How To Spray Tan

I love being tan. Not only do I think I look prettier with a tan, I think I look thinner.  This, I am sure is an illusion, but I don’t care, let me have my dreams.

I have sworn off tanning beds.  There is no denying they can’t be good for you. My skin is definitely two shades darker than my pre college days, having spent more time in tanning beds than my actual college classes. There are pictures of me in college where I look like I have had an accident in a nuclear reactor.  I was definitely tanorexic, before it was a word.

Being a recovered tanorexic, I am aware I need to proceed with caution when it comes to tan.  In fact, I have it so in check, I think I could sponsor a recovering tanorexic.  Here’s my program:

1. Spray tan no more than ONCE a month

2. Exfoliate your entire body before going.

3. NO MOISTURIZER.  This can result in the tanning cream absorbing unevenly.  Leaving you looking splotchy and silly.

4. Before you enter the booth, put plastic cap on your hair.  Make sure the elastic is RIGHT on your hairline.  If it is too far back, light hair will turn orange, too far on your forehead will leave you with a line. Neither look is attractive.

5. Put protective creme between fingers, on cuticles, toes, heals, lightly on elbows and knees.  These are areas that absorb color. No one wants tell tale orange signs.

6. Enter booth, press START. Close your eyes, and I suggest to hold your breath. The booth will mist the front half of your body like a car wash.  You will hear a beep, turn around and it will mist your back half.

7. Immediately exit the booth.  The tanning lotion absorbs quickly. If in 30 seconds you are still wet, GENTLY PAT- Do Not Rub excess lotion.

8. The color will develop over the next six hours, so don’t plan on working out or showering until then.

9. Enjoy your glowing color:)

A couple of words of caution. If you have never spray tanned before.  Do not go for the first time before a special occasion.  Practice a month ahead of time.  I have heard of too many stories where brides have orange streaks on their shoulders, or homecoming queens have a forehead that is half tan/half white!

If the idea of spray tanning in a booth leaves you feeling claustrophobic, 3 brands of tanning creme I like: Bobbi Brown, Estee Lauder, and Clarins. Follow steps one thru three and apply your tanning creme:)