Tanning Blog: Airbrush and Spray Tanning

Beat The Recession: Become a Professional Spray Tanner...

It doesn't take a genius to see that most people are still struggling this economy. There are some really exciting things happening among the mixed economic news coming out each day.

The people who are thriving in this recession are following their passion. If you're passionate about spray tanning or the tanning industry industry in general, could you see yourself doing that for a living? If so...

...consider becoming an EnvyTan spray tan artist. Within a short time, you'll go from spray tan enthusiast to being able to make your living doing it.

EnvyTan is world leader in professional spray tanning. We know spray tanning and we want to give you the tools to make it in this business. This is a complete bootcamp to take you from A to Z.

Here's the complete list of what you'll learn:

1st Assignment: Briefing Headquarters

• Mission: The Basics School
• Application Guide
• Skin Type Chart
• Frequently Asked Questions
• 15 Minute Guide to Spray Tanning
• Client Information Forms
• EnvyTan You Tube Channel

2nd Assignment: Operation Go Pro

• Mission: Spray Tanning Qualification Course
• It’s Official: Sunless Course and Certification
• So Serious: Spray Tanning as a Business eBook
• Money Maker: Spray Tanning as a Business eBook
• Show Off: Spray Tanning Training Video
• Shoe In: Spray Tanning Training Audio Tapes
• Control Freak: Virtual Spray Pro Training Class
• Bargain Shopper: Spray Tanning Training Bundle

3rd Assignment: Special Operations

• Mission: Master Artist Qualification
• Private Showing: Hands On Qualification Class

What's more, besides a killer education on the spray tanning industry and how to make a living in it, you'll also get access to all-natural, organic, PETA and Eco-certified products. This means you can feel safe applying it to your clients.

We're looking for people who will love what they do. Beat the recession, help people look great and wake up excited to go to work. What could be better?

Click here to find out more about EnvyTan Academy...

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)!

Technicians: Spring Break

Attention Spray Tanning Technicians!!!

The “Spring Break Season” is just around the corner!  You know what that means… co-eds lining up around the block for spray tans!

Here are a few tips:

• Stock up on solution!  Check out our Big Time: Envy Solution Stockpile ($90) for a great deal on solutions.
• Get the party started with our EnvyTan Solution Additives (Glitter Drops and Scent Boosts, $15-$20)
• Don’t forget the Client Disposables ($14-$35).  No one wants to ruin their teeny-weeny bikini before they get to the beach!
• Send ‘em to the beach with protection!  Order lots of Hands Off: DHA Friendly Oil-Free SPF 30 Sunscreen ($18-wholesale, $28-retail).

 

“Spring Break Season” is a great time to add new products for your new clients.  Pick up a few Tempted:  Sunless Secrets Sampler Kits ($35) for your new clients to sample new products.  Treat them right and they’ll be back all year long!

Spray Tan Maintenance: Post-Tan 411

Ow! Ow!  Look at you stylin’ in your freshly applied spray tan!

So you’ve just spent 10 minutes drying and admiring yourself in the mirror in the dressing room and now you’re at the desk paying the technician and “admiring” yourself in the mirror…again.

But you’re secretly freaking out…again…because the technician didn’t go over post tan instructions because you originally told her you new all about it.  Oops.  Now what?

 

*             *             *

 

Don’t panic.  I got this.  I brought my EnvyTan superhero cape to work today.

First things first, avoid contact with water (including sweat) for 6-8 hours.  Dihydroxyacetone, more commonly known as DHA, is the active ingredient in spray tanning solution.  It reacts with the outermost layer of your skin to produce that gorgeous color change we call a spray tan.  If possible, sleep in your freshly applied spray tan and shower in the morning—we’ll come back to that in a minute.

If you are one of those few people that gets that “funky spray tan smell”—you know what I mean—grab a bottle of Disguised: DHA Odor Neutralizing Spray.  You can mist this spray onto your skin as soon as 1 hour after the tan is applied.  It’s a miracle worker.  Sure, you can use any old body spray, but then you will just smell like spray tan AND body spray.  Disguised works to neutralize the spray tan smell which, by the way, isn’t from the solution!  It’s actually a chemical (body) reaction that each person has to DHA.  Some people have it; some don’t!

Okay.  Now it’s time to discuss the shower.  Your first post-tan shower should always be more of a “rinse.”  Use lukewarm water and simply rinse yourself off.  You will notice the tan “washing off.”  Don’t panic—it’s just the bronzer and it’s totally normal.  When you get out of the shower, gently pat your skin dry.  Rubbing it could cause friction, potential exfoliation and removal of the tan.  For the rest of the showers you will take during the life of your spray tan, invest in a Bodyguard!  Bodyguard: DHA-Friendly Body Wash is fabulous because nothing in it is harmful to your spray tan unlike regular body washes.  Avoid harsh loofahs and bar soaps.  They’re evil.

