Tanning Blog: Airbrush and Spray Tanning

Can You Buy A Business For $500?

What can you buy today for $500?

• A great stereo?
• A few Kobe beef steaks?
• A coffee maker?

What about a business with the potential to make you $71,000 a year? Let me explain...

...for $500, you could get started with a mobile spray tanning business

For the startup costs of $500, you get everything you need to create your own mobile spray tanning business. To be fair, $500 is a lot of money but let's quantify the upside of a mobile spray tanning business.

First, let's establish some basic formulas and some definitions...

• Revenues – Costs = Profits (aka, $$$).
• Revenue: Income earned from business activity.
• Cost (Cost of Goods): The amount paid for a good(s).
• Profit (Gross Profit): Excess revenue left over after subtracting cost(s).

Let's discuss a hypothetical mobile tanning business (let's call it Chloe's Tans) and the numbers involved...

Chloe’s Tans earned $4,500 in May of 2011 (revenue). Chloe paid $580 in May of 2011 for her business supplies, marketing, etc. (costs). At the end of the month, Chloe has $3,920 left over (gross profits).

How It Breaks Down...

At a minimum level, you can get everything you need to get a mobile spray tanning business for around $500. For more information on how to start your own mobile spray tanning business, click here.

Understanding The Mobile Spray Tanning Business...

The best way to understand the spray tanning market is download our 120-page book, Money Maker: Spray Tanning As A Business. It's the best, simplest way to understand the economics of the spray tanning business.

Start your mobile tanning business today!

Spray Tanning FAQs

It seems like every day, here at EnvyTan, we get asked the following five questions more than any others. With that in mind, here are the "big 5" frequently asked questions about spray tanning and the spray tanning industry...

Do I need a license and/or insurance to spray tan clients?

As of now, most states do not restrict the application of sunless tanners to cosmetologists or beauticians. However, it is always better to be safe than sorry, so you will want to check with your state Board of Cosmetology to be sure. You can locate this information by simply googling “Your State + Board of Cosmetology.” With respect to insurance, it is never a bad idea to protect against what could happen. We have been in business for quite some time and have never needed to file a claim for anything; however, I would highly recommend purchasing some type of liability insurance. You wouldn’t operate a vehicle without insurance, why would you run your company without it? Insurtec is a reputable specialty insurance vendor in this industry available here.

How do I get certified and trained as a professional spray tanning technician?

The best way to become certified as a sunless tanning technician is to get certified through EnvyTan Training Academy. To start your training, you may purchase a sunless tanning training video. However, the real training will come into play once you have your equipment and a couple of friends who are willing to be your training models. Be sure to use a training sunless tanning solution (Superficial or Withdrawal) during those first few attempts. Training solution has no DHA, so there are no lasting effects. In other words, when they shower, the color will completely wash off, and you can spray tan them over and over again until you feel comfortable with the application process.

Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention our Bargain Shopper: Spray Tanning Bundle. At $125, it's a bargain. You get:

• Show Off: Spray Tanning Training Video
• It's Official: National Course and Certification
• Preview: 15 Minute Guide To Spray Tanning
• Money Maker: Spray Tanning As A Business
• So Serious: Professional Guide to Spray Tanning

Additionally, you should read any available eBooks about spray tanning. Why would you want to reinvent the wheel? Learn from the pros.

What kind of sunless tanning equipment should I use?

Over the years I have learned that the right type of equipment for your tanning environment is much more important than the right brand of equipment. We carry the Apollo line, as they have been leaders in the field of HVLP technology for many decades and we know that our clients are always very satisfied with the equipment performance when using the Apollo line. There are many, many vendors selling equipment online, so shop around and make the best decision for you and your business model.

Who makes the best DHA sunless tanning solution?

This is a question that you could spend hours on the Internet trying to answer, so I will spare you that trouble. The answer is... drum roll please... no one company makes the best solution. If there were one solution on the market that was always considered the best, then every single sunless tanning company on the planet would sell it, because they are all trying to sell their customers the best sunless tanning solution available, right?

For only $35, you can purchase the Interested: Envy Solution Sampler Kit. This allows you to try both solution lines, before you purchase solution in a larger quantity.... What are you waiting for? Get started today!

