WeddingDay Exclusive Review: Get-Bronzed Spray Tanning

Let’s face it. We all love when our skin has a little color! There’s just something about that freshly bronzed look that not only changes our appearance, but that also changes our mood. Unfortunately, while it may look and feel good (in the moment!) all those UV rays are actually damaging your skin and will have major implications on your health in the long run. Thankfully, there’s a sunless alternative available! We’re thrilled to disclose that a spray tan not only offers you instant results without any of the health risks, but leaves you with the same psychological benefits of getting a tan from the sun. That, loves, is what we call a win-win.

We are beyond excited to announce that we have partnered with Get-Bronzed Spray Tanning in Elkhart, Indiana to give you a first-hand review of the spray tan process for anyone out there that’s nervous about booking a session for themselves. Read on to hear all about our process, thoughts and, most importantly, the amazing results! You’ll be booking an appointment with Get-Bronzed Spray Tanning before the end of this blog!

Before the Session

While the process of readying yourself for a session isn’t difficult, it’s important to note that there is a little bit of prep involved with getting a spray tan. You won’t be able to simply drop by the salon on your way home from work and get a glow. Thankfully, Kim Rodabaugh, owner of Get-Bronzed Spray Tanning, provided me with a simple list of directions a few days before my appointment:

• Exfoliate 24-48 hours in advance
• Shave, if preferred
• Don’t shower the same day as your appointment
• Do NOT use any lotions, moisturizers, deodorant or makeup post shower
• Bring loose, dark clothing (and an umbrella if it’s raining) to wear home from your appointment

During the Session

I arrived at my appointment feeling prepared and excited. Being a first-time spray tanner, I was a little nervous, but I was quickly calmed when I saw the adorable salon (just look at these pics!). The decor was trendy, sophisticated and just the right amount of girly. I know I’m not alone when I say that atmosphere makes all the difference when going to a salon. There’s nothing better than feeling pampered!

OK, let’s get to the spray tan. Kim will talk with you to determine the degree of bronze you’re looking for (see below for “after” images of me from three different solutions). The cool thing is that the color is completely customizable. Kim keeps track of your solutions from each appointment so if you decide you want to go just a bit darker (or lighter) than your previous appointment, she can easily make that happen! There are also different solutions for different skin tones (i.e. violet vs. neutral). While some people can pull off both, others are complemented by one or the other. But don’t worry, Kim has you covered here! While it’s fun to know about all of these nuances, she takes care of the decision, mixing up the solution best fit for your skin tone!

Finally, you have the option between an overnight or rapid spray tan. Of course, I tried both so I could give you the low-down on each option! The overnight was my first experience, so it was all I knew. I got sprayed in the morning and carried on with my day (while wearing loose, dark clothing!!). There really wasn’t any inconvenience, but I was a bit worried all day that I was going to mess up the color somehow. When I got the rapid done, I completely fell in love. The color was great and, I think, comparable in all three tans (2 overnight, 1 rapid), but being able to shower 3-5 hours post appointment was huge! For me, the convenience of the rapid won me over.

I know some of you may be wondering just how much you dress down for an appointment. The answer? As much as you’re comfortable with! Kim can spray you in anything from a thong (the minimum requirement) to full-coverage shapewear, if you prefer. It’s completely up to you to decide how much you want to reveal and, in turn, get bronzed! Since we’re all about giving you the full experience here at WeddingDay, I opted for minimum coverage. And no, it wasn’t at all uncomfortable. When you’re working with someone as professional as Kim, you completely forget you’re baring it all.

Kim mixes your color while you undress to your preferred level. She gives you easy instructions on what to do next, including spreading lotion on your palms (to avoid orange hands!) and putting on your hair net, sticky feet and nose plug, to protect yourself from the fumes. Then, it’s go-time. The process of actually getting sprayed was incredibly quick. Kim walks you through how to stand, pose and position yourself as she applies your color. I felt so comfortable and well taken care of during this process. She really takes the time to make sure your color is applied thoroughly, going over any area that she feels needs evened out. Lastly, she applies powder to your joint areas (knees, ankles, elbows, etc) to prevent any harsh lines from occurring. 

Left: Before session, Right: After session*
*It is important to note, the post-session color you see is the topical bronzer. Your actual color will be what you see after your rinse! (see "after" images below)
 

After the Session

As I mentioned earlier, it is key to bring loose, dark clothing to wear home from your appointment. The last thing you want is your freshly bronzed color getting rubbed off from the skinny jeans you were forced to slide back on. Kim also provides you with simple, post-tan directions upon your departure. You’ll be instructed to take it easy for the rest of the day (to minimize friction and loss of color). With the rapid color, you’ll be able to shower in 3-5 hours (the longer you leave it on, the darker your color), with your tan continuing to develop over the next 24 hours. With the overnight, you will have to sleep with your solution on, which means either wearing long sleeves and pants to bed or risking bronzer on your sheets. Good news–I took the risk of shorts and am happy to report my sheets were just fine! Once you rinse your overnight solution, the color that remains is your official spray tan color. With both rapid and overnight, you will find your color will typically last a week, but could last up to two, depending on your lifestyle. I found that all three of my tans faded so naturally (and all lasted about the same number of days), that I almost didn’t notice a difference from day to day. Kim explains, “Part of why I use the solutions I do is the translucence of the color and the way it fades so naturally.” I would compare the results to an actual sun tan in that respect!

 

My favorite part about working with Kim was her passion for what she does. It was clear from the start that she was well educated on the process and products and really believed in this sunless alternative. She will take the time to inform you about why a spray tan is the best option and answer any questions you have. I also loved that she was always a message away! If you have any questions or concerns throughout the process, she is there to help and genuinely cares about you and your experience. If you have a trip or event coming up or maybe just in need of a little glow, get in touch with Kim–you won’t be disappointed!

 

"After" Images

Left to right: Normal skin tone (no spray tan), Spray tan #1 (produces a golden brown tan), Spray tan #2 (rapid rinse in a customized blend), Spray tan #3 (has a violet base that produces a flat brown tan with no gold)
 

*****

Interested in learning more about Get-Bronzed Spray Tanning or wanting to book a session? Contact Kim today!

 

 

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