The glow journal

Introduction

Your wedding day is one of the most photographed moments of your life — and nothing ties the whole look together like skin that glows. The dress, the makeup, the photos... everything hits harder when your skin is even, radiant, and confidently you.

A bridal tan isn’t about looking extra bronzed — it’s about making your skin tone feel balanced, soft, and seamless with everything else you’re wearing. The right shade adds dimension under makeup, warmth in photos, and a kind of glow that doesn’t compete with the dress — it complements it.

Whether you’re after a soft airbrushed glow or a natural sunkissed tan, we’ve got options — and a timeline — to make it happen. Here's your guide to choosing the right glow, prepping like a pro, and avoiding any last-minute stress.

Spray Tan or UV Tan? Here’s what to know

Both can get you glowing, but they work differently — and the best choice depends on your timeline, skin type, and vision for the day.

Spray Tanning

Quick, customizable colour with no UV exposure.

Pros:

• Instant results (develops in 6–8 hours)
• Great for all skin tones, even very fair
• Easy to control the exact shade
• No UV exposure
• Perfect for last-minute colour boosts
  

Considerations:

• Requires a trial run — don’t risk first-timers the week of the wedding
• Needs specific prep (no lotions, makeup, etc.)
• Can transfer onto clothes if not fully set
• Timing is everything — usually best 1–3 days before the big day
  

UV Tanning

Gradual, natural colour that builds over time.

Pros:

• Long-lasting tan that fades gradually
• More resistant to water and sweat transfer
• Can increase sunscreen effectiveness and reduce burn risk on your honeymoon (when paired with SPF)
• Feels more like a “natural glow”
  

Considerations:

• Requires multiple sessions over several weeks
• Not ideal if you're short on time
• Not recommended for skin that burns easily
• Should still be paired with sunscreen — a base tan is not a sunblock
  

Bridal Glow Timeline: Spray Tan Edition

Your wedding-day glow, down to a science.

Spray tans are fast, effective, and easy to customize — but they still need some planning. Here’s how to make sure you’re walking down the aisle radiant and streak-free.

3–6 months before the wedding

Book a trial tan. This gives you time to test your ideal shade and finish — matte vs. glowy, subtle vs. bronzed — and make adjustments based on how it wears. Bonus: time it with your engagement shoot or dress fitting to see how it photographs.

1 month before the wedding

Optional second trial. If you want to tweak your colour or try a rapid solution, now’s your chance. Many brides feel more confident doing a second round just to be sure.

2–3 days before the wedding

Final glow-up. This gives your tan time to fully develop and settle while still looking fresh. Avoid booking it the night before — just in case a touch-up is needed. You want the bronzer layer fully rinsed and the colour locked in before slipping into your dress.

Spray Tan Prep + Care Reminders

• Exfoliate and shave the day before, not day-of
• Avoid lotions, deodorants, makeup, and perfume before your appointment
• Wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment
• Avoid sweating or water until your first rinse is complete
• Shower gently, moisturize daily, and your glow will last through the honeymoon

Bridal Glow Timeline: UV Tanning Edition

Build your base. Boost your confidence.

For a gradual, sun-kissed glow that lasts longer, UV tanning is an excellent option if you have more time before your wedding. It's also ideal for honeymoon preparation, particularly if you anticipate spending time in the sun.

4–6 weeks before the wedding

Start slow. Begin with 2–3 sessions per week in one of our Bronze or Gold beds, depending on your skin type. We’ll help set the right time and schedule so you never overdo it.

2 weeks before the wedding

Upgrade if desired. If you’ve built your base and want to deepen your glow, this is when you can move up to our Platinum beds or fine-tune your schedule to maintain your colour.

1–2 days before the wedding

Final session. Your tan will be at peak radiance — and it’ll hold up through all the hugs, dancing, and happy tears.

UV Prep + Care Reminders

• Use a professional indoor tanning lotion — it boosts results and keeps skin smooth
• Stay consistent — the best tans build gradually
• Moisturize daily to lock in your colour
• Exfoliate gently at the start of your tanning journey, but avoid exfoliation in the final week
• Always wear SPF on your honeymoon — your tan isn’t a replacement for sun protection
  

Don’t forget the bridal party

Your bridesmaids, mom, and even your groom might want to glow with you — and booking as a group ensures everyone looks cohesive and camera-ready.