Next up?  Hydrate and moisturize.  Spray tans “live” on skin.  The healthier the skin, the longer it lasts.  Drink lots of water to help keep your skin in tip-top shape from the inside out.  For the outside in, moisturize.  Lotion up post shower.  Every few days reach for Body Armor: Tan Extender Lotion for the Body.  This super-fab lotion actually contains small amounts of DHA which gets deposited onto your skin.  And what did we just learn about DHA?  It’s responsible for the color change.  Use Body Armor to give your tan a boost!

Last, but certainly not least, invest in yourself, in your life, in your skin.  You’re already on to something by opting for a spray tan over the alternatives.  Now ensure that your choice wasn’t in vain.  And to borrow a line from a great song of the late 90s, “If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience… But trust me on the sunscreen.”* Hands Off: DHA-Friendly, Oil-Free SPF 30 is just what you need whether you have a spray tan or not.  Banish those harmful rays; live longer.

 

*             *             *

 

Ok.  Take your change. Tip the tech.  Schedule your next appointment and glow out into the world knowing you can handle all this glamour!

 

*song by Baz Luhrmann, speech by Mary Schmich

 

Spray Tanning Solutions: Which solution is best?

The million dollar question:  Which solution is best?

At EnvyTan, we like to think all of our spray tanning solution is equally the best, it really depends on you.  We do our very best to provide totally customizable tans.  If you are a dedicated reader, you know that on several occasions I have done the math and we have more than 240 different tans created from our Solution Additives alone!  Factor in our 12 different solutions and that’s 1200 options!  That doesn’t even get into the custom-created solution strengths (Combat Envy: DHA Booster Drop).

So which is best?  If I had a nickel for every time I’ve been asked that question…well, let’s just say I wouldn’t be slaving away in front of my computer… just kidding!  But in all honesty, this is a question we get a lot! 

And it’s always a tough one to answer?  Why?  Because I don’t know your customers like you do.  While we admire people who are ready and rarin’ to purchase oodles of new solution, it’s typically not the smartest move.

Invest in a sampler kit first.  Our Interested: Envy Solution Sampler Kit is available three different ways.  Interested: Envy Temptations Sampler Kit includes the 5, 8, 10 and 12% solutions from our Temptations line (any solution with a black label).  Interested: Envy Addict Sampler Kit includes the 5, 8, 10 and 12% from our Addict line (any solution with a platinum label).  Interested in both?  Interested: Split Kit allows you to try the 8% and 12% from both lines, Temptations and Addict.  And at only $35 each, sampler kits are a small investment that will pay off big in the end! 

Each kit contains four 8 ounce bottles.  That means you should get, at the very least, two tans from each bottle.  Let’s figure you charge a very reasonable $30 per tan.  You’ve just made about $200 off one $35 investment!  Cha-ching!  And now your clients love, love, love your new solutions (and we were pretty sure they would)!  Who says small investments don’t pay off!

Raise your hand if you see dollar-signs!

Now that you’ve been Interested, make it in the Big Time ($90).  Big Time: Envy Solution Stockpile lets you double-up on the solution with four 16 ounce bottles.  What, what?!

Equipment: How to Address Potential Leaks

Ut oh!

No one likes to hear the word “leaks.”  Especially not me.

Here are a few tips on what to do if your equipment suddenly “leaks.”

First, turn it off.  Remove the solution cup.  When you take the cup off, take a few seconds to wipe your equipment down.  Screw the solution cup back on, taking extra caution to ensure the threads line up properly.  It may take a few times to get it just right.  If the threads do not line up properly, you may experience solution dribbling out of the cup.

Don't wash your solution cups in the dishwasher.  Use a little TLC when cleaning them.  And it's always a good idea to have a few extra available.  After using the same solution cups over and over and over again, the threads may become worn or the container can warp...especially if you use the dishwasher.  Grab a bag of Reinforcements: Extra Cups and Lids ($25) and swap solution cups often. 

The sure-fire solution to any leak is the replacement of the gun gasket, that white ring on the underside of the gun… Dead Ringer: Gun Cup Gasket ($10).  This will create a seal and keep the cup pressurized, giving you’re the exact amount of spray every time.

Always make sure you are spray tanning in the appropriate room—avoid places like the formal dining room of your client’s home.  Use On Location: Black Floor Towels ($35), Clean Up Crew: Black Hand Towels ($15) and Spare Me: Disposable Gloves ($15) to keep any potential drips or sudden leaks from becoming major disasters!

Remember, if you ever have a concern about your equipment, it’s best to address it immediately, but please, please, please…don’t play Mr. Fix It. 

