How to Achieve the Perfect Bronzed Glow (Without the Sun)
A bronzed glow is more than just a tan—it's a statement. It says effortless, elevated, and polished. But getting that flawless, sun-kissed look doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your skin's health under the sun. In Los Angeles, where beauty and self-care are practically a lifestyle, custom airbrush spray tanning is the ultimate way to achieve the perfect bronzed glow year-round. Here's how to glow smart, not sunburned.
Why Sunless Tanning Is the Smart Choice:
A bronzed skin tone should never come with UV damage. That's why more Angelenos are turning to professional spray tanning to get the glow without the risks. Custom airbrush tanning not only protects your skin but also allows for a tailored shade that enhances your natural tone—no more one-size-fits-all color, and definitely no harsh orange.
With expert application, premium solutions, and personalized care, sunless tanning delivers a radiant finish that looks like you—only bronzed, luminous, and fresh.
How to Get a Bronzed Glow That Looks Effortless:
Getting that editorial-level glow is an art and a science. Here’s what goes into a flawless finish:
Custom Solution Selection: Your bronzed glow should be carefully matched by selecting the ideal solution for your skin tone, lifestyle, and glow goals—not just sprayed on without thought.
Premium Skin-Loving Solutions: High-quality formulas hydrate and enhance your skin while delivering depth, dimension, and lasting results.
Perfect Prep and Aftercare: Proper exfoliation, hydration, and timing make all the difference in creating that smooth, even glow that wears beautifully.
At L.A. Sun Spray Tan, every tan is personally applied to help you look naturally bronzed—like you've been kissed by the perfect light, not a machine.
Common Mistakes That Get in the Way of Your Glow:
Skipping Prep: Without exfoliation and moisture balancing, the tan won’t develop evenly.
Choosing Low-Quality Booth Tans: Booth tans can’t customize for your skin’s unique needs, leading to flat, one-note color.
Overdoing the Depth: Going "too dark" can look forced. The goal is a luminous, bronzed look—not an obvious spray tan.
Why Clients Choose L.A. Sun Spray Tan for Their Bronzed Glow:
With over 12 years of experience and recognition from beauty insiders, L.A. Sun Spray Tan is Downtown Los Angeles' trusted studio for natural-looking bronzed results. Every appointment is handled personally from start to finish, ensuring a completely customized and one-on-one experience. I believe your glow should enhance your features, not mask them. Each hand-applied tan is designed to deliver that "lit-from-within" bronzed look—perfect for weddings, shoots, events, and everyday confidence.
Ready to Glow?
Your perfect bronzed moment is one custom tan away. Reserve your personal glow session with L.A. Sun Spray Tan and experience the difference of true one-on-one artistry.
Bridal Spray Tan Tips: How L.A. Brides Get That Wedding-Day Glow
If you're getting married soon, first of all — congrats!
Whether your wedding is in Beverly Hills, Downtown L.A., the coast, or anywhere in between, one thing is always true: you want to feel your absolute best. A custom spray tan can be the perfect finishing touch to your wedding look — just enough glow to make your skin look radiant, but still totally you.
Even though my studio is based in Downtown L.A., I work with brides from all over the city — Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Pasadena — who make the short trip for a custom bridal tan. If you're thinking about getting a spray tan for your wedding, here are a few tips to help you get the perfect glow:
1. Do a Trial Tan First
If you can, schedule a trial tan 2–3 weeks before your wedding. It gives us a chance to customize your shade exactly the way you want it, with enough time for the trial tan to wear off. You'll feel even more confident knowing exactly what to expect.
2. Time Your Final Tan Based on Your Trial
After your trial, check your tan the next day with your dress (or something of similar color) held up to your skin in natural light. If you love the tone after one day, book your final tan one day before the wedding. If it looks best on day two, book it two days before. This gives you the most confident, personalized result.
3. Proper Prep (and Aftercare) Are Key
A great spray tan starts with good prep. Make sure to exfoliate well before your appointment, skip heavy lotions and oils the day of, and come in wearing loose, dark clothing. After your tan, staying moisturized will help your glow last through the big day — and beyond. Read the full prep details here.