 

The EnvyTan Story

2003, Los Angeles: I was in a steady Fortune 500 corporate job that flew me around the world. Specifically, I was a major account executive where I taught my clients how to improve and automate their business but...

...a snowboarding trip changed my life.

It all started when a girl on the trip with us said to me, "Elle, you are so beautiful, but seriously, you need to get a tan. You are too pale!" And shortly after this comment, I got into a minor snowboarding accident. I was laid up in the lodge with a broken arm for 10 days.

I spent the downtime, trying to figure out a way to give people, like me, who were not going to lay in the sun or a tanning bed an alternate way...aka safe...to look sun kissed.

It hit me...

Why not create my own mobile spray tanning business?

At first, it was just me. Every day, my business grew. Finally I loved to go to work.

Two years later, EnvyTan was not just me but a team of people dedicated to making this dream a reality. We transitioned from doing mobile spray tanning ourselves to making other people's spray tanning dreams come true. 

This meant creating, manufacturing and distributing the highest quality spray tanning products and accessories. And EnvyTan grew so fast that we couldn't continue to locate it in Los Angeles. So...

...we moved to Georgia in 2010 to keep costs low and customer service high. And that's where we're still located.

Being The Right Supplier

Everything we do at EnvyTan is dedicated to making your spray tanning business a success. We've been there. We've done it. And we can show you how to make a go of it for your business.

From marketing help to great supplies, we are your one-stop shop for making your spray tanning dream a realtiy.

Where To Start

If you'd like to make your spray tanning dreams a reality, the best thing to start with is our training programs.

Then check out our start up pro kits.

With EnvyTan, your spray tanning dreams are just a few clicks away.

Elle Kruger,
Founder EnvyTan

Spray Tanning Celebrities: Get Their Look...

With the recent ugly news of the "tanning mom", we thought we'd highlight some celebrities who are doing tanning that's healthy -- namely spray tanning.

Here are some celebrities who do spray tanning.

#1: Kim Kardashian:

 

#2: Jessica Alba:

 

#3: Anna Paquin:

 

#4: Denise Richards

 

 

#5: Melissa Gorga

 

#6: Paula Abdul

Of course, we'd all love to look like a celebrity, but how can you get their look? Simple...

...check out EnvyTan.com. We have everything you'll need to get started in spray tanning. The best place to start is...

...this exclusive sunless intro kit. With this $425 kit, you can get started with spray tanning for yourself. It has everything you need for spray tanning, including:

• HVLP Spray System, Optional* (Equipment, hose, and warranty)
• Show Off-Training DVD (Training and technique)
• Training Solution (32 oz bottle)
• Interested: Envy Solution Split Kit (4-8 oz bottles, Sinful 8%, Greedy 12%, Habit 8%, Strung Out 12%)
• Hide Out: pH Balancing Spray (16 oz bottle)
• Security: Pre-Tan Barrier Balm (8 oz jar)
• The Cleaner: Gun Cleaning Solution (16 oz bottle)
• It's Official: National Course & Certification** (and Extras)

The extras include:

• Framed Certificate
• Know It All: USB Drive
• Spray Artist Pro Club Registration
• EnvyTan National Locator Listing

It's the best way to get the polished, smooth spray tanning look that these celebrities have and to get started in the spray tanning world.

 

 

EnvyTan: We're Still Here!

 

Nobody panic!

EnvyTan is still in business and we plan to stay that way!

In the past few days, we have received numerous frantic phone calls from our die-hard customers looking to buy out our remaining inventory.  And while you can purchase as much as you’d like—we’re not going anywhere.

Let me explain.

While the similarity in names may be causing the majority of confusion, EnvyTan (us) and Tan Envy (not us) are two separate companies.  We are two different entities; we are not partners, affiliates, etc. 

EnvyTan (us) would like to reassure our customers, first-time and millionth-time, that our doors are remaining open.  If you’re already a customer, keep coming back; if you’re a former Tan Envy customer, check us out at EnvyTan.com!

