To Spray Tan or Not To Spray Tan, That is the Question...

And I can tell you... I am alllllllllll about the Spray Tan. MMMMMHMMMM. I prefer my Vitamin D in pill form and if you ask any of my friends or family they will tell you, I'm part Vampire. Allergic to the sun. And the sweating from the sun. No thank you. That being said, once upon a long long time ago... I was not a Spray Tan Fan. Simply because it scared me. (That ooompa loompa orange looks good on NOONE.) So today I thought I would let you in on my thoughts on the different types of spray tanning and a few tips and tricks I have learned along the way...
Why Spray Tan? Let us consider the options.
A. Lay out in the sun (ohhhh the sweat)... for hours ("So what did you do today?" Ummmmm)... in the hopes that you tan and not burn (for us pale-faces). Not to mention the necessity of tanning oils/lotions (coughHasslecough)... and once again, UVB rays (those are the burning ones), they just aren't good for you. Science (and those 70+ year old women at the pool) has taught us this.
B. Use a tanning bed. Ok, so here I still have all of the same concerns minus the time issue. Tanning beds can take as little as 8min.
C. Self-Tan. Ya know, like every beauty guru on YouTube does. I'm gonna be honest, I haven't ever tried... I'm scared of the unknown and the possibility of a streaky, patchy, (dare I say) WONKY tan... And also, HOW am I supposed to reach the hard-to-reach places by mySELF???
Which leaves us withhhhh...
D. Spray Tanning. You get to be indoors. It takes a few minutes. You will not get burned or turned into a crocodile. And you can customize your tan. (I'll take a lil' Snooki with my Jwoww, please...)
What is this Stuff? When I first started spray tanning, I didn't understand the process I was putting my skin through. I didn't even think to find out what type of chemicals I was putting on my skin. So I  was a little relieved to learn that the main ingredient in most solutions is DHA, a carbohydrate compound usually derived from beets or sugar cane. The reason your skin changes color is not because it's a dye or a stain but a reaction to the amino acids in your dead skin cells (yum). And that is why the tans typically last 4-6 days, as you "shed" your dead skin cells, your tan goes with it. 
Keep in mind it can take up to 4 hours for the color from your spray to appear once it's been applied, however, waiting at least 8 hours before showering will increase the darkness of the color and the longevity of the tan. That being said, you can customize your tan. You can add bronzing drops so that you see color instantly. You can add a scent so that you smell pleasant. You can add an accelerator which cuts the developing time in half. These additives can cost extra so make sure you ask first. 
If you are a spray tan-virgin... I suggest going with the basic tan, no extras, to see how your skin reacts. Everyone is different. Even though I am extremely pale, my skin doesn't take the color easily so I have to use a dark solution and add bronzing drops. And even then, sometimes I'm still not dark enough. Also, ask what brand of solution they use and which shades they have. (My favorite brand of solution is Norvell. I like the Venetian but my Bestie is all about their Double Dark.) Keep track of what is used on you incase you don't like the finished look or in case you absolutely LOVEEE the way it turned out. And want it again. And again. And again. Yes, It's addicting. You've been warned. 
Hand-held Vs. Booth... There are two main types of spray tan... Hand-held, where a technician will spray you front to back, head to toe using a spray gun... and a Booth, which is basically a little cubicle similar to a shower with a machine that sprays you. When trying to decide which one is right for you, take two things into consideration... How accurate do you want your tan to be? and How modest are you? If you want a more precise tan, go with the hand-held... If you are on the shy side about showing some skin, the booth may be the better option for you... At least to start with. Personally, I like the convenience of the booth. It's quick and private, but not perfect. If I want perfect, I call my spray tan technician. 
Tips!      Before...

• Shave and exfoliate THE DAY BEFORE you spray.
• Don't put anything on your skin before going to tan. No lotions, oils, perfume, makeup, nothing. However, you can wear chapstick/lipbalm on your lips to keep them from being tanned.
• Wear dark, loose fitting clothes to the salon. And whatever you are most comfortable with underneath. Bikini, bra and panties, your choice. Girls, if you don't want tan lines- you don't NEED to wear a top. Guys, don't get over excited- bottoms are always required. 
• Use a barrier cream. If you don't see one, ask for it. This will help prevent the dreaded "Orange fingers/toes". It happens, so be prepared. The skin on your hands and feet are simply drier than any other parts of your body and will absorb the most color. (You also might want to use a little on your elbows and knees if you are extremely dry.)
• Get your nails/facials/massage/wax/whatever done the day BEFORE (or AFTER your initial shower). 
• Ask questions. Don't be scared, if you want to know something, ASK.
• MOST IMPORTANTLY... DON'T decide the day before your big event (Wedding/Prom/Etc.) to get your first spray tan. Try it out a couple weeks before to see how your skin reacts and what customizations you may need or want.

     After

• Don't get wet. Don't sweat. You will have water streaks or spots if you do...
• Wait the 8 hours before showering if you can. Truthfully, I prefer to tan in the evening so that I can just sleep in the solution and shower the next morning. 
• Stay Moisturized. The more hydrated you keep your skin, the longer your tan will last.
• Don't exfoliate. This will literally rub your tan right off. Don't do it.
• AVOID the pool. Chlorine will detoriorate your tan quickly. I learned this when the bestie and I went to Aquatica. We walked in, brown biscuits. We walked out, transparent...
• Don't buy all new makeup for your "tanned look". You don't need it, the spray tan actually gives decent coverage, similar to a foundation. It hides your imperfections and evens out your skin tone. Just use a little moisturizer and bronzer and you are good to go. (I usually use a bb cream and my Benefit Hoola bronzer as a face powder)

I'm super excited right now because I am officially working with a tanning salon in town and will be spray tanning all of Saint Cloud, Fl. in the very near future. Whether they want it or not... I kid, I kid. Got any questions for me? Or maybe I left something out?? Or do you disagree and prefer a different method of tanning altogether??? Let me know in the comments!!! Xoxoxo