perfect glow Archives - Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty®

Dec 24 2016

Self tanning myths – How to properly prep for a sunless tan

I am sure you have read to “Shower & Shave right before applying a self tanner or getting a spray tan”

No No No! I see so many beauty bloggers or spray tan salons advising to exfoliate, shower & shave right before applying self-tanner and it makes me crazy! You do NOT want to do this before application or before your spray tan session. This can actually hinder your self-tanning results!

Why you ask?

Doing so can result in a lighter tan and a patchy or streaky development! Scrubs, exfoliants, soaps, hair conditioners, shampoo, shaving cream and other products leave an invisible film on the skin. This can affect the tan and result in a patchy or streaky application.

Let’s break it down some more and I will explain why many common self-tanning problems occur:

First off, when you shower right before you are hydrating your skin. When you apply the self-tanner (or get a spray tan) right after (even a few hours after) your skin will not absorb as much of the product since your skin is already hydrated! Anytime I see spray tan solution being repelled by my client’s skin it is because they always showered right before,

Streaky legs? -Chances are you shaved right before. Shaving creams and razors with moisturizing strips leave an invisible film blocking the absorption of the sunless tanner. In some cases you did not rinse long enough and some of the cosmetic bronzer did not wash off. Do another quick rinse to see if this solves the issue.

Specks on your legs (in your pores)? -Chances are that you showered right before application. The hot water opened up your pores and it absorbed more of the bronzer pigment (Tip- before tanning do a very quick cold water rinse to close them up)

Tan came out very light?- Chances are that you showered right before. And as discussed your skin was not absorbing all of the product.

Patchy Tan? – Chances are you showered or exfoliated right before and the product residue created a barrier which prevented product from being absorbed in areas. Or you did not exfoliate at all and the skin was not an even canvas. (Read further below for more info on this)

Tan did not last long– Same reason as why it caused it to be light (plus you are possibly not using the proper aftercare products)

Tan faded bad– This happens when you apply more self-tanner /spray tan on your body without scrubbing the other one off first. Or you do not use the right aftercare products (cleansers) and a poor body moisturizer.

So here are my expert recommendations:

Start your exfoliating a few days before your spray tan session or the day you are going to apply the self-tanner. Do not exfoliate the day of! Exfoliation is very important so the skin can be a clean even canvas. If self-tanner or gradual tanning lotion is applied on uneven skin, the older dead skin cells will come off first causing the tan to possibly fade poorly.

Do any waxing, pedicures or shaving at least 24 hours before.

Do not shower or apply any soaps (especially Dove) oils, lotions, perfumes or deodorant to the skin the day of the tan. These can create a barrier preventing the self-tanner from fully developing or resulting in patching or streaking.

Follow these recommendations and I guarantee you will see great results!

Have any more questions? Please check out my website Q&A or feel free to contact me for more information.

Melissa Weinberg is a South Florida spray tan expert, educator. She is the creator of Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty® and Perfect Glow Sunless™ a premium line of professional spray tan solution used by professional salons and spas all over the world. Providing custom spray tans in the areas of South Florida including Wellington, Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Royal palm beach,

Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Palm Beach

Aug 28 2016

Spray tan tips for models

As Featured in www.Bellamondos.com

Models: Alexi Gropper & Shaana Ashley

Spray Tans by Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty®

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If you have an important photo shoot coming up or modeling event you might be thinking about getting a spray tan. It is a great idea as a tan will always make you look thinner, make your teeth look whiter, eyes look brighter and help cover up many skin imperfections.

The great thing about using a professional spray tan artist is that we can customize the color according to your skin tone and the level of tan you want to achieve. It is not just 1 color fits all. We can also contour to enhance or slim certain body parts that you cannot do if you us a self- tanning product or even in a spray booth.

If this is your first time getting a spray tan I highly recommend doing a trial first if you have enough time. Unlike makeup or a hairdo, you cannot just wash a spray tan off as it will be on your skin for 7 + days. So doing a trial session first is the best way to go to ensure you get that perfect color. If you do not have time for a trial tell the spray tanning tech to do a natural looking shade to avoid possible disaster by being way too dark for your skin tone. A spray tan works with your natural tone, so if you are very pale (Think Nicole Kidman) there is no way we can get you as dark as Jlo and not have you look pretty silly. So just keep that in mind and let the trained professional select a shade that they recommend for you. Although there is Photoshop it is very hard making a bad tan look good! You can always darken with body makeup or bronzer if needed.