 

Competition Solution: For Bodybuilding Only

Even as a former straight-A, Dean’s List, top of my class, Bachelor of Arts-holding, sharp as a tack, Jeopardy-watching professional, I’m pretty sure I’m the dumbest person in the office…and have been (unknowingly) for some time.

Now that I’ve got you wondering, let me explain.

We received an inquiry from a customer who purchased a bottle of competition solution (Superficial or Withdrawal) that she intended to use on her cheerleading squad before competition.  From that statement alone, every fiber in my being is going “No, don’t let her do that.  That’s not what it’s intended for.”  But she wanted to try it anyway.

Fast-forward a few days later and we received a second inquiry from her wondering why the solution she had tested on her arm (and spritzed with water to simulate sweat) began to run.  After all, competition solution should hold up to harsh competition events, right?  Sort of.

Competition solution is specifically formulated for bodybuilding.  Again, *bod-dee-bill-ding*.  And here’s where dummy me got confused (and my colleagues got a chuckle). 

I’m not going to date myself, but let’s just say that I’ve been around since Madonna and Sean Penn were married.  For all that time, I thought bodybuilding was a competition to show off how strong you were…by lifting weights.  But, as I found out, that’s not really how it works. 

Yes, bodybuilders do lift weights.  But, generally the actual weightlifting is done prior to a competition.  During the competition, the muscles gained through the weightlifting are put on show.  This is where the competition solution works its magic and highlights all the hard work contestants have put in.

And this is entirely different from my own personal idea of bodybuilding, which is apparently more on track with powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting.

So...back to the cheerleader question.

Competition solution can not be sprayed hours before a competition, and it is not meant for sweating.  Bright lights of bodybuilding competitions are hot, but they do not induce Cardio type of sweating that a cheer routine/dance would.  Spray tanning and sweat do not mix. They never have. They never will.

Helpful Lesson Learned:  Cheerleaders (just like Brides) should always spray tan the day before their big event for color development, and can then retouch the morning of with Lasting Envy: Spray Tan in a Can ($24). 

Okay, now that I’ve got that straightened out, it’s back to being the smartest gal in the office!

FAQs: Is It Safe to Spray Tan While Pregnant?

 

Although winter never really arrived in many places this year, there must have been a lot of snuggling up going on.  Given all the internet traffic and phone calls from clients, it looks like 2012 will be bringing a population explosion! 

I must see this question 100 times a week.  If I had a nickel for every time I was asked… I’d have a really heavy purse!  People, if you have a question, Google it. Chances are, it’s already been answered…especially this one:  Is it safe to spray tan while pregnant?  How do I know this information is readily available?  Well, because I’ve written about it—directly and indirectly—several times. 

The basic answer is yes, both as a pregnant tanner and pregnant tannee!  But here are a few things to consider…

As the spray tannee (client):

• Check with your tanning salon and inquire about the ingredients in the products.  Some solutions are better for you than others.
• Always have it applied by a technician, rather than an automated booth.  Technicians have more control over how much and where the spray is applied. 
• If you are still concerned, check with your doctor or OB/GYN.

As the spray tanner (technician):

• Use quality products—organic solutions are great!
• Tan in a well ventilated space.
• Be sure your client is 100% on board with the tanning process; she may be more nervous than you.
• It's not a bad idea to have your client get [written] approval from her doctor.

Technicians, check out our EnvyTan client forms for more information.  These forms can be downloaded for FREE.  Yep; I said the “F-word”.  You can find them in our FREE SPRAY TANNING FORMS section of EnvyTan.com.  These forms are also available on our handy Know It All: USB Drive ($25).

Give your [pregnant] clients added peace of mind.

FAQs: Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

Head, shoulders, knees and toes… and everything in between.  Without “singing” the entire song, there are a few body parts that spray tanning technicians dread, especially when just starting out.  So here’s the scoop on tanning your patties and your tootsies…

First, remember to use Hide Out: pH Balancing Spray.  Every client.  Every time.

You should always have your clients apply a small (dime-sized amount) of Security: Pre-Tan Barrier Balm ($24) to the following areas: knees, ankles, elbows, tops of hands and tops of feet. This will allow some of the solution in, while keeping some out.  Dry areas of the body can soak up solution like nobody’s business!  And you definitely want to avoid the Oompa-Loompa Pox!

