Brush Your Shoulders Off : Airbrush Tanning

Ah, summer. Most of us are getting ready to gear up and head to the beach for the Fourth, but I can’t help feeling a tad bit guilty. Skin damage, anyone? I must admit, I am a SPF fiend, but I still like to get my tan on and enjoy a healthy dose of vitamin D. But with an increasing rise in melanoma these days, it’s hard to risk your looks for your health.

Luckily there is a safe and healthy alternative: airbrush tanning. No, it’s not your typical Mystic booth. Airbrush tanning is fabulous and when prepared for correctly can be the best faux-tan you’ll ever have!

Some of you may be a little wary or confused, especially if you’ve never done it. Don’t fear, Chic readers, I’m here to give you a crash course in airbrush tanning, considering I’m an airbrush tan artist.

So first things first: how long does it last? How much is it? Will I turn orange? To start, it can last anywhere from five to 10 days depending on where you’re getting the airbrush. Some solutions wear off more easily than others, but it also depends on how well you prepare, care for and maintain your tan (which will be discussed below). Prices vary, but can be anywhere from $45 – $100s. And the orange question: it’s always a possibility, but it’s contingent on how specialized your airbrush tech is and what color is used. If you go and get the darkest solution possible and you’re fair skinned, then yeah – you’re going to be orange. You’d never naturally get that dark in the first place. Your tech should know what color(s) blend or mix best with your skin tone, so unless you have a gut feeling otherwise, let them decide what color would be best. You can always ask to go a little lighter or a tad bit darker, but don’t do anything out of the ordinary.

So, some tips from the pro:

1. Always do your research. Go onto sites like Yelp and read reviews of airbrush tans in your area. It’s always best to visit the business website as well so you can get a feel if the solution is just another “tan in a can” or if it’s going to be a specialized airbrush experience. Mystic Tan is not considered airbrush – neither is VersaSpa – as it is administered by a booth and not a technician.

2. Carefully book your appointment. Make sure you can go in during a time where you can relax afterwards. The tan usually takes a minium of six hours to set (eight-12 hours in most places), so you have to be sure to avoid perspiring, getting wet and moisturizing for at least that long. Ladies, I’d also recommend making sure you can easily go braless afterwards to avoid any rubbing off of the solution. I tend to get my airbrushes in the evening so I can sleep in them, allowing the DHA coloring agent to adhere to the skin longer, developing a more beautiful tone.

3. Give yourself time. Airbrush appointments tend to last about 30 minutes. Be courteous and show up early so that you can get airbrushed on time.

4. Preparation is necessary. Go online and look at the airbrush website. Usually they will have instructions on how to best prepare your skin for a tan. After many years, here are my suggestions:

• Shave the night before. It’s essential to wax or shave before your appointment to ensure it lasts longer – hair removal is a form of exfoliation and will help to take off the tan faster.
• Shower the day of. I always hop in right before I get airbrushed to be sure my skin is clean.
• Do not moisturize, use body wash or wear make-up. These all act as barriers to the skin. If you tend to get really dry skin, call and see what lotions your airbrush tech would recommend. You can probably get away with moisturizing a few hours prior to the appointment, but not right before. This includes DEODORANT! Some body washes leave a film on your skin, so be sure to steer clear of those just in case. Make-up acts as a barrier and will increase your chances of losing color on your face. As a rule of thumb, be sure to avoid anything that includes oil, shea butter or long-lasting moisturizing agents.
• Exfoliate. Prior to your appointment, be sure to slough off any previous airbrush residue or dead skin. Even if you think your skin is clean, go over yourself with a loofah a few times. It is important to use a loofah or sponge and not an exfoliating scrub or bodywash because the oils and emolients within them can repel the tanning solution!
• Bring dark, baggy clothes to wear. This isn’t your time to shine. I’d recommend wearing a non-restrictive sundress in a dark color or baggy pants and a tee. The cosmetic bronzer, which is used to see where the solution is being placed, will come off on clothes (yet is machine washable). If you have errands to run afterward, definitely bring something black to wear. Do not wear tight clothes like jeans because it will rub the tan off; the bronzer is unable to wash out of nylon, silk and wool. Be sure to bring flip-flops or shoes that will not rub your feet too much.

If you’ve followed my steps above, you’re all set to get your airbrush! Communicate to your airbrush specialist about what color you’re going for. They are going to be just as meticulous as you are about your tan – they’ve been in your position before – so be sure to explain any concerns or questions you may have.

The whole process takes around 30-minutes and includes a full-body application, which consists of the entire body, face, hands and feet. Some places offer half-body options, tan-line corrections and even body sculpting (abs, here I come!). Once finished, carefully put your clothes on and haul it home to relax. Consider this a full excuse to veg out on the couch and watch some TiVoed shows you’ve missed.

Maintaining your tan is fairly simple. Wait eight to twelve hours before showering so the DHA can develop and the solution will set on your skin. If you can sleep in it overnight, it’s worth getting your sheets a little dirty (remember, it washes right out!). Once you take your first shower, avoid loofahs and sponges and any kind of wash/scrub that exfoliates. This takes the tan off quicker than you’d like. When in the shower, you’ll notice the water is brown. That’s the cosmentic bronzer I was refering to earlier. It isn’t permanent and is removed. That is not your tan coming off. What you’ll be left with is a beautiful, natural glow once you pat-dry or air dry off (avoid rubbing). To be sure your tan lasts the longest, moisturize moisturize moisturize! Once in the morning and once at night.

So that’s all there is to it. It takes a little dedication, but if you’re patient your tan will turn out beautiful, natural, and best of all, chic!