Preferred methods for pre-comp tanning

[Merrylegs]

I am hoping that my fellow DF-ers can help me out by answering a few questions for me.

So, we all know we need to be tan for competitions. Do you use a self tanner? Do you apply it yourself or do you go to a salon/shop? Do you use the Mystic Tan or airbrush tanning?

If a convenient way of getting airbrush tanned was available, would you use it? What if it came to you—at your house or dance studio?

Would you tan at the comp the night or day before your event? Say, in the same way you would get your hair or makeup done when there is a vendor on site (at the hotel)?

Thanks in advance. Your honesty is appreciated!

[Meagan]

I self tan at home. I would looooove to be able to get it done somewhere that was fast and convenient (and only required 1 coat) but its just too expensive for my budget.

If I wasn't concerned about budget I would probably be concerned about using a new tanner the night before an event I was in while already at the competition...but if I was already happy with the results I knew I would get it would be awesome to just show up at the comp get sprayed and be on my way :p

Hope I was answering the right questions!

[Merrylegs]

Good stuff! Thanks! What if you filled out an info card with your preferred "formula" for tanning and it was kept on file for the next time you tanned to be duplicated?

What if the cost was between $30-$40 depending on whether you traveled to the salon or the tanning came to you? Travel time vs. being at the hotel being a factor yet to be worked out.

[Meagan]

For me it would probably still be too much since the cost of doing it myself is less than half of that...but I also dance Am-Am and we tend to be poorer as a group as it is all too frequently pointed out ;)

Maybe in a few years the convenience factor may be enough since I really don't like tanning haha having a reliable color that essentially travels with you to comps definitely seems appealing

Seems like it could also work really well if you get in with people before they learn how to do it themselves. Just like with everything else (hair, makeup etc.) there's a learning curve with tanning~and if people start getting it done before they learn how to do it themselves probably a stronger chance they'll just stick with that (not sure how you do that? approach the people in the silver/gold level that are still pasty and offer them a free/half off tan the first time?)

[ireniecat]

I do Mystic Tan, usually 2 or 3 times the week before a comp. I pay $11/spray. (That's between $22-$33)

So... if it cost $35-$40 needed only 1 coat and came to me or the hotel, I would give it a try. However, I'm very very pasty, so I would be very leery of waiting until the day before or the day of the comp to try something like this for the first time.

[Standarddancer]

I self-tan at home, using super Brown tanner, which is the one I found to be the most efficient way; I tan the night before for one or two thin layer, then let it dry, then on the day of comp, tan again fully to create that toasty comp look; super brown is pricey, $36 for a bottle, if you want to save money, you can use drug store ones, but takes much longer (requires more layers) to achieve similar results as super brown, usually two layers of super brown could help achieve the tan I want, but at least 5 or 6 layers of drug store tanners.

[Benjy]

I tan at home. I have a product that works, gets me really dark, and is affordable, and though it does stain white costumes, the color washes out, despite being extremely durable on the skin. What more could I want?

I can't see myself ever paying for any sort of spray tan... it's not inconvenient enough to tan myself that it would ever be worth the cost, which is, as I calculate it, at least 7-10 times higher. Spray tan would have to cost no more than fifteen dollars (which would need to get me comp dark) to be even in consideration for me.

[ireniecat]

I can't see myself ever paying for any sort of spray tan... it's not inconvenient enough to tan myself that it would ever be worth the cost, which is, as I calculate it, at least 7-10 times higher. Spray tan would have to cost no more than fifteen dollars (which would need to get me comp dark) to be even in consideration for me.

I have to say I find spray tanning much more convenient than doing it at home. I'm sprayed and dry in 10 minutes and there's no mess.

[DanceJoy]

I use Super Brown.... love it!!


also the same company, Dance Cos, makes a spray on called Sexy Tan that is just spray on color that you can wash off in the shower and has a fixative spray so that it doesn't get all over everything. It may not be dark enough for latin, but it is good for standard. Also good as a final finishing touch to deepen the latin tan. It has a gold shimmer in it which makes it especially good on the legs.

