Keeping our skin protected from harsh ultraviolet rays is a concern that’s on our minds now more than ever. And while we are adding the best sunscreens to our daily routine, many models, celebrities, and beauty influencers are taking extra care of their skin by staying out of the sun and away from sunbathing.
For those of us who love a healthy, bronzed look, this naturally means turning to sunless tanning methods to achieve that beautiful glow: self-tanning, spray tanning and, most effective of all, airbrush tanning.
Airbrush tan vs. spray tan
Airbrush tanning is a form of spray tanning, but unlike a regular spray tan that involves stepping into a booth and letting a machine spray your front and back, an airbrush spray tan is applied by hand according to the contours of your body.
If done well, airbrush tanning will give you a wonderful tan without the streaks and stains that often come with self-tanning, as well as a much more natural colour than a simple spray tan. Bonus: you definitely don’t need to worry about counting one to five Mississippi-less-ly (remember Ross Geller in F.R.I.E.N.D.S?).
Still wondering how long a spray tan would last and worried if you’re going to have to bare it all during a spray tan session? Fret not, as we’re going to answer some of your burning questions about spray tanning in Singapore, so you can head to your first spray tan appointment with complete ease!
Before a spray tan
Shave, wax, and exfoliate a day before your spray tan. Photo source: cottonbro from Pexels
“How do I prepare for my first spray tan?”
You should ready your skin by shaving or waxing, exfoliating, and moisturising your skin 24 hours before your spray tan session. Shaving or waxing and exfoliating a day before gives your skin time to calm down so that the spray tan doesn’t further irritate the skin or seep into pores to produce dark spots.
Exfoliation also gets rid of dead skin cells so that your skin can hold a smooth and even tan. Plus, you should note that you’re not going to be able to exfoliate after your spray tan session as exfoliating will certainly cause the colour to fade. So, all the more reason to enjoy your final exfoliation before you head for your spray tan appointment!
Dove Exfoliating Body Polish, Pomegranate Seeds & Shea Butter
Dove’s exfoliating body polish is very gentle on the skin whilst doing a great job at leaving your skin ultra-smooth and clean. Infused with pomegranate and shea butter, the body polish doesn’t just revitalise your skin, it also lifts your mood with its fresh fragrance.
Dove Exfoliating Body Polish, Pomegranate Seeds & Shea Butter retails for S$11.38.
Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay - Smoothing Body Sand
This body scrub comes in a cute pink “bucket” that is complete with a tiny shovel so that you can scoop Sand & Sky’s Pink Clay Smoothing Body Sand to apply on your skin. Made with botanical ingredients from Southern and Western Australia, the Smoothing Body Sand will exfoliate, detoxify and moisturise for silky smooth skin.
Originally priced at S$70, Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay – Smoothing Body Sand now retails for S$30 on Shopee.
Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Don’t forget that your face needs exfoliating too! Original Skin’s Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay is a clay mask with exfoliating grains to gently remove impurities from your skin. It tackles skin concerns such as dullness, uneven skin texture, and visible pores. Simply massage the mask onto your face, leave it on for 10 minutes, then wash it off to enjoy revitalised skin.
Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay retails for S$22.
Be sure to moisturise 24 hours before your appointment and not anytime after that. Oils on your skin will prevent colour from the water-based spray tan from sticking onto your skin, so make sure that you’re moisturiser-, perfume-, and makeup-free as you enter the salon.
During a spray tan
Influencer Jess Conte does sunless tanning.
“Do you wear clothes during a spray tan?”
It can be embarrassing to think about stripping down to briefs or going completely bare. The good news is that you don’t have to be completely nude when you’re being spray-tanned! Just like going to the beach to bask in the sun, you can wear a swimsuit to get a sunless tan at the salon.
Some people like to wear thongs and a strapless bra to prevent obvious lines, while others choose to go completely nude. However, if you opt not to wear a bra during your spray tan session, it’s also best to go without it after to prevent the colour from smudging and becoming patchy.
Tip: Disposable undies are a great option to prevent colour from staining your clothes.
“Do they spray tan your face?”
Unless you want a mismatched fair face and tanned body, then yes, the technician will spray tan your face! She usually starts from the face then spray tans down your body to the feet.
There’s nothing to worry about – all you have to do is listen to the cue to take a deep breath and shut your eyes. Don’t be surprised by the cool sensation of spray tan solution misting your skin!
After a spray tan
Photo source: Eltoria on Pinterest
“How long does a spray tan last?”
A good spray tan in Singapore will last seven to ten days, but there are also many ways you can extend the lifespan of your tan in-between appointments. For example, making sure that your skin is completely dry before putting your clothes back on after the session will help the colour set into your skin better and prevent stains.
Read more: When can I shower after an airbrush tan? 6 tips for a longer-lasting spray tan in Singapore
Best spray tan salons in Singapore
Here are some of the best salons in Singapore that offer spray tan services at affordable prices:
Pink Parlour
Should we be surprised that Pink Parlour boasts pretty pink walls and snazzy decor? Since 2005, Pink Parlour has provided spray tanning, alongside waxing services in Singapore.
If you prefer a fairer-skinned look, opt for the ‘Spray Fair’ that brightens your skin appearance and covers imperfections like dark-eyed circles.
Pink Parlour is located at Capitol Piazza, Orchard Gateway, Jurong Point, Tampines One, and Kovan Heartland Mall.
Check out Pink Parlour on our Salon Finder for locations and deals on their services!
Address: Click here to view all outlets
Opening hours: 11.15am – 9pm (Mon to Sat) | 11.15am – 7pm (Sun)
Contact: 6100 8266, or click here for more contact options
Website | Facebook
Wax Factor
Wax Factor uses an organic, paraben- and fragrance-free tanning spray tan solution to ensure maximum comfort for sensitive skin. Their airbrush spray tan promises a smooth, healthy glow that defines your body as well as balances out your uneven skin tones.
It’s also located in the heart of Singapore at Orchard Central, which makes trips for your spray tanning appointments a breeze.
Plus, as Wax Factor also offers quality waxing services, so you can pair your spray tan with a pre-waxing session for the best results.
Address: 181 Orchard Road, Orchard Central, #04-18, Singapore 238896
Opening hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon to Sun)
Contact: 6634 4818
Website | Facebook
Sun Tanning Studio
Get a spray tan in just four minutes at the Sun Tanning Studio! Praised by customers for its spacious, clean salon, all you have to do is get into one of their spray tanning booths to comfortably and effortlessly achieve bronzed, healthy-looking skin.
Sun Tanning Studio also offers various sunless tanning solutions such as Skin Prep to hydrate and soften your skin in preparation for your spray tan, and Post Moist which extracts skin moisture as well as removes tanning solution odour, so you leave the salon looking and feeling great.
Find out more about the services offered at Sun Tanning Studio.
Address: 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, Clark Quay Central, #03-11, Singapore 059817
Opening hours: 10.30am – 9.30pm (Mon to Fri) | 11am – 8pm (Sat to Sun)
Contact: 6534 5652, or book an appointment here
Website | Facebook
