Spray tan, airbrush tan....oh my?!

brookerich · February 2012

Hello everyone,
I'm considering having a spray tan or airbrush tan or something done for our wedding. I have natural olive tones in my skin but I'm also pale and have freckles (gotta love the Irish) so when I'm not tanned I literally look a little green. When I went and tried on dresses it was even more obvious!

So now I'm looking for solutions. I have nixed the tanning bed option because of the risks. I've tried the self tanner lotions/creams that you do yourself at home and every single one of them (from the cheapest brand to the more expensive) have given me this unhealthy orange-y glow. Which I'm trying to avoid (I think I'd rather look green than orange! haha). I'm worried the spray/airbrush options will be the same? Anyone have any experience here?

Also, I'm worried that something will rub off on my dress or that the color will start looking rough so how long do these types of tans last and when they start wearing off does it look strange?

Sorry I have so many questions, I just want to make the best decision.

Thanks in advance

HeatherMKR · February 2012

I actually just tried spray tanning for the first time this week. In the winter time, I get pale. I always say it's my dad's german heritage taking over my mom's native american heritage. ha ha...

I recommend the mystic (spray) tanning. HOWEVER, how well it works depends on your skin and what level you tan at. The people at the salon should be able to help. I started at a 2.

It won't rub off on your dress, unless you do it the day of your wedding. DO NOT DO THAT. It takes 5 hours (approx) for the tanning to set in. They typically last 5-10 days. Talk to the people at your local salon

housewifehobbiest · February 2012

I'm a big advocate of getting an airbrush tan, where someone actually mixes a color just for you and then applies with by hand with an airbrush. There is no streaking and no funny too dark or too light spots that way. As PP said, get it a day or two before the actual wedding, and DEFINITELY do a trial run.

fallbride1109 · February 2012

I agree with the airbrush over spray tan (although I got a spray tan myself). Spray tanning takes practice and is only slightly cheaper. I also agree that whichever you choose, do a trial first.

brookerich · February 2012

I guess I'm terrified of turning Oompa-Loompa orange and then looking like an alligator when it starts wearing off. lol

I'm going to check around and see whats available here.

LeiselEB · February 2012

I promise you won't turn orange, unless you try to get the highest level possible and you don't follow the instructions (for a spray tan booth, I mean.)

Try a custom spray tan that a technician does - they'll mix the color just for you and will make sure you don't come out too light or too dark. I've done both kinds and have never had a problem.

CatLikeRawr · February 2012

I get sprayed tanned frequently. I can tell you that if you are going for the mystic tan, make sure you don't go pass level 2 and to make sure you lotion up your hands and feet so that they wont look orange. I once got tan greedy and asked for level 3. It was a huge mistake. I did turn out orange. They will tell you that it lasts 1-2 weeks, but I can see it fading after the 3-4 days. It takes 5-7 hours to appear on the skin. Do not use oils or lotions prior to getting sprayed. I recommend doing it 1 or 2 days before your wedding.

I know you mentioned that you don't want to use at lotions and oils, but have you used gradual tans or foam? Gradual tans gives you much more control of how tan you want to be and wear you would like to be more tan. Jergen has a nonoffensive smelling one that smells like green tea. That is what I use if I don't have time to go get sprayed. Foams are nice too and glides on smooth. Urban Decay has one that is a gradual tan but has some color and glow so you are instanty tan. It washes off but the gradual tan builds if you use it daily. For gradual tans, I say using it a week before the wedding is appropriate.

eseney82 · February 2012

They have different levels, 1 being the lightest, which I would recommend for someone fair skinned, and who doesnt tan often. I have the same skin tone, but I do tan in the summer, I just try to avoid it because of skin cancer history in family.

I would be concerned with the airbrush/spray tan, and it rubbing off onto your dress. I had a spray tan done last year before I went to Vegas, and wore a white bikini top. When I took off the top to change I noticed it was orange around the edges from the tanner. So just be careful, maybe do a trial a run and wear a top that is a little more tight fitting like your dress will be to see if it rubs off onto the top

tinstarsunshine · February 2012

i just received my second air brush tanning this week. I turn a fun sallow color in winter which leaves all my many brushes with klutiness visible to one an all. The tan evened out my skin tone, hid all my random leg bruises from the gym and tripping over stuff on my way to the bathroom every morning, and gave me a hint of summer skin. The first one was way too dark so i asked the tech to give me a medium and light coat and it came out perfect. I recommend trying it a few times to perfect the look. Most places offer package deals so pick up one of those. Also after the first day it doesnt rub off on anything. it will only last a few days and sweating and exfoliating will make it come off sooner, but a good tech will tell you all that and more. Also I was told not to use Aveeno lotion when going to get airbrushed as it will turn you green! IDK if its just their particular brand that they use but its something to keep in mind

spanosal · February 2012

I am getting married in May, and my wedding is abroad, so I will be leaving America approximately 10 days before the wedding. I have tried a srapy tan before and it turned out great! Problem is, it faded pretty quickly (after maybe 4 days). I was considering going a few shades darker and hoping it fades to a good color before the wedding. Any suggestions for alternative options for me?

tinstarsunshine · February 2012

try a gradual self tanner or bronzer mixed in with your daily lotion. A friend of mine did this to "keep her glow alive" when she traveled to her sister's DW. She said it worked for her but then i recommend trying it out first. She uses St. Tropez which she gets from Sephora. She says its the only self tanner what wont turn her orange. Anyhow best of luck!

spanosal · March 2012

Thanks!

Spray tan, airbrush tan....oh my?!

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