Education
Prep &aftercare
Prep is everything. The better your skin is prepared, the smoother your color applies, develops, and fades. Think of this as your glow checklist — simple steps that make a real difference in your final result. Your appointment confirmation may include service-specific notes; follow those first.
Before your appointment
How to prep for a flawless, long-lasting glow
24 hours before · Exfoliate well
Remove dead skin so your solution absorbs evenly and your color develops smooth instead of patchy. Focus on the areas that naturally hold dryness:
- Elbows
- Knees
- Ankles
- Hands and feet
- Any rough or textured areas
Use a gentle exfoliating mitt or scrub, and avoid anything oil-based. Oils leave behind a barrier that keeps the tan from absorbing properly.
24 hours before · Shave or wax ahead of time
Shaving or waxing too close to your appointment affects how your tan develops. For best results:
- Shave at least 12 hours before your appointment.
- Wax 24–48 hours before your appointment.
- Avoid shaving immediately after your tan — it causes faster fading.
The goal is to give your pores time to settle before your Glowtoure appointment.
The day of your appointment
Arrive with clean, dry skin — no lotion, oils, deodorant, perfume, makeup, or heavy skincare. These products create a barrier on the skin and can cause uneven absorption, discoloration, or patchy areas.
Wear loose, dark clothing and easy slip-on shoes for afterward. Tight clothing, leggings, bras, jeans, and fitted waistbands rub against the tan before it has time to fully set. Dark, breathable clothing is always best.
Right after
What to expect immediately after
Your tan will look darker right after application than your final result — this is completely normal. That deeper color is the cosmetic bronzer, which guides the application and gives you an immediate glow while your custom tan develops underneath.
You may notice
- Your skin feels slightly tacky for the first hour.
- Your color looks deeper than expected.
- A little bronzer may transfer onto clothing or sheets.
- Small uneven-looking areas may appear before your first rinse.
Don’t panic — this is part of the process. Once you rinse, the bronzer washes away and your real tan begins to reveal itself.
While your tan develops, avoid
- Water
- Sweating
- Tight clothing
- Skin-to-skin friction
- Lotions, oils, or perfumes
- Touching or rubbing your skin
Your first rinse
The moment your real glow starts to show
When it’s time for your first rinse, you’ll see brown water running off your skin — that’s completely normal, just the surface bronzer washing away. Your tan may look lighter at first, but the color continues to settle and deepen over the next several hours.
For your first rinse
- Use lukewarm water.
- Keep it quick and gentle.
- No soap, body wash, shaving products, or scrubs.
- Do not exfoliate.
- Pat dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing.
After your rinse, your tan continues to develop into its final, natural-looking color.
The next day
Your fully developed glow
By the 24-hour mark, your tan should be fully developed and beautifully settled into the skin. This is when your Glowtoure result looks its most blended, smooth, and natural.
You should notice
- A softer, more natural color than the initial bronzer.
- A more even, seamless finish.
- A healthy glow that looks polished, not orange.
- Skin that may feel a little drier than usual.
To maintain your glow
Moisture is everything after your tan — keeping skin hydrated helps your color last longer and fade more evenly.
- Moisturize daily with an oil-free lotion.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid long, hot showers.
- Avoid excessive sweating when possible.
- Limit chlorine, saunas, and heavy exfoliation.
- Pat dry after showers instead of rubbing.
This is also the best time to wear light clothing, event outfits, or bridal pieces — your tan is fully set and far less likely to transfer.
Wear time
How long will my spray tan last?
A Glowtoure spray tan typically lasts about 7–10 days, depending on your skin type, prep, aftercare, and lifestyle.
Your tan may fade faster if you
- Have very dry skin.
- Take long or hot showers.
- Sweat often.
- Swim in pools or hot tubs.
- Use exfoliating products.
- Shave frequently after your tan.
The best tans don’t just come from the appointment — they come from the full ritual: prep, patience, and aftercare. When you follow the steps, your glow develops smoother, lasts longer, and fades more naturally.
Bridal & events
Prep & timing for your wedding or event
For wedding-week and event color, timing is everything. The prep above stays the same — exfoliate, handle shaving or waxing early, and arrive with clean, bare skin — with a few additions so your glow is camera-ready on the day that matters most.
Bridal & event timeline
- Book a trial tan 2–4 weeks before the wedding so we can confirm depth, undertone, and finish — unhurried.
- Schedule your wedding-week tan 2–3 days before the event so the color settles into its most flattering, photogenic state.
- For bridal parties, stagger appointments close together and have everyone follow the same prep, so the whole group reads consistent in photos.
Getting-ready morning & the event
- Wear a loose robe or button-down while getting ready so nothing pulls over your head.
- Hold deodorant, perfume, and lotion until after your tan has rinsed and developed, or apply as directed — these can lift or alter color.
- Your tan reads true in both natural light and flash once it is fully developed.
- Blot, don’t rub, if you get warm, and keep heavy sweating to a minimum before photos.
- Step into your gown or outfit only after your tan is fully set and rinsed — once developed, transfer onto white is minimal.
Planning a wedding or event? Read the full bridal guide for the complete timeline, prep, and aftercare — or see options and pricing on the bridal & events page.
A final note
Your spray tan is a ritual, not just an appointment. The color you see right away isn’t the final result, and the first rinse is only part of the reveal. Trust the timing, follow the care steps, and keep your skin hydrated — that’s how the soft, even, expensive-looking Glowtoure finish comes through.
Prep and glow-extending products are available through our store. If you’re unsure which fits your schedule, just ask at your appointment.
Reserve Your Glow