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I just recently finished up the last of my Mystic (spray) tanning sessions purchased, umm, back in like 2005? I had almost forgotten how much I loved it. I am amazed the place is still open and amazed that they still honored my unused sessions. I like it better than regular tanning for many reasons. I mean, of course it’s safer, but it also takes about 30-60 seconds of spraying, so you can be in and out in 5 minutes.
Mystic tanning has come along way since 2005. It used to stink like crazy. And I mean stink. And it would rub off on sheets or whatever if you went to bed after going (but before taking a shower). But no longer! I talked to the tanning expert (aka the young girl working there), who told me they now mix coconut flavoring in with the Mystic solution which takes away the smell. And it does not rub off on your clothes anymore. It gives nice all over color and even makes my cheeks a little red, like I really did spend time in the sun.
In case you are curious about the procedure, here is how it happens. It’s not a person spraying you (that would be weird IMO), it’s a machine. You use a barrier cream (which is provided in the room) on your feet / hands / elbows / knees. Anywhere that the spray would “collect” and look funny. Make sure all jewelry is off (who wants to spray tan their rings?) and cover your hair in the provided disposable shower cap. Step into the booth (wearing whatever you want or don’t want too), press a button, stand on the line with your hands above your head and wait for the spray. After it’s done, turn around and face the other direction and it will spray you again in like 10 seconds. After it’s done, get out, dry off and you are done! The “tan” will show up a few hours later, so don’t expect to leave looking like Snooki. And they say it lasts about a week. I think if you went 2x/weekly, you’d be a nice shade of bronze.
What don’t I like about Mystic tanning? Well, I don’t like the cold spray being sprayed at me. Although I know it’s going to be cold, I am never prepared for it! I also am not a huge fan of the $20/session price tag. I just bought 10 visits for $100 though, so that eases the pain a little. And if I want the level 2 (darker tan) or level 3 (darkest tan), it’s only $3 or $6 to upgrade. Not so bad!
Do you spray tan?? Is it Mystic or something else? Ohhh, and have you ever been airbrushed? I have heard good things. Tell me more!
Love your blog! I have been reading for a while and this is my first comment. I figured I should say hi and not be a blog stalker anymore, lol.
Anyways, I LOVE mystic tanning too…although out here where I live it’s $30+ a session so I only get it on special occasions.
Aww, thanks! $30?? That is crazy!!
I tried airbrushing. Best $30 ever. I am day 7 and still looking dark!
I need to hear more about airbrushing. Tell me everything. Was it an actual person spraying you? How long did it take? Does the color show right away?
Your cousin here has been airbrushed (of course!)…and it was a person. VERY awkward. This was all a while ago and it took only about 10 minutes or so. The color showed pretty much right away. For me it rubbed off a bit on clothes, etc (espcially before that first shower). No real bad smell! Reading your blog made me crack up…I was thinking of Ross on Friends. Since I sorta just had Maddy and am in a wedding next month, I want to do what you had- nobody spraying me…not yet ready for that again (IF EVER)!
Oh, and I wore a strapless bikini when I was airbrushed…FYI.
Okay, that was totally one of my next questions.
(sometimes without the top- depending on events outfits) 🙂
I am sure the lady liked that!
You cousins are cracking me up!! In my “day” there was no choice….pretty much “fake bake” or the real sun….or turn orange from lotion!!! So, I went to the fake bake A LOT hope it doesn’t come back to haunt me since we now are much more aware of the risks… Dancing with the Stars seems to have air brushing at its finest!! LOL…
http://www.storiesbycindy.blogspot.com
I have never done it but I have seen people who have and they look a little Oompa – Loompa-ish. I am afraid of being a funny color for an entire week or so.
I have tried both mystic and air brush type styles of sunless tanning. My family has a history of skin cancer so I would rather not expose my self to chronic UV. The first time I had the spray tan done by air brush I believe in 06 I came out looking just like an oompa loompa in every since of the word being not only orange but 4’11 it was a double whammy!! The air brush was also terrible to remove, I was orange for weeks. Fast forward to 08 another air brushing incident although not as orange I was still a VERY un natural color and again very hard to remove. I recently decided to try my luck with mystic and Love it!! I have had several friends say that in the past they were orange with the Mystic process as well…. But they have also been in awe at how perfect it has been on my skin. They evidentially reformulated last year. I can’t tell you how amazing I feel when I see this tan on my skin:) I am soooo addicted!!