We can block off time specifically for your bridal party and help everyone choose the right shades and beds for their skin tones. Plus, group bookings make the experience fun, relaxing, and memorable.

You bring the dress — we’ve got the glow

Whether you choose spray tanning, UV tanning, or a mix of both, we’re here to make sure your skin looks and feels incredible for your big day. No stress, no guesswork — just expert support, tailored advice, and results you’ll love in every photo.

Still not sure where to start? Pop by for a chat or shoot us a message. We’ll help you plan the perfect bridal glow — for you, your bridal party, and your timeline.

Introduction

Let’s be real: nothing ruins a trip faster than a sunburn on day one.

You’ve booked the flights, planned the outfits, and counted down the sleeps. But if your plan is to roll up to the resort with bare, untanned skin, you might spend the rest of your vacation under a beach umbrella, peeling and annoyed.

That’s where a base tan comes in.

It gives your skin a head start before the real sun hits. You’ll look more even, tan more easily, and avoid going from zero to lobster in 10 minutes flat.

Here’s how to build a base tan that actually works — without rushing, overdoing it, or wrecking your skin along the way.

Why bother with a base tan?

Spoiler: it’s not just about showing up glowing.

A well-built base tan helps your skin adjust to UV gradually, reducing the chances of burns or uneven colour when you’re in stronger sun. It can also make your sunscreen work better — by giving your skin a bit more UV resilience, your SPF has less to fight off, and you’re less likely to burn with proper protection in place.

Think of it like a warm-up before a workout. You wouldn’t sprint cold — and your skin shouldn’t, either.

What a base tan can do:

• Give your skin a gradual intro to UV exposure
• Help prevent burns and uneven colour
• Increase the effectiveness of your SPF
• Let your real vacation tan build more evenly
• Start you off with a glow, not a burn

What it can’t do:

• Replace sunscreen
• Make you immune to sun damage
• Justify laying out all day with zero protection (don’t do it)

Start early — like, earlier than you think

Building real, even colour takes time. If you want to glow by the time you land, you’ve got to start before the packing phase.

Aim to start 3–4 weeks before your trip

Depending on your skin type and goals, we usually recommend 2–3 sessions per week to build colour gradually and safely. If you’re fair or new to tanning, even earlier is better.

Trying to squeeze in 4 sessions the week before you leave? Not the move. That’s how you end up red, irritated, or worse — flaking before your first beach day.

Choosing the right bed

At Arizona Tanning, we offer three tiers of UV tanning — Bronze, Gold, and Platinum — featuring premium equipment to help you safely and beautifully build your base tan before vacation. Each tier offers a different experience, and our team is happy to guide you to the perfect choice for your skin, goals, and timeline.

Here’s a closer look at each tier and the beds you can choose from:

Bronze Tier

Our most gentle option — perfect for beginners, fair skin, or anyone looking to build their glow gradually.

• Corona T40
  A classic entry-level bed, ideal for building a natural, even tan over multiple sessions at a comfortable intensity.
  

Gold Tier

A step up in power — great for those with some colour already, or anyone looking for more noticeable results in less time.

• Corona Blush
  An upgraded version of the T40 with added red light therapy for enhanced skin rejuvenation and a beautiful, radiant finish.
  
• KBL Pure Energy
  A stand-up booth that provides even, all-over colour without pressure points, helping you tan more efficiently and evenly.
  

Platinum Tier

Our most advanced, high-pressure beds — perfect for experienced tanners who want maximum results in fewer sessions.

• KBL 6800
  A luxurious, high-performance bed that delivers deep, rich colour quickly, with advanced comfort features for a premium experience.
  
• Saturn
  A high-pressure stand-up booth designed for powerful, long-lasting colour — ideal for achieving a dark, even glow before your trip.
  