Patties:

When you are spraying the arms, you want to pull back at the wrists/hands.  Avoid spraying the client’s palms (another area that loves DHA).  Be sure the client’s hands are slightly bent—if the fingers are locked straight, the client could end up with white lines on the knuckles.  Ick.

Tootsies:

You don’t want to spray the feet directly either.  In fact, you can almost skip them entirely! Gravity will pull overspray out of the air…and it usually lands on the feet.

Check out our Download EnvyTan Application Guide.  Its step-by-step instructions are extremely helpful, whether you’re new or have been around the block a time or two.  Don’t forget about our “how to” DVD, Show Off: Spray Tanning Training Video ($25) released last fall.  It’s a great way to *see* how we do things!

Fear feet and fingers no longer!

Spray Tan Maintenance: Primping and Prepping

 

As I was primping and prepping for a fabulous evening out with my Valentine, I made sure to grab a new razor as I headed for the shower.  Honestly, I hate shaving.  It’s too time consuming and pointless—the hair seems to grow back the minute I step out of the shower anyway.  Plus…I’m lazy and really hate running out of hot water mid-shower.  But it was Valentines’ Day and what girl wouldn’t pull out all the stops?!

I bet you’re wondering why this is relevant or what kind of details I’m going to spill next.

Just juicy spray tan tips!  When shaving before a spray tan, always do it 24-48 hours in advance of the tan.  I know it seems counterproductive, but you don’t want to show up freshly shaven.  Why?  Because the solution can settle into your freshly opened pores/hair follicles resulting in an unwanted freckled appearance.

As for shaving after the tan, we recommend waiting the same 24-48 hours before shaving again.  This will give your tan plenty of time to develop.  Remember to avoid contact with water for 6-8 hours.  During the life of your spray tan, be sure to shave with a new blade or new razor.  Using an old, dull razor to shave can be painful, but it also strips off more skin than a new razor does.  Of course, the more skin cells you lose, the quicker you lose your spray tan!

For best results and a long [spray tan] life, use products that are DHA Friendly.  Check out our EnvyTan pre- and post-tan care products, the Sunless Secrets Pro Line ($22-$28). Grab a bottle of Bodyguard: DHA Friendly Body Wash ($22) to keep your tan looking glam and when you’re prepping for your next tan, Ambush: Pre-Tan Exfoliating Scrub ($26).  Don’t forget touch ups with Lasting Envy: Spray Tan in a Can ($24)!

HVLP Equipment: Upgrade

Another reason to upgrade to HVLP Equipment!

Last week, we talked about new equipment for the new year.

Well…here’s a point I missed.  I am often asked if you can use airbrush pens with HVLP turbines or HVLP guns with airbrush compressors. While you would think, in this day in age, technology would allow us to do so… it just doesn’t work that way.

In most places, the true “airbrush tan” is a thing of the past.  It takes FOR-EVER to apply—eating up a lot of time and solution.  HVLP Equipment ($275-$975) allows you to tan a client in minutes.  Double your clients; double your profits.  And since you are only using the equipment for a few minutes at a time, there’s not as much wasted solution!

Make the investment in a quality piece of HVLP equipment.  Leave the airbrushing to the nail techs.

Technician: EnvyTan Application Guide

EnvyTan Application Guide to the Rescue!

For newbies, entering the world of spray tanning can be a daunting task.

So many questions!  What? How? When?

Take the easy road.  Check out our new Application Guide!  Oh yeah—and it’s FREE!

Download EnvyTan Application Guide

The Application Guide holds your hand the whole way from set up to clean up.  Learn the easiest and most efficient way to spray tan.  But don’t worry.  There aren’t any Tanning Police to arrest you if you spray methods differ from ours!

What are you waiting for?  Check out the Application Guide now!

Start Up Kits: The UN-Franchise, Celebrity

 

Our newly revamped start up kit is perfect for anyone looking to be like us!  It’s catching like wildfire—but there are some brand new FAQs that we should address.

First, a brief explanation to catch you up to date:

Last month we did something really cool!  We introduced the world to our new Celebrity!

