Jan 25 2018

Featured in Voyage MIA Magazine as a Palm Beach inspiring story!

JANUARY 25, 2018

Meet Melissa Weinberg of Melissa Weinberg Tanning and Beauty in Palm Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Weinberg.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was in the financial industry for most of my career. I always wanted to do something in the beauty industry and since I had experienced skin cancer I felt that spray tanning was the perfect fit. I started spray tanning in 2009 as a part-time mobile spray tan artist. I worked nights and weekends 7 days a week building my company. It took a few years of hard work but I have built my business into a top leading brand in the Sunless beauty industry & regarded as a top Spray tan expert in my field.

I worked on formulating my own product line and in 2014 I introduced my professional line of self-tanning products called Perfect Glow Sunless™. My professional and retail products are used and sold by countless salons, spas and spray tan artists worldwide. I also run my local business Melissa Weinberg Tanning and provide custom airbrush tanning services in the Palm Beach area.

Sunless education is important to me and I founded the Perfect Glow Spray Tan Academy. My academy is top rated and I train spray tan professionals on how to start their own spray tan businesses and improve their skills. I also travel across the US hosting classes as well as in South Florida and offer an online class as well.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any entrepreneur, I had to overcome many struggles. One was working 2 jobs and trying to do a career change at the age of 39. Working 7 days a week was not easy while trying to juggle home life but I knew it had to be done and also wanted my salary from my full-time job to fund the creation of my product line.

Eventually, I left the creature comforts of the corporate world (Like a weekly paycheck and full benefits and 401k).

I also handled every aspect of my business for a very long time. Scheduling and spray tanning clients on the service side and on the manufacturing side I did whatever I could to save money. I did my website designs, set up my E-commerce store, and everything from Purchasing, marketing, social media management, sales, customer service and even today I still personally ship all orders.

But I continue to grow and now have added on sales managers and trainers for my brand.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Melissa Weinberg Tanning and Beauty – what should we know?
I am known as the South Florida spray tan expert & I provide custom airbrush tanning on the Palm Beaches. As a company, I am most proud of a few things. First is my product line that I created as a female entrepreneur in her 40’s. I am proof that you are never too old to follow your dreams and can rinse up from starting a brand from scratch without investors or a ton of capital with good old fashion smarts and hard work

All of my products are based off organic and natural ingredients, Paraben free, gluten free, Vegan and cruelty-free. )I am part of PETA Beauty without bunnies program.) My products are truly odorless and there is no foul spray tan smell or heavy scent to mask chemicals as found in many other products on the market.

What also sets me apart is that I truly care about my spray tan clients and have top reviews. When someone comes in for a tan they are going to get a truly [personalized experience form someone who cares. I customize the color based on their skin tone and educate them on safe sun. Since I am also an educator I make sure that the spray tan application is precise and the color is flawless. My tans last up to 9+ days and I even offer a rapid option where the client can rinse off in just 1-4 hours!

For my professional salon beauty pros, I strive to give the best service available. and my customer service & products are top rated in the sunless beauty industry. My products were used on the Superbowl 50 Carolina Topcat cheerleaders by their spray tan provider and most recently my spray tan solution was used on Jlo! She was spray tanned by Fabiola the owner of Sobe tan in Miami who exclusively uses my product line.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Staying humble. No matter how much success I continue to achieve I will never forget where I came from. I am truly grateful for my spray tan clients supporting me and choosing my services these past years.

As a beauty brand, I feel that customer service is a lost art and I strive to go above and beyond for my customers. I treat them with fairness and appreciate everyone who places an order. My customers are not just a number to me. I am available 7 days a week to help them with anything they need.

For my retail self-tanning line, I feel educating the public in the benefits of safe tanning is important and offering them a salon quality line is important to me. There are many cheap tanning products out there loaded with chemicals with sub-par results and turning people that dreaded orange. I am happy to offer a true salon quality product. It is my same professional spray tan formulations but for home use.