Pro tips for the perfect base tan

• Use a professional tanning lotion.
  Dry skin reflects UV and slows down your progress — lotion helps you tan faster, deeper, and more evenly.
• Start low, go slow.
  Don’t jump into the longest session right away. We’ll guide you based on your skin type.
• Be consistent.
  Spacing out your sessions too much will slow your progress. Think of it like training — it works best when you stick to it.
• Exfoliate and moisturize.
  Smooth, hydrated skin develops colour better and holds onto it longer. Dry, flaky skin? Not so much.‍
• Keep using SPF on vacation.
  A base tan helps, but it’s not a free pass to skip sunscreen. Reapply regularly and stay smart in the sun.

TL;DR — Start early, go slow, and tan smart

A base tan helps you avoid burns, tan more evenly, and step off the plane already glowing. But like anything worth doing, it takes time and the right setup.

If you’re not sure which bed or package makes sense for your trip, just ask. We’re here to help you plan the perfect glow — so you can focus on making memories, not worrying about your skin.

Glow now. Thank yourself later.

Introduction

Here’s the thing: if you’re stepping into a tanning bed without lotion, you’re setting yourself up for a tan that’s uneven, fades fast, and feels… meh. It’s one of the most common mistakes we see — and one of the easiest to fix.

Tanning lotion isn’t just about smelling good or adding a little shimmer. It’s a functional product that helps your skin tan better, develop colour more evenly, and hold onto it longer. Without it, you’re basically tanning the driest, most stubborn layer of your skin — the one that’s already halfway to flaking off. That means more sessions for less payoff, and a tan that fades before you even get to show it off.

What’s actually happening when you tan

Tanning beds use UV light to trigger melanin production in your skin — the natural pigment that gives you colour. But that process also dehydrates your skin like crazy. Think about it: you’re exposing your skin to concentrated UV rays. It’s a fast, controlled version of sun exposure… and your skin feels it.

Dry skin reflects UV light instead of absorbing it. That means:

• Your tan develops more slowly
• The colour doesn’t go as deep
• And it fades faster — because the outer skin cells flake off more quickly
  

Here’s where lotion comes in. Indoor tanning lotions are designed to hydrate and condition your skin while you tan, so the light can actually reach the melanin-producing layers underneath. Many also contain ingredients that stimulate melanin production, giving your skin a head start before the UV even kicks in.

No lotion = tanning the dry, dull surface layer that’s about to shed
Lotion = deeper, richer, longer-lasting colour

“Can’t I just use my regular body lotion?”

Short answer? No. Long answer? Absolutely not — and here’s why:

We get it — you’ve got moisturizers at home, maybe even fancy ones. But regular lotions (even expensive ones!) are made for daily hydration, not tanning. They’re full of ingredients that interfere with UV tanning, like:

• SPF or UV blockers – even a tiny amount can prevent the light from doing its job
• Oils – these can coat the skin in a way that actually blocks absorption
• Fragrance compounds + alcohols – these dry your skin out even more under UV
• Ingredients that damage the bed – many everyday lotions can degrade the acrylic surface over time, which is a big no-no in salons

Indoor tanning lotions are specially formulated to:

• Absorb quickly and cleanly
• Support melanin production without blocking UV
• Hydrate without leaving residue
• Protect both your skin and the bed

They’re not just better — they’re designed for this exact environment. And once you try them, you’ll feel the difference immediately.

Picking the right lotion for your skin and goals

Here’s a quick breakdown of the main types:

Intensifiers

‍No added bronzers — just ingredients that support natural melanin production and keep skin hydrated. Great for beginners, fair skin tones, or anyone building a base tan.

Natural Bronzers

These lotions contain plant-based or mineral bronzing agents such as caramel or walnut that give you a subtle, instant tint that washes off after your next shower, while your natural tan develops underneath. Ideal if you want to leave the salon with a light glow right away.

DHA Bronzers

Contain DHA (a sugar-derived compound) that reacts with the skin to develop a deeper tan over the next few hours. These deliver the richest results — ideal for regular tanners or when you want that wow colour.

Need help choosing? Just ask — we’ll point you to something that fits your vibe and your skin type.