Our EnvyTan Celebrity Kit is similar to a franchise, but way better since there are no fees of any kind!  Just use our products and our methods.  You would be one of our Local Celebrity Artists, representing our brand at a local level (a field associate under our name).  Check out our Celebrity: Envy Pro Kit for more information. 

 

FAQ #1:  So my business name is…?

You would be EnvyTan at ___(your location)___. 

Example:  EnvyTan at Miami Beach.

 

FAQ #2:  How is that different from a franchise? What does that mean? 

With a franchise, there is usually a monster fee in the beginning, as well as ginormous annual royalties.  Franchises must do things exactly the same, from specific phone greetings and matching paint colors on the wall to day-to-day business routines and pricing structures.  Yuck.

With the Celebrity, there are no franchise fees; this is a trust-based relationship, whereby you are essentially licensing the use of the EnvyTan name.   No instructions for salon set up.  No mandatory hours.  No robot-like phone messages.  You will still need to carry your own business/liability insurance; EnvyTan, Inc. would not responsible for your business operations.

Think of it this way:  Let’s pretend Old Navy sells Cinderella (a Disney character) pajamas.  Old Navy has licensed the use of the Cinderella character.  If someone has an allergic reaction to the pajamas, Disney is not responsible.*

As a Local Celebrity, you would be required to do things our way—like any EnvyTan technician. Do things our way and use our products.  Basically you would just do things the *right* way:  use nose filters, use sole patrols, wear our uniform, spray tan like we spray tan. 

 

FAQ #3:  What about marketing materials?

Once you understand the way the non-franchise Celebrity Kit works, the explanation of the marketing materials and webpage super simple.  It’s sort of a “pre-fab” set up.  All of the Celebrity materials do have our logo on them.  They are designed specifically for our Celebrities to use.  All you need to do is plug in your information!  The same is true for the website. 

For the website, you will receive a domain name and the 5 page website.  You will need to purchase website hosting, generally done annually ($35/year).  These are pre-determined pages that we will add your information to and will most likely include a page of Pre & Post Tan Information, Photo Gallery, Tips, Your Information, etc.  It’s very “plug and play”.  Should you decide to make changes, they will need to go through our web department, as you will not have access to do so on your side.  These changes can be made by purchasing High Maintenance: Website Maintenance Hours.  It’s best to make several changes at once, rather than purchase website maintenance every time you need to change something small.

 

 

The Celebrity Kit is a great way to give newbies a leg up!  Associating yourself with a top-notch company that is a leader in the industry is great for your business. 

The Celebrity: Envy Pro Kit is available for $1475, complete with everything you need to start your EnvyTan un-franchise!  For more information, clarification, or other questions, feel free to contact our EnvyTan representatives at 866 ENVYTAN or info@envytan.com.

 

*EnvyTan, Inc. has no association or affiliation with Old Navy, Cinderella, or Disney.  The use of these names in the above example was only for the purpose of example.

DHA: The Not-So-Terrible Truth

It’s time you all learned the not-so-terrible truth about DHA.

Last night, as I was enjoying the waning hours of my weekend, I picked up this month’s issue of a certain magazine—let’s call it Vodka & Cranberry—and began flipping through the pages.  Imagine my horror when I saw its plug for a sunless tanner product.

To be honest, at this moment 12 hours later, I could not tell you what product it was talking about or even what article it was in.  But, I do remember what it said about DHA.  And in my line of work, that’s not cool, especially considering the circulation size of this magazine.  I’m sure the better part of half the women in America read this magazine (most grandmas excluded)!

So by now, I’m sure you are “dying” to know what was said.  Here goes:  “DHA is that stinky ingredient" in spray tans.  *GASP*

I just want to set the record straight…even though I know I have addressed it indirectly a million times.  Here’s to million and one.

Dihydroxyacetone is colorless and odorless.  Otherwise known by its street name, DHA, is a derivative of certain plant sources, namely sugar cane. In other words, it is not spray paint, dye, or any of the other things that you hear rumors about.

