Tanning Tips For The Extra Pale
The weather is changing, spring has sprung – You are ready to trade in your winter wear, but your legs be lookin’ like the inside of a hot dog bun.
I feel you girl. This weekend, the sun was out and I was ready to officially throw winter behind me. I shuffled through my closet and came across one of my favorite sun dresses that I have been waiting AGES to wear again, I just had to put it on.
I slipped on my sandals and headed out the door with my fiancé. As we headed to the car, he looked at me and said, “Wow… you’re white.” THE AUDACITY. After giving him a full power glare, I looked down at my legs and sure enough, what stared back at me can only be described as two dead jelly fish.
I hate when he is right. At the conclusion of our day, I had him swing by the salon so I could get my tan. Knowing I would at least be able to fully enjoy Sunday, wearing whatever I wanted, without any harassment from the peanut gallery.
I am as pale as they come; porcelain, ivory, a walking Snow White if you will. For years, I hated wearing shorts in the summer because I’m so fair skinned that you can see right through to my veins. I have never been one that was blessed with the ability to naturally tan (though shamefully, through high school, I still attempted) … I’m a burner. I use to try and self tan SO much that I can still smell the Jergen’s “Natural” Glow on my finger tips.
In 2012, I discovered the Versa Spa Spray Tan Booth to which I acquired a small addiction to that summer. To this day, I am horrified to look back at photos, especially of my mothers wedding. Standing next to her pure white dress, my bleach blonde hair burnt to a crisp and my orange skin glistening like a ready to eat carrot- and I am feeling like the hottest bridesmaid to walk on the Vegas Strip. See picture attached, can you tell which one is me?
HOW IN THE WORLD DID ANYONE LET ME WALK AROUND LIKE THAT?!
Luckily they got a divorce, so you know…those aren’t hanging in anyone’s living room, but the memory still burns.
Thankfully, now that I am a Full Time Air-Tan girl, I never have to worry about embarrassing my future self. When I first tried Air-Tan, I was worried about how it would turn out with my fair skin. PTSD from my years of being a lost cast member of the Jersey Shore still lingered and I definitely had doubts it would actually look natural on me.
I am living proof that even the whitest of the white skin tones can get their tan on too, and I have some tips to share!
First, it’s good to keep in mind that all of our technicians are trained with the knowledge of recognizing that every skin tone is different and the perfect end result will depend on the individual. Because we are so customizable, it’s never a “one shade fits all” experience. That being said, we will help to determine what level of darkness will benefit you and your tan goals.
If it is your first time, I recommend starting on the lighter side and you will be shocked with how much color you actually get while still looking like the same person. We can always go back into the spray room and add more if you choose to go darker. The great thing about our product is you will be able to get an idea of how tan you’ll be immediately after getting sprayed. We can always add more, but we can’t take away.
Our color shades range from 1-5, 1 being the lightest and 5 being the darkest. Personally I typically stay in the world of level 2 and level 3. Our level 2 is a nice light tan that gives your skin a healthy sun kissed look. Our level 3 is a medium (and probably the most popular) – close to a base tan feel, while still looking natural. I LOVE to mix and match. Sometimes I’m feeling a little sassy and I will request a 2 on my upper body and 3 on my legs (because you can’t go wrong with tan legs, am I right?!)
That is my personal preference, but just because you’re lighter naturally, does not mean you have to stay in the lighter shades. I have also been known to venture out into the 4’s and 5’s in the summer or when I’m just feeling that “wild tropical fish” bronze type vibe. If that’s what you are feeling too – you go girl – BUT you want to keep in mind that when the tan starts to fade, it will be much more noticeable; the further away from your natural tone you go. As all good things must come to an end and so will your Air-Tan. If you choose to go extremely dark, your true color will be sure to show more drastically underneath in the fading process. The great thing is that you won’t look orange and you can rock that dark tan hard – just know it’s not going to look perfect after a few days of wear and tear.
Sticking with lighter shades that compliment your skin tone is usually recommended for the every day fabulous look.
Lotion is KEY, as it is for everyone, but especially us ghosty’s. Lotion not only helps our tan last to it’s full potential, but it also is a major player in making sure that it’s fading evenly and discreetly. Be a lotion master from day one and you’ll notice your tan will fade slowly into the distance rather than abruptly, patchy, or noticeably. Drink lots of water and lather it on, baby – you will be set for success.
Lastly, use SPF. Our formula is one of a kind, but it still does not have any protection included from the sun. You can and WILL still burn through your bronze. It’s easy to forget to give yourself the full sunscreen routine when you’re skin looks so naturally tan. When I’m strolling through the beach, I often forget that it’s all a lie and underneath, I’m nothing more than an uncooked egg ready to fry. So make sure you are still taking care of your skin and monitoring that you don’t turn into a lobster. Sunburns and Air-Tan don’t mix or make for a pretty sight. If your skin peels, so will your tan.
That about wraps up my suggestions for Air-Tanning when extra pale. If you have any questions or are still unsure of what shade would look best, feel free to call , book online, or stop in anytime. We are all happy to help and ready to make your bronze goddess dreams come true!
Transformations provided in Fishers, Broad Ripple and Greenwood
317-254-8267
