Spray Tan Basics

I miss summer! I think I suffer from season depression disorder (and it's only November). You know what would make me feel better? A healthy glow! No, I don't want to be one of those tanning booth tanorexics. Those days went out for me in college when, after a steady month of tanning booth visits, a really cute football player told me I was starting to look like an oompa loompa.

I decided to try the new wave, the professional spray tan! I just didn't want a Ross from Friends situation (he forgets to turn around and ends up looking like an oompa loompa too.) I did end up having such a positive experience I want to share with you some tips to ensure you end up with a beautiful healthy glow.

First step, find a reputable shop. Word of mouth is always a good idea, if you know of no one who has done the spray tan check out www.mystictan.com for a location near you. Mystic Tan is very reputable, I would consider them the leader in spray tan technology.

After you have found your salon book an appointment. If you are tanning for a specific event then I suggest a trial run maybe two weeks before the event. If you are pleased with the results then book another appointment about 3 or 4 days before the actual event. This will allow the color to "settle in".

On the day of your appointment shower and exfoliate. Use a loofah and shower gel OR try a body scrub. This will ensure an even application.

At the salon you will probably be given an instructional video to watch but just in case, check out the online video at Mystictan.com. The video explains the whole procedure and what you need to do. Some important steps the video will review: hold your breath when the spray is going off (for about 14 seconds and it's very challenging), when spray stops turn around and more importantly where to apply the lotion to block the spray (feet and hands). The reason you block the spray from these areas is that due to the excess wrinkles and creases the spray will settle around those areas and cause tell-tale white veiny looking areas in the creases. You will be screaming "Spray Tan". In fact, next time I go I will be more thorough with the cream, I had some of those white creases.

When you leave the spray booth you will be given towels to wipe down and remove any excess spray. Make sure you wipe not blot. This is also important so that you do not ruin your clothes, though I would not wear anything too nice anyway. You won't see any color at first, it takes a couple of hours to emerge. The color lasts 4-7 days and to stretch it as far as it can go moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

I can't tell you the boost it gives me to have a bit of a tan in the cold days of fall and winter without the worry of cancer. Don't get me wrong? this is not a weekly pick me up. This is a special treat I will do when I'm really down in the dumps or if I have a special event. The treatment is pricey $30 - $40 a visit. Many places offer package deals but still they are not cheap. I purchased a package of 3 for $75 and plan to stretch it out over a long New England winter.

About The Author

Valerie is mother of 2 and co-founder of http://www.million-dollar-mama.com a website devoted to helping mothers rediscover their favorite hobbies like travel, fitness and girls night out.

val@million-dollar-mama.com

---

Contact Lenses and Dry Eyes

Until recently, contact lenses and dry eyes seemed to come hand in hand. Modern technology, however, has developed several ways for contact lens wearers to deal with dry eyes. When eyes become dry,... Read More

Human Hair Extensions Create Beautiful Long Hair Styles Instantly

As you glance across virtually every print medium such as newspapers, magazines and catalogs, there seems to be one thing in common as far as hair cut styles is concerned. The long hair... Read More

The Revolution in Skin Care

Q: With so many skin care products on the market today, how do you know which one is right for you?A: I encourage you to become a label reader.The latest trend in skin... Read More

What Is This Passion for Tanning?

Tanned skin is very popular among gorgeous women. Everybody wants to have attractive bronzed looks. Whether you are on a date, a business trip or partying, a perfect tan can make you the... Read More

Tips on Choosing the Best Skin Care Product for You

Your face is the first thing that people notice when they meet you. So, it is no wonder that skin care is big business! Millions are spent each year to treat acne, under... Read More

Natural Anti Aging Formula to drive you Nuts!

The beauty world is going nuts this season. From coconut in your moisturisers to almonds in your lip balm... nuts are everywhere. Nut and seed oils such as sesame and grape seed are... Read More

Cosmetic Surgery Procedures - Buttock Lift

Every patient has their own individual needs for plastic surgery. Reshaping the buttock to the region of one's body can be performed by a procedure called the buttock lift. Depending on the patient,... Read More

Plastic Surgeons: Texas

The decision to enhance the body by surgical alteration is a weighty one. There are many dilemmas facing a person who wishes to undergo cosmetic surgery some of which include financial reasons, social... Read More

Contact Lenses - A Beginners Guide To Inserting & Removing Them The Right Way

I must admit that putting contact lenses in for the first time is a bit awkward. The natural reflex when any object comes close to the eye is to automatically close the eye.... Read More

