Spray tanning

[SadieKate]

I never thought I'd say this, but what do you know about spray tanning?

When we lived in California I was never without my ever so elegant and attractive biker tan lines. However, in Oregon, those tan lines are down at the wrist and neck, not so hot for a sleeveless cocktail dress.

Anyway, we have a wedding to attend in early June but my true skin color isn't so hot against my dress. A local day spa that I like has airbrush tanning listed on their site.

What do I need to know? Any tips? Do I need to get a test skin patch?

[Grits]

I have done spray tanning at a salon twice for special occasions. The one I went to did the spray by hand (I was wearing old undergarments) rather than the kind where you stand in a booth and the spray is done by a machine. They have more control that way and can work on the uneven tan lines better.

I did not get a patch test and had no problems. I don't have particularly sensitive skin, though. I did do all the suggested preparations (exfoliating, mainly). I loved the results. It did not completely eliminate my biker tan, but it certainly made it less noticeable. My tan looked completely natural. Unfortunately, it only lasts about a week.

[Brandi]

My friend looked really yellow. I would do a test and see what it looks like first.

[SadieKate]

Good point. Thanks.

[bluebug32]

When I got married a couple of years ago and wanted to even out my biking tan, I used Jergen's Natural Glow Cream. It's inexpensive and seemed to do the trick. No funny tan lines in the pics and the bride could still go biking!

[Penny4]

I've done the booth spray tans before. You put a special lotion on your nails and palms to prevent them from getting overly orange.
I had no problems with it and liked the result.
Definitely consider doing a trial run now, so if something goes wrong, it will have worn off by the wedding.
Also, be careful if you are wearing a light colored dress. I found that the tan sometimes rubbed off on clothes, and definitely on my sheets. (Not terribly though. I think exfoliating beforehand helps prevent this)
Also, i wouldn't do it the night before the wedding...do it at least 2 days before.
I 'm sure the airbrush tans are probably better than the booth. Good luck!

[Kiwi Stoker]

Yes, airbrush is the best as they can concentrate extra spray on the areas that need it and feather the "joins" so you don't notice.

I did it 5 days before my wedding and it was fine. It only had colour coming off the first day or so (the first shower was interesting) but then stopped. Nothing transferred to my white dress.

Spray tans do come in different colours so discuss this with the salon before they start so you can see that they are just not loading a "standard" colour in, so avoiding the yellow look. However the technology has come a long way on the last few years and the orange and yellow look are not really the expected outcome anymore, as long as you go to a good salon (I suspect Jersey Shore crew go to a cheap, in their showerstall friend to get their tans done!).

[SadieKate]

Thanks all. Really good info. I think I'll stop by the spa this weekend and talk to them.

[snapdragen]

Thanks all. Really good info. I think I'll stop by the spa this weekend and talk to them.

Be vewy carefull....

[SadieKate]

Made me think of George Hamilton.

[SallyRides]

Be vewy carefull....

LOL!!! Scary.

I bought a can of Juergens self-spray tanning solution/stuff. Just in case I get tired of being pasty white. I haven't used it yet. I'm afraid to try it! I don't know how to spray it on myself evenly. I probably need someone to do it, but don't know how to approach a friend and ask, lol! If I ever try it, I will post again with results. Airbrushed sounds like the best way to go, especially for something like a wedding.

SR