Make sure that your face has a natural spray. Two of the biggest disasters I see in photos is always related to the face. If you spray your face very dark and then apply very heavy makeup many times it can make it look orange or too much darker than the rest of your body. The other is when someone gets a spray tan but does not use a little darker makeup to match. This results in a tan body but a washed out paler face. And that contrast does not look very good. So remember if you are doing your own makeup you need to go a shade or so darker or use some bronzer.

So here are the answers to the important questions you need to know:

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“How should I prepare for my Tan?–

It is imperative that you exfoliate your skin the day before or even for a few days leading up to the Spray Tan. (Not the day of as many scrubs will leave a film on your skin resulting in the tan streaking or being blotchy) Exfoliation is important so the skin can be a clean even canvas. If the spray tan is applied on uneven skin, the older dead skin cells will come off first causing the tan to possibly fade poorly.

Do not have any self- tanner on or any old spray tan residue!! This is a very common thing that I see and highly recommend you get all of it off. I compare it to getting a manicure. Would you want a new manicure being applied over chipped polish? (I don’t think so) So please have your skin void of any self- tanner. If not you would be combining different colors that can wind up looking very poor and patchy.

Any manicures and pedicures should be done before your tanning session. If you must get it on the same day as your spray tan session you must refrain from the massage. You do not want any oils or lotions on your skin as they will cause a barrier.

Waxing and shaving should be done at least 24 hours before your session, If you shave the day of, the shaving cream can leave a barrier. Also many razors have the moisturizing strips that will cause the spray tan to streak on the legs!

Do not shower right before the session. You may think that you are helping by having fresh clean skin. But what you may not realize is that your pores are being opened and your skin is getting hydrated. It might not absorb as much of the spray tan solution resulting in a much lighter tan. Also many soaps, shampoos and conditioners leave a film (even if you can’t see it) that can cause blotchy areas and streaks.

Do not apply any oils, lotions, perfumes or deodorant the day of the tan. They can also cause a barrier and if you spray over perfume that area can result in the tan peeling.

What do I need to wear?–

Wear a dark colored swimsuit or undergarments. I always recommend going topless or nude as this way you will not have to worry about tan lines if you do not know what you will be wearing at your photoshoot.

How long until my tan develops?–

You will see instant color due to a cosmetic bronzer but the actual tan will take from 9-12 hours to fully develop. You can NOT shower or get wet until that time as you will risk washing off the spray tan ! (no skin to skin contact either) If you do not have time to do that and need to rinse off quickly ask the salon about a rapid tanning option. This is a special tanning solution that many carry that will allow you to rinse off between 1-4 hours depending on the level of darkness you want. It might be a little more money but is perfect for those that have a busy schedule or do not like sleeping in spray tan solution.

What should I wear after the tanning session?

Please prepare accordingly. Many times spray tans are ruined because the client did not bring the right clothes to wear after their session. Bring either a loose t-shirt,button down shirt and loose pants or shorts. A strapless sundress is one of the best things you can wear. Do not put on any bras, spandex, jeans, leggings or yoga pants. No tight elastic around the waist or ankles & no socks or sneakers so bring flip flops. If is raining an umbrella does not always protect the tan. Water can splash up from your flip flops and get on your legs and heavy wind can still get you wet so long sleeves and loose long pants are the best thing for rainy days.

Can’t make it to a salon? Then get your glow on at home with my Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty self tanning products. 5 star rated and love by beauty bloggers and media!

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Follow these tips and you will be on your way to the perfect tan for your beautiful photo shoot.

Melissa Weinberg

Melissa Weinberg is a South Florida spray tan expert, educator. She is the creator of Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty® and Perfect Glow Sunless™ a premium line of professional spray tan solution used by professional salons and spas all over the world.. Providing custom spray tans in the areas of South Florida including Wellington, Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Royal palm beach, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Palm Beach

Mar 16 2016

Fake tanners for fair skin-will I turn orange?

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I get many emails asking me if my self tanners are good for very fair skin. If you are reading this then chances are that you as well have turned that dreaded orange from a self tanner or spray tan salon. Many of these women describe themselves as being redheads with freckles, or very pale that have never been able to achieve a tan in the sun. They ask me if I think that self tanning is just not for them.