[Benjy]

I have to say I find spray tanning much more convenient than doing it at home. I'm sprayed and dry in 10 minutes and there's no mess.

But spray tanning costs about what I pay for my half of a lesson... and that's about how long tanning takes for me. If I'm dancing Saturday, I apply a coat Thursday night, Friday morning, and Friday night. It's just that easy, and sooo much cheaper.

[TAK]

I use 3-4 coats per comp, at home, mostly drugstore spray, occasionally that Sun Labs lotion stuff. It doesn't get me super toasty dark, but good enough for prechamp. So that costs about $15-20 and under an hour of time (usually more like 30 minutes) per comp. I'm a grad student planning a wedding, plus I do not believe that anything could get me dark enough after 1 application, so honestly it would be hard to get me to pay $30 or more per application of anything. Irenie, how'd you manage to get $11 per Mystic Tan?!

Edited to add, Merrylegs, I never get my hair or makeup done by onsite vendors either. I do those both myself at home.

[ireniecat]

Irenie, how'd you manage to get $11 per Mystic Tan?!

I go to LA Tan (midwest chain) and they always have packages of 5 tans for $55 or 9 tans for $99. You prepay and the package is good for a year. Otherwise, I think it's something ridiculous like $30/per tan.

[ireniecat]

But spray tanning costs about what I pay for my half of a lesson... and that's about how long tanning takes for me. If I'm dancing Saturday, I apply a coat Thursday night, Friday morning, and Friday night. It's just that easy, and sooo much cheaper.

I've just never had much success with doing it on my own. I'm very clumsy with grooming in general, which is why I prefer to not have to worry about it.

[jerseydancer]

I have tried to spray tan myself and found it very messy and stressful. I buy tanning packages in Beach Bum for custom airbrushing and that works great. I need only one session before the comp, I try to do it the day before, or two days if the comp is on Sunday. The cost depends on the amount of sessions in a package, so I am always on the look for good deals.

I am still looking for a solution for my hair. I have it done by different vendors at the comps and none so far was as good as the one that was done by my coach last year. Unfortunately, my coach cannot travel with us to all the comps and do my hair, so I would appreciate any suggestions. So far the hair styles were too big, too weird or they made me 20 years older, and being senior 2, I would like to look younger not older, you know what I mean:)

[Eliska]

I've done a spray tan before, but honestly I have been able to get myself darker doing it myself (and of course it is cheaper). I used to use all these different, expensive, at home tanners, but I found a tanning lotion by loreal, and I swear by it! I start 2 or 3 days before the comp (just a coat each time). You can shower with it because it won't all wash off. Instead, after the 1st coat, when you shower, it evens out beautifully! That way when I apply the other coats I don't have to be as careful because it just all blends in. I highly recommend giving this a try. I love it! And I always receive compliments for how dark and not orange I look ;)

[jerseydancer]

I've done a spray tan before, but honestly I have been able to get myself darker doing it myself (and of course it is cheaper). I used to use all these different, expensive, at home tanners, but I found a tanning lotion by loreal, and I swear by it! I start 2 or 3 days before the comp (just a coat each time). You can shower with it because it won't all wash off. Instead, after the 1st coat, when you shower, it evens out beautifully! That way when I apply the other coats I don't have to be as careful because it just all blends in. I highly recommend giving this a try. I love it! And I always receive compliments for how dark and not orange I look ;) what are your hands look like, so far i have not seen anyone with pretty hands after self-tanning

[JANATHOME]

Mystic Tan. I have done both self tanner and Mystic and just find a spray tan is so much faster and less messy.

Dancing on Saturday I will tan Thursday night, takes a day for it to develop so I am good to go for Saturday yet by Monday when I go back to work it is just about faded so I dont look silly with a tan in the dead of winter!! My skin is on the darker side to begin with so one spray will do it.

I buy in packages of 3 that makes it less expensive. Also if I am wearing a white gown I do the non bronzer spray so it will not damage the gown if I sweat.