4. Choose a Custom Airbrush Tan Over a Booth
Your wedding photos are forever. A custom airbrush tan means your color is tailored to your skin tone, your dress, and even the lighting for your event. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
If you’re planning your wedding and want that effortless, natural-looking glow, I’d love to help. You can book your bridal trial session here.
Can’t wait to help you glow!
Discover the Benefits of Spray Tanning for a Sun-Kissed Glow
As the pursuit of a healthy and radiant complexion continues to evolve, the beauty industry presents us with various options to achieve that coveted sun-kissed glow. Among these options, spray tanning has emerged as a popular choice for those seeking a safer and more convenient alternative to traditional tanning and tanning beds. In this blog post, we will explore the ins and outs of spray tanning, its benefits, and how to achieve a flawless, natural-looking tan.
What is Spray Tanning?
Spray tanning, also known as sunless tanning or airbrush tanning, involves the application of a tanning solution to the skin, which reacts with the outermost layer to produce a temporary tan. It is very similar to a dye effect. Unlike sunbathing or tanning beds, which expose the skin to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, spray tanning offers a safer alternative to achieve a beautiful tan without risking sun damage or premature aging.
Benefits of Spray Tanning:
UV-Free: Spray tanning eliminates the need for harmful UV exposure, reducing the risk of skin damage, sunburns, and skin cancer.
Faster Results: Unlike natural tanning, which may require hours of being out in the sun, spray tanning sessions are about 20 min, allowing you to achieve a gorgeous tan in a much shorter amount of time.
Customizable and Natural: Spray tanning solutions come in various shades, allowing you to select the depth of color that suits your preferences. Professional spray tan techs can also customize the application to ensure a natural-looking tan that works with your skin tone.
Even Coverage: Spray tanning ensures an even application, minimizing the likelihood of patchiness or streaks that can occur with self-tanning products.
Temporary and Fade Gracefully: Spray tans typically last for about 7-10 days, gradually fading away as your skin naturally exfoliates. This allows you to maintain a consistent tan or return to your natural skin tone as desired.
Preparing for a Spray Tan
To achieve the best results from your spray tanning session, it's important to prepare your skin adequately beforehand:
Exfoliate: Gently exfoliate your skin the night before your appointment to remove dead skin cells. This helps the tanning solution adhere more evenly to your skin. Remember, spray tans sit on the top layer of your skin so you want to start with a fresh pallet.
Moisturize After Exfoliating: Use a lotion, no oils, and pay attention to dry areas such as elbows, knees, and ankles.
Avoid Makeup, Oils, Deodorants and Perfumes: On the day of your spray tan, refrain from wearing any makeup, oils, deodorants and perfumes to your appointment. These can interfere with the tanning solution's absorption and may result in an uneven tan.
During the Spray Tanning Session
When you arrive for your spray tanning appointment, you can expect the following steps:
Consultation: We will discuss your desired tan shade and decide on color and which solution to use.
Application: I will apply the tanning solution using a handheld spray gun. You will be guided through a series of quick, easy postures during the spraying process.
Drying Time: After the application, it's important to allow the tanning solution to dry. You will spend a few minutes in front of the fan.
Maintaining and Enhancing Your Spray Tan
To extend the life of your spray tan and keep it looking fresh, consider the following tips:
When showering regularly, use only a mild shower gel and apply with your hands. Do not use scrubs, shower poufs, bar soaps or Dove products as these will strip away your sunless color. Always pat dry your skin after.
After showering, moisturize daily with a basic mineral oil free body lotion. Cocoa butter, shea butter, and pure coconut oil work best. Hydrated healthy skin retains the tan longer as dry skin tends to exfoliate faster, leading to faster fading of the tan.
Whether you're prepping for a vacation, photo shoot, or just want that effortless glow year-round, a professional spray tan makes all the difference.
Your perfect glow is waiting. Book your custom tan here.
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Timeless Glow | Becca Lane | L.A. Sun Spray Tan
Another stunning set with Becca Lane, featuring her signature custom glow by L.A. Sun Spray Tan, captured in a timeless Joshua Tree photoshoot.
