Sunless Tanning Suggestions

Updated on April 19, 2008
T.J. asks from Los Alamos, NM
29 answers

I am in a wedding mid-april and do not tan easily. I've tried to go to tanning beds but my skin is so sensitive I break out in a rash. Wondering if any one has tried one of the salon sunless spray tans and can tell me is it worth the money? Does it look natural? How far in advance should I get it? I want to try it out before the wedding so it has time to ware off in case it looks bad. I don't want anything drastice just a little color to my very pale skin!! Any input would be nice.

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So What Happened?

I appreciate all your responses. I think I'm going to try a salon mystic tan. I will let you all know how it turns out! I have used all the creams/lotions/foam before, but I just don't have the time or want to hassel with that right now. All your input has been very helpfull!! Thanks again!

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S.M.

answers from Phoenix on

I also have very sensitve skin. I actually still am able to tan though thanks to the salon called Maui Tan in Peoria off 83rd and Beardsly. I love this place. It is very clean and the owner there was able to get me a lotion for sensitive skin and that seem to do the trick. I really recommend the best bed there. I forget what it is called. Just ask for the best bed. It is pricey but, I only have to go once a week to maintan my tan and that is what I need with two young boys! It took three sessions to get a base and I noticed a difference after the first session. The bed is amazing. It has this misting system with lavender in it to help relax you. It is like my little getaway! LOL I hope you try it out. I really love it.

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C.F.

answers from Phoenix on

I have never had any bad experiences with the sunless tanning. I would give it a try here soon to, like you said, see what happens.

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J.X.

answers from Phoenix on

I've done the mist-on tanning (where you go in the booth and it sprays you) and I love it. I have an olive skin tone though, so if you are really pale I would suggest going a few weeks ahead of time as a tester. If you like it, go the day before the wedding. I suggest exfoliating in the shower the morning before you "tan" because then it will last longer. Another option is to do airbrush tanning. In that situation someone actually sprays you so the results are usually better (more even). You also have more control over the coloring with airbrush - and you don't with the mist-on tanning. Good luck!

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P.T.

answers from Phoenix on

Although, I have not yet tried it, I hear that it works pretty well. My suggestion would be to try it now and make usre that you like the way it looks.
Good luck

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J.N.

answers from Phoenix on

I've tried it. It doesn't last very long. It looks the best on the 2nd/3rd day. Make sure you use the lotion they provide to protect your elbows and ankles from turning too dark and orange. It only last about 5 days for me. I would try it way before the big day to make sure it works for you. It takes about a week to completly fade. I had it done right before I went to Hawaii. I would do it again.

J.
www.2traveltheworld.worldventures.biz

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A.

answers from Las Cruces on

Hi T.. I sell Mary kay and we have a great sunless tanning lotion. My director has had her daughter testing it out and she loves it. Let me know if you're interested.

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M.H.

answers from Tucson on

Hi T. J, I have tried TanTowel. I am very happy with the results your skin doesn't turn orange,they moisturizies they have The Classic-results with a sun kiss glow with fair to medium skin tone.
www.tantowel.com I hope this information is helpful.

All my best to you! M.

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J.B.

answers from Phoenix on

I have tried so many products, and am in love with one called ST. Tropez.(prounced, San Tropee) I'm sure you can find it sold online, otherwise it's sold in beauty supply stores. It is a foam, the most natural looking tanner, and it will last for about a week. Everytime I have worn it people comment on my beautiful natural looking tan!! It's worth the time to try it out!!

G.S.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi T.,
I have a wonderful new product that is called Subtle Tanning Moisturizing cream. Would love to talk to you about it. My products all have a Money back satisfaction guarentee.
G. S. web link marykay.com/gstakemiller.com

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R.J.

answers from Phoenix on

I highly recommend Tan Towels. You can purchase them from Beauty Brands stores (I go to Arizona Ave. & Ocotillo). They are like a baby wipe but with sunless tanning lotion in them.

They are fool-proof and as long as you wash your hands and knuckles - you won't end up with dark palms.

Since your pale, I'd get the normal. For normal complexions - I recommend the deeper color.

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C.M.

answers from Phoenix on

I've tried the sunless tanning a couple times and it seems to work well. Its a little smelly though. Something that works well for me is the Jergins natural glow lotion. I figure I have to put lotion on everyday, I may as well get a tan. Its not smelly or streaky. I just apply it everyday and it works really well. Another good thing is it cost a lot less than the spray stuff.

