How to get a tan without spending hours in the sun

This is a collaborative post.

It’s true when people say there’s nothing better than having a sun tan. You feel more confident, your clothes pop more, and you feel like you can conquer the world!

However, most people don’t have the time to spend hours in the sun. But there is a solution – and a few quick shortcuts you can use to achieve a gorgeous golden glow quickly.

Keep reading for some of the ways you can get the perfect sunless tan in the smallest amount of time.

Sunbeds

You can find sunbeds in most beauty salons, and they’re a common method for getting a tan without endlessly basking in the sun.

Depending on the colour of your skin, most people can get a base tan from 3-5 sunbed sessions.

However, staying safe when you use sunbeds is important, so two sessions a week is a great way to darken your tan safely.

For faster results, using a tan accelerator will maximise the results of your session.

Spray tanning

Just like you see in the movies, spray tanning is another great way to get a thorough sunless tan.

Spray tanning works by spraying a coat of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) onto your body – a simple carbohydrate found in plants like sugar beets and sugarcane.

Yes, this does mean that sometimes you might also get a slight vegetable smell after a spray tanning session, so make sure to bring some perfume with you after you come out of the salon.

Airbrush tanning

Airbrush tanning uses the same chemical as a spray tan, however, the spray compressor used means you’ll more likely get a more even tan application overall.

Another difference? You can pick out the shade of the airbrush tanning solution, which can be harder than it looks.

Try and be mindful of your body’s natural tanned shade so you don’t look too orange! If you can match the shade, airbrush tanning is a great sunless method.

Self-tanning lotion, a sun tan with water and mousse

While getting someone else to do your tan for you is nice, it’s also possible to achieve similar results at home with self-tanning lotion, water, or mousse.

After you apply your self-tanning lotion, you’ll see results quickly – that’ll also last a couple of days!

Pro tip: Exfoliating your skin 12 hours before applying for a more even tan is just one of the hacks that’ll ensure a streak-free glow.

Whether you get it done by a beauty professional or have a go at doing it yourself, if you’re looking to get a golden glow without the hassle, the above methods will help you get a perfect sun-kissed tan without even leaving the house.