We love a good party and some tasty drinks, but one topic we need to address is the effects alcohol can have on a spray tan. As the body does it's job of purging the alcohol, it can lead to a drying effect on the skin- read in Brassy tones and cracked, flaking tanning results. Now, most of us get tanned for events where we will likely imbibe, so how can you combat this undesired result? 

First, combat dehydration from the inside and make sure your are drinking enough water with electrolytes alongside your spirits. Water with fruit or cucumber can help your liver as it works to clean your system, as well as ease potential headaches or hangovers. Eating some tasty berries and veggies for added vitamins to support your system is also a great way to increase your water intake.

Second, combat from the outside with a top quality moisturizer. Providing your skin with replenished oils and hydrants prolongs your tan and prevents brassy tones, by keeping skin cells from drying out. In the same measure, make sure to avoid lotions and creams that contain alcohols or mineral oils and petrolatum, to keep from further drying out or creating a barrier that traps drying agents on your skin.
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Lastly, add a little tan extender to boost your color and fill in tan that may have been lost to celebratory activities! We offer wonderful, natural moisturizers, oils and extenders to ensure you get to enjoy yourself and get the most out of your Bronze.
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Stay happy and Bronzed friends!

As you become familiar with sunless tanning, you quickly realize how timing plays an important part in the success and longevity of your Bronze. We have previously talked about how important the products you bath with are for your tanning results, but now we want to focus on the time for rinsing, showering, shaving and other activities. 

Rinsing- 4 hours prior to appointment; post appointment at the time specified by your tanning artist.

Rinsing the day of your tan is a great way to remove any remnants of moisturizers, including any that come from the strip on your razor, that might block the tan. Also, rinsing should be done at the time specified by your tanning artist for the proper depth of tan. Use warm water, not hot or cold, use your hand to help remove bronzers, and avoid soap when you are rinsing. It's also a great habit to rinse after being in pools, oceans or doing water activities, so the skin will not dry out from chlorine, salt or other chemicals.

Showering- 12 -24 hours prior to appointment; at least 24 hour post appointment.

Showering the night before or no closer than 12 hours to your tan will allow your natural amino acids to return to your skin. The amino acids are what the tanning agent reacts with to give you the correct color and longest life for the tan. Showering after the application should be done no sooner than 24 hours to allow for the full development of the tan. Whether you use a self tanner or get your Bronze on with us, give your tan the full amount of time to process, before using soap and you will notice how much better the tan does.

Shaving- 12-24 hours prior to appointment; at least 24 hours post appointment.

Shaving and other exfoliating activities should be done with the pre-appoinment shower at least 12 hours before the tan. Shaving helps with the exfoliation process and can leave tiny cuts on the skin, so it's best to give your skin time to recover and regain its oils before your appointment. After application, wait 24 hours at least, but the longer you can go without shaving, the longer your tan will hold up! We recommend using a fresh razor to avoid unnecessary skin cell removal.

For the longest lasting results, use a cleanser that is formulated to eliminate dirt and grime without stripping your skin and shortening the life of your tan!

Happy Bronzing and stay fresh, clean and tan!

Venturing into the world of self-tanning can be overwhelming, with all the options and mastering the application technique for even results can be a daunting task to say the least. As tanners ourselves, we know these struggles all too well! However, having a self tanner handy is something we highly recommend. Rainy days and pop-up showers are common in Savannah, Ga, plus life can through a lot at you, some times literally- from toddler tantrums to sweet fur-baby kisses, we've seen a lot!

​Since your fresh tan is vulnerable, having a self tanner to fill in any mishaps during absorption is essential. A soft blending tool, like a kabuki brush, is how we like to add just a hint of tanner to any areas that might be left untanned after the first rinse. Also, for extended trips, or trips with lots of fun water activities, having a self tanner works wonders to reapply color that is lost to chlorine or salt, or an amazing spa experience!

Our formula for applying to the whole body is this: We highly recommend applying in front of a mirror in good lighting to check that all areas are evenly covered. Then use two pumps of mousse or two quarters amount of tanning lotion per appendage(i.e. leg, arm, etc). Apply one coat at a time, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next coat. We start with legs and work up, leaving the inside of the arms, where the elbows crease, to the end. The ease of achieving even results with a mitt is wonderful, but regular plastic gloves work well too, as long as you blend in thoroughly. Use the remaining residue on the mitt to tan feet, hands and face, or use just a small dot of tanner on a blending brush.

We are still working on the best application method for the back! Honestly, nothing beats having a little help to get that area covered evenly, but if that's not an option, we have liked using a wooden or plastic back scrubbing brush, putting the mitt over the brush, and applying in a circular motion. 

How dry your skin is plays a very important part in the results of a spray tan, or any tan, since dry skin cells flake off faster. During the winter months, it's easy to notice how dry your skin is, with heaters zapping the moisture out of the air, your skin can feel extra dry, however, the heat, UV rays and humidity in the summer also drain moisture from your skin and increase the need for true hydration. 

First, making sure you are drinking enough water and getting enough electrolytes to help your body absorb that water is essential. Hydrating from the inside out is always the best for lasting, long term results! If you are wanting a fancy way to increase your water intake, check out Honestly Hannah on IG for some amazing Water Cocktail ideas!

Second, using topical hydration, like good quality moisturizers with clean, pure ingredients helps to address dryness from the outside in. We recommend using a simple moisturizer such as a cocoa or shea butter and avoid lotions that have ethanol, ethyl, isopropyl or benzyl alcohols, mineral oil and petrolatum(i.e. vasoline, CeraVe) or any PEGs(petrolatum based ingredients). These ingredients will breakdown the tan faster and can create a brassy or orange look as the tan fades.

Naturally Geechee, a Charleston based brand, creates amazing whipped shea moisturizers that richly hydrate and lock in moisture with delicious scents and all natural ingredients. Spray Studio is an Atlanta based brand that creates light, whipped creamy shea, similar to a cold cream, with natural ingredients that are formulated to aid in keeping your tan and skin hydrated and looking its best! Be sure to check these out on your next visit and invest in you!

Have you ever heard about a "clear" tan option? If you have or haven't, let us give a clear definition of what that term means and why it might be an option you should try.

If you have ever had a spray tan, you usually receive an instant tan look, which is the result of cosmetic bronzers added to the solution. The majority of the solutions we use a Body Bronzing contain these bronzers and who doesn't love some instant satisfaction? Of course, that is only temporary and after your first rinse you see many of those bronzers flow down the drain to reveal the true tan underneath. This developed tan is the result of the active ingredient in all sunless tanning products- Dihydroxyacetone or DHA. This wonderful ingredient has been in use for over 50 years and has been developed to a high quality that allows for rinsing sooner than ever with the same beautiful results!

Clear solutions do not contain these instant bronzers and have minimal ingredients other than the DHA. Why would anyone choose this option, you ask? Well, for a few reasons. With no bronzers, there is no transfer onto clothes, furniture, etc. and there is little to no gathering of bronzers on dryer skin areas like sun or age spots. Plus, if you're getting your tan on your lunch break or heading to a gathering, you don't have to worry about looking like you took a tropical vacation or having an overly bronzed appearance as the tan develops.

You might be asking yourself how we know where it's going without the bronzers and will it be even when it develops? In a work- skill. Each artist has hundreds of  practice hours on live volunteers, including our Master Artist, Becca, and evaluate the results to improve and perfect the service. This lays the foundation of muscle memory and knowing where the tan should be applied. As always, we take extra care to ensure the tan is applied evenly and blended out well, to give natural results. 

Often we recommend this option to brides, those with mature skin and anyone that likes a tan that gets glowing gradually. It is offered in the traditional 8-12 hours rinse, as well as the express 1-4 hours rinse options. If this sounds like something you'd be interested in trying, just let our artists know at your next session!

For the love of Bronze, PUT DOWN THE DOVE!
If you have been to the studio lately, or read through our preparation instructions  you've likely learned that we advice avoiding Dove products with your spray tan. If you're still wondering what that's about, let us fill you in on the deets.

Why is it NOT recommended to use these, and other harsh soaps with your luxury spray tan? What's wrong with Dove? Isn't it supposed to be gentle and moisturizing? With all the marketing they put in to convince you it's great, it is disappointing that these brands say things that aren't necessarily true. Dove bar and liquid soaps contain ingredients that react poorly with spray tanning. Ingredients such as harsh surfactants (sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS)) that remove necessary amino acid essential oils the skin and tan needs in order to react properly. Also, the very moisturizers(Mineral oil based) these brands contain, actually create a barrier on your skin, prevent the tan from adhering, as well as break down the tan quickly leaving it fading patchy and often creating brassy tones (i.e. ORANGE!!). 

What to use instead? If you prefer a bar soap, we recommend finding a goats milk based bar and lather it in your hands before applying to your skin. This will help lower the pH and keep your skin's natural mantle intact. For body wash enthusiasts, we offer some amazing, options that are formulated to work with your tan while leaving your skin fresh and clean. You can also find an organic, simple ingredient soaps in your local famer's market or supermarket.

After years of spray tanning, we have had numerous clients confirm the difference the change in soap has made in their tanning results. Which is why we are always eager to educate clients on the best ways to get the most out of their Bronze! Always remember to shower with soap at least 12 hours before and wait as close to 24 hours after your session to allow for proper development. Check out our full preparation and care guide on our Prep and Aftercare page

Dove Ingredient Source

Summer is coming in hot! So it's important to keep some tanning essentials around to maintain and keep your Bronze looking its best for all the fun sun and water activities.

First, a tan extending lotion is a must to get the best longevity out of your tan. These lotions have just a bit of color that gradually builds with each application to reach your desired tan or to restore what you loose with normal activities. Using a tan extender moisturizes your skin, helps prevent a "cracking look", and allows for a more even fade.

Next is a tan friendly cleanser. We all want to stay fresh and clean, but the soap you use affects the life and look of your tan. Tan friendly cleansers are formulated to gently remove dirt and build up, without stripping your skin of it's natural oils and keeping a proper pH level to prevent brassy or orange hues and provide a longer lasting Bronze.

Last, but definitely not least, is a good LOTION sunscreen. Lotion sunscreens are the preferred since they offer a moisturizing factor, a barrier to chlorinated and salt water, and do not contain alcohols that will dry your skin out. We recommend avoiding tanning oils, spray sunscreens or sunscreens that contain a high amount of oils, since these remove the sunless tan quickly. We like Badger and SunBum for their better ingredients and top quality sun protection.

Our Vacation Bundle is the perfect combo of these wonderful products that are travel and tan friendly, plus save 20% through May 31st!