How to Choose the Right Spray Tan Shade for Your Skin Tone
Choosing the right spray tan shade can make all the difference to your final result.
You want your tan to look glowy, natural and flattering, rather than too dark, too orange or completely different from your usual skin tone.
But how do you know which shade is right for you?
At Haus of Beauty, I don't believe in simply choosing the darkest shade available. Your ideal spray tan depends on your natural skin tone, the occasion, the look you're hoping to achieve and how subtle or deep you want your glow to be.
Here's everything you need to know about choosing the right spray tan shade.
What Does a Spray Tan Shade Actually Mean?
Spray tan shades are generally designed to create different depths of colour, from a subtle sun kissed glow through to a deeper, more noticeable tan.
However, the same shade won't necessarily look identical on everyone.
Your natural skin tone and undertones can influence how the tanning solution develops and how the finished colour appears.
That's why choosing your shade isn't simply about deciding whether you want to be “light” or “dark.”
Your spray tan should work with your skin, rather than sitting on top of it looking unnatural.
Should I Choose a Light, Medium or Dark Spray Tan?
This depends on the result you're looking for.
Light
A light spray tan is ideal if you want a subtle, fresh glow rather than an obvious tan.
It can be a great choice if:
You're new to spray tanning
You naturally have very fair skin
You want a “just back from holiday” glow
You prefer a more subtle result
You're tanning for a daytime event
A light shade can give your skin warmth and radiance without making your tan the main focus.
Medium
A medium shade is a popular choice for clients who want a noticeable but natural
looking tan.
It's a great option if you want more colour while still keeping your result soft and balanced.
Medium can work particularly well for:
Holidays
Nights out
Weddings
Special occasions
Photos and events
Clients who regularly spray tan
Dark
A darker shade is suited to clients who want a deeper, more noticeable glow.
However, darker doesn't automatically mean better.
Choosing a shade that's too deep for your skin tone can make the result look less natural, which is why professional shade selection is so important.
If you're unsure, it's always better to discuss your desired result with your spray tan technician rather than simply choosing the darkest option.
Your Natural Skin Tone Matters
Your natural skin tone is one of the things I consider when choosing your spray tan shade.
Very fair skin may suit a softer, more subtle result, while naturally deeper skin tones may be able to carry a richer shade beautifully.
But there's no one size fits all rule.
Two people with a similar skin tone can still want completely different results.
One person might want a barely there glow, while another might want a deep holiday tan.
That's why I always consider the individual client rather than simply following a shade chart.
What About Your Skin's Undertone?
Your skin's undertone can also influence how a spray tan looks.
Undertones are generally described as cool, warm or neutral.
Some people naturally have more pink or rosy tones, while others have more golden, yellow or olive tones.
The aim is to choose a tanning shade that complements your natural colouring rather than creating an obvious contrast.
This is one of the reasons a professional spray tan can look so much more natural than simply choosing a shade at random.
Tell Me About the Look You're Going For
When choosing your shade, don't be afraid to tell me exactly what you want.
You might say:
“I just want a subtle glow.”
Or:
“I want to look like I've been on holidays.”
Or:
“I want a deeper tan for a night out.”
All of these are useful when deciding on your shade.
The goal isn't simply to make you darker. It's to create the result you want.
Are You Tanning for a Special Occasion?
The occasion you're tanning for can also influence your shade choice.
For example, you might want a slightly different result for:
A wedding:
A soft, natural glow often works beautifully, particularly if you'll be wearing a light coloured dress and having professional photographs taken.
A holiday:
You may want a little more colour to give you that bronzed holiday feeling.
A night out:
You might prefer a deeper, more noticeable glow.
Everyday tanning:
A subtle or medium shade can give you a healthy looking glow without feeling overly tanned.
The important thing is to choose a shade that makes you feel confident.
Don't Choose a Shade Just Because Someone Else Loves It
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is choosing your spray tan based on someone else's result.
Your friend's favourite shade might look completely different on your skin.
Your natural colouring, skin tone, undertones and desired result are all different.
Instead of saying:
“I want the same shade she had.”
It's much more helpful to tell your spray tan technician what kind of finish you're hoping for.
A professional can then help you choose a shade that suits you.
Your First Spray Tan? Start With a Consultation
If you've never had a professional spray tan before, don't worry if you have no idea what shade to choose.
That's part of the service.
At Haus of Beauty, I'll talk to you about your skin tone, the occasion you're tanning for and the type of result you'd like.
We'll then choose a shade that works with your natural colouring and gives you the glow you're looking for.
You don't need to arrive knowing exactly what shade you want.
Can a Spray Tan Look Orange?
One of the most common concerns people have before their first spray tan is:
“Will I turn orange?”
A professional spray tan should be selected and applied to complement your natural colouring.
Choosing the appropriate shade for your skin, rather than automatically going for the darkest option, is an important part of achieving a natural-looking result.
If you'd like to know more, read my guide [10 Spray Tan Mistakes to Avoid], where I cover some of the most common mistakes that can affect your final result.
How I Choose Your Spray Tan Shade at Haus of Beauty
When you come to Haus of Beauty, choosing your shade isn't a case of simply picking a number from a chart.
I'll consider:
Your natural skin tone
Your undertones
How deep you'd like your tan
The occasion you're tanning for
Your previous spray tan experience
How you want your finished tan to look
I'll then recommend a shade designed to give you a natural looking, flattering glow.
My aim is always to enhance your natural beauty rather than make you look like you've simply put on the darkest tan available.
The Bottom Line
There isn't one perfect spray tan shade for everyone.
The right shade is the one that works with your skin, your preferences and the occasion.
Whether you want a subtle glow, a classic bronzed look or a deeper holiday tan, professional shade selection can help you achieve a result that looks natural and makes you feel confident.
And if you're not sure what shade you need, that's completely fine.
That's what I'm here for.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Spray Tan Shade?
At Haus of Beauty in Killumney, Ovens, Cork, I use a selection of trusted professional tanning brands to create a shade that works for each individual client.
Whether you're preparing for a wedding, holiday, special occasion or simply want to enjoy a gorgeous glow, I'll help you choose a result that enhances your natural beauty.
Book your spray tan at Haus of Beauty and let's find your perfect glow.
Call or whatsapp 0868326710