© 2010 BLUSH BEAUTY INC.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Customized Airbrush Tanning
Now available at Blush (beauty boutique) in Milwaukee, WI
Services
  • $40 for one session Body Contouring can be added on $10
  • $35 for 6-9 sessions
  • $30 for 10 or more
  • Buy 5 tans, get 1 FREE touchup
  • Buy 10, get 1 Spa Prep & Exfoliation package FREE
  • Touch Up $25 (must be booked within 7 days of first tan)
  • Half Body $25 (upper or lower)
  • Custom Tanning starts at $10

Airbrush Tanning FAQ's
How do I prepare for my airbrush tan?
Please shower, exfoliate and shave prior to your appointment. Avoid using deodorant, lotion or makeup. When you use an exfoliant, choose a water-based DO NOT use an oil based product as it will interfere with the tanning process. We will give you further instructions once you have scheduled your appointment with us (or use the link below to download and print).

How long will my airbrush tan last?
The longevity of a sunless tan depends on the skin's natural exfoliation process, and on the skincare regimen followed before and after application. A sunless tan received at a salon or spa, will last longer than an at-home application as there is usually a greater percentage of DHA used.

The "life span" of a sunless tan also depends on your skin's natural exfoliation. Skin naturally replaces itself every 28 days, so with any type of tan, it will fade if not cared for properly. The faster your skin turns over, the faster the sunless tan will fade. The tan created by the DHA affects only the top layer of the skin and will begin to fade after 4 to 5 days as the skin naturally begins to exfoliate.

Following a good skin care regimen before and after sunless tanning will help a sunless tan last longer. Exfoliating prior to a sunless tanning application and keeping skin moisturized afterwards are essential. Sunless tan-extending products with a light self-tanning bronzer containing DHA (Dihydroxyacetone), will help hydrate skin and maintain even, natural-looking color longer.

How do I care for my airbrush tan?
After tanning, wear loose fitting clothing for at least eight hours and no moisturizing, swimming, exercising/sweating or showering for 6-10 hours. When you shower, use a moisturizing body wash to keep the skin moist; it should also be non-medicated. Avoid hard scrubbing; it will remove your tan. When drying off, pat the skin dry and don't rub. You should moisturize twice a day. When you purchase your tan, you will receive a client instructional handout with more detailed information.

How long does it take?
Upon arrival the tanning process will only take about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Should I moisturize before a sunless tan?
You should use a moisturizer regularly to keep your skin hydrated and healthy, which will contribute to a more even, natural-looking sunless tan. However, it is recommended NOT to apply moisturizers 2 hours prior to self tanning and often beginning only after your first shower. A moisturizer applied immediately prior to self tanning could interfere with the reaction of the DHA (the active self tanning ingredient) with your skin. Any moisturizer applied immediately after self tanning could cause streaking and also interfere with the reaction of DHA. When you do use a moisturizer, we recommend using one which contains a light bronzer to provide skin with subtle color and extend your sunless tanning results.

Why is keeping skin moisturized essential to maintain great sunless results?
It is important to keep skin moisturized after sunless tanning as dry, flaky skin will slough off faster and color will fade sooner. Sunless tan-extending products with a light self-tanning bronzer help hydrate skin and maintain even, natural-looking color longer by providing subtle bronzers.

How frequently do you recommend spray-tanning session? Can I do it several days in a row?
The frequency of sunless tanning application depends on your skin cell turn over and preference of color intensity.  Each application is custom blended, so communicate with your technician on the depth of bronze that you’d like to achieve. You can control the intensity of a sunless tan by repeating your spray application for darker results. It is best to wait at least 2 to 3 hours between applications to allow the DHA to react and set on the skin before applying a "second coat."

Why do I need to wear sunscreen even if I have a sunless tan?
Although you may feel and look like you have a real tan, a sunless tan is only the temporary appearance of a tan and therefore provides your skin with no real sunburn protection. It is absolutely necessary you wear a sunscreen when outdoors to protect your skin from burning.

Why do some sunless tanners make me turn orange?
It can be a combination of the type of sunless tanner used and the level of DHA (the active sunless tanning ingredient). Sunless Tanners have come a long way since their introduction in the 1960’s. Traditional sunless tanners relied solely on DHA to create a temporary 'tan.' Recently, many sunless tanners started including Erythrulose, a similar type ingredient that delivers a more golden color to the skin, whereas DHA tends to be more red/orange. The use of these two sunless tanning ingredients together and with the right balance allows for a more golden-brown hue and a more natural-looking 'tan.' In addition, Erythrulose takes longer to react than DHA, therefore allowing for longer lasting sunless color.

