Spray tans at home are quickly becoming the go-to option across Australia—and for good reason. More people are skipping the salon and choosing a convenient way to glow without the hassle of travel or UV exposure.
Whether it’s for a special event or just a confidence boost, mobile tanning services offer flexibility and comfort. No waiting rooms, no traffic—just professional results, right at home.
That’s where Blys Beauty comes in. With vetted mobile tanning experts available in major cities, Blys brings the salon experience to you—on your terms. It’s discreet, easy to book, and tailored to your needs.
Getting that flawless, sun-kissed finish is simple—if you know how to prep and what to expect. Before you book, here are 7 things to know to make your first spray tan with Blys smooth, streak-free, and stress-free.
1. Prep Starts 24–48 Hours Before Your Tan
A flawless spray tan starts well before the first mist touches your skin. The key? Proper prep 24 to 48 hours in advance.
Here’s what to do:
- Exfoliate gently using a body scrub or exfoliating mitt, focusing on dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and feet
- Avoid oil-based products and thick moisturisers as they can block the tan from absorbing evenly
- Shave or wax at least 24 hours before your appointment to allow your skin to settle
- Skip any last-minute treatments that could irritate the skin, like chemical peels or strong acids
By giving your skin a clean, smooth base, you’ll help the tan develop evenly and last longer.
Want to make things easy? Blys professionals are trained to guide you through pre-tan prep. You’ll get expert advice and salon-quality results—all from the comfort of your home.
2. Skip Perfume, Deodorant, and Makeup on the Day
On the day of your spray tan, less is more—especially when it comes to skincare products. Perfume, deodorant, and makeup can all interfere with the tanning solution, leading to patchy or discoloured areas.
These products may contain alcohols, aluminium, or oils that react with DHA (the active ingredient in tanning solutions), potentially turning your tan greenish or causing it to stick unevenly in some spots. According to dermatology studies, ingredients in cosmetic products can create barriers or chemical reactions on the skin that affect how DHA develops.
To avoid this:
- Shower right before your appointment and keep skin clean and dry
- Skip all deodorants, perfumes, body oils, and makeup
- Apply only a small amount of moisturiser to dry spots like your elbows, knees, and ankles if needed
Clean, product-free skin ensures your tan goes on smoothly and develops evenly for a natural-looking glow.
3. Your Clothing Matters More Than You Think
What you wear after your spray tan can make or break your results. Tight clothing, straps, and seams can rub against your skin and leave behind streaks or patches while the tan is developing.
To stay safe (and stain-free), follow these clothing tips:
- Wear loose, dark clothing—think flowy dresses, oversized tees, and roomy pants
- Opt for open footwear like slides or thongs to avoid ankle rub
- Skip tight activewear, bras with underwire, or anything that leaves pressure marks
- Lay down a towel or sheet on your car seat or sofa if you plan to sit after your appointment
If you’re in a warmer part of Australia, keep a portable fan or aircon running to reduce sweating, which can cause streaking while your tan sets.
Quick Clothing Guide
| Do Wear | Avoid Wearing |
| Loose cotton T-shirts | Tight leggings or jeans |
| Flowy dresses or kaftans | Underwire bras |
| Thongs or open sandals | Closed shoes or socks |
A little wardrobe planning makes all the difference—especially when that golden glow is still setting.
A healthy glow isn’t just from tanning. Check out our guide on how massage improves skin health to see how it supports your skin from within.
4. Understand the Colour Guide vs. the Real Result
Don’t worry if your spray tan looks overly dark straight after application—that’s just the colour guide doing its job. Most professional tanning solutions include a temporary bronzer to help your technician apply the product evenly. This initial layer is not your final tan.
The real glow comes from DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a colourless sugar compound that reacts with amino acids in the outermost layer of your skin. This reaction takes time—usually 6 to 8 hours—to fully develop into a long-lasting tan.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- The first colour you see will rinse off—don’t panic
- The real tan develops slowly and won’t show fully until after your first rinse
- Avoid water, sweating, or rubbing your skin during the development period
According to research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, DHA interacts with the stratum corneum (the skin’s outer layer) to safely mimic a sun-kissed effect without UV exposure.
Trust the process—your even, natural tan will be worth the wait.
If you’re planning to wax before your tan, make sure to avoid common mistakes. Check out our guide on waxing mistakes and how to fix them to get it right.
5. Stay Cool (Literally) After Your Tan
The hours following your spray tan are just as important as the prep. Once your session is done, it’s essential to keep your skin cool, dry and untouched while the colour develops.
Sweat, water and friction can all disrupt the tanning solution before it sets properly. That means skipping workouts, avoiding swimming, and steering clear of long hot showers for at least eight to ten hours. Tight clothing is also best avoided, as it can rub against your skin and cause uneven patches. If you’re tanning in the evening, sleeping in loose pyjamas is ideal.
Booking your appointment later in the day gives your tan time to settle while you rest, so it develops undisturbed overnight.
Book your glow for after hours. Blys beauty professionals are available seven days a week, including evenings. Enjoy a smooth, streak-free tan without stepping outside.
6. Aftercare Is Everything
How you treat your skin after your spray tan can determine how long it lasts—and how good it looks along the way. To maintain that smooth, even glow, follow these essential aftercare steps:
- Wait the full development time before rinsing. Resist the urge to shower early, even if the colour guide looks dark. Your real tan is still setting in.
- Use a gentle, sulphate-free body wash when you do rinse. Harsh cleansers can strip away the colour too quickly.
- Pat your skin dry with a towel. Avoid rubbing, which can cause uneven fading or patchiness.
- Moisturise daily with a lightweight, non-oily lotion. Keeping your skin hydrated helps extend the life of your tan and promotes even fading.
A good aftercare routine means your glow stays fresh, smooth and natural for days to come.
Thinking of adding a lash or brow tint to your glow-up? Read our guide on mobile tinting at home for tips and aftercare.
7. Choose a Reputable Mobile Tanning Service
With mobile spray tanning becoming more popular, it’s important to choose a provider that delivers not just convenience, but quality. A professional mobile tan gives you salon-level results without leaving your home, but only if the service meets high standards in hygiene, experience and product quality.
That’s why so many Australians trust Blys. Every Blys beauty professional is fully vetted, experienced and trained to deliver natural-looking results using premium tanning products. Whether it’s your first tan or part of your regular self-care routine, you can expect a seamless, mess-free experience from start to finish.
Need a tan before a wedding, holiday or special event? Or want to treat a friend? Blys gift vouchers make it easy to share the glow—perfect for birthdays, hens parties or just because.
Planning a wedding, party or trip? Book a mobile tan or surprise someone with a Blys gift voucher.
Glow with Confidence With Blys’ Spray Tan
Getting a beautiful, natural-looking spray tan doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right prep, proper aftercare and a trusted mobile tanning provider, you’re all set for a glow that lasts.
Here’s a quick recap of what to remember:
- Prep your skin 24 to 48 hours in advance
- Skip products on the day and wear loose clothing
- Let the tan fully develop and follow good aftercare
- Book with a reputable mobile tanning service like Blys
Embracing the mobile beauty lifestyle means less stress, more comfort and quality results—all from home. And booking with Blys is simple:
Step 1: Book: Choose your treatment, location, date and time.
Step 2: Connect: Your request will be posted, and you’ll be notified when a professional accepts.
Step 3: Meet: Sit back and relax—your provider comes to you.
Ready to get that sun-kissed look without UV damage? Book your spray tan at home with Blys today.
