Not exactly frugal...but has anyone ever done the spray tanning?

**Momto2Boyz** · 02-24-2009, 02:16 PM

I tan really well in the summer, so I haven't tanned since I was in high school and thought those things were worth the money!

But my brother is getting married in September, and I'll be wearing a dress with really thin spaghetti straps. I'd like to look my best, and try to cover up the tan lines that I know I am going to have from the summer!

Has anyone ever tried the spray tan? How long does it last? And would it do an okay job at covering up the tan lines or would they just get tanner along with my tan getting tanner? Does that make sense?

I know it isn't too horribly expensive for one visit (right before the wedding) and it'll be safer and cheaper than tanning for weeks before the wedding! Just thought I'd see if anyone has tried it!

**The Muse** · 02-24-2009, 02:21 PM

I bought an HVLP gun from Home Depot for about the same price as one "tanning" session and I bought the salon tanning product online. DH already had an air compressor and is more than willing to paint me.

It lasts a little over a week. I don't know about blending tanlines because I don't tan (mega SPF at all times).

**Thevail** · 02-24-2009, 02:23 PM

I'm afraid I don't even know what chemicals are involved.

You could always just find a couple tops at the thrift store with the same straps for summer.

**Thevail** · 02-24-2009, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by The Muse

I bought an HVLP gun from Home Depot for about the same price as one "tanning" session and I bought the salon tanning product online. DH already had an air compressor and is more than willing to paint me.

It lasts a little over a week. I don't know about blending tanlines because I don't tan (mega SPF at all times).

OMG that is hilarious! Whole new definition of "body" shop.

**elphie** · 02-24-2009, 02:37 PM

I did it a few years ago, when it was brand new and cheap before all the starlets started doing it and drove the prices up, lol. If you go to one of the booth style ones they won't be able to blend it to mask your tan lines but if you choose a place with a person using the spray gun they should be able to do it. As mentioned above it lasts about 1-2 weeks depending on your activities. I would recommend two sessions, one about 2 weeks before the wedding and another about 2-4 days before. I could never see much on my first visit, its kind of a building up process.

Good luck!

**sabrelvssammy** · 02-24-2009, 03:35 PM

but if you are addicted to 'loofah's like i am you will rub it right off...

i wanted one last month before a trip and because i use my loofah everyday they told me it would be gone within a day or two and not to waste my money (the tanning people said this)....

**elphie** · 02-24-2009, 04:02 PM

you might also think about self tanners... some of these come in spray cans and work really well... I have very fair skin and it looks like a tan but a friend with an olive complexion comes out orange with the same product so try it out well before the wedding.

I have also used creams and mix them with lotion to provide a more even application- and I wear latex gloves when applying. If you use more lotion on places like knees and elbows it dilutes the tanning cream so it looks more natural... and you could control yourself the evening out of tan lines. Maybe try it on your stomach first so if its a disaster no one but dh will notice, lol

**wimedtypr** · 03-12-2009, 10:58 PM

Well my daughter did the mistic spray tanning and it does not blend in tan lines and she had orange spots especially like behind the knees elbows,fingernails. It just did not look right. Not sure if the ones they spray on you personally are any better. I would be afraid to try it right before the wedding, what if it does not work out?

**Rosebush3** · 03-13-2009, 07:39 AM

How about don't get tanlines in the first place? Get a strapless, bandeau-type top for the sunbathing where you will be working on your tan and use SPF and cover up otherwise.
Thevail has a nice idea to buy a dress that will suit your tan lines as well.

This is coming from a woman who avoids tanning and excessive sun. I might be pale but my skin is healthy and free of wrinkles and spots.

**LynnLC** · 03-13-2009, 08:27 AM

I am the queen of tanning.I know, I know- bad. The best is Mystic Tan. It does take a little skill to get it just right . If you have a good base "real" tan it looks great. Pale to spray on tan = not so much.

**Momto2Boyz** · 03-13-2009, 08:33 AM

Thanks Lynn for letting me know about the base tan!

I actually started tanning in the bed this week. I went in and talked to the girl at the tanning salon, and she said that if I get a good "base" tan before summer, I probably won't end up with much in the way of tan lines from the real sun.

So I'm going to tan for a few weeks then see how it goes with the real sun. Then I'll just use a self tanner if neseccary to cover up any strap lines!

I wasn't going to tan, becuase I didnt' want to waste the money, but DH actually talked me into it. He told me to treat myself, since I don't do much for myself. And honestly, with this cold weather...a few minutes with no kids in the warm bed, didn't sound too horrible!

**MomToTwoBoys** · 03-13-2009, 11:20 AM

I like the tanning bed way better because you can control the amount of time you're exposed, plus there are tons of awesome tanning products out that help moisturize your skin after being in the beds. I use this yummy smelling Hawaiian Tropic moisturizing lotion for after tanning and I think I spent $2 on it.

My gym has one stand-up and one lay-down bed in their facility. I use it every time I go in and after I'm done, I smell all sorts of awesome when I go to work out.

(I also tan naked. The only person that'll really see me in that bed is God and even then, he's already seen me naked.)

I <3 my gym. I told DH I was going back to going in the evenings, so hopefully I can get into a class and do the tanning bed thing, plus some weight training.

**elphie** · 03-13-2009, 02:13 PM

I know you don't want to hear this but I just have to speak up and say... tanning beds are linked to skin cancer just as greatly as cigarettes are linked to smoking! My dh had skin cancer a few years ago so I just couldn't help speaking up... now, I'll take my "mom hat" off now and say that what any of you do with that info is up to you.

**LynnLC** · 03-13-2009, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by Momto2Boyz

Thanks Lynn for letting me know about the base tan!

I actually started tanning in the bed this week. I went in and talked to the girl at the tanning salon, and she said that if I get a good "base" tan before summer, I probably won't end up with much in the way of tan lines from the real sun.

So I'm going to tan for a few weeks then see how it goes with the real sun. Then I'll just use a self tanner if neseccary to cover up any strap lines!

I wasn't going to tan, becuase I didnt' want to waste the money, but DH actually talked me into it. He told me to treat myself, since I don't do much for myself. And honestly, with this cold weather...a few minutes with no kids in the warm bed, didn't sound too horrible!

I also use the Jergens self tanner/moisturizer (inexpensive) the nights before I use the bed.. Get a nice color twice as fast.

As some have said- I know its not good for you.I don't go that often. It helps with my depression as well. On another note- I smoke as well so I probably have a week left to live. lol Oh wait I drink coffee too...