Never Tried Airbrush Tanning?
Being a spray tan addict the last 8 years, I'm still baffled when I get the new client who has never had a spray tan, or the spray tan virgin as I like to call them. Don't worry, if you're a spray tan virgin you're not alone. Coming prepared will make what can be, well, an awkward moment standing naked in front of a stranger a little less scary.
Here's what you need to know....
It's best to book an appointment and prepare your skin before hand. Unlike getting your nails done, your hair or brows done, you'll want to have your skin prepared. As Anne Bauso contributor from Allure magazine says..."Working in an environment where the spritzing of new perfumes, facial mists, and dry shampoos fills the air on a daily basis, I often feel like I'm simply absorbing an all-encompassing, cross-category store of beauty knowledge. Which is why I nonchalantly waltzed into my first spray-tan appointment recently without giving the session a moment's prior thought. Anything I needed to know, I already magically knew, right? Nope."
So how do you prepare for your spray tan?
Exfoliate your skin the day of or the night before your appointment. Stay away from oil-based exfoliators.
Shave or Wax before your appointment. Shaving with a new razor after your appointment is fine! However, no no no to waxing. I can't tell you how many times I get a call from a client a few days after her tan who forgot and went and got waxed! Waxing will remove the top layer of the tan and cause splotchiness. Not a good look if you're planning on being in a bikini.
No lotion on before hand.
Stay away from face make-up, this will allow absorption into the face. If you're coming from work, most likely the salon will have make-up remover wipes.
Bring something dark and loose to change into afterward. The bronzing component that is applied to the skin to show the technician where she is spraying is like a make-up. You know that embarrassing moment when you hug the cute guy in a white crisp shirt and step away only to realize you've made your mark on him with your make-up? This applies to spray tanning. NO WHITE.
You will have to be NAKED or close to it during your appointment
Here's the deal...you're not her first. Most likely your spray tanner has been doing this for a long time. Spray Tan technicians have seen it all, big boobs, small boobs, no boobs, saggy boobs, creases under the butt, cellulite, stretch marks, the list goes on and on. She's tanned all body types. She's comfortable with nakedness, otherwise she wouldn't be in this industry. So breathe, relax and take it off. (if you don't want to go the whole full monty, feel free to wear your underwear, or ask for a disposable)
Now what happens after your naked?
After you take it off, she will begin to spray you down. Most appointments last for 15-35 minutes. Unlike the sometimes awkward silence after a first encounter, your spray tanner is going to spark a conversation and get to know you. I always tell my spray tan virgins who are a little nervous about baring it all- "I'll make you forget you're naked in about 3 minutes."
You'd be surprised by the relationship you'll build with your spray tanner, she becomes your go to for gossip, boyfriends, relationships, you're crazy mother-in-law, and more. I once had a client tell me, "You're cheaper then my therapist, and I always feel and look better when I leave." I've been fortunate enough to see my clients in and out of relationships, then meet that special someone, get engaged, plan a wedding, meet and tan the bridal party and then see that client get married, and later tan her little baby bump. And this is why I absolutely love what I do! I get to know people and build relationships with amazing people, and give them the little pick me up they need.
Maintaining your glow
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize! Get yourself a paraben free lotion, and apply after every shower. This will not only help your tan last, but will also prevent patchy fading. Having a nasty fading tan is not the look you're going for. Lotions that contain parabens will literally eat away at your tan causing it to fade funny. Your tan should fade like a natural sun tan would- gradually, not splotchy. If you're wanting to get the most out of your glow, opt for a paraben free lotion with a hint of DHA, or a gradual tanning lotion. Also, Try to avoid chlorine. and steam rooms/hot yoga. Especially 1-2 days after you're spray tan. Sometimes the make-up component can still be in your pours even after the first shower, you don't want to be that person in the yoga room who has brown sweat.
Now get out there and show off your golden glow
I can't tell you what a little glow does for any skin tone. It's an instant confidence booster. You just feel good with a tan. You're eyes look brighter, you're teeth whiter, maybe you felt bloated when you walked in and leave feeling 5lbs lighter. A little color goes a long way, and you know what they say "If you can't tone it, tan it."
Click Here to see original blog Post on Bare Organic Tan Blog
Author: ALEX DEXTER