Solution: Birthdays!

 

Solutions have birthdays too!

When I come to work in the morning, I never know what will fall on my desk or ring in my ear.  From the crazy to confounding, everyday is a new experience.

Recently, I’ve gotten a few phone calls from frantic customers regarding questionable solution.  Talk about inciting a riot!  Once my heart rate returned to normal and logic returned, I started doing some digging.

Each bottle of our EnvyTan solution has a magic number on the bottom.  It doesn’t mean anything to you, but it’s super important to us.  That number indicates when it was created—don’t bother trying to decipher the code, it’s entirely random.  But it’s a sort of “unofficial” birthday.  That’s how we keep track of our solution.

Here’s how you should keep track:

When you receive your solution, take a moment (and a marker) and put the date of purchase on the bottom.  This will take you about 12 seconds and save you from having a heart attack when you can’t remember how old your solution actually is.

It turns out that the questionable solution mentioned above was almost 2 years old!  Because our solutions are all-natural and organic (not to mention hypoallergenic and PETA Approved), we do not add any chemical junk or preservatives so our solutions have a shelf life of about 1 year.  Once you hit the 1 year mark, it’s best to simply toss the solution (or test it on your own skin before using it on clients).

If you are finding too many “solution birthdays” are coming and going and you seem to toss a lot of solution away, try ordering in smaller quantities.  Try Big Time: Envy Solution Stockpile ($90) which offers four 16-ounce bottles of your favorites!  It’s better for all involved and you’re guaranteeing your clients have the freshest product possible.  All of our DHA Tanning Solutions are available in 16, 32, 64, and 128 ounce bottles. 

Finally, I would like to take about 12 seconds to wish my mother a Happy Birthday!

Solution Additives: Don't Forget the Sprinkles!

 

Don't forget the sprinkles...

It’s the holiday season and that means cookie-time! 

Last week, I introduced my other half to the fine art of baking…sugar cookies.  You should have seen his eyes light up when I gave him full reign of the sugar sprinkle decorations.  Oh my! 

In my family, there are two sayings:

          Everything tastes better with sprinkles.

          Everyone looks better tan.

From golden-brown, slightly lopsided sugar cookies to beautiful, glowing tans, don’t forget the best part… the statement piece… the cherry on top… the sparkle!  Sprinkle in some shimmer for your next holiday tan.  Get festive with EnvyTan's glitter drops ($15)!  Red Carpet: Ruby Red Glitter Drop, Jealous: Jade Glitter Drop or stick with our most popular metallics, Gold Digger: 24 Karat Gold and Paparazzi: Shimmering Bronze.  Can’t pick just one?  Try EnvyTan’s Glitter Blitz Pack ($125) containing all ten fantastically festive glitter drops! 

Tanning Tip:  Glitter drops are “day of” products meaning they will wash off in the first post-tan shower.  To reapply, simply add the glitter drop of choice to a small amount of distilled or bottled water and spray through your HVLP equipment!! Do not, I repeat, do not add cookie sprinkles to your spray tanning solution.  Yucko-bucko!

Go on; add a little glitz to the holiday parties!

Spray Tan Prep: To Shave or Not to Shave

 

To shave or not to shave,

That is the question…

And the answer is both.

Once you’ve scheduled your next spray tan appointment and have excitedly scrawled it on the calendar with hearts and exclamation points around it, jump back one day and pencil in an appointment with your razor (or other hair removal system).

When it comes to prepping for a spray tan, remove any unwanted hair 24-48 hours in advance of the tan.  Wait til the day of or just before and you will most likely end up covered in “freckles.”  Not the way to bring sexy back.

“Freckles” are the result of the spray tan solution pooling in your freshly opened pores/hair follicles.  While they do fade after a few days, they are not the result you want when you want to be the hottest, sexiest version of yourself.

And yes, a smattering of freckles on your natural skin is beautiful, and a sprinkle of them across your cheekbones is cute, even downright adorable.  But trust me when I tell you (and I am speaking from personal experience), leg freckles? Not cool.

So.  The night before your big spray day, slip into a bubble bath, shave those gorgeous gams and always exfoliate.  Use Ambush: Pre-Tan Exfoliating Scrub ($24).  Unlike other harsh scrubs that make your skin feel like it’s rubbing on a cheese grater, EnvyTan's Ambush uses ground coffee to gently slough off any dead skin cells.  Mmmm….and the pumpkin-cinnamon-coffee scent is enough to warm up even the chilliest winter night.

Spray Tanning: Spray Day Bag

Before you go to for your next spray tanning session, grab your Spray Day Bag.

