We recently went on a two week vacation around Europe, and leaving in late February, I was feeling majorly pasty. It’s easy to forget how much better you look with a tan until you peruse photos of yourself in the summer. It makes you look thinner and more toned and just overall prettier, so I decided to fix the problem pre vacation.
I’ve warded off tanning beds a decade ago because of cancer risk and wrinkles and I’ve found I’m not the best at applying my own sunless tanner, so I turned to the professionals at Sugared + Bronzed, a national upscale airbrush tanning boutique, for help.
First off, I loved the vibe of the shop, which is in Union Square. It is clean and chic and sets the tone of your appointment. I walked into a room, stripped down and anxiously awaited my custom tan. I rubbed lotion around my hands and ankles to prevent staining. An employee walked in and we decided which level of tan I wanted (long weekend in Miami? A week in Barbados? Just a bit of a glow?). I chose to look like I had just been away for a long weekend. Next, the process began. The employee methodically sprayed each part of my body and even spent some time on my cheeks to create contoured cheek bones (totally recommend!). In ten minutes it was over. I sprayed myself with an air hose to completely dry off before putting on my clothes and soon after I was on my way.
The whole process was quick and easy and I looked great in all my vacation photos. I also loved that the tan was perfectly even and lasted a really long time (Nearly my entire vacation). The customization of the tan and the way the staff is really invested in giving you the outcome you want goes a really long way.
Interested in experiencing Sugared + Bronzed yourself? An airbrush tan costs $39 or $49 depending on whether you get the standard or express tan. They also offer sugar waxing which is a less abrasive form of hair removal. I haven’t tried it yet, but will report back once I do!