No, would not pay more for someone to come to me or a studio. There are tons of places in my area close by where I can go to them. Not a bad idea though, I bet tons of girls would like if the studio offered this.

[Merrylegs]

Thanks everybody for the comments so far. The feedback is invaluable. Here are my thoughts:

I wonder if it's a gender thing. Benjy, I am assuming you are a male by your screen name and so tanning is easier for you because you don't have to worry about legs and back being tanned evenly. Or your arms for that matter. Geesh, guys have it easy! ;)

Solutions vary. How dark you get with airbrush tanning depends on how they tweak the solution. Recently, as a test, I asked for extra dark and boy was I ever. I was the darkest I had ever been--too much for just walking around the grocery store! The coverage was perfect though.

You've probably figured out by now that I am looking into this as a little side business and am gathering research. I appreciate everybody's input.

Would anyone have a problem with the nudity aspect of it? No one has mentioned it yet.

[danceronice]

Before this comp I actually went to a salon (next time we'll go darker) for a spray tan with an airbrush gun. $27 for that, and I did protan over it. I loved it and will go back for the next time. The girl who did it did a great job and it did look so much better.

And I did basically have to strip most of the way. I didn't have a problem with that--the girl doing it was also a dancer and as we both said, that means changing in front of other people quite a bit.

[bluebereft]

how about gradual tan? two weeks before a competition till the day itself.

it's not pasty, goes on easily, and doesn't streak.

[Benjy]

I wonder if it's a gender thing. Benjy, I am assuming you are a male by your screen name and so tanning is easier for you because you don't have to worry about legs and back being tanned evenly. Or your arms for that matter. Geesh, guys have it easy! ;)

Yeah... I actually take care of my partner's back and arms for her. She does a base coat, and then I take care of the rest. I do a lot of her hair too...from what I hear this is not unusual though... many open level couples do this, no?

[GinaM]

As I have discussed with many a couple, having a partner willing (and not TOO scared) to be taught to help with hair is invaluable!!

As for tanning I am an airbrush spray fan, but will change the places I go to depending on the deals they're currently advertising (Groupon and LivingSocial deals, for those in DC, give GREAT coupons occasionally for fake tanning), so it's never full price.

And btw people who work at airbrushing places have seen EVERYthing when it comes to nudity...

[Joe]

Where's TC when you need him?

[Merrylegs]

Where's TC when you need him?

Oh, please don't merge this with the 42 page tanning thread. I am gathering data and these questions will just get lost in the shuffle.

[Merrylegs]

And btw people who work at airbrushing places have seen EVERYthing when it comes to nudity...

Definitely! But does the person being tanned feel uncomfortable?

[AMeader]

I would love to be airbrush tanned, but I have never tried b/c I am worried about spending the money and then not ending up dark enough. However my gym/health club occasionally has deals... maybe then I'd be willing to try.

[GinaM]

@Merrylegs I suppose it all depends on said person's sense of personal modesty :)

@AMeader The place I go to has three options for darkness (I think they refer to it as 8%, 10% or 12% for whatever reason), and the medium one works well enough for me. I'm sure the 12 would get you reeeeally dark, but it's all trial and error.

[AMeader]

Hahaha, considering how pale I am right now, I would probably need the 12%. Good to know; perhaps I will just inquire about their available formulations. Does anyone have any advice regarding "chain store" spray tans? I'm not too concerned about modesty; I was a swimmer in college :)

[TAK]

I wonder if it's a gender thing. Benjy, I am assuming you are a male by your screen name and so tanning is easier for you because you don't have to worry about legs and back being tanned evenly. Or your arms for that matter. Geesh, guys have it easy! ;)

I'm female. I need my partner to help with my back when I spray (I can do it myself with the lotion and a sponge), but we're both pretty good at the whole thing by now. It was weird and streaky maybe the first 4 times, and since then it's been unproblematic (except that, yeah, my hands do look a little weird from up close, but it's hard to tell unless you're looking for it). Back, legs, arms, all fine.