DHA was approved by the FDA as a permanent ingredient on their list of approved cosmetic ingredients in the 1970s. They approved DHA for topical application to the skin, as research has proven that the coloring effect of DHA is a reaction with the amino acids in the surface layer of the skin. The skin reacts to contact with DHA by producing a brown color that resembles a suntan.  

*ENTER SPRAY TAN SMELL*

Many people associate spray tans with that “funky spray tan smell” with DHA.  But that’s not quite right.  DHA by itself is odorless, which is why spray tan solutions don’t smell.  Really, if they did, who would ever want to get one.

And that infamous smell?  That’s a reaction—that’s your body reacting to the DHA.  Think of it like this:  Your skin doesn’t smell.  Go stand in the sun for an hour.  Now does it smell?  Yep.  It’s your skin reacting to the sunshine.

At EnvyTan, we don’t add fragrance to our *all natural, organic, hypoallergenic, eco-certified and PETA Approved* solutions.  Not everyone wants to smell like vanilla or coconut on spray tan day.  We do offer Scent Boosts to customize your tanning experience—but more importantly than that, at EnvyTan we go the extra mile to prevent any “stinky” reactions.  We invest extra time and money into our solutions to include ingredients that actually neutralize that odor.

Please, please, please keep in mind that only some people even experience this reaction, which again has a lot to do with body chemistry.  After all, one perfume can smell very different on different people, because of their body chemistry.

My point is that for those who experience this type of a reaction, the best thing to do is 1) use our EnvyTan spray tanning solutions and 2) use our product called Disguised: DHA Scent Neutralizing Spray ($24)—it’s like your insurance against that funky smell.  Mist Disguised onto your body in as little as 1 hour after your tan has been applied.  Don’t let anyone know you’ve been spray tanning.  Go on, be a closet tanner!

A professor in college once stated that for people to truly hear you, you must say the same thing three times.  And so, for the third and final time:  DHA is odorless.

Bad Vodka & Cranberry. 

Solutions: Mix Master

Just a quickie today, as a follow up from yesterday...

There is one very important thing that you shouldn’t shake'n'mix…or at least in the way I am about to describe.  I know there is a ton of information floating around in cyberspace.  But don’t believe everything you read (except when it applies to this blog)!

We have recently become aware of the “Should I mix my solution?” conundrum.

Should you mix your spray tanning solution before using it?

The answer is two-fold. 

Yes: 

You should always mix your solution in the way we talked about yesterday.  Shake, rattle and roll it before you pour the amount you will need to apply the spray tan.  Make sure important ingredients like DHA get mixed up and leave nothing settled on the bottom.

No: 

You should never mix solutions with water.  Our EnvyTan spray tanning solutions are good to go!  Simply open and pour.  Nothin’ to it.  Adding water to spray tanning solutions will dilute them, causing them to lose their effectiveness and you to lose clients.

Make the most out of every spray tan!  Don’t skimp on your tans or your customers will start skimping on their visits!

Have a great question?  Email us at info@envytan.com.

Certification: It's Official, Spray Tanning Course and Certification

 

 

Attention spray tanning technician wannabes!!!

Learn to spray tan from the pros.  EnvyTan’s latest edition of It’s Official: Course and Certification is available now on our website!

At EnvyTan, we believe that the proper training and certification are key to a great business.  This course will guide you through the entire process.  From spray tanning basics like which equipment is right for you (and how to use it) to spray tan after care and exquisite customer service ideas, It’s Official is the best in the business…and so are we!

When you purchase It’s Official, you will receive our brand new, hot off the press edition of the course.  It will arrive in your inbox as a PDF shortly after purchase.  Grab your glasses and some drinks; sit down and get busy.  Once your answers are submitted and graded, you will receive a digital copy of your Envy Spray Pro Artist Certificate for you to print out and display—that is, until your official copy arrives on your doorstep, framed and ready for exhibition!

And now, for the first time ever, It’s Official comes with our handy client history forms and questionnaires pre-loaded onto our chic EnvyTan USB drive, Know It All.  Take all your forms with you when you visit clients.  Leave pertinent papers behind.  Give your clients peace of mind knowing you’re the real deal!

