Meet Lux Unfiltered, All the Details
We all love a natural, wedding weekend glow that looks like you just got back from a Euro vacation. A thoughtful, multi-day routine using gradual formulas builds natural-looking radiance that enhances your skin in photos and lasts through every moment of the celebration.
No streaks or stress, just your best skin. Keep reading for the step-by-step routine.
The Details
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Start your tan four days before the wedding using a gradual formula for buildable, natural color.
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Layer hydrating body creams over your tan to extend its life and boost your skin's radiance.
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Use face-specific tanning drops for a seamless, even complexion and finish with luminous body products for photos.
The Four-Day Wedding Glow Routine
Our day-by-day guide to build the perfect tan.
Four Days Before: The Foundation
Your perfect tan begins here. Begin with an everything shower, an intentional reset that sets every product up to perform its best.
Use our favorite gentle exfoliator, the Nude Beach Exfoliating Body Polish, to remove dead skin cells, which is the single most important step for an even application.
After shaving and fully drying the skin, apply your first layer of color with Summer Skin Gradual Self-Tanning Body Cream. This hydrating formula builds color gradually while nourishing skin. Massage in circular motions, wash hands thoroughly, and allow five minutes to dry before dressing.
Three Days Before: The Build
Consistency is key. Think of this as layering a sheer wash of color rather than a full application. It’s what keeps your tan looking natural and effortless.
Each day, your skin should look more even and sun-kissed. Take any excess product on your hands and blend it lightly over dry spots like elbows, knees, and ankles for a smooth, even result.
Two Days Before: Hydrate
Your tan is developing and now it’s time to keep it looking its best. Hydrated skin holds color longer, while parched skin sheds color quickly. This is especially true when dealing with dry and dehydrated skin during warmer months that can dull even the best gradual tan.
Apply Tall Pour Conditioning Body Cream generously. This nourishing body cream delivers rich, lasting moisture while smoothing and softening the skin. As texture improves, your tan appears deeper, more even, and effortlessly radiant, no added color required.
One Day Before: The Final Touch
For your face, apply Sun Struck Tanning Face Drops in Classic. This non-comedogenic, fragrance-free formula is designed to be gentle on skin while delivering natural, buildable color. Use 4-8 drops on clean skin or mix into your moisturizer for a more subtle effect. Color develops gradually, leaving you with sun-kissed skin by morning.
For your body, follow with a final layer of Summer Skin. Go to bed feeling fully prepped and make sure to hydrate with a Conditioning Body Cream in the morning.
Essential Tools for a Flawless Finish
A perfect finish starts with thoughtful application.
The Blending Body Brush
Designed for a seamless, streak-free finish. This brush buffs product evenly into the skin while helping diffuse any excess in drier areas like elbows, knees, and ankles.
A Barrier Cream
Use a thin layer of moisturizer to prep areas prone to overdevelopment. Apply lightly to wrists, between fingers, and around the hairline to ensure an even, natural result.
The Wedding Day Radiance Routine
The finishing touches.
For an added touch of warmth and subtle shimmer, apply Sunstruck Tanning Face Drops in Bronze prior to makeup, blending with the face brush. This formula delivers an instant, luminous tint that blends seamlessly into skin and acts as a perfect makeup base, letting the polish of your prepared skin shine.
Once dressed, apply the Golden Era Blurring Body Glow across arms, shoulders, and décolletage, for a hint of bronze that blurs imperfections for a radiant, photo-ready finish without transferring.
For the Honeymoon or Destination Wedding
Flying for your wedding weekend? Travel plans don’t change the routine- just the timing. Follow the schedule below for a tan that looks perfect the moment you land.
Timeline Table
|
Timeframe |
Action |
Key Product & Purpose |
|---|---|---|
|
2 Days Before Travel |
Apply intensive base tan |
On Holiday Tanning Mousse: Builds a deeper, long-lasting tan. |
|
1 Day Before Travel |
Lock in intense moisture |
Tall Pour Conditioning Body Cream: Keeps your skin hydrated throughout your travel day. |
|
Travel Day |
Hydrate in-flight |
Fountain of Youth Hand Cream: Use on hands, elbows, and cuticles to prevent ashy dry patches |
|
On Location |
Maintain and protect |
Summer Skin for daily upkeep to maintain your color |
Before you travel, prep your base. After exfoliating with Nude Beach Exfoliating Body Polish, apply On Holiday Tanning Mousse. This develops over 6-8 hours into a deeper foundation, ensuring your tan wears beautifully in the days ahead.
The day before your flight, prioritize hydration. Apply Tall Pour Conditioning Body Cream generously to replenish moisture and support an even fade. Well-hydrated skin helps your tan stay smooth, even, and radiant, even after time in the air.
Pack your travel essentials with TSA-approved sizes of Summer Skin and Star Struck Tanning Face Drops. On the flight, soften and smooth hands with the Fountain of Youth Hand Cream.
Continue your routine on the trip. Use a high-SPF sunscreen for protection at the beach. In the evenings, use Summer Skin every few days to maintain color, finishing with a moisturizer.
Details That Make the Difference (aka How to Avoid Common Mistakes)
A flawless tan is all in the details. Avoid these common missteps:
No Exfoliation
Uneven texture leads to uneven color. Always start with smooth, prepped skin.
Applying to Damp Skin
Apply only to completely dry skin to prevent streaking or patchiness.
Using Old Product
If your tanner isn’t developing properly or smells off, it’s likely past its prime.
Unblended Hands
Lightly diffuse leftover product onto hands and wrists for a natural, continuous finish.
Tight Clothing
Stick to loose, dark fabrics until your tan is fully set to avoid transfer or disruption.
FAQs
Is a gradual tan better than a one-day tan for a wedding?
Gradual formulas like Summer Skin build color over time, allowing you to control the depth. This layering approach creates a more even, natural-looking result, minimizing the risk of streaks or uneven patches.
How can I make sure my tan looks good in photos?
Hydration makes all the difference. Keep skin smooth with Tall Pour Conditioning Body Cream, and finish with Blurring Body Glow for a photo-ready glow.
Can I tan my face if I have sensitive skin?
Yes. Sun Struck Tanning Face Drops are fragrance-free & non-comedogenic, designed to be gentle and safe for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Always test the product first on a small area. Use fewer drops for a light glow.
What if my tan gets too dark?
If this happens, stop using tanning products right away. For dark spots, gently rub with a soft washcloth in the shower. Do not scrub hard.
How long will my wedding tan last?
A gradual tan lasts about a week or longer with proper care. Maintain it by moisturizing daily with Tall Pour Conditioning Body Cream. Avoid long, hot showers and pat skin dry to preserve color. To extend your glow into the honeymoon, reapply Summer Skin every few days.
Your Unforgettable Glow
A wedding tan shouldn't be a source of stress. It should be one less thing to worry about. This method removes the guesswork. It replaces the fear of streaks with the confidence of a plan.
For a wedding tan that feels as good as it looks. Explore the Lux Unfiltered collection to build your perfect routine.