Contact Info:

Website: Mwmelissaweinberg.com
Phone: 561-801-GLOW (4569)
Email: Info@mwmelissaweinberg.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perfectglowtanning/ & https://www.instagram.com/mwtanningbeauty/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mwtanningbeauty/

Mar 16 2016

Fake tanners for fair skin-will I turn orange?

red

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.

oils--1024x469

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.

CLICK TO SHOP

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.

Nov 25 2015

The Best self tanning mousse

Thank you to Brady for taking the time to review the Rapid self tanning mousse!

This self tanning mousse is a rapid development. Rinse off in 1-4 hours based on your skintone and the darkness you are looking to achieve. This foaming mousse is a gorgeous proprietary color that you won’t find anywhere else! Paraben free and will give you the best self tanning results without any odor or streaking. Recommended for use with a tanning mitt (sold separately) Size- 4.2 oz

SHOP: https://mwmelissaweinberg.com/shop/
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Argan oil, Blackberry seed oil, caffeine, meadowfoam seed oil

Directions:

Exfoliate the skin a day before to prepare for the tan. Do not use any lotions, oils or perfumes on the day you are applying the self tanning mousse as they can create a barrier causing the tan to develop poorly. Apply mousse in circular motion on clean skin.

Skin tones that can tan in the sun can apply 2 light coats.
Very fair skin that always burns and never tans- start off with 1 coat to avoid risking an unnatural color.

(If after your shower you want to be darker then it is OK to apply another application . When in doubt always start of with a lighter application. If unsure a patch test is always recommended. *Contains nut extracts )
WHEN TO SHOWER:
This is my recommended time frame to leave on before rinsing:

1 hour- light
2 hours- medium
3 hours- medium/dark)
4 hours- dark

This self tanner is not recommended to be left on for over 4 hours.
If you are very fair client that can not achieve a tan in the sun or are not sure how long to leave it on it is recommended that you start at 1 hour and gradually increase it next time.

You can not get wet or sweat until your rinse as that can adversely affect the tan development. The rinse should be with water only no soap. Refrain from using any oils, perfume or lotion on your skin until the next day as the tan will continue to develop over the next 24 hours.

**Please note** When you rinse off you might not have much initial color. It might even look like you washed the tan away. That is normal as the color will still take 8-10 hours to develop.

Nov 10 2015

How to remove self tanner

Sometimes self tanning takes practice and you can get few “oops moments” Or maybe you are one of those unfortunate people that just got a really bad spray tan and want to get it off.

Let me preface by saying I have read all crazy things on the internet and NEVER recommend that a client uses Windex or ANY chemicals on their body, This is one suggestion that I have seen published and it can be very dangerous.

There are many tips to remove self tanner but these I found have been the most effective methods:

1) Use an exfoliating mitt or glove. Loofas or washcloths do not do the job quickly and can wind up taking extra time if you use them. You can get the mitts online and the gloves are sold in drugstores or supermarkets.

This is an example of what these products look like:

2) Soak in a hot bath with 2 cups of epsom salt. (Epson salt also soothes tires muscles) And after a few minutes start scrubbing it off your skin using one of the gloves combined with a body scrub or a paste that I recommend you make by combining equal parts of baking soda and clarifying shampoo ( any cheap shampoo will work)

3) Slather your body in baby oil. Leave it on for at least a half hour and put on loose clothes so the furniture does not get ruined. Then soak in a hot bath and scrub it off.

4) Soak in a hot tub, This is a quick and highly effective way to remove the spray tan.

Here are some tips to remove the sunless tanner from specific body parts that might have absorbed too much or transferred on to ( such as the palms of the hands while sleeping)

1) To remove spray tan from fingers etc take a kitchen sponge ( scrubber side) and scrub it off with a little dawn dish washing detergent.

2) Take some lemon juice on a cotton ball and rub the area to try to fade it.

3) Some people use a magic eraser .Be very careful with this and just do a little area on the area.

Hope this helps x0- Melissa

Melissa Weinberg is the founder of Perfect Glow Sunless and Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty. She also provides spray tan training and is the South Florida sunless tanning expert .

