Tanning

Never done spray tan but the Nutrogena sunless tanning products stay put and you can use setting spray (for makeup) just to make sure it doesn't go anywhere.

You can build a base tan using the tanning beds/booths and then spray tan closer to the wedding. For the spray tan, you usually want to give it at least a day, so the spray tan settles in and then shower 24 hours after.

I plan to start regularly tanning again a few months closer to the wedding and then spray tan the week of the wedding.

If you are relying on tanning naturally, be really, really careful to avoid getting sunburnt or lines! Nothing like a bikini mark under a wedding dress.

I would caution against tanning beds though; while tanning under the sun can also be quite dangerous without sunscreen, tanning beds do horrible things to your skin!

Yes, I have done a good number of spray tans! I suggest doing the spay tan the week of the wedding, at least 2 days before the wedding.

Again you'll want the spray tan to settle onto your skin. Your skin begins to darken two to three hours after application and reaches its peak color within 24 hours. So I usually wait to shower after 24 hours. After you shower the solution will wash off, but your tan will stay and will not rub off on your clothes or dress.

On real tanning: I personally say, just say no! Beds are very concentrated and even "just a little" tanning in them greatly increases your risks of cancer and premature aging.

The natural sun will do this, too. If you must go the natural route, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

I use spray tans all the time. A real spray tan - not just bronzer - is a reaction in the skin that mimics a tan. It is achieved basically the same way as browning on an apple after you cut it, oxygen reacting with DHA molecules. It won't rub off on the dress. If you see "staining" afterward, it is because of improperly prepped skin (which is common in people who don't get spray tans regularly) - it's not the color, but rather skin cells that are sloughing off, and the skin cells are darker so they are noticeable.

To prevent this, exfoliate well. Start early (but don't go overboard) - exfoliate all over, every other day for a week or two before (I like the exfoliating gloves, but be gentle! If you make yourself red, you are scrubbing too hard!) and always moisturize the heck out of yourself. This will guarantee you have fresh, healthy skin for the tan to apply to. This prevents sloughing and also will prevent streaks and patchiness.

Also never a bad idea to get a trial ahead of time. Some spray tan artists have different solutions that will look better with your skin tone, and you can also use a trial to make sure you like the artist and don't end up too dark for your taste. That way when the day comes, you know exactly what to expect.