questions + answers

We recommend getting your spray tan 24-48 hours before an event. For example, if you're spray tanning for your wedding on Saturday, we recommend getting your spray tan 2 days prior, on Thursday. If you're getting a spray tan before a vacation, book the day before or the day of departure — this ensures you have color on your trip for as long as possible!

It's best to get your mani/pedi before the spray tan. If you're coming straight from your nail appointment, make sure to remove all the lotion and oils your nail tech applies before you come in. If you absolutely must get your nails done after your spray tan, wait until after your first shower and skip the massage portion, since those products may degrade your results.

The day before: shower and exfoliate to remove all dry, dead, flaky skin — the blushtan® Exfoliating Mitt or a dry brush works best. If your skin is very dry, moisturize with a "sunless safe" product like blushtan® Hydrating Moisturizer. Shave and do any other hair removal at least 12 hours before your appointment. The day of: shower and exfoliate lightly again, and remove all self-tanners, makeup, perfume, deodorant and oils using a "sunless safe" product like blushtan® Body Polish. Only moisturize the day of if your skin is very dry, and only with a "sunless safe" product. If you can't get blushtan® "sunless safe" products in time, simple drugstore brands like CeraVe and Cetaphil work — but always avoid products with acne-fighting ingredients and brands like Dove, Aveeno, Vaseline and Olay, which create a barrier that stops the solution from setting.

During the application, undress to your comfort level — you decide what's coming off and what's not. Any clothing worn during the session can be laundered once in a normal cycle. (We do ask all males bring something to cover their private parts.) After the application, wear loose clothing — black is best — and flip-flop style footwear. Your yoga pants are probably too tight! If it's raining or snowing, wear full shoes and bring an umbrella: any water on your skin while the tan sets will remove it.

Yes. Don't use topical acne meds (salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide) on your face or body before a spray tan — they dry the skin and cause uneven, patchy results. Stop a few days before if you can, and don't resume until your tan has fully faded. If it's unavoidable, tell your consultant and we'll simply avoid those areas. Oral medications like Accutane also severely dry the skin; we don't recommend spray tanning while using them.

Unfortunately no — sunburns and spray tans don't get along. Wait until your skin has fully healed and all peeling has subsided, then wait about 5 more days before your next spray tan. Tanning over peeling skin only gives patchy, uneven results.

Many of our clients have spray tanned while expecting, but always check with your doctor for approval first. Breastfeeding is fine too — we just recommend covering your chest area during the application (even breast pads work). Our Super Express option lets you shower a few hours after your visit to get back to your feeding routine.

Nope! Unlike tanning beds, you won't need multiple visits to build color. You can expect your desired results from just one application.

Yes! We can blend unwanted tan lines during the application to make them much less noticeable. For a few small lines or spots, you can also spot-treat at home with the blushtan® Bronzing Mousse.

A certified blushpro® consultant starts with a quick color consultation to determine the perfect solution for your skin tone. A complimentary PH-balancing treatment is mixed into every custom color to prep your skin and extend the life of your tan. Afterward, you can be dried and/or powdered to prevent any tacky feeling.

A total body transformation takes only 15-20 minutes! You'll leave feeling healthy, happy and confident.

One of our female sunless tanning experts, certified in HVLP equipment and trained in our signature application method. Every staff member aims to provide a welcoming, judgement-free experience.

Your entire body and face.

The legs OR the upper body — i.e. face, neck, chest, upper back, and arms.

Just the face and neck. :)

Nope, you don't have to. If you'd like to opt out of any area, mention it to your consultant beforehand — we can apply a lighter spray through the transition area (like the neck) so the color still blends naturally.

Our consultants can mix over 100 different colors — different bases for different skin tones, plus different levels of darkness. Your consultant determines the perfect solution during your color consultation, based on your preference and skin type.

Nope, all of our solution options last the same amount of time. The complimentary PH-balancing treatment in every color helps extend the overall life of your tan.

It absorbs moisture and reduces stickiness while your tan is initially setting — adding comfort, reducing odor, and protecting before your first rinse. It washes away in your first shower and doesn't provide ongoing protection against heat, humidity, sweat, or friction.

