How to Combine Spray Tans with Makeup for a Perfect Look

A spray tan can give you that enviable sun-kissed glow, but pairing it with the right makeup can take your look to the next level. Whether you’re getting ready for a special occasion or just want to enhance your everyday appearance, here’s how to combine spray tans with makeup for a flawless, radiant look.

1. Prep Your Skin

Moisturize

Hydration is key to maintaining a beautiful spray tan and providing a smooth base for makeup. Use an oil-free moisturizer daily to keep your skin supple and prevent patchiness. Focus on hydrating your face, as well as your body, to ensure an even canvas for makeup application.

Prime

Before applying any makeup, use a primer to create a smooth surface and help your makeup last longer. Choose a primer that complements your skin type; for instance, a mattifying primer for oily skin or a hydrating primer for dry skin.

2. Match Your Foundation

Adjust Your Shade

After a spray tan, your skin tone will be darker and possibly warmer. Adjust your foundation to match this new tone. You might need to mix two shades or buy a new foundation that matches your spray-tanned complexion.

Test Before Applying

Test the foundation on your jawline to ensure it blends seamlessly with both your face and neck. This avoids the dreaded mismatched face and neck look.

Application Technique

Use a damp beauty sponge or a foundation brush to apply the foundation evenly. Blend well around the edges of your face, hairline, and jawline to ensure there are no visible lines.

3. Highlight and Contour

Highlighting

Enhance your sun-kissed glow with a highlighter. Apply it to the high points of your face where the sun naturally hits: the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, the center of your forehead, and your cupid’s bow. Choose a highlighter with a golden or peachy undertone to complement your tan.

Contouring

Use a bronzer or a contour powder to define your features. Apply it under your cheekbones, along your jawline, and at the sides of your nose. Choose a shade that’s slightly darker than your spray-tanned skin for a natural-looking contour.

4. Blush and Bronze

Blush

A pop of blush can add a healthy flush to your tanned skin. Opt for warm shades like coral, peach, or rose gold. Apply it to the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards towards your temples.

Bronzer

To enhance your tan further, lightly dust bronzer along your hairline, jawline, and the hollows of your cheeks. This adds warmth and dimension to your face, giving you that fresh-from-the-beach look.

5. Eye Makeup

Warm Tones

Complement your spray tan with warm-toned eyeshadows. Shades like gold, bronze, copper, and warm browns can enhance your tan and make your eyes pop.

Liner and Mascara

For eyeliner, consider brown or bronze shades for a softer, more natural look that complements your tan. Finish with black or brown mascara to define your lashes without overpowering your glowing complexion.

6. Lips

Neutral Shades

Choose lip colors in warm, natural shades to complement your tan. Nude, peach, coral, and warm pinks are all great options.

Glossy Finishes

A glossy finish can enhance your natural glow. Apply a lip gloss over your lipstick or wear it alone for a fresh, radiant look.

7. Setting Your Makeup

Setting Powder

Use a translucent setting powder to set your makeup and control shine, especially if you have oily skin. Focus on your T-zone and areas where makeup tends to wear off first.

Setting Spray

Finish with a setting spray to lock your makeup in place and keep your skin looking dewy and fresh. Choose a setting spray that suits your skin type and desired finish, whether it's matte or glowing.

8. Daily Maintenance

Touch-Up Products

Carry a compact powder and a small brush for touch-ups throughout the day. This can help control shine and keep your makeup looking fresh.

Hydration

Keep your skin hydrated by using a facial mist. This helps maintain your glow and prevents your skin from looking dull or dry.

Combining your spray tan with the right makeup can create a cohesive, radiant look that enhances your natural beauty. By following these tips, you can ensure your makeup complements your tan perfectly, giving you a flawless, sun-kissed appearance every time.