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R.O.

answers from Phoenix on

Hello, in my experiences, spray tans work great. They only really last a couple days though, so I would suggest trying it first to see how it looks on you and how long it takes to set into the right shade for you. It can usually take 1-2 days to fade into the perfect shade.

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C.B.

answers from Phoenix on

I LOVE spray on tans - like Mystic Tan! There is a little bit of a "learning curve" to avoid lines, etc., so I would try it once before doing it for the wedding to make sure you have a good technique. The spray tans are a little bit more money, but they last approximately a week and look very natural. I would do a spray tan day before or morning of.

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T.M.

answers from Albuquerque on

Airbrush tanning is great! I did it before my wedding, back in 04. You can have it done in most tanning salons. You should do atleast 3 sessions before the wedding, and have the last session the day before the wedding. =)

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C.V.

answers from Phoenix on

T., I market a product through Arbonne International that can help you if you are interested. If you have sensitive skin this product should work without giving you a rash. Arbonne uses only the best botanicals with as little as possible preservatives. Please email me and I will send you a before and after and let you try it for a few days without purchasing it. It does not turn you orange:)
C. Valdez
###-###-#### ____@____.com

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C.L.

answers from Albuquerque on

I use to go to a tanning salon years ago. Around the time I cancelled my membership, they had just installed one of those sunless tanning sprays. The manager had told me it was similar to the tanning beds in that you needed to go a few times a week to get your base tan. Once you've reached the shade you wanted, you had to maintain by going once a week. I don't know what the prices are like now, but it use to be $15 per spray on session. It would be cheaper to buy the lotions. I use to turn orange with the lotions which is why I just used the tanning beds. The only self tanner that didn't turn me orange is from Arbonne. That was impressive to me.

C.

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W.V.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi T.,
I am also very pale and alergic to the sun which is hard in Arizona! The sunless tanning is worth it. I would try it out once before the big event to make sure that you like it. It lasts about 1 week and usually comes off fairly evenly so that it isn't too obvious. You will want to do it at least day before the event (probably 2) as you can not shower for ate least hours after doing it and it does have an oder the first day. I like to do mine in the afternoon or evening and know I won't be showering until the next morning. Also I don't shave right before I go in as your pores are open and it may leave some darker marks depending on your skin. The morning of is fine if you go in the afternoon.
Be sure to watch the video that they give you and wipe down well when you are done and do not whear light colored clothing as it will rub off on your clothes!

Hope you like it and this was helpful!

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M.O.

answers from Albuquerque on

Hi T.. Let me just say that I have had VERY bad experiences with spray-on tanning! You're going to laugh, but I did it the day before my brother's wedding, in which I was a bridesmaid, and I was completely orange! I ruined all of their pictures because I looked terrible! It was really sad and pretty embarrassing!
Hopefully if you decide to do the air brush tanning it will work out better for you!
I love being tan, so I'm always looking for ways to be "tan" without the sun. I know that Arbonne International carries a product called "Made In the Shade" self-tanner with SPF 15. I had not tried this particular product because I was scared that I would be orange! But, my friend (who is also very fair)who lives in Seattle, was telling me how much she loves it, so I decided to give it a try. It's awesome! It's the absolute best self-tanner I have ever used, and I think I've tried most of them! If you're intersted, you can check out my website at: www.mandyolsen.myarbonne.com or www.arbonne.com. Let me know if you'd like to order some, and I'll get it for you at the wholesale price. Just let me know! Good luck!
Sincerely,
M. O.
Area Manager and Independent Consultant
Arbonne International
www.mandyolsen.myarbonne.com
____@____.com
###-###-####

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J.P.

answers from Albuquerque on

Mary Kay has a tanning lotion that I use. Dosen't make you orange and the more you apply the darker you can get. I always use it before I go on vacation anywhere.

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C.M.

answers from Flagstaff on

Hey T.! I have not tried the salon spray tans but I have tried a gradual tanner by Jergens.It is called Jergens Natural glow. It is a good price and I loved the way my skin looked. It made it not only tan but smooth and glowing. Hope this helps!