Collagen in Skincare

Collagen is one of the main constituents of our skin. Located in the dermis, it is responsible for the resistance and integrity of the tissue. Collagen is a protein that serves as a... Read More

Natural Mineral Makeup, a Natural Alternative to Greasy Makeup

Mineral Makeup is a natural alternative to acne causing and pore clogging oil based makeups that dominate the market. Cosmetics are big business, but just because something costs more doesn't mean it's better... Read More

Simple Beauty - 10 Tips that are Free and Easy

It is simple to look and feel more beautiful starting today. You can even put away your pocketbook because these tips are free.1. Smile... it will brighten your day and others around you... Read More

Should You Get Plastic Surgery?

These days, plastic surgery is often much maligned, and while the apparent levity with which it is sometimes undertaken and its almost epidemic-type spread can seem rather worrying, the benefits of plastic surgery... Read More

Modern SkinCare from an Age Old Source

Beauty from the Inside Out- The Rooibos plant Aspalathus linearus contains a host of natural antioxidants, the new buzzword for a healthy lifestyle. The antioxidant in Rooibos helps to neutralise damaging free radicals... Read More

Skin Calling: Pure-Plant and Vitamin Topical Solutions for Youthful Skin

In today's busy, stressful and at times rat race world, women and men are aging before their years. The next time you reach for that cigar or ette, try reaching for your skin... Read More

Deep Vein Thrombosis...an In Flight Risk

DVT?an in flight riskby Cathy Gatson Planning to do some long distance traveling this summer be it train, plane or automobile?here is some important information to pack with you to avoid this trip... Read More

What You Need To Know About Tanning Beds

Tanning beds and sun lamps provide the ultimate in relaxation and beauty! No more worries about the weather, how crowded the beach is, and if you've got enough time to soak up those... Read More

Discover Why Tanning Beds Wed Technology With Cosmetics

Since a sun tan tan is in vogue, it has created high demand for tanning equipment such as tanning beds and tanning booths. This has motivated research for sophisticated and affordable tanning equipment.Many... Read More

16 Tips to Looking + Feeling Great

Do you want to improve the quality of your life? Do you want to look and feel better than you have in years ? maybe better than you ever have before? Do you... Read More

Tanning Bed Lights - The heart of your Tanning Bed !

Much like the way the overwhelming power of the Ferrari emanates from her gentle and supreme engine, the power of the tanning bed lies in the tanning bed lights that make up the... Read More

Effective Make-up and Beauty Tips and Products: Dos and Donts, Avoid These Most Common Mistakes!

With the amount of importance given to make-up these days, many women just tend to do a bit too much. Getting the right make-up for the particular occasion is the call of the... Read More

Winter Skin Savers

Do you have the winter skin blues? Is the itching and flaking driving you crazy? Don't worry; you can take steps to protect and soothe your body's largest organ. With proper care, healthy,... Read More

5 Steps to Clear Skin

Step One: Reduce excess oil secretionAccutane is a derivative of vitamin A and reduces the secretion of oil by the oil glands.Foods that supply the body with Vitamin A and beta-carotene (which is... Read More

Skin Type - Do You Know Yours?

In order to care for your skin properly you must first determine the type of skin you have. There are 5 types of skin: Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination and Problem Skin.Normal:The skin is... Read More

Taking Photos While Youre Protecting Your Skin

If you're a shutterbug like me, and you enjoy taking photos outdoors, you will often find yourself in direct sunlight.Other than protecting yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses,... Read More

Japanese Hair Straightening

By now, I'm sure you've heard of the hair straightening process invented in Japan that has swept America and made countless women forever grateful to it's hair-transforming powers. It goes by several different... Read More

Cool Tattoos

Practitioners admit it hurts like hell and speech is initially difficult, but claim that the surprise factor of sticking out their tongues at unwary persons is worth the effort.For those seeking out cool... Read More

Beauty Tip: Foundation Secrets For A Flawless Complexion

1. For a natural look your foundation must match your skin tone. Test foundations along your jawline. You will know the best color because it will disappear into your skin.2. Spread foundation on... Read More

What Diet Your Skin Needs: Find Out!

There is no denying the fact that appropriate diet not only benefits your health, but also your SKIN. A stressful life (inadequate care) and unhealthy eating are two major reasons for poor skin... Read More