Tanning dos and don'ts

There's a couple of options on what works best for tanning on your day. It really comes down to the type of skin you have and the look you are going for. The paler your skin is, the more careful you need to be. Preparation is key. Exfoliating at least twice, even three times per week is vital to the outcome of your tan along with a nourishing diet which is more fundamental.

I recommend to build up a tan like the Vita Liberata gradual tan or an organic alternative as the tan will fade better. I recommend a cream based tan with colour to develop not a moose left to leave on as long as possible. Your tan should last for up 4-6 days if you moisturise every day. This is more of a natural approach to glowing on your special day so it's worth spending some extra time and care on achieving the best outcome.

I don't recommend spray tan for your wedding day as it can stain your dress even after you wash it off and A bride needs to go for a more natural look with absolutely no give away lines.

I would always use a tanning mitt when applying tan and apply moisturiser to the inside of the hand, wrist, elbows, nails and around the edge of the foot to avoid staining. It is always better to build gradually over two to three days.

My friend Dee who is an amazing wedding photographer, advices to wear as little tan as possible if none at all as it is the number one mistake that shows up on wedding pictures. The second is having different colour foundation on your neck to the rest of your body so be very particular and careful who you get to do your makeup on the day and make sure it all blends in perfectly.

Once you have the desired look apply natural body moisturiser - never oil as this breaks the tan - every day to keep your skin nourished and to prolong your tan longer. I would only recommend using more organic, less synthetic ingredients as I find they give the best results.