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Sydney's event season gets busy quickly. Between school formals, Christmas parties, weddings and end-of-year dinners, the same question comes up again and again:
When should I get my spray tan before an event?
For most events, the best time is 1-2 days beforehand. That gives your colour time to develop, settle and look natural in person and in photos.
If your event is on Saturday, Thursday or Friday will usually work best. The right appointment depends on the formula, your rinse time and how your skin normally develops, so follow the timing your tanning professional gives you.
Quick answer: when should I book?
- Saturday event: book for Thursday or Friday
- Friday event: book for Wednesday or Thursday
- Formal or Christmas party: aim for 1-2 days before
- First spray tan: do not leave it until the last minute if you can avoid it
- Group event: book early, especially during Sydney's busy spring and Christmas season
Ms.Lova offers mobile spray tanning in Alexandria, Waterloo, Redfern, Erskineville, nearby areas and Sydney's Eastern Suburbs. We come to your home, set up a portable pop-up tent and help choose a natural-looking colour for your event.
Why 1-2 days before usually works best
A spray tan continues to develop after the appointment. Booking 1-2 days before your event gives you time to:
- follow the correct rinse instructions
- let the colour settle
- moisturise after your first shower
- choose your outfit without rushing
- arrive at the event without the fresh-tan smell or colour guide
It also gives you a little breathing room if your plans change.
How should I prepare for an event spray tan?
Good preparation makes a bigger difference than choosing the darkest shade.
The day before
- Exfoliate gently, paying extra attention to dry areas such as elbows, knees and ankles.
- Complete shaving, waxing and other hair removal before the appointment.
- Avoid heavy oils or rich body products that may leave a barrier on the skin.
- Have loose, dark clothing ready for afterwards.
On the day
Arrive with clean, dry skin. Avoid perfume, deodorant, body oil and heavy moisturiser unless your tanning professional tells you otherwise.
Wear loose clothes and open footwear after the appointment. Tight waistbands, socks and straps can rub against a developing tan.
What shade should I choose for a formal or party?
The best event tan is not automatically the darkest one.
Your natural skin tone, outfit, event lighting and the result you want all matter. A softer bronze often photographs better than a shade that feels too heavy or unfamiliar.
At a professional appointment, colour and rinse time can be chosen around your skin and schedule. Ms.Lova uses professional solutions ranging from overnight development to express options that can be rinsed in as little as one hour.
Can I get a spray tan on the day of my event?
Sometimes an express tan can work with a tight schedule, but same-day tanning leaves less room for the colour to develop and settle. It can also make dressing, travel and the first rinse harder to manage.
If possible, choose the 1-2 day window. If the event is very close, tell your tanning professional the exact time you need to be ready before booking.
How do I look after my tan before the event?
Follow the rinse time given at your appointment. When it is time to shower:
- use lukewarm water
- avoid scrubbing
- pat the skin dry instead of rubbing
- moisturise regularly after the first rinse
- avoid long hot showers, pools and heavy sweating before the event where possible
Do not panic if some colour washes away in the first shower. A colour guide can rinse off while the developed tan remains.
Are group spray tans available for formals and Christmas parties?
Yes. A mobile group booking can be useful when friends, families or colleagues are getting ready for the same event.
Ms.Lova's current Sydney mobile pricing is:
- $85 for one person
- $65 each for 3-4 people
- $60 each for 5-8 people
- $55 each for 9 or more people
The minimum mobile booking is $85. Group availability can fill quickly during formal and Christmas-party season, so book early once your date is confirmed.
Mobile spray tanning in Sydney
Ms.Lova provides mobile spray tanning in Alexandria, Waterloo, Redfern, Erskineville, nearby areas and Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
The service is done in your home using a portable pop-up tent. A full-body appointment includes two coats, colour selection and simple aftercare advice.
Planning a formal, Christmas party or summer event? Book a mobile spray tan in Sydney.
Frequently asked questions
How many days before a formal should I get a spray tan?
For most people, 1-2 days before the formal is a good window. It gives the colour time to develop and settle before photos and the event.
When should I get a spray tan for a Saturday Christmas party?
Thursday or Friday will usually be the most practical time, depending on the formula and rinse instructions.
Should I choose the darkest spray tan for an evening event?
Not necessarily. The most natural result depends on your skin tone, outfit and preferred depth of colour. Darker is not always better.
Can several people book together?
Yes. Ms.Lova offers group mobile spray tans, with a lower per-person price for groups of three or more.
Where is Ms.Lova's mobile spray-tan service available?
Current service areas include Alexandria, Waterloo, Redfern, Erskineville, nearby suburbs and Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.