The Spray Tan Bible
Listen, we don't keep secrets over here, so believe us when we say... a flawless spray tan outcome is 30% our responsibility as the artist, and 70% your responsibility as the client.
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Rest assured, we promise we will do our part with our specialized technique, extensive knowledge regarding unique skin tones and types, as well as an unmatched custom color expertise.
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Now, let us explain your part of the deal. You've got to follow your preparation and aftercare guidelines like a pro. Proper prep using an exfoliating glove/mitt is the only way to actually remove dead skin cells and prepare your skin to correctly process your tan and ensure an even application and a beautiful and gradual fade. True exfoliation does not include any of the following: loofahs, rags, or salt/sugar scrubs. So pinky promise us you won't use those, okay?
First and Foremost...
A sunburn is a spray tan's worst enemy (right behind Dove soap) dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the main ingredient in spray tan solution and is what creates the long lasting “tan” effect.
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DHA is naturally drying on the skin and it will trigger your currently sunburned skin (or recently sunburned skin within the last 2–4 weeks) to peel, making things look really scary. Let us add, that it is NOT a fixable problem once it happens.
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Please allow your skin 3-6 weeks (depending on severity) to heal properly before spray tanning on top. Trust us on this one.
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Hydrate, moisturize, aloe, repeat.
Your Products Matter
Spray tans are very ingredient picky. But that being said, when you use the right products, long lasting results will come easily.
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Regular body washes and lotions contain harmful ingredients that strip or discolor the tan, resulting in a blotchy or streaky color that fades quickly. Yikes!
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Even when using approved drug store products, the amount of time your spray tan will last cannot be guaranteed. (Watch out for these ingredients: parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, high alcohol content and artificial fragrance)
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The only way we can guarantee the results and longevity of your glow is by using Got Me Whipped body butter (or Oh My Glow body oil) & A Lil’ Lather body wash.
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Protect your tan and achieve 10-14 days of silky color with our specially formulated body care. Designed specifically for spray tans, these products are enriched with tan & skin-loving organic shea butter, organic sunflower oil, & organic argan oil.
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Bonus? They smell delicious and contain NO scary ingredients or endocrine disruptors.
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VEGAN | NO PARABENS | NO PETRO-BY-PRODUCTS | NO MINERAL OIL | NO PHTHALATES | NO PROPOYLENE GLYCOL
The only way we can guarantee the results and longevity of your glow is by using Got Me Whipped body butter (or Oh My Glow body oil) & A Lil’ Lather body wash.
All 3 are 20% off during your first visit with us!
PLEASE Do Not shower within 4 hours of your appointment
Keeping your preparation shower (shower, shave, exfoliate) for the evening before your scheduled appointment is the best way to make sure you're fully prepared with no residues on the skin and a neutralized pH.
Showering within a 4 hour window before your spray tan appointment will dramatically affect the final outcome of your tan in a negative way. Trust us. (Think: uneven application, lighter than expected results, etc.)
RESOURCES FOR YOUR SUCCESS
Because we believe that an educated client is the difference between a 2 star and a 5 star experience. The more you know, the better your glow. The best time to get a spray tan before a special event is 2-3 days. The best time before a vacation is the day before if possible, or 2 days at most.
For all things vacationing with a spray tan, we've included a guide with everything you need to know (tips and tricks, approved sunscreens, etc.)
For an added convenience? If you prefer online shopping here are our specially curated Amazon Storefronts created just for you.
Spray Tan Preparation
(Discontinue the use of any retinol or AHA/BHA products 3-4 days before appointment.)
24-48 Hours Before
1. Shave or wax any unwanted body hair.
2. Exfoliate with an exfoliating mitt. We sell these in our studio, or the Kitsch brand works great. Sometimes found at Target/Ulta. Amazon link is above under the resources heading. Rags/loofahs and Tree Hut type sugar/salt scrubs will absolutely not work.
3. Complete manicures and pedicures.
4. Discontinue use of any bar and cream based soaps. Gel based is best. (NO DOVE OR OLAY)
5. Complete any spa, facial, and massage treatments.
6. Make sure your spray tan is your absolute last beauty treatment.
7. The night before your appointment, you can lther up with a spray tan safe lotion. (check for mineral oil or petroleum based ingredients and avoid lotions that contain them. Ask AI if needed.)
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*Please note: you will not want to use any soap on your body — including soap from washing hair — for 24 hours following your appointment to ensure your tan can develop fully without interference. Please plan your hair washing routine accordingly.
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DAY OF APPOINTMENT
1. Avoid wearing any makeup, oils, and perfumes.
2. Do not wear deodorant. Deodorants can cause spray tanned armpits to appear green, turn out non-colored or too dark.
3. Avoid applying lotions or creams. Lotions will create a barrier between your skin and your spray tan which will result in patchy and uneven development.
4. Wear loose, full-coverage clothing (tops and bottoms). Absolutely no leggings, jeans, or bras worn before rinsing. Tight clothing will cause your tan to develop improperly, leaving lines from the rub-off of solution. *BRING AN UMBRELLA IF RAIN IS FORECASTED!*
5. For shoes: open-toed sandals, slides, or slippers are best. No tennis shoes or tight fitting shoes please.
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If you have an evening appointment and skipping deodorant, makeup, or body products is not possible, rest assured: we have exfoliating wipes at our studio designed to remove these impurities so you can still live a comfortable day and achieve a flawless glow. (+$3)