Pro tips for using lotion

• Always apply lotion right before you get into the bed — not at home hours before.
• Use enough to fully cover your skin, but don’t overdo it — a thin, even layer is perfect.
• Don’t forget spots like your feet, hands, and behind your knees.
• Pair it with a separate lotion made for your face — regular indoor lotion can be too heavy or pore-clogging for delicate facial skin.

The bottom line

This isn’t about “being extra.” It’s about getting what you came for.

Tanning lotion does more than just smell good. It helps you tan faster, tan better, and hold onto that glow longer — while keeping your skin smooth and happy. Without it, you’re fighting against the process (and wasting your session).

You’re investing time and money into your tan… and if you’re not using the right products, you’re wasting both.

We’ve got a curated selection in-salon — and we’re always down to help you find your perfect match.

Introduction

There’s just something about a fresh spray tan. You walk a little taller. Clothes fit better. You catch yourself in the mirror and go, “Okay wow.” It’s an instant boost — easy, seamless, and kind of addictive in the best way.

But here’s the thing most people don’t realize: the booth might do the spraying, but you control the outcome. I’ve seen hundreds of tans, answered every “is this normal?!” post-tan email, and made all the mistakes myself. And I can tell you with confidence — the difference between a flawless glow and a patchy mess almost always comes down to prep and aftercare.

The good news? Every tip you need is right here. No fluff. No fake hacks. Just honest, tried-and-true advice from someone who’s seen (and lived) it all. Whether it’s your first spray tan or you just want better results, this is your complete guide to getting the most out of it.

Let’s glow.

Before your appointment: prep like a pro

Everything you do before your spray tan matters — probably more than you think. The products you use (or don’t use), what you wear, and even when you shave can totally change how your tan develops and fades. Here’s how to set yourself up for that flawless, even glow — no streaks, no surprises.

Exfoliate — but only with the right stuff

If you’ve ever had a patchy tan, this might’ve been the reason. Exfoliating is essential — but using the wrong scrub or shower product can mess with your results more than you think.

A lot of scrubs, body washes, and “pre-tan prep” products leave behind moisturizing ingredients like oils, silicones, or waxes. These leave a coating on your skin that feels nice... but acts like a shield. The tanning solution can’t absorb properly, and you’re left with streaks, uneven spots, or a tan that doesn’t show up at all.

Think of it like this: Have you ever washed a water bottle with dish soap, thought you rinsed it really well, and then took a sip of water that still tasted... soapy? That’s what’s happening with a lot of shower products — residue can linger on your skin, even if it’s not super obvious. And your spray tan will pick up on it.

That’s why my go-to method — and what I always recommend — is a dry or damp exfoliating mitt with no product at all. I personally use the Dermasuri Deep Exfoliating Mitt (we carry it at the salon!) and it works like a dream. You can literally see the dead skin coming off — no scrubs, no oils, no surprises.

Use it the day before your tan (not the day of), and skip the lotion afterward. You want your skin clean, clear, and prepped — like a blank canvas.

Shave or wax at least 24 hours ahead

Let’s talk about those little dark dots on freshly shaved legs. You know the ones. They happen when the spray settles into open pores — and they’re so easy to avoid. All you have to do is shave or wax a full 24 hours before your tan. Simple, right?

Okay, I’ve been there. I know what you’re thinking: “There’s no way my pores will still be open after a few hours.”

‍YES. THEY. WILL. Trust me, from personal experience: it’s not worth it. Your tan will sit weirdly, and your legs won’t look smooth — they’ll look speckled.

Give your skin time. Shave or wax the day before, and you’ll avoid that whole situation entirely.

Skip the lotions, perfumes, deodorant, and makeup

This one’s non-negotiable. Any product sitting on your skin can block the spray and prevent it from developing properly. Even things you can’t really feel — like deodorant, SPF, or a “light” moisturizer — can cause patchiness or discolouration.

Before your appointment, make sure your skin is totally clean and dry. No lotions, no makeup, no perfume, no oils, no deodorant. If you forget, don’t panic — just let us know when you arrive and we’ll help you fix it before your tan.

