Spray, Don't Lay | What Jenn Wore

In the spirit of “Wellness Wednesday” and all things health (exercise, eating right, and…skin care), I’m sharing my tried and true trick for preparing for vacations and special occasions. Now, of course, I would not ever (EVER!) lay in a tanning bed now (I’m already paying for those bygone days of prom prep), yet I love the look of bronzed skin. Especially when faced with exposing skin in winter or baring it all in a swim suit (eeeeeek!), I cannot summon the courage to display so much untanned flesh. Therefore, the advent of personalized, airbrush tanning as been a game-changer for this fair skinned, nordic fashionista!

Airbrush tanning has been around for awhile; however, the solution and technology continues to improve. I’m still surprised just how many people are airbrush tanning virgins. Therefore, I’m sharing tips to help you prep and extend the life of your tan…all you have to do is schedule your first appointment!

Exfoliate prior to your appointment. Scrub, shave, wax…get that skin baby soft and an even canvas for your spray. I cannot stress this enough. Rough skin holds the color of your tan more and you could end up blotchy. Likewise, if you wax, or get a pedicure, complete with leg scrub, following the tan, you will have white patches where the tan has been removed.
Wear loose clothing following your tan. Nothing is worse than squeezing yourself back into a pair of skinny jeans only to peel them off at the end of the day and discover that your tan has gone with them!
Avoid water following your tan…I mean it, like the plague! No bathing kids, washing dishes, or puddle jumping! Water also causes blotchiness (I got caught in a rain storm following a tan once and had white dots on my arms. No joke).

For Seattle readers, I highly recommend visiting the women at Rainglow Airbrush Tanning & Lashes. Rainglow customizes your tan to your desired level; using an all organic, paraben-free formula. Ever the professionals, your tan will be applied evenly and you will leave feeling like a million bucks, already bronzed. When I’m tanned at Rainglow, I feel confident that my tan looks natural; I wear less makeup and my sun-kissed glow lasts, fading gradually over the course of a week.

I recently was tanned at Rainglow in preparation for a black tie auction. Below are my before and after shots:

Before (eeek…my commitment to honesty is frightening!)

Immediately After (Rainglow’s solution has a bronzer that you see immediately. Once the DHA in the solution activates, you have a warm, long-lasting tan).