Women's Spray Tanning FAQs


Why?

Because tanning beds and too much exposure to the sun causes skin cancer! The evidence is out there. This is a safer and better alternative.

Why at Queen Bee?

Because we won’t make you look like a Florida orange. Our fantastic formula also won’t make you smell like you’ve just hiked Mount Everest!

How long does it last?

About 7 to 10 days. You can keep your tan longer by AVOIDING long hot showers, Mineral Oil based lotions, excessive exfoliation, swimming in Chlorine bleach pools and, the beach (salt water acts as an exfoliant). Also people who work out a lot and shower more often will not keep their tans as LONG as most.

How can I make my tan last longer?

Get a DHA based lotion/extender lotion. Any lotion with DHA in it, when used about every other day, will help keep your tan longer. You should always wash your hands after applying the lotion. DHA will color the hands. Exfoliate gently and evenly (evenly is key) you never want to AVOID exfoliation but yes do it lightly. Avoiding it will cause patchiness.

How does a spray tan work?

When DHA (dihydroxyacetone ), a colorless 3-carbon sugar, is applied to the skin a chemical reaction with amino acids in the surface cells of the skin occurs. A browning or tanning effect is produced. My favorite analogy is when you bite an apple or a banana and let it sit on the counter. It browns due to oxidation this is also the same stuff in your spray tan BUT because of the way it is formulated it is a CHEMICAL therefore not able to be ORGANIC. A product has to be MORE than 70% organic to be known as organic. We use ORGANIC BASED Aloe Vera DHA that does not damage skin — it only affects the outermost cells of the epidermis – otherwise known as a NON-TRANSDERMAL application, which means it does not seep past the dermis of the skin. DHA carries fewer health risks than any other method for achieving a tanned appearance without sun exposure. DHA has been approved for sunless tanning by the FDA BUT is NOT approved in the mucous areas like EYES, LIPS, AND NOSE. Most people do not want to wear goggles or nose plugs, so it’s not uncommon for you to rarely use these items. You will need to leave the tan on your skin for a minimum of 8 hours, but 24 is desired. Again this applies to the apple and banana analogy, the longer it is out, the browner it gets. But everybody’s AMINO acids are different, so not everyone achieves the same color.

Will it protect my skin if I go outside?

NO NO AND NO.  You will still need to use SPF when out in the sun. A lot of people think you are brown so you are protected but that is NOT the case.

Does it smell horrid?

No, it has a very pleasant Cherry Almond scent that slowly goes away in about 1 to 2 hours.

Will it stain my sheets/clothing?

No, but bronzer will transfer onto your sheets and clothing generally the first day so wear something dark and always loose fitting. If you are concerned about your bed either change your sheets or put down a towel.

How do I remove a spray tan mistake like on my hands or feet?

Call us and let us know about the stain and we will help you out. A simple Lemon and sugar scrub will work. Just buy a lemon and mix it with some sugar and the lemon will lighten and the sugar will exfoliate.

If I need to remove it soon how can I do that?

You can cover your self in baby oil, leave on for 15min, and shower in a hot shower and exfoliate it off. This may not remove it ALL but it will remove most.

Do I need to shower and exfoliate before I get a spray tan?

Yes, shower and exfoliate the day of and either go without lotion or use a water-based moisturizer. Good example Aveeno. Also stay away from Dove soap as it contains Lanolin which can block your tan from developing to its fullest.

When should I shave or wax?

Shave the day of using soap and water. Do not use shaving cream as again, it contains Lanolin. Also if you need to wax please try to wax about 1 to 2 days before your spray to avoid the spray from getting into your pores, which are freshly open.

I am allergic to a lot of products that have instant bronzers. Can I use your spray tan?

Please consult a physician first, as many people who are allergic to spray tan bronzers usually have a reaction to Mica or some of the other listed ingredients, please ask for the ingredients and see if you are allergic to any.

My skin is very dry, can I use a moisturizer before I spray tan?

Yes, and we recommend a water-based moisturizer before your spray such Aveeno. If your skin is too dry the solution may develop “patchy”.

What should I wear to my appointment?

Loose fitting, black clothing. Coming from work for your spray tan? Bring loose-fitting clothing to wear afterward.

Do you offer an express custom airbrush tan?

Yes, we do. You can rinse after 3 hours. Great for people who don’t want to sleep in their airbrush tan or are in a hurry!

Can I get a spray tan with a sunburn or after a chemical peel?

No. Your skin is compromised after this and will peel off.

Weddings and Special Events

We want to ensure that you get the best color and results and so as with waxing, we request that you come in for a test patch before you receive your first custom airbrush tan.

Do you offer group discounts?

Absolutely! We are famous for our sorority spray tans at USC, LMU, UCLA and more. Brides have found it particularly useful to have us buzz over to them with our mobile spray tan tent and take care of their whole party. We also have helped cheer teams, mums groups, bodybuilders and more. There is nothing we can’t do – except turn you orange. We will NEVER do that!

We are more than happy to answer any questions you have about our custom airbrush tanning and if you would like a test patch please let our customer service bees know. All of our custom airbrush tanning is performed in a private, ventilated room. Please do not bring pets or children to appointments.

Liz P and Leah H are award-winning custom airbrush tanning experts!