Aurora Spa

In: Looking sun-​kissed.
Out: Looking orange and/​or leathery.
Out: Pale and/​or sickly colored.
In: Smooth.
Out: Wrinkly.
In: 25 minute applications.
Out: Hours baking in the sun and/​or germ beds, ahem tanning beds.
Thus…
In: Aurora Spa.
Out: Tanning salons and large doses of «real sun.»
In light (pun intended) of the recent (really, it’s not THAT recent people) findings about UV radiation… I opt for airbrush always. Hey, whatever… it’s worth a shot. They’ve now deemed UV rays as a carcinogen, and as toxic as mustard gas and/​or arsenic. GROSS. It’s OUT! You heard it here!
Step-​by-​step guide to airbrush tanning for best results:
1. Make an appointment (preferably with Ebony)
2. Day of or night before: EXFOLIATE.
3. Show up with NO makeup, lotions, deodorant, etc.
4. Go to Aurora.
5. Go into room.
6. Strip to your undies (ok, its a bit personal, get over it)
7. Technician applies airbrush tan, in your selected shade — I’m pale and usually do 12 percent for a nice sun-​kissed look.
8. No exercising or ahem… other sweaty activities for 6 – 8 hours. Plan accordingly.
9. Shower at least 8 hours later. Bronzer washes off.
10. Beautiful (fake) tan that lasts for a few weeks, and all of your friends will wonder when you have the time to sunbathe.
11. Repeat.
Pro-​tip bring loose/​dark clothing to wear home from your appointment. Black sundress works well.
I’m sold, friends.
Seriously…the only thing I miss is the freckles, but hey… small price to pay. Look tan with pretty much zero effort, zero sun damage and no toxic, cancer-​causing side effects? Let’s do this.
Pale girl, reporting for duty. APPROVED!
I booked and paid through Wahanda (£31) and found it far superior to other spray tans I’ve gotten in London over the past 2 years. Great to have found this spot *tucked inside a hotel on Baker Street!
*It’s through the lobby, left to concierge, down the stairs and past the gym. The staff will help you if needed, it’s a bit tricky.