Distinguish your business from the rest.  At only $45, it’s a small investment that can make a world of difference.  It’s Official: Course and Certification is part of our Envy Academy.  Check out our other training products available in the Spray Tanning Training Materials section of our EnvyStore. 

Equipment: Cleaning Your Equipment

Many of you good technicians know you need to clean your equipment on a regular (daily) basis.  And I’m hoping that you do.  Although I have shared this in other posts before, I’m going to do it again, as there has been some confusing information floating around in cyberspace.

When you clean your equipment, use The Cleaner: HVLP Gun Cleaning Solution.  If you follow this blog, or have read previous articles, you know that you can cut this solution with water to make it go further.

Ahhh…but what kind of water to use?

Definitely not tap water.  Water from the faucet may contain minerals that can be damaging to your equipment—especially during prolonged exposure.

So now the big question becomes “Bottled Water or Distilled Water?”

And now the big answer:

…drum roll please…

While both are considered safe, if given the option, always choose distilled!   

Distilled water is the purest form of water available.  Even though bottled water goes through several rigorous filtration processes, distilled water has less chlorine and ammonia (which can be harmful to the equipment).

Keep your equipment in tip top shape and your business boomin’!  The Cleaner: HVLP Gun Cleaning Solution is available in the HVLP Equipment/Supplies section of our EnvyStore.  It is available in both 16 ounce and one gallon bottles!

Solution Additives: Can I Mix My Solutions?

Can I mix my solutions? 

Sure.  But there’s no guarantee the result is what you’re looking for!

Stop!  Put down the chemistry set and back away slowly!

Are you somewhere between an 8% and 10%?  Now there’s no need to choose…and definitely no need to play chemist.  Combat Envy:  DHA Booster Drop is the answer.  This solution additive makes any solution stronger! 

 

Need a custom shade?  Add a few drops and you're good to go.

Out of 10%, only have 8%?  Add a few drops and you're back in business.

Add a few drops of Combat Envy to any shade of solution to increase the strength of the tan.  Bump a 5% to a 6 or 7% or an 8% to a 9%.  But don’t try to make a 12% into a 20%!  Trust us.

For more ways to customize your tan, check out the Solution Additives section of our EnvyStore.  Use our Glitter Drops to add a sexy shimmer to your tan or our Scentplosions to add your favorite fragrance and tailor any spray tan experience to your needs.

EnvyTan's Combat Envy is available in 1 ounce bottles, $20 each or $12 when purchased at wholesale.  Solution Additives are a fabulous, cost-effective way to keep your client based interested and growing!

FAQs: Swimming After Spray Tans

Swimming after spray tans:  If I’ve answered it once; I’ve answered it a million times.

If given the opportunity, I think I would create a public service announcement for major television networks, something like “Save your skin.  Spray Tan.  Yes. You can still go swimming.”

DHA—the active ingredient in sunless products that reacts with the amino acids in the outer layer of the skin and produces the noticeable color change—takes 6-8 hours to fully develop.  During this time, you must avoid contact with water.  Once this 6-8 hour “don’t get wet” window has passed, you are free to resume your normal routine.

Even swimming?  Yes, even swimming.  But, shower first; and by shower, I really mean rinse the bronzer off so you don’t leave a brown mess in the water.  If I had a nickel for every time I answered something like “Will it come off in the pool?” I would have a luxury vacation waiting for me!

There always seems to be a misunderstanding, especially among DIY-ers, about spray tans melting off.  Once DHA develops and reacts with skin, it CANNOT melt off.  Spray tans are not paint—they can not melt, drip or wash off.  The only part of a spray tan that will come off is the bronzer…which of course, is supposed to!

Having said that, overexposure to water of any kind (swimming, sweating, showering) all accelerate the body’s natural exfoliation process.  This creates the potential for rapid fading because the body sheds its skin through exfoliation.  The rate of exfoliation (natural or accelerated) will vary person to person, so you may not even notice this process.

The best way to keep your tan looking fabulous while splashing around is to use a DHA extender lotion (Body Armor) or a spray tan in a can product (Lasting Envy) for touch ups.  EnvyTan's Body Armor: DHA Extender Lotion not only moisturizes the skin, but it actually redeposits small amounts of DHA on the body to give the tan a boost!  Lasting Envy: Spray Tan in a Can is a quick and easy way to touch up any tan.  Apply it (post shower) before bed and wake up bronzed and beautiful.

