Can anyone tell me why most people who want to be tan don’t get spray tans? It’s the fear of being orange. Why is this a fear? Because more often than not, people go to booths in tanning salons and trust a machine. In fact, I did that once. And I looked orange. Scary, right? But it doesn’t have to be this way! Now, I get spray tans weekly and although it is a bit more costly, I have a great year-round tan, I’m not harming my body with ultra violet rays, and if I accidentally mess it up, I can have a person fix it, not a booth. The best part is, you can too!
You see, I used to tan in tanning beds until I finally realized I didn’t want to jeopardize my health in order to have a nice tan. So, I tried out a machine, like many people do. First of all, I would not recommend it. I know many people who do religiously get spray tanned by machines, but I also know so many people who fear them for the same reason: they don’t want to look orange. I also know that some companies create tanning solutions that have bronze tints instead of orange bases, but it can get even better than that!
I would recommend getting spray tans by people who are certified, not machines. The reason for this is that the tanning salon workers may want to help you when you walk out of the machine with a white spot on your back, but there’s nothing they can do. Usually, workers are qualified to work at the salon and are knowledgeable about ultra-ray tanning, but not to give spray tans by hand.
What are some of the perks of going to salons that have people spray you? People are perfectionists. They want their work to look good. When qualified individuals who work for businesses or own their own home businesses spray you, they want their look to work well. That’s a win-win for you and them! You get to walk away happy, and they get to show off their skills.
If the spray tanning is new to you, here are some tips that I have acquired over my five years of religiously getting them:
1. Wear sweat pants home from your session. Even if it is warm out, wear them! It is easy for the tan to rub off on the back of your legs onto your car on your drive home, leaving you with white spots. To prevent this, wear sweatpants.Spray tan solutions (and self-tanner) does come out of clothes. Don’t worry about getting the solution on your clothing.
2. Top secret: if you’re feeling sticky, dry yourself using your hair dryer! Silly, right? But it works.
3. If you smudge your tan, dab it. Do not rub it.
4. If your tan is too dark, don’t fear. You can always shower it off gradually. (It’s better to be too dark than not dark at all!)
5. White sheets are not friends to spray tans. Beware!
6. Do not hesitate to reach out to the person who sprayed you if you are not satisfied!
7. Shower before getting your tan- do not put on lotion.
8. Get your tan two nights before the day of your event! So, for instance, get a tan Thursday night for a Saturday event. Don’t shower until Saturday morning and you’ll be set!
If a spray tan is still not calling your name, but you wish to have a year-round tan without going in the beds, here are self-tanners I would definitely recommend:
St. Tropez : You will want to get the liquid moose, as well as a mitten/glove to protect your hands from stains! This will leave you with an even, sun-kissed tan.
Tan Towels : Love these! They help you maintain a natural tan without messy application.
Give these a shot! Start out with a gradual tan and shower it off if you don't like it or keep applying it if you love it! After all, who can actually say they don’t smile when someone asks, “OMG. How are you so tan?”