What’s the Difference Between a Custom Airbrush Tan and a Regular Spray Tan?

Two women with glowing spray tans in swimsuits on the beach in Los Angeles, showcasing sun-kissed skin from custom airbrush tanning

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.

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Bridal Spray Tan Tips: How L.A. Brides Get That Wedding-Day Glow