Advice on Salon Spray on Tanning

I wanted to give you another vote on the Arbonne Self-Tanner. I have not personally used that product, but I do use their sunscreen, lotions, shampoos, makeup, etc. Their products are great. They are hypo-allergenic and made with all botanical ingredients. Nothing harmful in them. Just to give you an example, when most companies test their products, in a test on 100 people, if 95 of them have no reaction & 5 do, other companies will accept that as being okay. Arbonne will go back to the drawing board if only 1 person in the product test has a reaction- they want 100% in everything.

Hi L.,

The best I've found (being fair skinned myself) is one that gives you gradual color daily and she won't have to worry about streaks. It's actually lotion and there's even a face one. I've recommended it to many of my friends and those who have tried it... loved it! It's one of the more inexpensive brands, Jergens. It doesn't smell bad like the others, is not harsh on the skin, and gives a tan color rather than an orange. I think it costs somewhere between $10-$15.

J. S

Spray tans work, but can get expensive. If you have a Sephora near you, the best self tanner I've tried( and I'm really pale, too) is called Two Faced. It's so natural and it has an instant bronzer so you can see if you missed any spots.Most self tanners work pretty good, they are not anything like the tan in a can that turned you orange years ago.As a side note- self tanners work even better if you exfoliate first with a salt scrub or something along those lines, and if you put moisturizer on your elbows and knees, so they don't absorb as much tanner. I used to use regular tanning booths alot, but for the health of my skin, I try not to ever get a real tan now. Self tanners are a healthy option. Good Luck!

I do not think it matters so much to what she is using but, to how long a period is she taking. I am a very pale complected strawberry blonde. Years ago when I tained, I could not tan for the full 20 minutes ever. I started out at 5 minutes and worked my way up to 15 minutes.
Good Luck
K. B

I would suggest the spray on tanning booths. The only thing with that is that it fades after a few days. It is easier than using the self cream tanning lotion. The other suggestion would be to buy her a package at the tanning salon to use a tanning bed. I have been using one for over a year and if you use it the way they suggest it is more comforable for a person and the tan seems to last longer. The only suggestion I would make is to buy the tanning lotion either on line or at a store such as walmart make sure it is for indoor tanning.

Start with something more simple and less dramatic like jergens glow - its lotion with a little tanner in it. make sure she exfoliates everywhere first - arms, legs, body, to get the best results (with any kind of self tanning - spray, lotion, self tanner, etc). Use the Jergens everyday for best results.

Also .... for her first time, you might want to take her to a spa to have it done by a professional who can show her how to do it and then she can do it on her own....which will save alot of money in the long term.

Hi L. - I tried the spray tanning once and although it looked nice, the tanning spray ended up all over my sheets and towels. It wasn't worth the mess I had to clean up afterwards. I am a Mary Kay rep and we have a subtle tanning lotion that you apply daily and it slowly gives you color in a week without looking orange and streaked. There are several similar products like ours on the market as well, so I would recommend something like that. I have been using it for almost a week and I do have a nice subtle tan. Good Luck! L.

I have not used the spray on tan myself, but have had friends, also very fair, that have used it with beautiful results. As far as creams go- Clinique is great. I also like the Jergens which works over several applications to give a natural glow.

Dear L.,
As a Mary Kay Senior Consultant who works with many brides, I have seen a lot of orange-streaked women. I urge you to try our Subtle Tanning Lotion. It is so well thought of a clerk in Nordstroms has encouraged women to walk past their product and has sent them to me. Subtle Tanning Lotion has a light citrus scent, is $16.00 and is generally good for 16 applications. You apply it once a day for 7 days the first week, with 1-3 times/week thereafter. It also acts as a moisturizer. If for any reason you are dissatisfied Mary Kay offers you a complete refund; it is a win-win situation! We also have several bronzers that can give you a glow facially. You may order directly on my website, create your own virtual makeover: www.marykay.com/emordas or email: ____@____.com Luck, E.