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M.W.

answers from Flagstaff on

I have not tried the salons sunless tan spray but my girlfriend has. I think it was very natural looking and liked it. I have tried the lotions that turn you orange.. but dawn dish soap takes them off very well. Good Luck!

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A.M.

answers from Phoenix on

I would get referrals from friends on where they went for their spray tans. I've had it done before and it didn't look natural. My feet and hands looked horrible. You basically shouldn't put any clothes on or move till it dries or you get lines. Your basic lotions like Caress have ones that you apply and get a little color each time you use it. And remember there's nothing wrong with beautiful pale skin. Good Luck and have fun at the wedding!

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A.H.

answers from Phoenix on

I had it done last summer and it worked pretty well. It looks pretty darn good for at least the first week I would say. Then, you can tell and it starts getting kind of spotty. If you keep up on it, I understand it looks good all the time. I'm just not that good about going all the time to get it re-done. I thought it was fairly successful for me, but I think it also depends on how your skin takes it. It is very easy though and I liked it a lot better than getting my skin fried! I did it when I was pregnant.

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J.S.

answers from Albuquerque on

I too am pale and don't tan easily but love getting a sunless. The best one is NOT the one that you get in a booth but rather find someone who uses an air sprayer - kind of like getting yourself spray painted! It has a much even color to it. Also, make sure that for at least a week before hand you exfoliate and moisturize vigorously everyday. You'll get the best color if your skin is in good shape. The day of, exfoliate and moisturize too but make sure it is a water based moisturizer, not an oil based one. I like to do two sessions a day apart about 3-4 days before any event - this gives it time to blend in evenly with your skin but not enough time that it starts fading and wearing off as your body sheds skin cells. You'll also want to take care in the shower to NOT exfoliate after you get the desired color but still moisturize, moisturize, moisturize - I have found that baby oil on wet skin is best and let your skin air dry - again no towel means less dead skin cells that you lose. I think it is totally worth the money. Good luck!!!

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B.N.

answers from Phoenix on

HI T.
i HAVE DID THE SPRAY TAN AND THE TANNING BEDS. IF YOU HAVE THE TIME TO GRADUALLY DO THE TANNING BEDS THEY ARE GREAT AND BELIVE IT OR NOT IT MAKES MY SKIN FEEL BETTER. I DID NOT CARE FOR THE SPRAY BUT I HAVE A FRIEND WHO ABSOULTY LOVED IT AND IT LOOKED GREAT ON HER. I HOPE THIS HELPS.

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J.C.

answers from Phoenix on

Hello T.,

Just letting you know my own experience. I was going back home to Denmark and didnt want to come back home without a tan coming from AZ, so I went to a tanning salon where you take your cloth off and go inside a shower like room and close your eyes and these long tubes spray the tannning all over your body. It wasnt cheap and it smeared on the cloth when I got dressed, and wasn't exactly even. Personally I would never do it again, it is kind of obvious that it's a fake tan, because it does tan where you would normally not be tanned. But I like the self tanning creams, some of those are fairly good and can do the job. Neutrogena is one of the better ones. Good luck. Jytte

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T.M.

answers from Phoenix on

Have you ever heard of Arbonne? we have the best spray on tanner that has no chemicals!
Plus our Bronser is fantastic!!

check out my website,
T.
www.tesabartell.myarbonne.com

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J.H.

answers from Phoenix on

White skin is beautiful and healthier.I have it I used the neutrogena line. I have sensative skin as well. But maybe your skin is telling you its fine the way it is. Pale skin is really quite beautiful. Neutrogena for fair skin. always exfoliate before applieing to clean skin. Better results. They make a special one for the face, non-pore clogging. And tanning beds carry alot of bacteria, and arnt always cleaned well, try a standing up one where you dont touch anything. My friend one time got a rash all over from a bed and never had a problem before but everyone sweats in them and who knows.Add a little dust on shimmer it will give you the glow you feel on your special day. I love those powders, it gives you a rosy shine and softness.

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V.R.

answers from Albuquerque on

I've tried lots of them----I think the Neutrogena (can get at Walmart) is good. Nothing orange. Make sure you cover yourself evenly and wash your hands or you will have orange hands---very unattractive. I am recommending this one because it's affordable and easy. There are many others---all the high end cosmetics have their brand and are approximately $20 and up. The one I am recommending is less than 1/2 that cost.

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