Sep 19 2015

How to use a self tanner

When choosing a self tanner there are many on the market and the choices can be overwhelming. However it is important to realize that there are more factors beside color. While of course that is crucial, the quality of ingredients will be a huge factor in the color, longevity and fade and if it is drying to your skin. The self tanning mousse & gradual tanning lotion from Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty is the best on the market and will last while providing a beautiful tan and flawless coverage. Below is great information on how to use a self tanner and Tips on using the best self tanning products.

This self tanning foam is made with same luxury spray tan solution as found in the top selling solution from Perfect Glow Sunless ( The professional spray tan division of Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty) This premium self tanning mousse contains ingredients that will nourish your skin while providing a gorgeous tan. Free of parabens and other nasty ingredients that can be found in other self tanners.

Your skin will feel hydrated and nourished. Formulated with key ingredients such as Sunflower oil, Olive oil, Coconut oil, Argan oil, green tea and White Tea extracts. No orange, streak free and non blotchy. I recommend appliying with a tanning mitt to ensure flawless coverage and to avoid staining of the hands.

Here are some answers to the most common questions.

How do I prepare for the self-tanning application?

You want to prepare the same way you would for a regular airbrush tanning session. It is imperative that you exfoliate your skin the day before or even for a few days leading up to the day you are going to apply the self-tanner. I recommend you use exfoliating gloves and refrain from a scrub that contains oils unless it is more than a day before your appointment.

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 or shaving at least 24 hours before. And remember. No oils, lotions, perfumes or deodorant the day of the tan. These can create a barrier preventing the self-tanner from fully developing.

Do not shower right before applying the self-tanner as the steam will open the pores and can adversely affect the tan by not absorbing all of the tanning product. I recommend at least showering 4 hours before (no soap or body wash) & if you absolutely must shower before your appointment do not use very hot water. Just do a quick rinse and refrain from using soap or body wash .

What is the best way to apply the product?

If you are using the tanning mousse I highly recommend you apply this with a self-tanning mitt. This will ensure no mess to your hands and provide a flawless, streak free application. Apply mousse in circular motion on clean skin. *Tip* If you are using the mitt and it is too big for your hand put a sock or 2 on your hand first. (This will help the mitt fit more snug to prevent it from moving around)

If you are using the gradual tanning lotion, apply like you would a regular body moisturizer in a circular motion. Make sure you wash or wipe down the palms of your hands to avoid staining and discoloration. Go lightly on the hands and feet with both products. These are the driest areas of the skin and tend to absorb more of the solution causing a darker more unnatural appearance. You can put a very light layer of moisturizer on those areas before to help with this.

What is the best way to apply the mousse to the back which is hard to reach? –

We all know that this is the most annoying part of applying self tanner. It is always a pain in the “you know what” to get the back. Many times somebody does not have a friend with them or somebody at home to help them get those hard to reach spots. So they wind up missing parts of their back because they cannot reach it. ( Ummm, not a great look when wearing tank tops) So here is a great fix that I came up with that you could do that so simple!! Put a spatula in your tanning mitt and fasten it with a hair tie, ribbon, string or rubber band. Now you can get those hard to reach areas and the mitt is snug and won’t move.

How much product should I use?

When it comes to self-tanning remember the golden rule of less is more! You can always go back and reapply more if you are not dark enough after the first application. That is a much better result than over applying and turning an unnatural shade! If you are extremely fair and cannot tan in the sun start off by applying just 1 coat of the mousse or use the gradual tanning lotion only once per day. Skin tones that are darker and that can tan nicely in the sun can apply 2 coats of the self-tanning mousse or use the gradual tanner up to 2x a day. *Remember to err on the side of caution and start easy as you can always increase* Many times when a person looks orangey it is the result of not the product but due to a heavy hand applying too much product *

How long until my tan develops?

You will see instant color due to a cosmetic bronzer. The actual tan will take from 8-12 hours to fully develop, so do NOT shower or get wet until that time as you will risk washing off the self-tanner. When you finally shower you will see color washing off. Do not be alarmed as that is just the cosmetic bronzer that is washing off. You will have a beautiful tan underneath. Do not use any loofas, washcloths, anything exfoliating or bar soaps containing Sodium Lauryl (Laureth) Sulfate (SLS) .When getting out of the shower BLOT your skin with a towel. Pat dry and DO NOT RUB!

