In: Looking sun-kissed.
Out: Looking orange and/or leathery.
Out: Pale and/or sickly colored.
In: Smooth.
Out: Wrinkly.
In: 25 minute applications.
Out: Hours baking in the sun and/or germ beds, ahem tanning beds.
Thus...
In: Aurora Spa.
Out: Tanning salons and large doses of "real sun."
In light (pun intended) of the recent (really, it's not THAT recent people) findings about UV radiation...I opt for airbrush always. Hey, whatever...it's worth a shot. They've now deemed UV rays as a carcinogen, and as toxic as mustard gas and/or arsenic. GROSS. It's OUT! You heard it here!
Step-by-step guide to airbrush tanning for best results:
1. Make an appointment (preferably with Ebony)
2. Day of or night before: EXFOLIATE.
3. Show up with NO makeup, lotions, deodorant, etc.
4. Go to Aurora.
5. Go into room.
6. Strip to your undies (ok, its a bit personal, get over it)
7. Technician applies airbrush tan, in your selected shade - I'm pale and usually do 12 percent for a nice sun-kissed look.
8. No exercising or ahem...other sweaty activities for 6-8 hours. Plan accordingly.
9. Shower at least 8 hours later. Bronzer washes off.
10. Beautiful (fake) tan that lasts for a few weeks, and all of your friends will wonder when you have the time to sunbathe.
11. Repeat.
Pro-tip bring loose/dark clothing to wear home from your appointment. Black sundress works well.
I'm sold, friends.
Seriously...the only thing I miss is the freckles, but hey...small price to pay. Look tan with pretty much zero effort, zero sun damage and no toxic, cancer-causing side effects? Let's do this.
Pale girl, reporting for duty. APPROVED!
I booked and paid through Wahanda (£31) and found it far superior to other spray tans I've gotten in London over the past 2 years. Great to have found this spot *tucked inside a hotel on Baker Street!
*It's through the lobby, left to concierge, down the stairs and past the gym. The staff will help you if needed, it's a bit tricky. read more