I often hear that brides feel they look better with a tan. I can't say I agree with that for all sorts of reasons but I can appreciate that a bride needs to feel she looks her best on her big day. I happen to be one of those women that think natural skin tones are gorgeous and I would rather play up natural beauty with makeup than work around 'fake bake' beauty. I find you always get better results enhancing real skin tones with makeup. Nevertheless, many brides will tan for their wedding day and if you plan on tanning, I have some suggestions to help you look your best.
Like many makeup artists, not all tanning products are created equal. This is very important to remember! Many brides don't consider how tanning products look on camera. Often you'll find the skin turns an orange tinge on camera after using fake bake lotions. Not very pretty and not what you want on your wedding day! If you are really determined to fake bake, I suggest searching for a reputable spray tanning company. You can even find some of these companies are mobile and they come directly to you in your own home. Sort of like mobile makeup/hair artists like myself!
It just so happens that I was hired by a corporate client this week from a Toronto production company and she had been spray tanned and I have to admit, it looked incredibly natural! It looked so great in fact that I asked her if she would share with me who the company was and how her experience went with them. Because she gave such a glowing recommendation (no pun intended!) I decided to give them a 'shout out' on my blog this week. The company is called "Beach Glo Tanning" based on Queen Street East Toronto and they are mobile so all you need to do is make your appointment and they come to you. My client raved that their customer service was amazing and that she found no streaking and after 6 days she still had her tan. Can't beat that. : )
For those outside of Toronto/GTA, it's important to do your research and find 'the best in the spray tanning business' in your area. Choosing the best in the biz will make the difference between looking fantastically tanned to looking streaky and orange on your wedding day.
If you should decide to fake tan here are some DO'S and DON'T'S to consider:
DO find a reputable spray tanning company such as Beach Glo Tanning and start your tanning prior to your trial so that your makeup artist can match your foundation properly
DON'T use 'take home' fake tanning lotions as it's very difficult not to get streaks and they often leave an orange tinge to your skin which is very unnatural looking
DO exfoliate before you tan and moisturize often after your tan to keep it looking fresh and give your tan longevity
DON'T assume your spray tan will last forever. Spray tans will last approximately 1 week. If you take care of your skin properly, a few days longer
DO take pictures after your tan is applied and decide whether or not the tan looks natural on camera.
DON'T be surprised if the tan rubs off on your clothes leaving stains. It can take up to 8-10 hours for the spray tan to set.
DO wait 8-10 hours before showering after your tan is applied or your tan will not last very long
DON'T forget to tell your makeup artist that you are tanning or that you plan on tanning. They will need to know this information to ensure you look your best on your wedding day
Come by next week when I'll be sharing how to achieve flawless bridal skin in 3 months!
