Thanksgiving-Ready Glow: Pre-Holiday Prep Tips for Your Best Spray Tan Yet

Holiday Season = Glow Season

Whether you’re sitting around the Thanksgiving table or posing for holiday photos, glowing skin adds that final touch of polish. At BodiBronze in Champaign IL, we specialize in creating that “you, but better” look—flawless, even, and holiday-ready.

If you’ve booked a spray tan before your next big event, this checklist will walk you through the perfect pre-tan prep for head-turning results.

1. Exfoliate for an Even Base

Your spray tan is only as good as the canvas it goes on. That means exfoliation is a non-negotiable.

Do This:

• Exfoliate 24 hours before your appointment

• Use a mitt or sugar scrub (nothing too oily)

• Pay extra attention to dry spots like elbows, knees, and ankles

Why It Matters:

This helps the tanning solution apply evenly and last longer. Think of it as laying the foundation for your holiday glow.

2. Hydrate... Smartly

Moisturizing is great—just not right before your appointment.

Do This:

• Stay hydrated in the days leading up to your tan

• Apply lotion after exfoliating (but not on the day of your appointment)

Avoid:

• Lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or oils before your session—they create a barrier and block the solution

3. Schedule at the Right Time

Timing is everything. For Thanksgiving dinner or photos, aim for your tan to be fully developed 1–2 days before the event.

Example:

• Dinner on Thursday? Schedule your spray tan Tuesday afternoon.

• Photos on Saturday? Book Thursday evening or Friday morning.

Bonus: Our express options can be customized based on your timeline.

4. Wear the Right Outfit

After your session, stick to dark, loose-fitting clothes.

Best Choices:

• A flowy maxi dress, oversized tee, or joggers

• Avoid tight jeans, bras, or anything that might rub your tan

This helps prevent smudges, streaks, or weird tan lines—especially around shoulders and waistbands.

5. Plan for Aftercare

Once your tan is applied, the aftercare begins.

Post-Tan Care:

• Wait the recommended time before your first rinse (we’ll let you know)

• Use a sulfate-free, mild cleanser

• Moisturize daily

• Pat your skin dry after showers—no scrubbing!

Want your glow to last through the whole holiday weekend? Ask us about take-home products that extend your tan beautifully.

Why Prepping Matters

We’ve seen it all. Prepping correctly is the difference between “good” and “WOW.” At BodiBronze, we’ll walk you through everything—before, during, and after—so your tan looks flawless and feels effortless.

Clients from Champaign, Urbana, Mahomet, and beyond trust us to deliver glow-worthy results for all their most photographed moments.

Make Thanksgiving Your Glow-Up Moment

The table’s set. The outfit’s picked. All that’s missing? A radiant glow that makes you feel confident and beautiful.

Let BodiBronze in Champaign, IL be your final stop before the festivities begin.

Book your pre-Thanksgiving spray tan today, or call us with questions about timing, prep, or express options. We’ll make sure you walk into your next event glowing from the inside out.