Bonus: Body Armor also helps to promote even fading.

 

Check out our entire line of pre- and post-tan care products, EnvyTan's Sunless Secrets Pro Line, for all your spray tan maintenance needs.  Get the most out of your tan!

 

FAQs: Double Dipping

 

 

Double dipping has many meanings, some good and some not so good.  Double dip of ice cream-Yes, please.  Double dip a chip-Social taboo.  Double dip politicians-Oh snap!  Double dip recession-Yikes!

In this industry, double dipping refers to tanning in a bed and applying a spray tan to achieve a dark tan.

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Before I proceed, I want you all to know that this article will have nothing to do with risks or benefits of either tanning method.  There will be no chastising or persuading; simply information.  Take it for what it’s worth.  Do with it what you will.

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Spray tanning is a quick and easy way to achieve immediate results.  This method is great for people jetting off for exotic vacations, but may not have time to tan any other way. 

In general, spray tans (and other sunless products) do not offer protection from the sun.  This is what makes them so appealing for anyone headed to the beach.  Spray tans allow them to look and feel great, without blinding anyone or being confused with Casper!  Also, since they don’t offer protection from the sun, you can still soak up the rays and develop a true sun tan underneath.*

Similarly, you can apply spray tan and continue to tan in a bed, creating a tan underneath the spray tan.  You may (or may not) notice a darkening of the tan, depending on how long you have been tanning prior to applying the spray tan.

If you opt to double dip, here are a few pointers:

• Do not apply a spray tan and then tan in a bed in the same day.  Sweating can affect the outcome of a spray tan.  If you choose to do both in the same day, tan in the bed first, shower and have the spray tan applied.
• If you are using tanning lotions while tanning in a bed, you may want to spot test them once your tan is applied.  If possible, use products that are DHA friendly, meaning they won’t harm your spray tan.

Have questions about spray tanning?  Email us at questions@envytan.com

*If you plan to get a spray tan for vacation, check out Hands Off: Oil-Free SPF 30 Sunscreen.  It’s DHA friendly, so it won’t harm your spray tan while you are out and about!

 

FAQ: What is Spray Tanning

 

 

What is spray tanning?

Now for those of you who have been around the spray tanning block once or twice, this should be a no brainer for you.  In fact, even people who have never had a spray tan generally have some understanding of what it does.  But how do you get through to those people who live under a rock—those potential clients that just don’t get it?

Many skeptics—in this industry or any other—like hand outs.  And while getting free stuff is always a perk, I mean hand outs as in the “take it home and read it, call me with any questions” kind of informative hand out.

And of course, we’ve got you covered!

EnvyTan offers two brochures (and the fixins’) to keep your clients in the know. 

In the Biz: Spray Tanning Informational Brochure* is a very handy pamphlet for those confused [not quite there yet] customers.  Covering many of the “survey says” top FAQs, this hand out can also be a business promoter—simply fill in the contact information on the back.  Two birds. One stone.

Well Read: Sunless Secrets Product Brochure* is a perfect hand out to pass along whenever you complete a spray tan or sell any of our pre- or post-tan care products.  Well Read focuses specifically on our Sunless Secrets Pro Line of maintenance products.  This will help generate interest (and business) among your regular clients.  For instance, most clients know they need to moisturize. However, they don’t know that DHA extender lotions not only moisturize, but redeposit small amounts of DHA onto their skin, keeping their tan looking fabulous longer (and promote even fading).

Great tans mean happy customers, and everyone knows happy customers are repeat clients!  So they come back for more—but first they need to exfoliate before their next tan.  What to use?  Check out Well Read for more information on products like Ambush:  Pre-Tan Exfoliating Scrub! 

And the cycle continues…

In the Biz and Well Read are available on our website for $15 each in packs of 50 (or $12 each when purchasing 3+).  Be sure your brochures are displayed Clearly on our display rack!

*Matching posters are also available.  Represented and Deserving are $10 each ($7 wholesale) on our website and match In the Biz and Well Read respectively.