We are going to Key Biscayne for a wedding and I’m northern white. And I imagine on a beach down there, I’d look like a beached flounder. I was thinking about getting a very light application of a spray on tan at a salon. Any experience? Do you think I should or just say the heck with it, not care if people look at me appalled. LOL.
My D is very, very pale and she tried a spray-on tan once. It looked good the first couple of days but deteriorated after that. I don’t know if they typically last longer or if we had a faulty experience. She had much better luck with Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer, but was mainly using it on her arms and legs (not full bathing suit).
Just don’t go the Donald orange route.
Have you ever had a spray tan @VaBluebird? Maybe it’s just me but I think they smell funky, self tanners also.
When I went to Florida, I embraced the flounder look. But I wasn’t going to a wedding.
I have had a few spray tans, some better than others. My daughter would like me to have one with her before her wedding, but if I can’t be guaranteed a great tan, I am not sure I want to do it.
I do not love the smell of the spray tans or the self applied tanners, although I haven’t used one in a couple of years, so maybe the smell is not as bad. I only really care about my arms, as I will be in a long dress and have make-up on my face, so the lotions may be a better choice.
Do those spray tans stain clothes? For example, when you sweat?
@katliamom - there is the possibility of staining what you are wearing when you get the spray tan (like undergarments) but once it’s applied, it shouldn’t stain clothes or be impacted by sweat.
I’m a big fan - once you get a professional spray tan, you’ll never buy self tanner again…such a huge hassle for poor results. I go to a place dedicated to tanning only (Exotic Tans for New Englanders), with individual “spray booths” that are automated and private. My place has a choice of light, medium, dark, and with or without instant color. I’m fair skinned, and usually opt for medium, without the instant color, so the color gradually deepens over several hours. A recorded voice tells you what to do - turn, raise arm, etc…only takes about two minutes in the booth.
I go in the morning, then shower before bed. It is important to exfoliate with a body scrub beforehand, paying attention to heels, knees, elbows, then apply a thick layer of body lotion (my place has a big pump dispenser right in the room). Use the lotion to apply a barrier between toes and fingers, around ankles, and on heels. Wear minimal clothing (nothing is best). The entire process - from getting out of my car to getting back into my car is less than 15 minutes.
It does not streak, sweat off, smell, or stain clothes. It looks incredibly natural, perfectly even and uniform, no odor, gradually fades - lasts about a week.
VA, you might appreciate this:
http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductsIngredients/Products/ucm134064.htm
A sunless tan obviously does not protect from UV rays and is not a “real” tan. Don’t breathe in the spray! I agree that it does not seem healthy; nor does breathing the spray on sunscreen, or bug spray or hairspray…or anything aerosol, probably. But doing this once or twice a year does not endanger my life, IMO.
Agree, but want to add one thing. The spray here might be more harmful than the propellants and sunblock ingredients, because the tanning component chemically reacts with the protein molecules in your skin. While it is not a huge deal for the epithelial layer (we shed it quite quickly, that’s why these tans do not last), the mucous membranes could work as a gateway to the internal organs. So yes, be extra careful to not breathe in that spray-on DHA.
A scary incident in the UK - a young woman had to be taken to the ER after using a self-tanner spray that was quitely recalled by St. Tropez:
https://www.yahoo.com/beauty/are-spray-on-self-tanners-dangerous-200023385.html
Lots of us locals are pretty pale too. We never get burned; that is a sign of a tourist. At the beach, you’ll see lots of big umbrellas, hats, and special t-shirts.
I think you will love Key Biscayne. My cousins live there. Great shopping and food. Will you have time to rent a boat?
I have done spray tans twice in my life: once in 2014 in Bordeaux, France when I was there for a project that not coincidentally involved a client who makes sunscreens, and once in 2015 just prior to my D’s graduation since I was wearing a dress for the event and wanted a little color. Each time I was very pleased. It was extremely natural looking – it didn’t at all look like a fake tan. I’d consider doing it again and I’m not worried about danger.
That Jergen’s lotion has a smell that makes me nauseous. I’m going to have to remain ghostly!
I agree with Gourmetmom. I wouldn’t bother with the Jergens or other self-tanners if I were in a situation where I really desired a light tan. Way too much hassle for cruddy results.
How much does a good spray tan generally cost? And how can you avoid breathing in the spray? There’s a limit on how long I can hold my breath!
Last year, I paid $35 plus tip at an Aveda salon. It’s pretty easy to avoid breathing in the spray. There are times when the spray is just on the lower half of your body; in other words, the nozzle isn’t constantly aimed at your face. It’s a diffuse spray rather than a concentrated one.
Good to know. 