After exfoliating myself away to nothing yesterday (not really) I finally slinked off to my local salon for a spray tan. I decided to have a spray tan for a few reasons. Firstly, my friend Fiona is addicted and has been on a never ending mission for me to get one. Secondly, I rarely, if ever, sunbathe and so I’m rather pasty. Of course, there is nothing wrong with being pasty but personally, I usually tend to look more alive with a tan and finally, why the hell not!

That last sentence makes me sound so flippant and carefree when in fact I was borderline terrified. I actually had a nightmare the previous night that I had got my tan, rubbed my shoulder and it came off in one big nasty streak! I pondered possible streaked bed sheets, the tan running off in the shower, sweating, applying my makeup and so on. The reality is, I’ve used many tanning lotions and potions in my time and know the answers to all these questions but, a bit of dramatics never did anyone any harm!

So, I arrived at the salon sans deodorant/lotions, wearing a loose fitting dress and without a scrap of makeup on my face. I stripped off, tied my hair up and got into the booth. The spray tan lady applied some cream to my knees, elbows and palm of my hand to stop the product clogging or applying too heavy in these areas. She then started up the machine. Now, the feel of the spray tan is quite pleasant but the fumes are not. I was breathing it in through my nose and throat, and although it’s perfectly safe I found it a little annoying. After one layer, I was asked to inspect the results in the mirror. I noticed very little difference and opted for a second layer. Five minutes later I was done and sent over to a section of the room with fans and air-con to dry off.

Dressed and home, an hour later this was the result!

Honestly, when I compared these photo’s side by side I couldn’t believe it! I look so healthy!! When I took this photo, my skin felt quite sticky but I was assured after waiting four hours this would fade and the colour would deepen, and it certainly did. I had a shower after the four hour point and a teeny bit of it washed off but really nothing of note.

The whole experience was very pleasant, took 15 minutes and cost 15BD (30e/330AED). According to St. Tropez, the tan will last 7 to 10 days and will fade away evenly. I’m so impressed with the results that I’ll be making this a regular thing, much to Fiona’s delight I’m sure! Have any of you lot had a spray tan? Or would you now after reading this post?

Also, check out my review of St. Tropez Daily Gradual Tanner here!