops and cause premature fading. Don’t worry—the tanning solution won’t stain your nails or hair, so no need for post-tan touch-ups.
Pro Tip: While some of our rapid solutions can be rinsed off in as little as one hour, your airbrush artist may recommend leaving the solution on longer for a deeper color. If you want a darker tan for an event, book your appointment at least one day in advance.
The Night Before:
The night before your appointment is your self-care moment. Take a shower (or a relaxing bath with a glass of wine!) and prep your skin properly:
Shave – Smooth skin ensures an even tan. Remember to shave your legs, underarms, and any other areas you want to be tanned.
Exfoliate – This removes dead skin cells and helps your tan absorb evenly. We recommend using a sugar scrub or an exfoliating mitt—just make sure you can feel the exfoliation on your skin. Don’t forget your face!
Pro Tip: If your appointment is in the evening, shaving and exfoliating can be done that morning. Plus, who doesn’t love getting into bed with ultra-soft skin?
The Day Of:
Avoid using any skincare products before your appointment. If you need to shower, simply wash with soap—skip the lotions, deodorants, and perfumes, as they create a barrier and can interfere with your tan’s development.
Pro Tip: If your appointment is after work and you prefer not to go bare-faced all day, don’t worry—Brightbar provides makeup wipes to remove any product before your tan. Just keep it minimal!
What to Wear:
Choose dark, loose-fitting clothing to avoid marks or smudges.
Skip the bra if possible, as straps can rub off the solution.
Avoid Uggs or knee-high boots—opt for sneakers, socks, or low-cut boots instead.
Pro Tip: If you forget a hair tie, nose plugs, or anything else, Brightbar has extras on hand—just ask!
Glow Like a Pro:
Preparation is key—whether it’s for a big meeting, a vacation, or your perfect tan. A little effort goes a long way in ensuring your glow lasts as long as possible. And don’t think of it as a chore—think of it as a Prep Party!
Book your tanning appointment at Brightbar Boston today and let’s get glowing!