I do use a LOT of the spray though...as much as 2 or 2.5oz each time. Still, at $10 per 5oz bottle that's only $5 per application, which is a fraction of even the MysticTan package rates around here...

[katemclaughlin]

I do use a LOT of the spray though...as much as 2 or 2.5oz each time. Still, at $10 per 5oz bottle that's only $5 per application, which is a fraction of even the MysticTan package rates around here...

What brand do you use??

[Larinda McRaven]

For the sheer convenience of Mystic Tan that has been my standby for years. I only bother with Pro-Tan or other liquids when I am away at the comps for a week at a time without access to Mystic Tan to darken up as it starts to fade. I cannot stand the time commitment and uncomfortableness of trying to Pro-tan myself... the smell, the drippy mess, the ruined towels and sheets and pjs....

But I recently switched to Airbrushing and I love it. Considering my travel schedule is almost 2-3 comps a month it is expensive BUT at twice the cost of a Mystic Tan session it evens out because I get so ridiculously dark after only ONE session instead of 2 or 3 sessions of Mystic.

As for modesty... well my first experience with airbrushing was quite by accident as the Mystic Tan booth was being serviced so they exchanged my appt for airbrushing. I was not quite aware that I would be completely naked in front of her and it was a rather inconvenient time of the month as well, but I just sucked it up and stood spread eagle and figured she had seen it all already.

If it were only tanning 4 or 5 times a year I would go for cheap... but with tanning 30 times a year I am going for speed and convenience.

[TAK]

What brand do you use??

When I can find it, the CVS brand spray (in the darkest level). The water to alcohol ratio seems a little off (it goes on heavy) but the results have always been fine. It's like $8.50 per bottle.

Otherwise, Neutrogena Micro Mist, or a L'Oreal product that I think is called Sublime Bronze (but the can is bronze, not yellow). The L'Oreal stuff is better IMO but the bottle is smaller, so sometimes I run out just before I finish a second coat, which is annoying. Those are like $10.50 around here.

[katemclaughlin]

When I can find it, the CVS brand spray (in the darkest level). The water to alcohol ratio seems a little off (it goes on heavy) but the results have always been fine. It's like $8.50 per bottle.

Otherwise, Neutrogena Micro Mist, or a L'Oreal product that I think is called Sublime Bronze (but the can is bronze, not yellow). The L'Oreal stuff is better IMO but the bottle is smaller, so sometimes I run out just before I finish a second coat, which is annoying. Those are like $10.50 around here.


I usually use the L'Oreal Sublime Bronze also. It's always worked... just looking for something else to try because i can occasionally get tiny bit orange since i'm originally pretty fair skin. Thanks

[middy]

Any suggestions for drugstore brands that are effective if you're already naturally tan(-ish)? I have Asian/olive/golden skin, so no desire to waste my time not darkening and only turning orange. Not quite ready to make the jump into tanning yet, but eventually...

[Eliska]

what are your hands look like, so far i have not seen anyone with pretty hands after self-tanning

My hands are fairly normal. I usually have a friend do it for me so that I avoid the awkward hands. I have a great girl friend who doesn't mind helping out lol. But I do find that with this loreal lotion, if you wash your hands right away it does not stain

[GGinrhinestones]

I swear by spray tanning for competitions. It's convenient and fast, doesn't make a mess, and most importantly it gives me the all-over coverage I can't get on my own (since I don't have a partner to help me out.) I'm very fair, so it usually takes 2-3 coats the week before a competition to get reasonably dark. (And yes, my hands always end up looking strange, no matter what I do, but it's minor since everything else looks even, not-orange, and not-streaky.)

I have recently started using gradual sunless tanning lotions to see if they work - Neutrogena and Jergens both put out good products - and they do give a pretty decent, even tan, but it takes daily applications and I don't get nearly as dark. Not bad for a little bit of color, but not enough for competition. Might work better for someone with a darker natural skin tone, and does work well for evening out and extending the spray tan.

[danceronice]

None of the drugstore brands have ever gotten me even slightly dark (by ballroom standards.)