How long after do I have to wait to exercise?

Do not exercise or do anything that will make your sweat. Refrain from ANY skin to skin contact until you have showered. If you do not follow this you will be preventing the tan from fully developing which can result in patches and streaking

How often should I moisturize after a spray tan?

Moisturizing is a crucial part post tan. Do not moisturize until AFTER you take your first shower. After that you must moisturize at least 2x per day. The DHA in the tanning lotion reacts to the outer layers of the skin. The more you moisturize will delay natural exfoliation which will prolong your tan. If you don’t, your skin will get dry and your tan will fade quickly & fade poorly. Drugstore moisturizers are not the best products to use. I have products that are made specifically for sunless tanning. They will hydrate and extend your tan because they do not contain drying alcohols or SLS which can strip and fade a tan. You really should use the proper maintenance products so you can get your money’s worth and get longevity out of the application.

Do I still need sunscreen after using a self tanning product?

YES!! There is no SPF protection from a spray tan. You will not be protected against UV rays and will still burn. If you peel the sunless tan will peel off as well.

I always burn in the sun and never tan. Can I still get a sunless tan?

Absolutely! If you are someone who always burns in the sun (Like myself!) and therefore has never been able to tan, you can achieve a sunless tan. Just start with a light application to avoid an unnatural color.
How long will it last?

It will last anywhere from 5-9 days depending on how diligent you follow post tan instructions and moisturizing. Remember a fake tan is on the outer layer of the skin, so anything you do to cause exfoliation will cause the tan to fade quicker. It is imperative that you moisturize at least 2x a day and avoid hot baths, pools and hot tubs. I highly recommend using the luxurious body lotion or tan extender by Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty. They were formulated specifically for sunless tanning and do not contain any Sodium Lauryl (Laureth) Sulfate (SLS) parabens or drying alcohols. It can help extend your airbrush tan for up to 2 weeks in some cases.

Can I shave or wax?-

Yes, but I do it at least 24 hours before your apply the self-tanning mousse. If any sooner the wax or cream will provide a barrier against the skin preventing it from being absorbed. Do not shower or bathe for at least 8-10 hours after application. If you do not wait the recommended time it can prevent your tan from fully developing. The longer you can wait the better. I recommend waiting 10-12 hours for optimum results

Here are some tips to remember

When you first shower you will see color washing off. Don’t be alarmed as that is only the cosmetic bronzer from the application and your developed tan is not washing off.

Do not wash your hands or get them wet for at least 8 hours after application. Use rubber gloves if you have to use the sink for anything.

Wear loose fitting dark clothing after application. Avoid socks & boots until the tan fully develops (I recommend flip flops or sandals with an open toe) it washes off most fabrics but can temporally stain some clothes. Do not wear wool, silk or nylon immediately after as it can stain those materials. Avoid wearing anything red as that color can make the tan turn green!

Avoid the rain until after you shower. Water can ruin or hinder the development of a sunless tan so make sure you have an umbrella and watch for puddles if you need to go out. Do not let pets lick your sunless tan.

Wait at least 24 hours to shave as shaving can cause fading. Try to shave only as needed & use a sharp new razor & hair conditioner instead of shaving cream.

Do not do any spa treatments for a few days after your tan (pedicures, waxing, massages) as these treatments can fade or remove the tan.

Avoid any waxing, baby oil, mineral oil or massage oil

This can be purchased here: https://mwmelissaweinberg.com/
Please contact me with any questions at info@mwmelissaweinberg.com and happy tanning ! xo- Melissa

Melissa Weinberg is the founder of Perfect Glow Sunless and Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty. She also provides spray tan training and is the South Florida sunless tanning expert .

Meet Melissa Weinberg of Melissa Weinberg Tanning and Beauty in Palm Beach

LETS CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA