I've got a Golden Ticket - written for DebsDiary.ie by moi

Well, it is preferably to the Oompa Lumpa song, but when it comes to your tan sometimes there is a fine line separating the two. I’ve asked salon owner & all round beauty expert Edel Hegarty of the “Beauty Spot” (Glounthaune, Cork) to share with us some pearls of wisdom & expert tips to getting your tan right for your debs… “Endorsed & used by celebrities worldwide a professional spray tan is now a necessity rather than a luxury for attending any social event. As we become more aware of the damaging effect of sunbathing self tanning is coming back with a vengeance. Receiving a sunless tan helps to boost our confidence, we require less makeup, it gives the illusion of a more slender physique, we appear & feel healthier, happier & even sexier!! The market is awash with many different brands, each offering different results, don't panic!! Most tans now come in variety of shades, catering for all skin types. Ask your local salon what tan(s) they offer & if they have an option to suit you. To prepare for you tan - don't use home tan for at least a week coming up to your big event. Exfoliate & moisturise your skin well on the days prior to you tan. However DO NOT moisturise on the day of the tan, as this can cause the tan to streak. Inform your therapist of any dry patches you may have as she will then moisturise these just before tan application. The whole tanning process should take approx 1/2 hr - this gives enough time for the tan to dry into the skin. Essentials.....loose dark clothes (don't worry any excess tan will wash off clothes) flip flops. If you wish to get a full body tan & maximise on the effect you will need to leave your modesty at home. You will be provided with disposal panties & a hat to protect your hair. But please remember your therapist is a professional she will do her utmost to keep you modesty intact & will but you at ease. If you are not comfortable with bearing most of your body, simply let the therapist know & she will let you know what she needs you to do. For home tanning, the same basic principles apply - To prepare for you tan - don't use home tan for @ least a week coming up to your big event. Exfoliate & moisturise you skin well on the days prior to you tan. However DO NOT moisturise on the day of the tan, as this can cause the tan to streak. Use a tanning mitt...they do what it says on the tin - smooth application of tan & they protect you hands from discolouration. Apply vaseline to finger nails, toe nails & the souls of your feet, this also prevents discolouration. Trick- do not apply tan with mitt from the wrist to finger tips or from ankle to toes. This is best done with a cotton pad with a smaller amount of tan mixed with a little moisturiser. Blend from wrist/ankle & apply lightly (especially on the hands & fingers) using sweeping motions rather than rubbing. Never apply to palms. If you feel tan has gotten on palms use a baby wipe to remove & then apply a little moisturiser blending tan around wrist crease & side of hand. Give yourself plenty of time to dry before applying loose clothing Also only apply a small amount of tan to the face as you will be wearing makeup & don't want to look tangoed!!! Local salons will normally do special packages for Debs, which includes a spray tan. These offer great value & getting a professional tan will help you look even more stunning on your big night” Also some things to consider make up wise:-    You will need to match your foundation to your new (tanned) colour, if you use tan regularly the best option is to buy a significantly darker shade of foundation & mix this with your regular colour until you have a colour match. -    Experiment with your colours, things that may suit you while your pale mightn’t look the same when your tanned. Well folks there you have it, your definitive guide to the minefield that is fake tan. Edel Hegarty is the proprietor of The Beauty Spot, Glounthune, Cork  Tel: 021-4355505. She currently offers a Debs special package of A Full Body Spray Tan + File & polish on Fingers & Toes + Make Up for €60 Elaine is a freelance make up artist, based in Cork & providing a mobile make up service within the Munster Region. Using a range of the highest quality professional products, chosen for their suitability for use in hi definition film & photographic mediums, you can be assured that Elaine will find the perfect look to suit you for your Debs ball. Make Up Lessons & Parties also catered for. Web: www.elaineocallaghan.net Mail: ocallaghan.elaine@gmail.com     Tel: 087-6617422