JGIWC's Guide to Spray Tanning

Lately, I've gotten several inquiries about spray tanning so I've decided to post my own guide. Yes, I spray tan and I'm proud of it! I have extremely sensitive skin and just cannot bask in the sun for hours. I got sun poisoning last summer and it was absolutely awful. Promise me that if you're a sun god or goddess, you'll wear tons of SPF and a hat!

I've been spray tanning for years and feel as though I've got this activity down for a science. Will you use a booth or have a person airbrush you? I've done both. In Winter Park, FL there is a great place called Tan 310. They had an airbrush tan membership - $99 a month for unlimited sprays. I was in heaven. I was there every four days in my bikini bottoms. Look how dark my feet were!



Boy, I sure do miss that membership. Deal of a century. Now, I have a membership for an airbrush booth. I buy them in bundles. The booth I use is California Tan. I have tried Mystic Tan several times and I must say that I prefer this.

The prep and the aftermath for either of these methods are basically the same.

Make sure to use a good exfoliant beforehand. I find liquid exfoliants to be a bit messy. I use Lush Buffy Body Butter. This smells great and makes skin incredibly soft. Do not moisturize after your shower. The last thing that should've touched your skin is the exfoliant.

Wear dark, loose clothes to your session. I used to have an oversized black pocket tee that was my 'tan tee'. If there is any chance of rain, bring a hoodie, long pants, and an umbrella. Water should not touch your body until at least six hours after your session! (Hand washing is fine.)

If a person is spraying you, make sure to wear what makes you comfortable - otherwise you may fidget, which leads to an uneven tan. I suggest a dark bikini, and there should be disposable underwear at your appointment for you to use. I've always had girls spraying me and have never once felt uncomfortable.

If you're using a booth, you will likely have a room with a lock on the door. You'll be the only one in there. Make sure to wear a shower cap and apply barrier cream (they should supply this) on your fingernails and toenails. I also always put a bit on my nose!

In the initial shower after your treatment, some of the color will wash off. Use a soap-free body wash. I use Johnson & Johnson Baby Wash in the yellow bottle. It's cheap and it smells great. I also had a black towel that was my 'tan towel'. Don't use white!

Your color should last five days to a week, depending on the treatment. Moisturizing after every shower will help keep your tan in tact. I like Fresh Sugar Lemon Body Lotion.

When I'm in between treatments or want a less expensive way to keep up my tan, I use Clinique Self Sun Body Daily Moisturizer.

I love sunless tanning. I feel sexiest with bronzed skin, no makeup, and messy hair. Follow all of my tips and you too will have sun-kissed skin that is, most importantly, healthy!