Spray Tan Test Drive

It's amazing what a little golden glow can do. It makes you feel taller and slimmer, and camouflages every last imperfection.

Call it a supermodel state of mind; when you have a tan, your confidence soars. So naturally when I was asked to road test the newest self-tanners for StyleList, I jumped at the opportunity. After a winter of sub-zero temps and a family staycation, I desperately needed a boost-skin and attitude. My job was to test various spray tans -- from the newest at home versions to the professional airbrushing type -- and dish on the results. For the most part, I'm strutting my stuff.

By: Julie Redfern

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While spray tanning has been around for decades, it only recently gained popularity. Five or so years ago specialty salons began offering the service. But more often than not you wound up looking orange instead of golden and streaky instead of streamlined. Since then formulations and application techniques have improved, resulting in even, realistic color. And thanks to its other perks, like hands free application (no more orange palms) and warp speed (some take minutes to apply), it's quickly becoming the self-tanner of choice.

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When it comes getting sprayed, there are several options: the at-home varieties, which range from tans in a can to spray machines, DIY spray booths and professional airbrushing. Virtually every skincare brand with a self-tanning category is introducing a spray version, and spas and salons have made it a staple on their menu. The question is, which is the best? Opinions will vary and I certainly have mine.

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The product: AquaSun
The price: TK
The pros: The medium-dark shade develops beautifully-not too dark, not too light. The kit comes with buffing gloves, barrier cream (to prevent unwanted color) and a thorough brochure, all of which are very useful.
The cons: The applicator wand seemed too long. I found it hard to maneuver around the upper thigh area. The smell was gagging, too. I guess that explains why they instruct you to insert cotton balls into your nostrils prior to application.
My tip: Cotton balls or not, apply in a well-ventilated area.

The product: Luminess Tan
The price: $129
The pros: The color is incredibly realistic, like you just spent the weekend at the beach.
The cons: There's a reason people are professionally trained to airbrush. It takes skill to perfect this system. It's also very timely. A full body tan takes 30 minutes.
My tip: Grab a friend. Spraying the backside proved challenging. And make sure to hold the applicator pen at least six inches from your body. At times I didn't-and have the stripes to prove it.

The product: Mystic Tan Spray Tan
The price: $54
The pros: It's easy to apply and dries quickly. I was back in my clothes in minutes. The color develops into a coveted golden bronze.
The cons: The bottle is a bit skimpy. I question how many full-body tans are in the can.
My tip: Don't skip the base step. It ensures an even tan that develops in half the time.

The product: Neutrogena MicroMist Tanning Sunless Spray - Medium
The price: $10.99
The pros: It's cheap, fast and available at any drugstore. It also smells less offensive than the rest.
The cons: I was disappointed with the color. I coated my skin twice and my tan was barely noticeable.
My tip: To look like a bronze goddess, mist the skin three times or opt for the darker shade.

The place: Hollywood Tan Mystic Tan, Shrewsbury, NJ
The price: $28 and change
The pros: It's quick: I was in and out in 12 minutes.
The cons: The booth is poorly ventilated. The few minutes I spent inside were suffocating. And my face was too tan (my husband called me "Magda). The machine sprays the face twice, when personally I think once is enough.
My tip: Skip the accessories. I paid an extra two dollars to spike the tanning solution with a coconut scent. It did nothing. I smelled like bad self tanner until I showered.

The place: Airbrush Tanning Studio, Fair Haven, NJ
The price: $39 for full body
The pros: Being sprayed by a professional makes a major difference (read: even, streak-free color). They customized the tan to my liking-a little more on the legs and a little less on the face.
The cons: Your skin is a little sticky post-spray and you have to wait 8 hours before you can shower.
My tip: Your skin will stick to your clothes so make sure to wear something loose fitting and comfortable.

Top 5 Spray Tanning Tips
1. You've heard it before but I'm saying it again: exfoliate. Dry skin catches self tanner faster, resulting in color build-up. Exfoliate the morning you tan to ensure even color.
2. You're technically not supposed to apply lotion prior to self tanning, but I find when applied to the rough spots (elbows, knees, knuckles) an hour before helps avert disaster.
3. Immediately after spraying, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and clean your nail beds. This prevents staining.
4. If you overdose (most people tend to do so on the hands and feet) tone it down with a liquid foundation that's a few shades lighter in color.
5. Hold the spray can or applicator wand 6-8 inches from the skin. The tanner should mist over the skin, not liquidate it.

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