Sorry if this is long. I always felt it was kinda my girly time each week to pamper myself and do something fun. So I say just go and have fun with it. It was the best skin care regimen I've ever been on!!! Because, of the steps you go through to make sure it looks good my skin was never softer. I know, it's funny to say that. But because the best way to make sure the spray goes on evenly is to exfoliate your whole body really well each time before you go. And make sure you use a wash cloth to do it and not any type of scrubby. The wash cloth will exfoliate more evenly. Then after you shower apply one of the lotions that have a self tanner in it. Any will work. This will not make you darker but will extend the life of the tan by a couple days.
When you get to the store make sure someone tells you exactly how to hold your hands and when to move. It's important to do this or it will not go on evenly. Also make sure you not only apply the lotion provided to your hands and cuticles you smother them in it. I would always make sure that each finger and toe had white blobs on the end. Even under my nails. Don't worry if you smear it on the door of the machine or buttons. Your cuticles will gather the spray in them and turn really dark if you're not careful. One thing I did was I started taking a nail brush with me. After I was done I would go into the bathroom and, being careful not to get it on my arms and back of hands, I would wash and scrub the tips of my fingers. I have very dry cuticles and this is what did the trick to keep them clean. On my feet I NEVER would use the little paper foot covers. They WILL leave a line that is very distinct so unless your never planning on going barefoot or wearing sandals just avoid these. Use the lotion provided liberally and make sure you put it on your heals and back of your ankles. Just put it a little lighter on the areas where a little tan will work.
Another suggestion I have is to plug your nose. It's not going to hurt you to breath the spray in but it's just icky to do it. What I would do is I would have a little baggy of Q-tips with me that I had cut in half. One cotton end on each. I would fluff them up and stick them in my nose. I could still breath past the cotton and it would trap most of the mist. The store might recommend just stuffing cotton balls up there but this I found was easier to put in and out.
Also, wear your eye gear!!!
When you step out of the sprayer, depending on the location and unit, you may have drips going down your legs. I don't care what order you go in to towel off after but make sure you go after the drips first!!!! These will streak otherwise. If you follow all the other instructions the location provides it will be easy. However, the first time you go it might not turn out exactly the way you want and it all may seem overwhelming. But don't give up!! The next time you go it will be easier and after a couple times you will feel like and old pro at it!
And yes, It will smell a little until you shower but some places will offer to put a few drops of vanilla in the bottle before you get sprayed. I tried this but didn't care for it myself. You will need to wait at least 6 hours before you shower. I don't recommend waiting too much longer than this because, for me, it seemed like the longer I waited the darker it continued to get. This might be ok for your body but your face will be getting darker too and that only looks stranger as you go. I also don't recommend wearing any clothing that is light in color when you go. It will rub off a little on your clothes. But don't worry about your bras and panties. It washes off in the laundry with no troubles or pretreating.
Oh, and my last thought is, I'm a tennis player so I sweat a lot on the court. I've never had any troubles with this and having a mystic tan. Just avoid sweating after you get it done. And remember that this tan is not real and will not protect you from the sun. You still need to wear your sunscreen!!!! And you might as well get the good high level stuff. Your already tan with the spray, no need to try to add more with the sun!
Good luck and have fun!!!
Jen
http://www.mommysjoy.com