The Perfect Formal Glow: Your Guide to Spray Tans and Self-Tanning for School Formals

There’s nothing quite like the buzz of formal season. After months of planning dresses, hair, and makeup, the finishing touch that makes everything come together is a flawless, bronzed glow. For many, a fake tan is the ultimate accessory! It smooths, evens out skin tone, and gives confidence when stepping out on the red carpet.

But when it comes to tanning for formals, there are two main options: book in with a professional for a spray tan, or do it yourself at home with a mousse. Both approaches can give stunning results, but the trick is knowing how to prep, when to apply, and how to care for your tan so it lasts through formal night and beyond.

Here’s your complete guide to getting the perfect formal glow, whether you choose a professional spray tan or a self-tan at home.

Why Fake Tan is a Formal Essential

School formals are milestone events. Between photos, dancing, and celebrating with friends, it’s a night that will be remembered for years. A streak-free, golden tan makes dresses pop, gives skin a smooth airbrushed look, and boosts confidence. It’s also the safest way to achieve a sun-kissed look without damaging UV exposure.

Whether you want a subtle glow or a dramatic deep bronze, fake tan ensures your skin looks event-ready under the lights and in photographs.

Option 1: Booking a Professional Spray Tan

Why Choose a Spray Tan?

Professional spray tans are a popular choice for formals because they deliver consistent, even results. A trained technician knows how to blend colour seamlessly, match the right solution to your skin tone, and avoid common mistakes like patchy ankles or uneven backs.

For first-time tanners or those nervous about application, a spray tan is the most stress-free option. You simply turn up, get sprayed, and wait for the magic to develop.

When to Book Your Spray Tan

Timing is everything. For the best results:

• Book your appointment 1–2 days before your formal. This gives the tan enough time to develop fully and settle into the skin.

• Avoid getting sprayed on the same day as your event, as the tan may not have finished developing, and there’s a risk of colour transfer onto your dress.

• If it’s your first spray tan, consider a trial run a few weeks before. This way you can test the shade and application, so there are no surprises on the big day.

How to Prep for a Spray Tan

To ensure your tan applies evenly and lasts:

• Exfoliate 24 hours before your appointment to remove dead skin cells. Naked Tan’s Body Exfoliator is ideal for smoothing the skin.

• Shave or wax at least a day before, not immediately before the spray, to avoid irritation.

• On the day, arrive with clean, product-free skin. Skip moisturisers, deodorant, perfume, and makeup, as they can interfere with the tan.

• Wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment to avoid rubbing.

Aftercare for Spray Tans

• Follow the technician’s instructions for rinsing off after the development period.

• Avoid long showers, hot baths, and heavy exfoliation for the first few days.

• Sleep in loose clothing the night of your spray tan to prevent marks.

• Keep your skin hydrated with Naked Tan Crème de la Crème and extend the colour with Gradual Tan in the days following.

Option 2: Self-Tanning with Mousse at Home

If you’d prefer to take tanning into your own hands, Naked Tan’s self-tanning mousses make it easy to get a salon-quality finish at home.

Why Choose DIY?

• More affordable than a spray tan.

• Flexible to apply at your own time.

• Easy to control the depth of colour.

• Perfect for confident tanners who know what they want.

Choosing the Right Shade

Naked Tan’s mousse range includes:

• Medium: A natural glow for lighter skin tones or first-time tanners.

• Dark: A classic bronze for medium to olive complexions.

• Ultra Dark: A bold, dramatic tan for maximum depth and intensity.

Tip: If your dress is a light or pastel shade, a Medium or Dark mousse may be the better option for balance. If you’re wearing jewel tones or black, Ultra Dark can really make the look pop.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Exfoliate 24–48 hours before tanning to remove dry patches. Focus on elbows, knees, and ankles.

2. Apply a light layer of Crème de la Crème to dry areas (hands, feet, elbows) before tanning. This prevents the mousse from clinging too heavily.

3. Using a tanning mitt, apply mousse in circular motions starting from the legs and working upward. This ensures an even blend and avoids streaks.

4. Use sparingly on hands, feet, and face, blending with the leftover product on the mitt.

5. Allow the mousse to develop as per Naked Tan’s instructions before rinsing. Avoid sweating or getting wet during this time.

6. Pat dry after rinsing and moisturise to lock in colour.

Formal Night Touch-Ups

Even with the best prep, sometimes a quick fix is needed:

• Instant Tan is perfect for last-minute adjustments or evening out patches. It washes off at the end of the night, so you can apply with confidence.

• Use a light dusting of translucent powder under arms or along dress straps to reduce transfer when dancing.

Keeping Your Glow Beyond the Formal

The fun doesn’t end when the DJ stops. Keep your glow fresh for after-parties, photos, and the weekend ahead by:

• Applying Gradual Tan every few days to top up colour.

• Moisturising daily with Crème de la Crème to prevent patchy fading.

• Washing with Body Cleanser, which is specially formulated not to strip tan.

By looking after your skin, you’ll enjoy an even fade and a longer-lasting glow.

Formal Tan Checklist

Here’s a quick timeline to keep you organised:

• 2–3 days before: Exfoliate thoroughly.

• 1–2 days before: Book your spray tan or apply mousse.

• Night before: Moisturise and check if you need small touch-ups.

• Event day: Avoid heavy lotions or oils. Use Instant Tan for last-minute glow boosts.

Whether you choose the luxury of a professional spray tan or the convenience of a DIY mousse, the secret to a perfect formal tan is prep and timing. With the right routine, you’ll achieve a bronzed, even glow that makes you look and feel incredible for one of the biggest nights of your school years.