Well the answer is NO 🙂 The problem is that unfortunately they just have not found the right product or have been to an experienced salon. Many times a little extra coaching on to what product is best for them is what they need and tips on how to use it properly. Orange comes from the following:

A salon using a product too strong for your skin tone
The tech having a heavy hand and applying too much product on your skin.
You had picked a self tanning product too strong for your skin tone ( Just because you want extra dark does not mean your skin can take it).
The product has a low quality form of dha.
You had a heavy hand and applied too much product to your skin causing it to over process.

I was born a redhead with freckles and my tanning experience was burning and peeling (ouch) I had the thought that even if my freckles connected that looked somewhat like a tan and was better than being pasty. Growing up in Long Island I would crave the summers and recall even sitting on the tar roof slathered in baby oil (No wonder why I experience skin cancer now)

So I turned to sunless tanning and before I became a spray tan professional I have experienced all the same things as you have. So I want to share my professional tips on how to get that beautiful sunless tan that you are craving for.

First off, self tanners are not magic they are a cosmetic. Just because you want super dark does not mean that your skin will cooperate. There are different levels for a reason and that is because there are different skin tones. The depth of color that you will pull will be dependent on your starting natural skin tone and if you are able to achieve a tan in the sun.

So even if a product shows a picture of a super dark Mediterranean looking goddess and labeled a “Extra Dark” shade, if you are a ginger and buy that type of product I can guarantee you that you will be orange. It is just wishful thinking and many times it is not the self tanners fault, but the consumer who fortunately did not pick the right shade for their skin or just applied too much. So always read product labels as to recommendations and usage instructions.

Why is this you ask? The simple answer is because DHA (dihydroxyacetone) is the main ingredient in all sunless products. The darker the shade the higher level the DHA. And certain skin tones can only take so much dha before they start to turn orange. I know it is not fair but you cant change genetics. So even though you want to be dark, just because the label says so does not mean it is going to happen. So us pale pasty people need to start low and see what our threshold is.

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With my self tanning products I recommend using them the same way that I would spray tan a client coming in my salon. I always recommend that very fair skin tones start off conservative. You can always add color but you cant take it away. So if you can not tan in the sun you have to be careful and start off and use a light shade or a light application.

If I have friends coming in together for a spray tan session and the pasty one says she wants to be the same color as her olive toned friend, I explain that it will not happen. I can spray each of them with the same color solution and each of them will pull a totally different color. So the same concept also applies with self tanners. Unlike painting a white piece of paper where the outcome of 10 pieces of paper will be identical , there is body chemistry involved with self tanners. The sunless tan is going to develop by interacting with your skin undertones.

Not everyone can get a dark tan and some people can only realistically handle a glow and anything higher will cause them to look unnatural, So I always say start light and gradually push the envelope.

What I would suggest my customers start out with is the following:

If you choose the regular self tanning mousse ( Medium to dark shade) start off by applying only one coat. That will adjust it to a light shade. If after developing it looks natural on you then the next time you can apply 2 coats and test it.

If you use the rapid mousse, the leave on times are from 1 hour for a light tan to 4 hours for a dark. So again, just because you want dark does not mean your skin can handle dark. So for the first application I would only keep it on for 1 hour and then rinse off (just water no soap ) and that would be the equivalent of what I would tan you with if you came into my salon.

If once it developed the color looked fine the next time you could leave it on a little longer say an hour and a half. Then if good then the next time do 2 hours etc…The longer you leave the product on the darker it gets. So with fair skin you have to be careful and start conservative. I call it baby steps. (And remember that with the ️rapid mousse you won’t see immediate color after rinsing. It still takes 8-10 hours to develop) So wait until the next day before you do another application.

Another option is the gradual tanner . It is not an instant option but this is a great a fail safe way to build your glow if you just want something very natural. Use the lotion 2x a day and the perfect glow will build over 4-5 days. Just stop applying when your desired level of color is achieved.

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So I know first hand there is hope for us pale people. It is all about choosing the right products and starting off conservative. Any questions please feel free to contact me at Info@mwmelissaweinberg.com

Melissa Weinberg

Melissa Weinberg is the creator of Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty® and Perfect Glow Sunless™. She is the South Florida sunless tanning expert and her products are used by salons and spas worldwide.

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