What’s the Difference Between a Custom Airbrush Tan and a Regular Spray Tan?
Not all spray tans are created equal — and if you’ve ever left a booth feeling streaky, too dark, or a little too orange, you already know that.
If you're wondering what sets a custom airbrush spray tan apart from a regular spray tan, here's a quick guide to help you glow smarter:
What Is a Regular Spray Tan (Booth Tan)?
A regular spray tan — the kind you get at a gym, chain salon, or automatic booth — is usually a one-size-fits-all formula, applied by a machine. You step into a booth, follow a voice's directions, and hope for the best.
While booth tans can be quick and inexpensive, they often come with trade-offs:
Color isn't customized to your natural skin tone
Hard-to-reach areas can get missed (hello, hands and feet)
Uneven fading and streaks are more common
No personalized prep or aftercare advice
It’s kind of like ordering a dress online without trying it on first — it might fit, but it might not.
What Is a Custom Airbrush Spray Tan?
A custom airbrush spray tan is a fully personalized experience. Instead of a machine, you work with a trained artist who adjusts every part of the tan based on your:
Skin tone and undertones
Personal preference (light, medium, dark)
Event (outdoor weddings, red carpet events, photoshoots)
Natural body shape, with subtle contouring and shading to enhance your features
During your session, the formula, depth, and application are all tailored specifically for you — and I’ll guide you through prep, aftercare, and tips to make your glow last longer.
The goal? A tan that looks like it’s your real skin — just better.
Why Customization Matters (Especially in Los Angeles)
In a city like L.A., where events, photoshoots, and camera flashes are everywhere, your glow needs to look seamless under every kind of light. A custom airbrush tan photographs beautifully, fades evenly, and feels like you — not like a filter.
Customizing your tan to your skin tone and rinse time helps it wear more naturally and flatter your real glow.
If you’re ready for a spray tan experience that's built entirely around you, I’d love to help you glow.
You can book your custom airbrush spray tan here.
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 — and you'll feel even more confident knowing exactly what to expect.
2. Plan Your Final Tan Two Days Before Your Wedding
Timing matters. I recommend getting your final spray tan about two days before your big day so your color has time to fully develop and settle into the skin for the most natural finish.
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!
The Truth About Express Spray Tans: Are They Really Better?
Curious about express spray tans? Learn whether they’re worth the hype, how long to leave them on, and how they compare to standard spray tans.
If you’ve ever searched for the best spray tan or wondered how to get glowing skin fast before a big event, chances are you’ve come across express spray tans. They promise a beautiful bronzed look in just a few hours—but are they really better than traditional tans?
For those who crave a flawless sun-kissed look without the wait, the latest express spray tan craze offers a quick airbrush tanning fix that promises a long-lasting glow. But is this glamorous shortcut truly the secret to achieving the best spray tan, or just another beauty fad?
As L.A.’s go-to spray tan destination for over 12 years, I’ve seen the buzz around express tans skyrocket—especially with last-minute events, weddings, or weekend getaways. But with faster rinse times come questions. So let’s break it down.
What Is an Express Spray Tan?
An express tan uses a rapid-developing formula that allows you to rinse off in as little as 2 to 4 hours, depending on how deep you want your color. Unlike a traditional (or “standard”) spray tan—which typically needs to stay on 8 to 12 hours—express formulas give you more flexibility without sacrificing your glow.
How It Works
Express tans don’t develop faster—they just allow for an earlier rinse. After rinsing, your tan continues to develop over the next 24 hours just like any other spray tan. Here’s a general guide:
2 hours = Light glow
3 hours = Medium tan
4+ hours = Deep bronze
You control the depth of your tan based on when you rinse.
Is an Express Spray Tan Better?
It really depends on your lifestyle and schedule. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | Express Tan | Standard Tan |
|---|---|---|
| Rinse Time | 2–4 hours | 8–12 hours |
| Best For | Busy schedules, last-minute plans | Overnight color development |
| Color Development | Customizable by rinse time | Fixed level (based on formula) |
| Sleep-Friendly? | Yes | No (may transfer onto sheets) |
| Cost | Often slightly higher | Usually included in base pricing |
My Professional Opinion
Express tans are a great option for anyone, no matter your skin type. The biggest difference is convenience—you can rinse in just a few hours and still enjoy a long-lasting, flawless glow. It’s perfect if you have plans later that day or prefer not to sleep in bronzer.
You can absolutely achieve a rich, deep tan with express by simply leaving it on a little longer. Standard formulas are still a great choice too—especially if you’re used to the overnight routine or prefer the traditional rinse schedule. Both deliver beautiful results; it really comes down to your timeline and personal preference.
Pro Tips for the Best Express Tan Results
Time your rinse intentionally – The longer you leave it on (up to 4+ hours), the deeper your tan will be.
Use lukewarm water only – No soap during your first rinse, and avoid hot water.
Skip moisturizer after your first rinse – Less is more while your tan is still developing. Hold off on lotions until the next day to ensure an even, flawless finish.
Final Glow Verdict
Express spray tans offer flexibility, customization, and glow-on-the-go convenience. Whether you’re a bride, prepping for vacation, or squeezing in a last-minute appointment, they’re absolutely worth the hype—as long as they’re done by a pro who understands rinse timing, skin undertones, and formula customization.
If you're in L.A. and still not sure which option is right for you, reach out! At L.A. Sun Spray Tan, we specialize in both express and traditional airbrush tans and can help you choose the perfect fit for your event, timeline, and skin goals.
Ready to glow? Book your custom tan here.
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