The ABCs of Spray Tanning

Cold, bleak winters play havoc on my skin. Besides looking paler, I tend to lose my summery glow during those chilly months. If you're like me and love the sun but hate sun tanning results, you look for alternatives for a baked golden look. I don't have the patience or desire to lay in a tanning bed. Instead I step into a self-tanning spray stall and get a long lasting tan. To get the most out of my fake tan, I follow the ABCs of spray tanning. Steps like prepping the skin and maintaining the tan are key to keeping your imitation color looking perfectly natural.

I've gotten you started with an A through Z list of tips you should remember.

A: Avoid getting wet for 6 hours or more. That means no jumping in the pool, stepping into the sauna or showering with someone you love.
B: Brush your body down before going to your spray-tanning appointment. Exfoliating the skin gives a smoother finish.
C: Clothe yourself with loose, dark clothing. Loose clothing won't rub away color before it sets. Dark clothing will show less staining from the tanning solution.
D: Don't go too dark too fast. Ease into a dark look with series of appointments. Or else, face the laughter of friends.
E: Even out any tan streaks by applying a shimmer bronzing spray to your body after every tanning session.
F: Forget adding moisturizer right before a tanning session. Lotions make tans streaky and uneven.
G: Go to your tanning session at night so your tan rest while you do.
H: Have an umbrella handy.
I: Ignore the laughter of your friends. At least one person will always insist you look orange.
J: Join a tanning salon to get better spray tanning deals.
L: Leave your jewelry at home.

M: Mark the calendar with your tanning appointments to prevent fading.
N: Never try spray tanning yourself. No one is that flexible.
O: Occupy the tanning stall for the entire time. Don't miss a single spray!
P: Press a heart sticker on your stomach before tanning to get a good idea of how dark you've become.
Q: Quit tanning if you develop an unusual rash. This could indicate an allergic reaction to the dye.
R: Rub the palms of your hands and the bottoms of your feet with a soapy cloth after each application. This will keep them from becoming orange.
S: Skip a tanning session if you become too dark, too quickly.
T: Take it all off when tanning!
U: Unveil a sexy tan when you go poolside.
V: Visit other salons and ask to see their booths. You want the latest equipment for the perfect tan.
W: Walk around the booth according to the machine's instructions to get the best spray exposure.
X: Excellent tanning requires adequate skin care before and after each session.
Y: You should keep skin moisturized on days you aren't tanning.
Z: Zero in on package deals that let you tan more for less.

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