Festival Tan: Glitter, Glow & Staying Power
Ready to dance your way through festival season with a killer tan? We've got all the secrets for achieving that perfect festival tan: glitter, glow, and serious staying power!
Alright, festival fanatics and glow-getters! It's Jessie-Lee here, your trusty tanning expert from MEGATAN, and I know exactly what's on your mind as festival season approaches: how to get that perfect festival tan that shines brighter than the main stage lights and lasts longer than your favourite band's encore! Forget muddy wellies and questionable portaloos for a moment, because today we're focusing on the one thing that will have you feeling like a true headliner: your glowing skin.
Festivals are all about freedom, expression, and making memories. And what better way to enhance that feeling than with a beautiful, sun-kissed (or expertly sunbed-kissed!) glow? We're talking about a festival tan that can withstand dancing, glitter, sweat, and maybe even a surprise downpour. Let's dive into how to achieve the ultimate festival glow, complete with that essential glitter tan sparkle!
Phase 1: The Pre-Festival Glow Up (Your Tanning Foundation)
A great festival tan starts long before you pack your bags. This is where you lay the groundwork for a deep, even, and long-lasting colour. Whether you're a sunbed enthusiast or a self-tan devotee, preparation is key.
Sunbed Tanning for Your Festival Look
If you're heading to a sunbed, consistency is your best friend. Start building your base tan a few weeks before the festival, gradually increasing your session times. Remember, slow and steady wins the race for a natural-looking, durable tan. And never, ever forget your tanning lotion!
- Hydration is Gold: Moisturise daily, especially in the days leading up to your sessions. Hydrated skin tans better and holds colour for longer.
- Choose Your Accelerator Wisely: Opt for a high-quality tanning accelerator that suits your skin type. Look for ingredients that nourish and boost melanin production.
- Don't Overdo It: Listen to your skin and the advice of our trained MEGATAN staff. Don't chase a dark tan too quickly; you want a healthy glow, not a burn!
Self-Tanning for Instant Festival Radiance
For those who prefer a sunless glow, self-tan is your festival saviour! A good self-tan can give you a flawless base, perfect for layering glitter and shimmer.
- Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate: This is non-negotiable! Use a gentle scrub to remove dead skin cells a day or two before applying your self-tan. This ensures an even application and prevents patchiness.
- Moisturise Dry Areas: Pay special attention to knees, elbows, ankles, and hands. Apply a light, oil-free moisturiser to these areas just before self-tanning to prevent the product from clinging and looking unnatural.
- Apply in Layers: For a deeper colour, apply two thinner layers rather than one thick one. Allow each layer to dry completely before the next.
- Patch Test: Always do a patch test 24 hours before a full application, especially if you're trying a new product.
Phase 2: The Festival Tan Day (Glitter & Glow)
You've got your base tan looking fabulous, now it's time to add that festival magic! This is where the glitter tan really comes into its own. Remember, a little goes a long way, but at a festival, sometimes a lot goes an even longer way!
Shimmer and Shine: Your Glitter Tan Essentials
- Body Shimmer: A shimmering body oil or lotion is perfect for adding an all-over luminous glow. Apply it to your collarbones, shoulders, and legs for a subtle, radiant effect.
- Glitter Gel: For a more intense glitter tan, use a dedicated glitter gel. Apply it to areas you want to highlight, like your décolletage, arms, or even your hair parting! Choose biodegradable glitter where possible to be kind to the planet.
- Highlighting Powder: A finely milled highlighting powder can be dusted onto the high points of your face and body for a sophisticated, ethereal glow.
Don't Forget Your Face!
Your face needs love too! Use a dedicated facial tanning product or a bronzing serum to match your body tan. A touch of highlighter will complete your festival face.
Phase 3: Festival Staying Power (Protect & Maintain)
You've put in the effort, now let's make sure your festival tan lasts as long as your good vibes! The festival environment can be tough on your skin, so protection and maintenance are crucial.
Sun Protection is NOT Optional!
Even with a tan, your skin needs protection from the sun. Festivals often mean long hours outdoors, so SPF is your best friend. A tan does not mean you are immune to sunburn or UV damage. Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF to all exposed skin, and reapply regularly, especially after sweating or if you get caught in a rain shower.
Hydration, Hydration, Hydration!
Keep your skin hydrated from the inside out and the outside in. Drink plenty of water (staying hydrated also helps you feel great for all that dancing!) and apply a rich moisturiser daily.
Top-Up Your Tan
If you're at a multi-day festival, consider bringing a gradual tanning lotion or a tinted moisturiser to subtly refresh your colour. This will help keep your glow even and vibrant without needing a full re-application.
Jessie-Lee's Top Festival Tan Tips:
- Pack a Mini Moisturiser: Keep a travel-sized moisturiser in your bag for quick top-ups throughout the day.
- Don't Over-Shower: While cleanliness is important, excessive scrubbing can strip your tan. Opt for quick, lukewarm showers.
- Pat Dry, Don't Rub: When drying off, gently pat your skin with a towel instead of rubbing vigorously.
- Embrace the Glitter: Don't be shy! Festivals are the perfect excuse to go all out with your glitter tan. Just remember to be mindful of where it ends up!
- Stay Safe: Always prioritise sun protection. A stunning tan is great, but healthy skin is paramount.
There you have it, MEGATAN family! Your ultimate guide to achieving a show-stopping festival tan with all the glitter, glow, and staying power you need to rock this festival season. Remember, confidence is your best accessory, and a beautiful tan just enhances that! Now go forth, dance your heart out, and shine bright!
Got any festival tan tips of your own? Share them in the comments below! And don't forget to tag us in your glowing festival pics!

Written by
Jessie-Lee KingSalon Manager & Tanning Expert
Jessie is the heart of our Birmingham studio, bringing years of tanning expertise and a genuine passion for helping every customer achieve their dream glow.
