From our founder Amy who has been bronzing Australia’s biggest stars for over a decade

After 11 years bronzing some of Australia’s most recognisable faces for red carpet events like The Logies, I’ve seen every glow, every glow-up—and yes, every glow-gone-wrong. If you want that flawless, golden finish that whispers luxury and never screams “fake tan,” these are the 10 non-negotiables I live by.

1. Less Is Best If you look like you’ve had a fake tan, you’re doing it wrong. A red carpet glow should enhance, not announce. The sweet spot? Underdeveloped is always better than overcooked. If you’re unsure, wash it off sooner rather than later. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how beautifully subtle the result is. 

2. Exfoliate Like a Pro Exfoliation is your number 1 prep step. Scrub the week of your event and again 24 hours before—not the day of. We want a smooth, fresh canvas, not clingy dead skin that creates blotchy patches. Baby-soft skin = flawless application. 

3. No Deodorant or Perfume Tempting as it is to spritz or swipe before your appointment, don’t. Deodorant and perfume can cause that dreaded green tinge under the arms. Yes, it fades—but trust me, you don’t want to worry about it on your big night. 

4. Blank Canvas Only No moisturiser. No makeup. No body oil. No ointments. Clean, dry skin is essential. Anything on your skin can act as a barrier and interfere with how your tan develops. 

5. No Peeing in the Shower It sounds odd, but it’s a real thing. Urine can strip DHA (the active tanning ingredient) from your skin—especially if it runs down your legs mid-rinse. Just… don’t. You’ve been warned. 

6. Avoid Boiling Hot Showers Pre- or post-tan, hot showers are a no-go. They dehydrate the skin and affect how the tan develops and lasts. Lukewarm is your safest bet for keeping that glow intact longer. 

7. Moisturise, Then Moisturise Again From your first post-tan shower, hydrate like your tan depends on it—because it does. Every time you shower, moisturise. And if you’re in air conditioning, heating, or on a flight, double down. Dry skin = patchy fade. Worst case? The dreaded snakeskin. 

8. Remove Old Tan Properly Never layer new tan over old. Always start fresh using a remover like our FADE. Old tan buildup messes with how your new tan develops—and it’ll always fade unevenly. 

9. Barrier Cream is Your Best Friend Apply it before your tan on dry areas like elbows, knees, hands, and ankles—anywhere tan might grab too strongly. But here’s the insider trick: also use it after your tan to blend out fine lines, knuckles, and creases. If the bronzer settles into a wrinkle, the tan will too—unless you smooth it out. 

10. Blend Like Your Life Depends on It Your Blur Me brush is your magic wand. Use it to buff every edge—hands, feet, knees, ankles, wrists. Blend every line, every crease, every little blemish. Keep that brush on hand. It’s the secret weapon behind every seamless red carpet glow. 

There’s a reason the industry’s best keep coming back: it’s not just about the product—it’s about YOU & YOUR prep, the technique, the ritual. With these ten golden rules, you’ll walk into any event glowing like you belong on the red carpet (without ever giving “fake tan vibes”).