Spray Tan Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Glow Goals Gone Wrong? Here’s What Really Happened

 At Glow Base, we're here to clear up the confusion and make sure your next tan looks as good as it feels — especially if you're prepping for your big day with a  bridal spray tan in Melbourne.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common tanning mishaps — and how to avoid them with our expert-backed solutions.

1. Green Underarms? It’s Your Deodorant, Not Your Tan

If your underarms developed a green tinge post-tan, don’t stress. It’s a common reaction caused by aluminium compounds in deodorants mixing with DHA (the active tanning ingredient). It’s not permanent — but it’s definitely preventable.

Fix it like a pro:
✔ Skip deodorant on tanning day
✔ Arrive to your session with clean, product-free skin
✔ Avoid any antiperspirant with aluminium pre-tan

Our prep instructions cover it all, so your Glow Base tan applies cleanly and develops flawlessly.

2. Dry Patches? Say Hello to Tan Grabbing

Tanning solution clings to dry, textured skin — especially around the knees, elbows, ankles, hands, and feet. This creates darker, uneven patches that fade poorly and feel less luxe than the rest of your glow.

Solution:
Use our Glow Base Exfoliation Glove 24 hours before your tan to gently resurface and smooth dry areas. It’s designed for even, effortless prep — and trust us, your skin will thank you.

3. “My Tan Disappeared After the First Rinse” — Not Quite.

What you saw wash away in the shower is just the cosmetic bronzer, not the real tan. DHA continues developing over the next 12–24 hours, deepening into a natural-looking golden glow.

Here’s how tanning actually works:
The active ingredients react with your skin’s outer layer over time. That’s why we always recommend avoiding soaps, scrubs, or sweat post-rinse — just pat dry, wear loose clothes, and let the colour settle. By the next day, your tan will be fully developed and ready to glow.

4. Botched Hands and Feet? We See You.

These tricky areas are notorious for developing too dark, too orange, or too patchy — especially without proper prep and blending.

The Glow Base difference:
Our hand-blend technique ensures the perfect fade across knuckles, fingers, toes, and ankles. We custom-tailor every application so that your tan looks like your skin, but better.

At Glow Base, we specialise in custom spray tans in Melbourne and signature custom blends tailored to your skin tone and occasion. Whether you're walking down the aisle or simply stepping into the weekend, let your tan reflect the care you put into it.

Book your appointment, trust the process, and let us help you glow — naturally and confidently.

Your base. Your bronze. Your ritual.
With love,
Kylie x
Founder, Glow Base Tans