Confessions of a Spray Tan Artist in Brisbane

The spicy, honest, slightly chaotic truth from inside the Tan Cave

If you’ve ever searched “Spray tan Brisbane” at 11pm before an event… this one’s for you.

After more than a decade of standing inside my little glow tent in Brisbane (yes, the Tan Cave), I have stories. Beautiful ones. Emotional ones. And some that make me laugh every single time.

Being a personal spray tan artist isn’t just about colour. It’s about people. Their nerves. Their secrets. Their weddings. Their panic texts. Their 6am emergencies.

So here it is. My very human confessions.

🚿 The 25-Minute Boiling Shower Client

Ohhh my love. You know who you are.

She left glowing. Perfect colour. We hugged. She was obsessed.

The next day?

“Karina… I don’t know what happened. It’s so light.”

After gentle questioning… she admitted:

“I had a 25-minute shower. It was boiling. I love hot showers.”

Hot. Long. Steamy.

Fresh spray tan’s worst nightmare.

Here’s the truth:

• Your first rinse should be quick and lukewarm.

• No scrubbing.

• No spa-length shower concerts.

Boiling water + 25 minutes = you gently melting your bronzer away.

If you’ve ever Googled “How long does spray tan last?” — this is part of the answer. Aftercare matters just as much as the appointment.

And we laugh about it now. Because glow is a learning journey 😅

💄 “I Exfoliated!” (But Still Had Makeup On)

This one is classic.

“I did everything you said.”

Foundation line still visible.

Mascara smudged under eyes.

Deodorant freshly applied.

And sometimes… full moisturiser.

Exfoliating properly means:

• Removing old tan

• Removing dead skin

• Coming clean and product-free

• Showering at least 4 hours before your appointment

Spray tan prep mistakes are the number one reason colour grabs unevenly or fades patchy.

And I get it. Life is busy. Kids. Work. Gym. School pick-up.

But prep is not optional. Prep is the foundation of your glow.

No prep = risky business.

The Nervous First-Timer

My absolute favourite human.

She walks in apologising for existing.

“I’ve never done this before.”

“I’m so pale.”

“Don’t judge me.”

First of all — I don’t judge bodies. Ever.

Second — pale is beautiful. We’re just adding confidence.

By the end?

She’s checking her shoulders in the mirror.

Standing taller.

Smiling differently.

That’s why I call myself a Personal Tanner. Not just because my husband once said it sounds like personal trainer (which still makes me laugh)… but because this is personal.

I see you before your event. Before your date. Before your holiday. Before your wedding.

It’s never just colour.

The Bride Who Cried

If you’re searching “spray tan before wedding” — listen closely.

I’ve tanned brides shaking with nerves.

Brides excited.

Brides exhausted.

And one bride who cried the entire appointment because it suddenly felt real.

We talked. We breathed. We tanned.

She wanted soft, natural, elegant glow — not “bronzed goddess on steroids.”

Wedding tans are about balance:

• 2 days before is ideal

• Fully developed colour

• Time to rinse bronzer so it doesn’t transfer

• Natural in professional photography

And yes — photographers sometimes adjust filters that soften or mute tan. Always talk to them beforehand.

Your wedding tan should look like you… just glowing.

The 6am Emergency Tan

“Karina I forgot I have an event tonight.”

6am. Coffee not finished. Pink Crocs on. Spray gun ready.

I have done early mornings, late nights, and everything in between. Because sometimes life happens.

But here’s the loving truth:

Book in advance.

Busy seasons in Brisbane fill fast. Especially spring and wedding season.

Last-minute tans give me anxiety because I want to fit everyone in. And I usually do. But planning is always safer than panic.

“My Dress Is Backless!!!”

The late-night message.

“My dress is backless. I just realised.”

Translation:

She’s been sweating.

Wearing a tight sports bra.

Possibly sitting in gym leggings after tan.

After your spray tan (before rinsing):

• Wear loose clothing

• Avoid tight straps

• Be careful with backless or low-back dresses if sweating

• Plain fabrics are safer

After rinsing? You’re free. Live your life.

Sweat won’t ruin a developed tan — but friction before rinsing absolutely can.

So… How Long Does a Spray Tan Actually Last?

Usually 7–10 days.

But that depends on:

• Proper exfoliation before

• No old tan build-up

• Quick, warm first rinse

• Hydration after

• Tan-safe body wash

• No aggressive scrubbing

Some skins hold longer. Some fade faster. That’s normal.

Glow is skin behaviour + aftercare + lifestyle.

What Being a Spray Tan Artist in Brisbane Has Taught Me

It’s not about vanity.

It’s about:

• Confidence before big moments

• Feeling put together

• Looking healthy in photos

• Showing up differently

It’s about brides, mums, first-timers, gym girls, corporate women, and sometimes women who just needed a mood lift.

I’ve seen tears.

I’ve seen panic.

I’ve seen 25-minute showers.

I’ve seen pure joy.

And I wouldn’t change it for anything.

If you’re in Brisbane and looking for a spray tan that feels personal, calm, and tailored to you — you already know where the Tan Cave is.

Prep well.

Hydrate after.

Respect the tan.

And please… keep the first shower under 5 minutes 😅✨

— Karina

Personal Tanner | Brisbane

Spray Tan Artist Karina from Personal Tanner Brisbane