How to build a vacation-ready base tan

Introduction

What if you could get a beautiful, even tan and give your skin a little love at the same time?

That’s exactly what our Red Light + UV Corona Blush Bed delivers. It’s not just another tanning session — it’s a premium experience that combines the skin-rejuvenating benefits of red light therapy with the gentle, colour-enhancing effects of UV.

Here’s why this bed is your new go-to for a healthy, radiant glow that looks as good as it feels.

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy uses non-UV light that penetrates below the surface to help improve your skin’s overall health, tone, and texture.

It’s been shown to:

• Stimulate collagen production for firmer, plumper skin.
• Reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Improve skin elasticity and smoothness.
• Enhance radiance and even skin tone.

Think of it as a facial for your entire body — but one that also prepares your skin to tan more evenly and beautifully.

Why combine red light + UV?

Here’s where the magic really happens: when you combine red light with UV in one session, you get the best of both worlds.

• Healthier-looking skin, even colour.
  Red light improves your skin’s condition so it absorbs UV more evenly — resulting in a smoother, more natural-looking tan.
• A radiant, natural glow.
  The blush effect from the red light brings blood closer to the surface, enhancing your natural colour and giving you that healthy, sun-kissed flush.
• Skin-loving benefits beyond tanning.
  Red light is also known to help improve certain skin conditions by calming inflammation and supporting healing. Many clients notice clearer, calmer skin over time — particularly if they experience mild acne, eczema, or psoriasis.
• A gentle, skin-conscious experience.
  Because this bed is designed to prioritize skin health and rejuvenation, the UV exposure is more subtle — making it perfect for anyone who wants a gradual, even tan without the intensity of higher-pressure beds.

Who is this bed for?

The Red Light + UV Blush Bed is ideal for:

• Clients looking for a skin-conscious, luxurious tanning experience.
• Those with dry, sensitive, or mature skin who want added rejuvenation.
• Anyone managing mild skin concerns like redness, breakouts, or irritation.
• Clients who prefer a softer, more natural-looking glow.

Pro tips for your best session

• Use a professional tanning lotion — we can recommend one that works beautifully with red light + UV.
• Stay consistent — the benefits of red light build over time, so regular sessions yield the best results.
• Hydrate your skin before and after — moisturized skin responds better and keeps your colour looking fresh.

The bottom line

If you’re ready to take your glow to the next level — and treat your skin while you’re at it — the Red Light + UV Blush Bed is waiting for you.

This isn’t just tanning. It’s skin care, self-care, and confidence in one beautiful session.

If you’re curious or want help incorporating it into your routine, just ask — we’d love to help you experience the difference.

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

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.