Our solutions are free of oils and aloe, so they dry within just a few minutes. You'll get a warm-air dryer post-application, plus the option to be powdered.

It depends on your solution and how dark you want your results. Original: wait 10-12 hours. Express: 4 hours for a healthy glow, 5 for medium, 6 for a "back from vacation" look. Super Express: 2 hours for a glow, 3 for medium, 4 for deep. CLEAR: shower once color starts to develop, about 2 hours for a glow, 3 for medium, 4+ for deep.

No! Our solutions are designed for natural, conservative results. Our consultants mix over 100 colors from vegan, organic-based solutions — none of which are orange.

No contact with water or product until your tan fully sets — no liquid makeup, no moisturizer, and nothing that makes you sweat until after your first shower. (No crying, dishwashing, or accidentally peeing on your leg either — yup, it happens.)

You may wear light powders and mascara, but avoid liquid makeup until after your first shower.

If developing overnight, wear a long-sleeve top and long pants to bed to avoid skin-to-skin contact, which creates friction and sweat that stop the tan from setting.

Gorgeous results for about a week — best for the first 3-5 days, then a gradual fade as your top skin layer sheds; it can take up to two weeks to fade completely. Longevity depends mostly on how well your skin was prepped and maintained. Keep skin moisturized and avoid harsh chemicals, exfoliants, hot tubs, saunas and heavy sweating.

Avoid bar soaps and exfoliants. Shower with a "sunless safe" product like blushtan® Body Wash, and moisturize post-shower with blushtan® Hydrating Moisturizer daily. To refresh fading color, apply blushtan® Gradual Tanning Moisturizer with the blushtan® Tanning Mitt.

Yes. A tan develops on your outermost skin layer, so anything that makes you shed faster affects it. In hot or humid weather you sweat more, which can speed shedding — causing faster or uneven fading, or transfer onto clothing and sheets. It doesn't mean the tan developed improperly.

Gently exfoliate in the shower to remove loose, dead skin cells ready to shed. Avoid harsh scrubbing — even, gentle exfoliation helps smooth out the appearance.

Best to handle hair removal a few hours before your appointment. If you must shave after, wait at least 24 hours and be gentle — shaving is mild exfoliation, so you don't want to remove the tan.

The face washes more often and goes through daily makeup wear and removal; skincare routines also promote new cell growth, shedding the cells your tan adhered to. Touch up the face between tans with our Rosewater Face Mist.

Come in 24-48 hours before you leave. Note that sweating, salt water and resort-pool chlorine will fade results quickly, so either stay cool and out of the water, or enjoy the tan as a base and pack blushtan® Gradual Tanning Moisturizer for touch-ups. Get your fresh-tan photos on day one and just enjoy your trip!

If you had Express, Super Express or CLEAR, it's completely normal for the tan to look like it washed off — all solutions take 12-24 hours to fully develop. Wait until then before judging. If it's been 12+ hours and you still have concerns, contact the studio where you were serviced; we're happy to offer a complimentary touchup the following day.

It's endorsed by the Skin Cancer Organization, the American Cancer Society, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Dermatology. The FDA has tested and approved DHA for use on the skin.

The blushtan® Body Polish contains pecan shells and shouldn't be used with a nut allergy. However, all of our spray tanning solutions are completely free of nuts, dairy, fish, gluten and fragrance. If you're sensitive to food-grade dyes, the blushtan® CLEAR solution contains no cosmetic bronzers or color additives.

Yes! Our products are suitable for all ages. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign a consent form before your first appointment. Most studios provide this form online during booking. If one isn't available, please have a parent or guardian accompany you to your appointment to sign at check-in, or contact your local studio for more information.

Cancellation policy varies by location, as each BlushTan® studio is independently owned and operated. Please refer to the bottom of your local studio’s page for the policies specific to that location. Find your studio →

Late policy varies by location, as each BlushTan® studio is independently owned and operated. Please refer to the bottom of your local studio’s page for the policies specific to that location. Find your studio →

Cash and all major credit cards.

Gratuity is not required, but very much appreciated—it's the best way to say you're pleased with your experience! Most studios accept tips via credit card, cash and Venmo.