Airbrush Tanning for Beginners: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
Airbrush tanning has come a long way since the “will I be orange?!?!” concern. And to answer your question, no, you will not be orange (at least not after visiting The Lounge)! Spray tanning is one of my most popular services and the one with the most questions too! So, here is a quick guide to getting and keeping the perfect sunless glow and the answers to my most asked questions.
Before + Afters:
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Spray tanning is a safer, faster alternative to tanning beds. We use an organic solution with naturally derived DHA, never synthetic like a lot of other solutions. You get an instant sunless-glow without the harmful effects of UV exposure such as skin cancer and premature aging. Spray tanning is safe for all skin types.
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We have many color options that your technician will customize to best fit your needs as well as a rapid option.
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Anywhere from 7-10 days depending on how well you exfoliate prior to your appointment and how moisturized you keep your skin after. The more hydrated your skin is the better your tan looks and the longer it lasts!
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Exfoliate
Shave/sugar (you cannot receive any soft wax services day of your airbrush tan, hard wax/sugar services are ok) it is also ok to shave up to 3 days after getting tanned
Remove all makeup
Do not apply lotions or deodorant
Wear dark, loose-fitting clothing
Wear open toed shoes (if it is raining you can wear ugg style boots to protect your feet)
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You will leave with a topical bronzer on your skin: this is not your actual tan as that takes a full 8 hours (1.5-4 hours if you choose the rapid solution) to set. The bronzers may smudge and move around on your skin but this will not negatively affect your result as it is just the makeup moving around on your skin
Do not come into contact with any water 8 hours (1.5-4 hours for the rapid) after your service, no heavy sweating, working out, washing hands, etc
Keep your clothing loose and non-restrictive during the setting period and open toed shoes on your feet
Do not touch your skin as it will stain your palms
Do not use any exfoliating products
Do not put anything on your skin until after you rinse off the solution
After you rinse off the solution, keep your skin hydrated. Lots of moisturizers will ensure a longer lasting, better looking result
Your tan will continue to develop over the next 24 hours
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I recommend getting your tan 1-3 days before your event. Your tan will take 24 hours to fully develop and it will last 7-10 days.
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Yes, spending a lot of time in water (especially chlorinated) can make your tan fade faster. The chlorine acts as an exfoliant removing the skin cells that have been tanned. If you are planning to get tanned for a vacation get it right before you go so the tan is fresh for the first few days before the inevitable fading from daily, extended, or long-term water exposure.
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As often as you like! But it is important to make sure all the remnants of the last airbrush tan are fully gone before getting another one.
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Yes, an airbrush tan is a topical treatment that does not contain any spf. You will need to apply sunscreen regularly if you plan to be in the sun regardless of being spray tanned. My favorite is Sky & Sol (10% off at check-out) not only is it all natural but it is also super moisturizing!
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Our Classic solution can be customized to the perfect shade for you (ranging from light to double dark) and requires an 8 hour setting time. Our Rapid solution sets within a 1.5-4 hour window depending on how dark you want to be. Leave rapid on for 1.5-2 hours for a light glow, 2.5-3 for a medium glow and 3.5-4 for dark. Both solutions will continue to develop over the next 24 hours.
We can’t wait to give you your best tan yet at The Lounge! Click here to schedule your custom Airbrush Tan with us!
