Self-Tanner vs. Spray Tan: What’s the Difference?

Who doesn’t love that sun-kissed glow? A tan can make you feel confident, healthy, and ready for anything. However, not everyone has the time to hit the beach or book a professional spray tan session. Luckily, you can achieve a professional-quality tan at home with the right self-tanning products. Here’s everything you need to know about DIY tans and how to get that flawless finish.

Self-Tanner vs. Spray Tan: What’s the Difference?

Before diving into the DIY tanning world, it's important to understand the difference between a self-tanner and a spray tan.

  • Self-Tanners: These are creams, mousses, or sprays you can apply yourself at home. They develop over time and typically last around 5-7 days, depending on the product and how well you maintain your skin.
  • Spray Tans: These are typically done by professionals at a salon or using a home spray tan machine. They provide an even, all-over tan that’s often longer-lasting and customizable to your skin tone.

Both methods are great, but spray tans tend to have that professional look and longevity that self-tanners sometimes can’t provide. However, with high-quality products, even self-tanners can give you that radiant, streak-free glow.

DIY Spray Tans Can Look Professional with the Right Products

The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice quality when doing your tan at home. Many of the best DIY spray tan products provide the same even, sun-kissed glow that you would get from a salon. The key is in choosing products that suit your skin type and provide gradual, buildable color.

Bronzed Beauty House offers a range of retail products that are perfect for at-home tanning. Our bronzing mousse and face tanning mist are designed to deliver a smooth, natural-looking tan that’s buildable and easy to apply. These products give you control over your glow, allowing you to tan at your own pace, whether you're looking for a subtle shine or a deeper bronze.

✨ Get any 3 Bronzed products for just $75! ✨ Achieve that perfect glow with your favorite self-tanning essentials. Mix and match from our bronzing mousse, face tanning mist, eco tan extender lotion, and more!

The Best Self-Tanners for an Effortless Glow

There are a lot of self-tanners on the market, and it can be hard to know which ones work best. At Bronzed Beauty House, we recommend:

  1. Eco Tan Extender Lotion: This is a must-have for maintaining your tan longer. It nourishes your skin while keeping your tan fresh and glowing.
  2. Bronzing Mousse: This is our top pick for a quick, fast-drying tan that you can apply in minutes. Its streak-free formula ensures that your tan looks smooth and natural every time.
  3. Face Tanning Mist: Specifically formulated for the face, this mist provides a subtle, buildable tan with added skincare benefits to keep your face glowing and hydrated.


These products are simple to apply and work well for both beginners and experienced tanners alike.

Common Issues with DIY Tans (and How to Avoid Them)

Even with the best products, it’s possible to encounter a few issues when trying to achieve the perfect DIY tan. Here are some common challenges and how to avoid them:

  • Streaks: This is usually caused by uneven application. The solution? Always exfoliate your skin before applying any tanning product and use a tanning mitt to ensure even coverage.
  • Orange Tone: Using the wrong shade for your skin type can result in an unnatural orange hue. Choose a product that’s formulated for your skin tone—whether you have fair, medium, or dark skin.
  • Patchiness: Dry skin areas (like knees and elbows) can absorb more product, leaving patches. Apply a light layer of moisturizer to these areas before tanning to prevent this.


Why Bronzed Beauty House is Your Best Bet

While DIY tanning can be convenient and cost-effective, sometimes you just want the flawless results only a professional can deliver. That’s where Bronzed Beauty House comes in. Our expert airbrush technicians are trained to give you the perfect glow every time, using organic and vegan products that are safe for all skin types.

But if you can’t make it to the salon, no worries! Our Bronzed products are designed to give you that same professional result at home. Reach out to us, and we are happy to ship to your door!

If our Bronzed spray tans or at-home products aren't speaking to you, we would recommend this Self-Tanning Foam from Bondi Sands!

Ready to get that sun-kissed look? Whether you choose to go the DIY route or book an appointment with us, Bronzed Beauty House has everything you need for a perfect glow! Visit our booking site or contact us today to learn more about our services and at-home tanning products.

xoxo-

Your Bronzed Babes

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