Pre and Post Tan Maintenance
Before you Tan
On the day of your treatment: On the morning of your tanning appointment (or the night before) you should exfoliate entire body. Exfoliation will remove the dead skin that would otherwise flake off and helps to promote even coverage and lengthen the duration of your tan.  When you exfoliate, pay particular attention to your face neck and chest, as well as the lower half of your legs, knees and ankles, top of feet, toes, elbows, and knuckles. We strongly suggest the use an exfoliating scrub that is dry or water based. You MUST NOT use a product that contains oil.

Avoid soaps like Dove and Aveno, Oil of Olay and Caress (these products are too moisturizing and will alter skins ph balance causing unfavorable results) using a face cloth, scrubbing mitt or loofah is also recommended.  Use a pumice stone on feet if necessary. It is best to shave at least 8 hours before your tanning appointment.

DO NOT apply any moisturizer, oil, perfume, or use any deodorant until after your post-tanning shower. Lotions perfume and deodorant will act as a barrier and prevent the DHA spray from contacting with the skin (by shortening the life of your tan or causing patchy effect on your skin) and can also effect the development of the color adversely. The same applies to your face and the wearing of make-up.  Your skin must be thoroughly clean to assure a proper, even application.

What to Wear
Wear dark loose fitting clothing, (no jeans), along with flip flops or sandals to/after your tanning appointment. During your session wear a dark colored garment of your preference (swim suit or undergarment). The DHA Spray solution washes out of clothing very easily but may stain wool, silk, and nylon materials.

Post-Tan Care
You will see immediate results after you have had the solution applied.  This is because of the bronzer that has been added to guide the technician in seeing where they have placed the product on your skin. It also has the advantage of giving you immediate gratification of having a healthy and natural looking tan.  This bronzer is not permanent.  It will wash off when you shower for the first time.  This will not affect your real tan, which has developed underneath the bronzer. So what you see after you have showered is the results of the DHA developing on your skin. Do not be alarmed at any discolored water going down the shower drain. (If it is raining, please have an umbrella available after your appointment.  You may want to bring a towel to place on your car seat if it is leather or light colored and what you are wearing doesn’t have to cover most of your body.)

Following the Application:
Immediately following your tanning application wait to shower for at least 8-10 hours, it is imperative (until after your post tan shower) that you avoid:
  • Washing your hands (palms are fine) or wearing tight clothing.
  • Exercise or Perspiring immediately after tanning will alter the chemical reaction of the DHA.
  • Swimming or immersing yourself in water.
  • Applying moisturizer
  • Wearing shoes or socks after tanning session if your feet sweat, the sweat can turn your feet yellow- Flip flops, sandals, or slip-on shoes are a good choice.

Post-Tan Shower:
Wait at least 8-10 hours after your tanning application before showering or bathing. You need to allow enough time for the reaction to take place however the longer you wait to shower, the longer your tan has to develop. We recommend that you shower the following morning. Do not be alarmed if you see color washing off the first time you shower as this is just the cosmetic surface bronzer color application. Your skin will continue to tan as the self-tan reaction works on your skin.

Maintenance
Apply a moisturizer the morning and evening after your post-tan shower. Well-hydrated skin is essential in maintaining a longer life to your tanning treatment.  The way the tan fades and the length of time it lasts is dependent on how each person naturally sheds his or her skin. Note: lotions containing Alpha Hydroxyl Acids are used to increase exfoliation therefore their use will accelerate the fading process in your tan.

Products to Avoid that Can Damage your Tan
  • Hair inhibiting moisturizers (can discolor your tan)
  • Products that contain Alpha Hydroxyl Acids, Glycolic and Salicylic Acids
  • Retin-A type products
  • Anti-Cellulite or Anti-aging body products
  • Daily use of a loofah, exfoliating mitt, or scruff (use wash cloth or shower poof only)
  • Exfoliating scrubs

When you do shower, make it a quick warm (not hot) shower and use a mild moisturizing shower gel. Avoid bar soaps especially the deodorant type. Gently pat your skin with a soft towel and while still damp, liberally apply a good moisturizer continue to moisturize at least twice a day we recommend a moisturizer with tan extenders. Your tan will gradually fade over the next week.  The use of tan extenders can help prolong the life of your tan.
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