Spray Tan — L.A. Sun Spray Tan – Express
Agency — Vision LA
Instagram — @becclane
Bridal Glow Story | Jaclyn Cleary | L.A. Sun Spray Tan
For her wedding day, Jaclyn Cleary chose an Express natural glow by L.A. Sun Spray Tan — perfect for her bridal portraits.
Spray Tan — @lasunspraytan – Express
Instagram — @jaclyn_danielle
Photographer — @boonestudios
Hair — @c.liu.hair
Makeup — @daisydennismua
Dress — @bhldn
Jewelry — @tiffanyandco
Get Your Skin Ready: Essential Tips for the Perfect Spray Tan
If you want your spray tan to look amazing and last as long as possible, it all starts with one thing: hydration.
Spray tans develop on the top layer of your skin — and when your skin is healthy and hydrated, the color grabs better, fades more evenly, and looks more natural. Dry skin? It can cause patchiness, uneven fading, and a shorter lifespan for your glow.
Here’s what I recommend to get the most out of your tan:
The Night Before Your Spray Tan
Exfoliate Well
Use a simple pair of bath gloves or an exfoliating mitt (you can find them at Target, CVS, or right at my studio). Apply a mild, non-oily shower gel — I personally like Suave — and give your skin a good scrub.
(Pro Tip: Avoid Dove soaps, bar soaps, or anything moisturizing — they can leave a film that interferes with your tan.)
Shave or Wax If Needed
If you’re planning to shave or wax, do it after exfoliating — and at least a few hours before your appointment, so your skin has time to calm down.
Moisturize Lightly Before Bed
After exfoliating, apply a basic, oil-free lotion to hydrate your skin overnight. No heavy oils — just a clean, simple lotion to seal in the moisture and let your natural oils do their thing by the next day.
Extra Prep for Even Better Results
Want to boost your glow even more? Start hydrating from the inside out.
Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment.
Take Omega-3 supplements if it’s right for you — they help keep your skin soft, smooth, and ready to glow. (I personally love fish oil, but there are great vegan options too!)
Aftercare: Keep That Glow Fresh
After your spray tan, daily moisturizing is key. Apply lotion right after you shower, when your skin is still damp and your pores are open.
Stick with basic, natural moisturizers — pure coconut oil, cocoa butter, or shea butter are all great options. (The simpler, the better!)
Hydrated skin makes all the difference when it comes to your spray tan — and it’s easy to get it right with just a few small steps.
I’ll guide you through everything when you come in, so you can walk out with your best, longest-lasting glow.
Ready to glow? Book your spray tan session here.
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Glow in Motion | Emilee Ann Miller | L.A. Sun Spray Tan
Emilee Ann Miller showcases a radiant, camera-ready glow, featuring a custom L.A. Sun Spray Tan for her latest model portfolio.
Spray Tan — L.A. Sun Spray Tan Express
Instagram — @emileeannmiller
Photographer — @kevinweinert
Engagement Glow | Erin Coscarelli | L.A. Sun Spray Tan
Erin Coscarelli's engagement session radiates with a flawless custom glow by L.A. Sun Spray Tan, perfect for her unforgettable photos.
Spray Tan — @lasunspraytan – Express
Instagram — @erincoscarelli
X — @erincoscarelli
Photographer — Leah Marie Photography
Sun-Drenched Beauty | Brianna Barnes | L.A. Sun Spray Tan
A luminous, bronzed glow for Brianna Barnes, featuring a custom spray tan by L.A. Sun Spray Tan for her Show Me Your Mumu photoshoot.
Spray Tan — @lasunspraytan– 2 Coats Express
Instagram — @bri_ashbarnes
Brand — Show Me Your Mumu
Golden Glow Muse | Becca Lane | L.A. Sun Spray Tan
Becca Lane glows in a custom L.A. Sun Spray Tan, captured in these sun-drenched editorial moments in Los Angeles.
Spray Tan — @lasunspraytan – Express
Agency — Vision LA
Instagram — @becclane
Photographer — Cody McGibben
