I recently had my engagement pictures taken. And before the photo session, I overheard some clients at Hairport talk about a local spray tan place. And I thought to myself, “it’d would be a good idea to look somewhat tan for the pictures.” This winter has been miserable, and I haven’t had any sun. So, the thought of looking like I got some sun, and not ghostly pale, was quite appealing to me. And I wanted to look awesome for my engagement photos!
So, I went for it… I made an appointment to get spray tan!And it’s not the kind with the booth that you go into and the machine sprays on you. It’s much better than that, at Natural Glow, the ladies there spray the tanning stuff on you. You get airbrushed by someone. So, you wouldn’t get the Ross from “Friends” incident, where he was being “Ross” and was neurotic with his counts, and kept getting sprayed in the front by the machine FOUR TIMES! (Still one of my favorite “Friends” episodes!). Yeah – I didn’t want THAT to happen to me. So, the whole idea of having someone spraying me, instead of a machine, was fantastic!
It was a bit strange to stand there, partially naked, while another person is spraying you. (You can get sprayed with all your under garments on, or completely off, or whatever way you want to have your tan lines look). The only times I’ve never been so exposed is when I go to my doctor for my annual visit! At least it’s another woman and not a man. THAT would be WAY creepy.
There are two lovely ladies who work at Natural Glow on Commercial Street in the North End. Both are named “Sara” and “Sarah.” I had Sarah. She was awesome. Super friendly. And extremely helpful.
I went in on a Monday, told her I was getting the spray tan for my engagement photo session on Saturday. She was worried that the tan would be somewhat faded by then. She worked with me. She sprayed me, and told me I could go back later in the week (Thursday or Friday) for a “touch up” session. So, I went to her on Thursday, and she did the touch up, FOR FREE! That was very nice out her.
The entire spray session takes about 5 minutes. I stood up, moved around, make funny poses that she asked me to make, as she sprays me. When she’s done, she leaves the room, and I just stood by a couple of fans to dry off for about a minute. Then, I put my clothes back on and went on my way.
What you need to know before you go spray tanning:
1. That stuff needs to dry for 8 hours before you can shower or wash your face – so go late in the day
2. Get your nails done before going – the nail polish remover will remove the spray tan from your nails
3. Wear loose-fitting clothes when you go there – so the tan is even on you when you leave with your clothes on
4. Shave / wax before going, or the tan will come off with the wax
5. Don’t go there directly after the gym/shower. Your pores will be open right after you shower. So, wait at least 30 minutes before going.
PRO’s about spray tan:
1. Safety – Looking tan without the risk of skin cancer or sun damage
2. Instant tan
3. You choose how light/dark you want
CON’s about spray tan:
1. The dye does get on your clothes (washes off the clothes though)
2. Uneven fading
3. Can’t exfoliate skin without ruining tan
All-in-all, I think it’s worth it. I would do this again for special occasions, like how I would get lash extensions for special occasions. It’s just too much maintenance to do it on a regular basis. But that’s me. I like to be more simple, if I could help it.
You can try it out and judge for yourself – is it worth the money?
Here are some pictures from my engagement photo session, by my wonderful uncle, Quang Le, along the Charles River with the cherry blossoms. You can see how nice the spray tan looks on me, and the makeup by yours truly.
ENJOY!
My dress was from Loft, Embroidered Bodice Dress. Bought it specifically for this occasion, and it was 50% off (score!). Shoes were Stuart Weitzman wedges from a few seasons ago (bought from Ruelala, also at a discount). Purse is Louis Vuitton Tovili PM, bought years ago when I last went to Paris (Oh, how I miss Paris!), and it was less than half the price it is now! Trench coat is Burberry Buckingham Trench, bought from Nordstrom awhile ago. Makeup products were all Bobbi Brown products.
Sara Hua Designs 