Mary Kay has a Subtle Tanning Lotion that is more affordable and time-saving than the booths. It works great while moisturing your skin. Email me if you are interesting in learning more.

D. M.

I have a 14 year old daughter and she is quite pale also - she tried the self-tanning lotions and made a big mess! It's very difficult to get correct, you need gloves, patience and sometimes it's still streaked. It also gets into dryer areas and creases and looks really bad. The spray tanning booths are nice, quick and simple. They are more costly but, if it's just for an occasion, it's not bad. Just make sure they explain it to her well - you have to watch a video before you go in so, it's really important to see how to put the barrier cream on so you don't get streaks or get any on your palms. I think it's fine to do things in moderation if they don't get carried away! Hope that helps!

i use jergens self tanning lotion. that brand and dove engery glow doesnt smell as "stinky" as some self tanners. and trust me, ive tried them all. i never had one done at a tanning salon though. maybe have her try it at home 1st to see if she likes it? make sure she washes her hands really well and blends good though. im not sure if you have to do that at a salon or not?? good luck!

can you give me some advice too...thanks

Hi L.~
The health and wellness company that I work with offers salon quality tanning spray and towelettes. Preferred customer pricing is: $17 for an 8 pk. of towelettes; $3 for one; $17 for a 3.5 oz. bottle of spray; or $31 for pack of towelettes and spray. It won't turn orange, and it gently fades over time. Your skin is kept radiant and soft with natural ingredients like aloe, glycerin, and multivitamins. This is all non-toxic and purchases support families like mine instead of big corporations.
~C.
http://www.livetotalwellness.com/workathomemommy

I've used the spray tan several times and love it. In fact a friend of mine owns a tanning salon in Norristown and they do them there. It's called Salon Sun (used to be Hot Spot). Their # is ###-###-####.

If your daughter is interested, I have a self-tanner spray that also is a sunblock with SPF 15 - it's from Arbonne International and the products are made from plants and herbs so it's completely safe for her to use. Let me know if you're interested - email me at: ____@____.com

I love the jergens moistureizer that has the subtle self tanners. they look so natural!

Hey L. -

stay away from the spray tan...she will end up looking orange I can assure you. I too am very pale. I have used and recommend any of the following. Tan towels (tantowel.com or qvc/hsn), bare escentuals faux tan, coppertone tan creame - colored so you can see where it is applied).

I'm happy to hear she is smart enough to explore safe tanning options...stay out of that sun :)

I work at a salon called "Hello Gorgeous" in New Jersey, and we offer the spray tanning. But our skin staff puts it on for you, rather than standing in a booth. It is awesome...this coming from someone that is very fair. It is a sugar based product that adjusts to your skin tone. I got it done when I was pregnant so I didn't look so pale. And it lasts for about 7-10 days. I think it is worth it when you have somewhere to go, or going on vacation. Suggestions if doing a spray at a salon: Don't put deodrant on, it'll make the pits a different color, exfoliate the body, so that the spray doesn't stick to any dry areas of the body, don't use any lotion, and put vasoline on around the palms of hands and wrists, and the bottoms of heels and feet since they can grab darker.

I am VERY fair skinned and have used the spary tan. For me it really looked fake, I guess with me being so fair it just looked orange. I also could not stand the smell of it...for me the smell stayed forever. It dosent' hurt to try it but just make sure she follows all the directions.

Good luck!!

Hi L.:
I use Neutragena Build-a-Tan lotion and have had good luck with it. I am sure it is cheaper than airbrush tanning or going to a tanning booth which I did for years. You just have to make sure that you rub it in well and evenly (she will need help with her back and shoulders and anywhere she can't reach), and then be sure to wash your hands with soap to make sure it still isn't on your hands. It is only about $9.00 a bottle and usually lasts me a couple of months.
Good Luck!
A. F.

She is 16 and no reason to start doing this at such an early age. she can use a bronser on her face, neck. She has to be careful about burning. Take her to a makeup place and have them show her how to apply makeup to fit her shading, little blush, mascara will really help.