Your Spray Day Bag (SDB) is your insurance against any subpar technicians.  Let’s face it, we’ve all been to those sketchy salons where the employees are more concerned with what’s going on in “The Real World” rather than the real world, the same employees that still twirl their hair and smack their bubblegum, absent-mindedly dispensing half-directions and texting at the same time.

Frightening isn’t it!  But of course, you have a big event in the next 24 hours and can’t afford to cancel because this is the only time you can get the tan, not to mention the every salon in town in booked solid—apparently even this place!

Now, of course, because of your 12 second interaction with Miss Thing, you’re starting to worry—even though she may the best tanning technician in the western hemisphere!  Judging from your experience, you highly doubt the “certified tanning technician” degree on the wall…assuming the gum smacker is indeed Miss T. Ann Pro.

This is where your SDB will be your BFF.

Whether you are a technician on the side (who knows how to get the most out of a tan), frequent tanner, or concerned first timer, be sure to purchase some insurance against sketchy tans.  More importantly, take it when you travel.  Most people know the spray tanning hot spots in their local town...but what about in another city, state or *yikes* country!  Keep your cool and stay in control of your spray tan!

Confused?  Here’s what your Spray Day Bag should include (and why):

Security: Pre-Tan Barrier ($24)

Apply Security to dry areas of your skin like elbows, knees, ankles, feet and hands.  This will keep those areas from soaking up solution like a sponge—and keep you from looking like you’ve contracted the Oompa-Loompa Pox.

Hide Out: pH Balancing Spray ($22)

Prep your skin before every tan.  Get rid of that daily gunk and balance your skin’s pH levels in one step.  This is super important because sweat and body oils can have a huge impact on a tan (and can lead to orange results).

Client Disposables ($14-35)

Many upstanding salons/technicians provide disposable undergarments for your convenience.  Toss a few options in your bag in case they don’t.  Don’t ruin your pretty things.

Lip Balm

Swipe this across your lips (and eyebrows if you have fair hair).  This keeps the DHA from staining these areas. 

Hair Tie & Over It: Hair Cap ($15)

For your hair.  Tie it back.  Make sure it’s up and out of the way.  A disposable hair cap is your best option for keeping overspray out of your hair.  Again, many places have these, but it’s a good idea to have your own personal stash—especially if you are a regular tanner.

Sole Patrols: Protective Sole Shields ($35)

Use Sole Patrols to keep from slippin' and slidin' inside a spray tan tent or on slippery tile surfaces.  These bad boys adhere to your feet and have traction on the bottom.  Walk of the salon in them and drive home in them.  Don't give your pretty feet flip-flop lines.

Interested: Solution Sampler Kit ($35)

Once you've found the perfect solution, don't chance another icky spray tan.  Purchase a sampler pack and BYOS...bring your own solution.  Hand the tech your solution and know what results you're getting.

Old/Black Towel

This is perfect to toss over your seat on the ride home.  Many solutions contain bronzer for immediate results.  Occasionally, this can rub off on tight clothes, etc.  Though it should have no bearing on the developed tan, you don’t want the bronzer to rub off onto the seats of your brand new car.

Disguised: DHA Scent Neutralizing Spray ($24)

Right-click, delete.  Confirm delete?  Yep.  Don’t walk around smelling like a spray tan.  If your body has a reaction to DHA, have no fear.  Mist your skin with Disguised in as little as 1 hour after your tan.  Don’t worry; if you have this reaction, you’re not alone.

 

Keep these items handy.  In a plastic bag, Louis Vuitton, or just your favorite beat up backpack, you’ll feel much more at ease when Miss Thing comes in (20 minutes late) to apply your spray tan.

I’d like to think that every tanning salon is a top-notch business.  But, we all know, that’s not always the case.  EnvyTan has just what you need.  For a limited time, check out our Control Freak: Spray Day Bag, $35 (complete with that oversized towel for your seat).  You are already making an investment in your appearance.  Invest in a Spray Day Bag; invest in your spray tan.

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.

Solutions: Shake It!

Shake it like a Polaroid picture…

Tip of the day:  Shake your solutions before use.
 
For best results when spray tanning, 1) use pre-tan prep products like Hide Out: pH Balancing Spray ($22) and Security: Pre-Tan Barrier Balm ($24) on every client, every time and 2) make sure your solutions are mixed well.
 
Like almost any liquid products (except sodas and other fizzy drinks), you should give all your products a quick shake before pouring them.  This will ensure that the good stuff like DHA doesn’t all sit at the bottom.
 
Did you know it can take as little as 20 minutes for the ingredients in glitter drops (Solution Additives, $15-20) to start settling on the bottom?  Well it does and I know because I did my homework.  Who says blog writing isn’t work?!
 
Next time you reach for solution, go ahead: Shake your tail feather!  Make your booty go pop, pop!