Next time I will have the airbrush go darker to see if I don't need to protan over it. I don't mind the mess (I destroy my bathroom every time I color my hair anyway) but getting my back is a hassle.

[jjs914]

I use L'Oreal Sublime Bronze and find it's not a huge problem with the hands if I wash them right way and keep cuticles moisturized so they soak up less tanner.

I tan my whole body (I pride myself on the fact that I've gotten good enough to reach my entire back!), then wash my hands twice, moisturize nails and cuticles, then rub some tanner on the back of my hands, between fingers, and on my wrists. It's not always perfect, but it's usually good enough.

I find that 3-4 applications over the week prior to a comp gets me dark enough, and I've had compliments that it looks more natural and less orange than a lot of comp tanning.

To answer the OP's question: I would consider trying airbrushing at a comp, but would be hesitant based on the cost. I'm an Am-Am, and don't have a ton of money...so I usually choose to do it myself and spend a little less.

[Standarddancer]

I tried Mystic Tanning once at Blackpool last year, color nice and quick, just it was so annoying it stained my dress a little bit. So I didn't try it again.

question: airbrush is someone spraying the tanning liquid on you? and Mystic tanning is self-service like press the button so the liquid tanner comes out to you? just want to make sure, I tried the automatic self-service one at blackpool, there was a booth near Winter Garden.

[latervet1]

I would not want to try it first time at the comp but if proven to be nice even dark color before hand i would probably pay 25-30 to get a nice dark tan at a comp.
i currently do mystic tan. have a monthly membership so probably pay about 10 per session overall but it takes me 2 sessions of level 3 to get reasonably dark. 3 sessions turn me more orange than tan so i have never been able to get really dark. it does not wear off nicely, gets very patchy looking.
Am i getting from those of you that have tried it that you think the airbrushing gets you darker than just the mystic cuz i thought it was basically the same stuff.

[GinaM]

Am i getting from those of you that have tried it that you think the airbrushing gets you darker than just the mystic cuz i thought it was basically the same stuff.

Not necessarily darker (not a latin dancer anymore so not as much need for super-darkness), but I personally think it turns out more even, and certainly wears off better (gradual and even, not patchy)

[Larinda McRaven]

For me I get twice as dark in one Airbrush as I do in one MysticTan.... So i only need to go to the salon once instead of twice.

[Merrylegs]

question: airbrush is someone spraying the tanning liquid on you?
and Mystic tanning is self-service like press the button so the liquid tanner comes out to you? just want to make sure, I tried the automatic self-service one at blackpool, there was a booth near Winter Garden.

Yes and yes. Airbrush tanning is a precise application of tanning solution applied to your body. Mystic Tan and other similar brands are the booth. I had a disastrous experience with a Mystic Tan booth where the spray only came out of some of the nozzles and I looked like a calico cat! I had to spend a lot of time filling in the patches.

[Merrylegs]

For me I get twice as dark in one Airbrush as I do in one MysticTan.... So i only need to go to the salon once instead of twice.

That's because they can adjust the amount of DHA in the solution. With other spray tanners (can/bottle) you get what you get.

[Lorelei]

Has anyone found any tanner or makeup that does not run onto white costume during competition? I don't mean staining the dress or shirt from the inside, but sweat running down or soaking the costume/shirt so that orange spots come through and then can't be removed. Thank you!

[fascination]

nope...which is why I simply go the tanning bed route...yes, I appreciate the issues

[DanceJoy]

super brown .... because I shower it off the morning of the comp.. therefore, no tanner residue on my skin to even be sweat off onto the costume!!!

[Larinda McRaven]

super brown

or

super braun

[Lorelei]

Thank you! Will experiment with superbraun and some white t-shirts during practice

[jjs914]

The L'Oreal lotion I use doesn't run when I sweat. It will rub, over time, on the inside of a white shirt.

I also put it on at night and shower any extra off in the morning, so maybe that's the trick.

