SPRAY TANS
What is a spray tan?
A spray tan is a method of applying a solution to the skin to produce a tan-like appearance without exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. This offers an alternative to traditional sun tanning or tanning beds, which expose the skin to UV radiation, thereby posing potential health risks like premature aging and skin cancer.
What’s in it?
The main ingredient in all sunless tanning products and solutions is DHA. The amount of DHA is the largest factor in any sunless tanning product because it determines the depth of a tan. The quality of the DHA ensures a natural, bronzy glow, and eliminates the possibility of orange tones. Our S+B Sunless Tanning Solution also contains a proprietary blend of hydrating oils and replenishing botanical extracts that allow you to shower it off quickly (similar to a “Rapid” or “Express” formula) or leave it on as long as desired (which is similar to an “Original” or “Standard” formula).
How does it work?
The spray tan process starts with pre-tan preparation, where you exfoliate your skin a day or two prior and avoid lotions or deodorants on the day of the tan. At the store, after a brief consultation, you'll undress to your comfort level and use provided protective barriers like hair caps and barrier creams for certain areas. The tanning solution is then applied manually by a trained technician using a spray gun. After application, you'll allow the tan to dry for a few minutes before wearing loose, dark clothing. To allow the tan to set, avoid water for several hours post-application. Over the next 8 hours, your tan will develop, and it's best to moisturize regularly to maintain and prolong its appearance.
Why should I try it?
Trying a spray tan offers a safe and efficient way to achieve a sun-kissed glow without exposing your skin to the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun or tanning beds. Regular UV exposure can accelerate skin aging, increase the risk of sunburn, and elevate the chances of skin cancer. Spray tanning, on the other hand, uses a skin-safe compound called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) to interact with the skin's surface, creating a natural-looking tan that lasts up to 10 days. Beyond health advantages, spray tans are customizable, allowing you to choose the depth and shade of your tan, making it suitable for special occasions or just to boost your everyday confidence. Moreover, the process is quick, only taking up to 20 minutes, making it a convenient beauty treatment for those with a busy schedule.
How long do I have to wait to shower after a spray tan?
With our proprietary FlexExpress formula, we recommend showering anytime after 1 hour post-treatment. Your color will get slightly darker within the first 1-4 hours, but will stop developing after that point. There isn’t a benefit to leaving your tan on longer, but we recommend skipping the soap if you shower before the 8 hour mark, because the tan is still developing.
SUGARING
What is sugaring?
Sugaring is an ancient Egyptian technique that uses a water-soluble sugar paste to remove unwanted hair. The sugar paste is applied in the opposite direction of hair growth and extracts hair from the follicle when it is flicked off in the natural direction of the growth.
What’s in it?
Sugar paste is made from 100% natural ingredients- literally just sugar, lemon, and water. Sugar is the primary ingredient and acts as the base for the paste. Lemon juice acts as a binding agent for the paste and provides acidity, which prevents the sugar from crystallizing too quickly. Water helps in dissolving the sugar and achieving the right consistency.
How does it work?
The process begins with the sugar paste being warmed to achieve a pliable consistency. Once ready, the paste is spread onto the skin in the opposite direction of hair growth. After it's firmly pressed onto the skin, ensuring a good grip on the hairs, the sugar paste is then quickly flicked off in the direction of hair growth. This method not only ensures that the hair is removed from the root, but it also minimizes breakage and reduces the likelihood of ingrown hairs. The sugaring technique is favored by many due to its natural ingredients, which minimize skin irritation and allergic reactions, and its ability to exfoliate the skin while removing hair, leaving it soft and smooth.
Why should I try it?
This eco-friendly solution adheres only to the hair and dead skin cells, ensuring minimal discomfort upon removal, while also exfoliating the skin in the process. Unlike waxing, sugaring pulls hair in the direction of its growth, which not only minimizes breakage but also reduces the likelihood of ingrown hairs. As a result, many individuals find that hair regrowth is softer and less coarse. Over time, with consistent sugaring, hair may even become sparser. Given its natural composition, effectiveness, and skin-friendly benefits, sugaring stands out as a holistic and sustainable choice for hair removal.
SUGARING AT HOME
Picking up sugar- Using your pointer finger, middle finger, and thumb, drop fingers directly into the tub of paste straight down. Use your thumb to rotate the paste into your fingers to get better control of it. Bend and rotate thumb and fingers to work sugar onto finger tips. To avoid any mess, wait until the spindle of sugar drops completely before removing it from directly above the container. Continue to maneuver your fingers and rotate your thumb clockwise, so that it stays into a ball and does not go into the palm of your hand. This can be difficult to do, especially as a beginner, but don’t stress, all new sugaristas experience this! Continuously spread and bend fingers and maneuver your thumb to keep the paste in a ball on your fingertips and keep it from going everywhere. (reference video for visual)
Applying sugar- Keep the sugar paste at fingertips to most easily apply the sugar. Drop fingers/paste perpendicular to the area of skin and if needed, drop the ring finger for easier better application. Keep your hand at an angle while applying, using the backs of nails and mold it onto the skin (almost like you’re scraping your skin). Mold multiple times (minimum of 3 times, but you can always come back to grab more hair and mold really well).
Flicking Your Sugar Paste: Once done molding and you’re at the end of your line of sugar, relax your hand and stop “molding” and bring your hand almost parallel to the skin, move slightly past it without molding, and then flick forward.
PRODUCT
SELF TANNING
Self tanning tips
Achieving a flawless sun-kissed glow at home requires some preparation and attention to detail. Before you begin with self-tanning, it's crucial to exfoliate your skin to remove dead cells, ensuring an even application and preventing patches. Using a gentle body scrub, or S+B’s exfoliating mitt, particularly focusing on rough areas like elbows, knees, and ankles, can make a world of difference. Moisturizing these drier areas will also prevent them from absorbing too much product and turning darker than the rest of your skin. When applying the self-tanner, use gloves or an application mitt to prevent unnatural palms and ensure an even spread. Apply the product in sections, such as arms, legs, and torso, using sweeping motions rather than a rubbing action. Remember, less is more; you can always build up to your desired tan with additional layers. After application, wait at least 10 minutes before dressing and ideally opt for loose, dark clothing. Avoid showering, sweating, or getting wet for at least 8 hours to allow the tan to develop. Finally, moisturize daily to prolong the life of your tan and ensure it fades evenly.
How to use our sunless tanning mist
Lightly mist in circular motions at least 6 inches from skin. Blot/blend with S+B Applicator Mitt ($7) as needed. Allow several minutes to dry before dressing. Check out our video here.