Which one do you do first? Your lashes or your spray tan?

Eye Lashes are a hot topic.

There are eyelash serums to help them grow.

False lashes for a special event.

Eyelash Lift and tint to curl and darken.

And eyelash extensions that last 4-6 weeks.

So lets dive in and figure out when you should get your lashes put on and when to schedule your spray tan appointment so they are in the right order and no damage happens to either beauty treatment.

But you girls keep coming in with your gorgeous lashes making me a bit jealous.  So, I decided that a little research was needed to make sure we have our timing correct.

Turns out it does matter when you GET your lashes in relation to WHEN you get your spray tan.

Let’s break this down.

Eyelash Serums

The eyelash serums are for conditioning and growth.  They help your natural lashes to be soft and strong and not fall out so that they get longer.  There are many different ones on the market from prescription (think Latisse) and over the counter ones. As we get a little older, our lashes tend to thin out and can become sparse.  The serum definitely helps to correct this (bonus you can pop a little on your eyebrows to help them grow as well)

You can use your favorite lash serum with your spray tan and NOT worry about any timing issues for applying. Same day is fine before or after your spray tan appointment.

Lash serums can be used same day as spray tan

False Lashes

Next up false lashes. These are great for special occasions and can range from individual clusters just to fill in your lashes a bit all the way to super dramatic! It really just depends on what your personal style is and what your event is.  Wedding lashes, Halloween lashes, picture lashes, they give you the flexibility to pop them on (or have them applied—we do this at the shop) when you need/want them. But you can rock your natural lashes without any commitment.

Since you will be applying your false eyelashes with your makeup they will be put on after your tan the day of your event.

False lashes can be applied after your first shower, after your spray tan.

Eyelash Lift and Tint

An eyelash lift and tint is sort of like having your hair permed and colored.  Your aesthetician (this is NOT something that you do at home) places your lashes on a curling rod that is shaped to your eye and the curling and tinting solution are applied and timed before they are cleaned off and your new darker and curled lashes are revealed to the world!  This option gives you a more awake look still with your natural lashes.  And you can use your lash serum a lift and tint to keep your lashes growing and conditioned.  This option lasts about 6 weeks.

With an eyelash lift and tint you do have to have this done 24-48 hours BEFORE your spray tan.  When your aesthetician is prepping the eye area they are cleansing your lashes and applying a sticky pad under the eye to keep the dye off of your skin and then washing the area free of the treatment products.  All of this can remove your tan around your eyes resulting in a reverse raccoon look.  Not cute.  Also, you have to keep your newly curled and tinted lashes dry for 24 hours after to allow the lashes to set.  Book your spray tan 1-2 days after your lashes.

• Lift and tint application can remove spray tan
• Must keep lash area dry for 24 hours after application
• Schedule spray tan 1-2 day AFTER eyelash lift and tint for best results

Lash lift and tint should be done 24-48 hours BEFORE your spray tan

Eyelash Extensions

And finally, the eyelash extensions.  I see so many of my brides opting for these because they have so many special events in a short period of time that require photos and glam makeup looks. It helps to simplify the makeup application allowing you to wake up with your eyes on!  I would caution to really research who and where you are getting your lashes from.  I have heard many times from my girls that they feel that the lashes are more extreme then they really wanted.  Less is more here and a natural set can go a long way to enhance your everyday or wedding look.

You do have to plan your eyelash extension and spray tan appointment in the right order.  When they apply your lash extensions they place a sticky pad under your eye to keep the glue off of your skin. This can pull your tan off of the under eye area leaving patchy white areas.  You also have to keep your new lashes dry for at 24-48 hours. So, schedule your spray tan according to what your lash professional is recommending.

• Lash application can remove spray tan
• Must keep lashes dry for 24-48 hours after application
• Schedule spray tan 1-2 days AFTER eyelash extensions are applied for best results

Eyelash extensions should be done 24-48 hours BEFORE your spray tan

People are always asking me, “what is the best lotion to use after my spray tan?” Dry skin definitely makes it hard to keep your sunless tan looking fresh and smooth. Patchy skin shows in photographs.  To extend the life of your sunless tan moisturized skin is a MUST! The problem is that some lotions contain ingredients that during my many years of spraying, I have discovered don’t work well with sunless tans, whether you get a spray tan or you self-tan at home.

Lotion Ingredients that are bad for your spray tan:

• Mineral oil
• Alcohol
• Fragrances
• Dyes
• Essential Oils

Essential oils that are in lotions or applied to the skin for aroma therapy can cause your spray tan to break down in the areas that you are applying the oils and can also cause problems with the essential oil residue causing an unsightly color change when you GET your spray tan.  Please make sure that you have removed all essential oil residue completely. Baking soda mixed into your mild shower wash will help to remove all traces of the oils before you come to your spray tanning appointment. And stop using the oils for at least 72 hours.

Staying away from these ingredients while wearing your sunless tan ensures that your pretty glow lasts as long as possible and fades smoothly. Both are good things.

Uh oh. You just got a gorgeous, glistening spray tan but now it’s time to hit the beach. If you’re worried your spray tan will come out a streaky, orange mess after taking a dip, fear not.  The answer is yes…if you’re careful.

If you’re the safe sun type (and I hope you are), then you’ve likely experimented with spray tanning. Spray tans are an easy, safe alternative to tanning beds, and definitely a healthier alternative to rubbing yourself with baby oil and spending hours in direct sunlight. However, sunless tanning requires some upkeep, which is necessary to help it stay on through sweaty gym sessions and yes, sunny pool days.

You can swim with a spray tan, but chlorine does have lightening properties and strips away skin cells which will break down your tan more quickly. To make your tan last longer you need to moisturize and re-apply self-tanner more frequently. If you are swimming in the ocean the same rules apply because salt water will dry out your skin and cause your tan to fade more quickly.

As if we needed another reason to stay moisturized! The moral of the story, ladies and gents: Along with proper exfoliation before your spray tan for even coverage, consistently applying moisturizer can help protect and extend your tan.