L'Oreal may not get you dark enough if you need a serious latin tan, but it's always been sufficient for me for smooth...and I show a fair amount of skin for smooth. :rolleyes:

[Lorelei]

Hmm, my experience with Loreal tanner has been not too successful. Perhaps it depends on skin type or how much one sweats. Although I tried it a while ago, so perhaps I will try it again now that I have more experience in tanner application. Thanks!

[danceronice]

Hmm, my experience with Loreal tanner has been not too successful. Perhaps it depends on skin type or how much one sweats. Although I tried it a while ago, so perhaps I will try it again now that I have more experience in tanner application. Thanks!

I really haven't found anything from a drugstore that works for me. It might be skin chemistry--I find ProTan and AeroTan's Sex Symbol look great on my skin, but for some people it turns them all sorts of funky colors. But I don't think 99% of store tanners are meant to get you dark enough to not look washed out under comp lights.

[Lorelei]

ProTan + Aerotan is my combo of choice too, but partner can't use them, it runs

[TAK]

This thread inspired me to buy some of the industrial-strength stuff that is used at airbrushing places and try it at home (sprayed it on with a plastic spray bottle and evened it out wearing gloves -- I found a reviewer who said she applied it that way to good effect). So far, the experience is similar to ProTan, though the color guide isn't quite as dark.

[Larinda McRaven]

I did that too... but applying the airbrush liquid directly, although it did get me dark, was VERY drying and patchy looking when it wore off. So I don't know if I got a different liquid than my airbrush lady uses, or if it really isn't meant to be slathered on but rather lightly misted??

I think part of the original question was would one pay for airbrushing to come to your house or at a competition?
I would pay at a competition if I got there and felt i was not dark enough... or as a touch up during a long comp as the weekend goes on. I wouldn't pay extra for someone to come to my house... because there are enough convenient places where I live and work.

[Meagan]

After thinking a little more on this and from reading others posts I really think it would be key to get people before they really settle into a method...

I know I've had other people rave about other tanners/methods but whether its inertia, or fear of figuring out something new, or just the fact that I'm happy to have finally figured out my own method and just don't want to have to think about it anymore...I stick to my pro-tan.

I'm not saying it would be impossible to convince someone like me to switch or try something different I just think it would be better marketed to 1) pro-am ladies with better funds and competitions that offer that kind of thing and/or 2) people who haven't gone through the process of finding what is right for them yet (cause then there is a higher added convenience of avoiding all that trial and error that gets you to where you are happy)

[Eliska]

I use L'Oreal Sublime Bronze and find it's not a huge problem with the hands if I wash them right way and keep cuticles moisturized so they soak up less tanner.

I tan my whole body (I pride myself on the fact that I've gotten good enough to reach my entire back!), then wash my hands twice, moisturize nails and cuticles, then rub some tanner on the back of my hands, between fingers, and on my wrists. It's not always perfect, but it's usually good enough.

I find that 3-4 applications over the week prior to a comp gets me dark enough, and I've had compliments that it looks more natural and less orange than a lot of comp tanning.

To answer the OP's question: I would consider trying airbrushing at a comp, but would be hesitant based on the cost. I'm an Am-Am, and don't have a ton of money...so I usually choose to do it myself and spend a little less.

Yes! That's the same stuff I use. Love love love it! Everyone thinks it's far more natural looking so it's awesome.

[DanceJoy]

if i had the money, I would get the airbrush tan.... sounds like it lasts longer without the patchy "skin disease" look... and this is coming from someone who is pretty loyal to products...

[hereKittyKitty]

L'oreal Sublime Bronze left me about as orange as a pumpkin. So I stick with Sun Labs, Ultra Dark. It works for me. I typically do two applications before a competition. Starting the night before, I apply one layer, sleep, wake up and shower. Next I wait for about an hour and apply the next layer, shower before aplying comp makeup and I'm nice and tan:) If I danced Latin, then I would apply another layer and not shower because the tint is nice and dark. I like the way it wears off too. It fades gradually rather than in patches.

Sunless dot com has a lot of great advice for sunless tanning -though the website is out of date by about 2 years.

