Retin-a and Tanning

I wouldn’t use self tanner but what about a professional spray tan? Have you done one before? I would have suggested a practice run to make sure you like the color of the tan but after it sets and you shower it doesn’t rub off and wouldn’t damage your dress. If that’s not something you’re interested in I don’t see anything wrong with rocking a naturally fairer look!

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Thank you! I could just do a light spray tan. Maybe I don't know enough about spray tan. Doesn't that rub off also?

View Quoted Comment When it’s done professionally you leave it to set then wash the top layer top and the remaining tan doesn’t smudge off (at least in my experience). I’d suggest looking into local tanning salons and asking what they recommend! You would usually have the tan done a day or 2 before the wedding so it has time to set but still looks fresh.

I also recommend a professional airbrush. Make sure you exfoliate before you go!

If you go two or three days ahead of your wedding you won't have to worry about it rubbing off on your dress or anyone else.

For an airbrush, you'll be taken into a room where you'll wear a bathing suit, bran and panties or you should be able to go topless too if you're comfortable with that. They'll give you a lotion to put on your elbows and heels and a shower cap for your hair, then you just stand there while they airbrush your tan on! They'll ask you to turn and hold your breath at some points. It's fairly quick and comes out nicely. Find a place with good reviews though because I tried a Groupon for an airbrush tan once and learned my lesson! You get what you pay for, or what you don't pay for.

Honestly, if you’ve never done a spray tan before, I wouldn’t tear it out now. You’re only 10 days out! If it’s not done right, you risk having an allergic reaction or dark lines. I’m incredibly pasty white too, and the 2 times I’ve gotten a spray tan, I just looked completely different and hard dark lines around my feet, my elbows, and the cream they gave me for my hands didn’t work all that well and they looked orange and had the tan around my nails that just made it obvious. I wish I could get tan for my wedding too, but I’ve accepted I’ll be a pasty white bride as well! Nothing wrong with looking like YOU on your wedding day, especially if you don’t usually tan! That’s one big regret I’ve heard from other brides. They did so much to get all glammed out that they look back and don’t recognize themselves. I’m sure whatever option you choose, you’ll look great though!

If you have never gotten a spray tan (booth or professional airbrush), I wouldn't suggest getting one! I am also a cool-toned pale girl myself, and every single one I have gotten has looked completely unnatural. In the sun and photos, I looked orange, regardless of the color I chose! Also, even professional spray tans WILL rub off on your dress (even if it's just the inside) and it absolutely will not come out.

I might recommend having your MUA put a pinch more bronzer on your face and your collar bones to give you a bit more of a glow!

I use RetinA and have tanned in a tanning bed before. I usually just wear a high SPF sunscreen or cover my face with a towel or jean material. I'd look into spray tans or just a tanning lotion.

Honestly, I am so pale too and I contemplated this for a long time, but I say embrace your paleness! Pale skin can be very elegant and beautiful looking, especially when you are in your beautiful dress and your makeup is all done. Honestly, I would worry more about having a quality foundation for pale skin, and maybe some subtle contouring or blush to accent that beautiful pale skin!

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Thank you this is sweet and something I should definitely embrace. It will be a nice weekend here in FL, So I think I will take advantage of the sun for a short while, but embrace my natural skintone!

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It's your wedding day, JackieOh! So excited to hear about your big day and see pictures! I know you're going to look beautiful