Dress like you’re staying in for the night

The best spray tan outfit? Loose, dark, comfy, and not remotely cute. Tight clothes can rub against your developing tan and leave behind streaks or pressure marks — even if you don’t feel it happening. You’ll want to avoid bras, tight sleeves, waistbands, leggings, socks, and anything that clings.

My go-to? Big t-shirt, sweat pants or loose shorts, and slip-on sandals. It’s giving comfort over everything — because that’s how you protect the glow.

Right after your tan: hands off, babe

Your tan is on — now’s the time to leave it alone. This is when the solution is doing its thing, and even small slip-ups (like crossing your legs or getting caught in the rain) can mess with the final result. Think of this phase as the glow incubation period. Here's how to protect it until it’s fully developed.

Wait before showering — and keep that first rinse gentle

Your tan doesn’t stop developing when you leave the salon. It continues to deepen for hours afterward, so don’t shower too soon or you’ll cut the development short. We’ll always give you the recommended wait time (usually 6–8 hours, or less for rapid tans), and sticking to it makes a huge difference.

That first rinse? Keep it simple. Just lukewarm water — no soap, no scrubbing, no shampoo. It should be a quick, gentle rinse to remove the bronzer layer on your skin.

Don’t freak out when you see colour going down the drain — it’s just the cosmetic bronzer, not your actual tan. What’s underneath is the real deal, and it’s still developing.

Avoid sweating, swimming, or water contact

Until you’ve done that first rinse, water is the enemy. That means: no workouts, no sweating, no rain, no accidental sink splashes that trail down your arm. Seriously — even a drop of water on your arm can leave a little pale dot.

This is your excuse to cancel plans and lay low — take it.

If you’re sleeping in it, protect the tan

Wearing your spray tan overnight? Totally fine — just protect your skin (and your bedding). Wear long sleeves and pants to minimize skin-to-skin contact and prevent any bronzer from transferring. Bonus points if your sheets are dark.

Don’t stress about bronzer rub-off — it usually washes out. But those handprints from touching your leg in your sleep? Yeah, we’d rather avoid those.

Keep the glow going: your post-tan game plan

Your tan is developed — now your job is to keep it looking fresh, smooth, and glowy for as long as possible. Here’s what to do (and avoid) in the days after your spray:

Shower gently

Once your tan has developed and you’re into regular shower territory, just be mindful of how you treat your skin. The goal is to keep your glow intact, not scrub it off.

Keep your showers quick and lukewarm — long, hot ones will dry out your skin and make your tan fade faster. Use a mild body wash (nothing gritty or heavily fragranced), and skip anything that exfoliates. No loofahs, scrubbing mitts, or harsh soaps.

After you rinse, pat your skin dry with a towel. Rubbing can lift the colour — and you worked too hard for that glow to go down the drain.

Moisturize like it’s your full-time job

Dry skin = faster fading and uneven wear. Moisturized skin = smooth, glowing, and long-lasting. Apply a basic, fragrance-free lotion every day (ideally right after you shower). You want something nourishing but not too heavy or oily — we can recommend our faves.

Pro Tip: Around day 3 or 4, you can introduce a gradual tanning lotion to help extend your glow and smooth out fading. We can recommend one that plays well with your spray.

Hold off on shaving and exfoliating (for now)

Avoid shaving or using exfoliants until you’re nearing the end of your tan’s life cycle. If you do need to shave, use a fresh razor and light pressure. No shaving creams with alcohols or oils — they break down the colour.

Once your tan starts to fade (usually after 5–7 days), that’s your cue to exfoliate gently and evenly to prep for your next session. Make sure your old tan is fully removed before coming in for another — layering leftover colour with fresh solution is what causes that dry, scaly look and patchy spots.

And yes — that’s when you can bring the Dermasuri mitt back into action. It’s a game-changer for clearing off every last bit.

You’re all set

That’s it — the full lowdown on getting the most out of your spray tan. With the right prep and a little post-glow care, you’ll be looking bronzed, even, and feeling so good.

If you ever have questions (or need a quick pep talk before your first appointment), we’re always happy to help. You’ve got this — and we’ve got you.