[ChelD]

I use Mystic Tan. It is fast and convenient and I have never had any come off on my clothes. I dance smooth, so I don't need to be as dark as the rhythm/latin dancers.

I would use a spray tan facility at a competition, if I could get there around my work schedule.

I would not pay to have someone come to my home. There are many convenient places to go, and besides, my cats would want to help :-(

[danceronice]

I can't imagine a comp airbrushing would be cheaper than what I have here ($27) so I probably wouldn't use that kind of service, unless the salon here went out of business!

ChelD, that is a very good point about the cats! Mine would absolutely want to 'help.'

[Standarddancer]

super brown

or

super braun

Just checked DanceCo site (the company produces this product) and it is Super Brown

[Standarddancer]

I would pay at comp if I feel not dark enough too. Just wondering why there are hairdresser and makeup artists at comps, but so far no tanning professionals as vendors at comps

[Merrylegs]

I would pay at comp if I feel not dark enough too. Just wondering why there are hairdresser and makeup artists at comps, but so far no tanning professionals as vendors at comps

:D That's why I have been asking all these questions.

[Merrylegs]

OK, let's set aside the cost potentially being prohibitive (and the price is not set in stone) and the possibility of cats' tails leaving streaks on legs (I've been there!).

:kitty:

Given the choice would you choose airbrush tanning over mystic-type booths and self tanners? Thanks, you all rock my world!

[DanceJoy]

From what I've heard in this thread, airbrush sounds like it gets better results (darker, more even, etc).

[ireniecat]

OK, let's set aside the cost potentially being prohibitive (and the price is not set in stone) and the possibility of cats' tails leaving streaks on legs (I've been there!).

:kitty:

Given the choice would you choose airbrush tanning over mystic-type booths and self tanners? Thanks, you all rock my world!

Yes, given the choice I would choose airbrush tanning over Mystic. Have been wanting to try it for ages, actually. Self-tanners are not even in the equation for me (just too much of a hassle for my clumsy self).

[danceronice]

Airbrush, definitely.

[Meagan]

I've only done a spray booth once but taking out cost if I had to choose between airbrush and booth I would definitely choose airbrush~sounds like people have awesome results with it.

I would definitely try it at least once before deciding whether to switch from self-tanning~if I liked the results better or about the same i'd go for airbrush cause it sounds like it could save me time (that is of course assuming the cost was the same)

Other things that may factor in...whether I liked the person doing the airbrushing, what the smell is like (pro-tan is not a good smell but its one I've gotten used to), if it were available at most of the comps I do (not sure I'd switch methods if it was an inconsistent switch~probably wouldn't bother if it was only once comp per year for example)

[latervet1]

taking cost out of the equation i would definitely airbrush over booth or any other.

[nimmity]

Airbrush is definately the best option for me. Its nice to have a professional in charge. My self tanning antics always seem to produce "interesting" results!

[kckc]

Hi guys! I'm a newbie here- been lurking for quite a while and decided to get in on this discussion. I have used Magic Tan (a booth-type tan, similar to Mystic I think?) for the last couple of years for comps and other events. The business I go to recently upgraded their booth and it totally rocks! It actually air-dries you between coats and you don't have to frantically towel off to prevent streaks. I was able to choose light, medium or dark. I am fair-skinned and chose medium but was worried about looking like an oompa-loompa. After 3 sessions in a week, I still thought it was too much but I got a lot of compliments and the partner thought it was perfect, so medium it is. It can be pricey ($20-24 per session, but specials and packages are available) and I only do it a few times per year.

[latingal]

Welcome to DF kckc!

[DancinDrea19]

I went for airbrush tanning yesterday for wisc. state and it looks awesome.No streaks and it's not orange at all.I'm on the pale side so she started at level 1 and it's a nice and noticeable tan yet still natural looking. It is a bit pricey $50, but totally worth it .

[3wishes]

Check out this weeks People Magazine on Page 103, 104 are reviews of available "tanners" that are locally available to those wanting to have the "glow". hmmmm.