If you’ve ever walked into a salon for a spray tanning near me and thought, “Why does my skin look way better when they do it compared to when I try at home?”—you’re not imagining it. Sure, technique matters, but a big piece of the puzzle is the products your local salon keeps tucked behind the counter. We’re talking handcrafted bronzing crèmes, skin-firming boosters, and glow-enhancing serums that go way beyond the drugstore shelf.
Let’s break down some of the salon-only favorites that actually make your tan look flawless—and why they might deserve a spot in your own self-care lineup.
Black Reserve: The Powerhouse Bronzer
This one’s a showstopper if you’re after depth. The Black Reserve Ultra-Luxe Hand Crafted Exceptionally Dark Bronzing Crème sounds fancy (and it is). It’s loaded with DHA, natural bronzers, and cosmetic bronzers—translation: you get an instant glow plus a deeper, longer-lasting tan that develops over time.
What I personally love? It’s not just about the color. This formula sneaks in skin-loving extras like Matrixyl Synthe 6™ (fancy talk for wrinkle-fighting peptides) and RevitaFit and Body Fit™ to firm and tone. So while you’re bronzing, you’re also giving your skin a mini spa day.
Gold Reserve: Streak-Free Glow
Hate the idea of weird streaks or orange tones? That’s where the Gold Reserve comes in. Unlike Black Reserve, this one’s DHA-free. Instead, it leans on natural bronzers and a BB crème finish to even out your skin tone. Think of it as a glow plus a built-in Instagram filter.
And just like its “Black” sister, Gold Reserve still comes with the firming and anti-aging perks. Basically—it’s the product for people who want to glow but are worried about the whole “Will I look like a Cheeto?” situation.
Platinum Reserve: The Sensitive-Skin Savior
Now, if your skin tends to throw a tantrum whenever you try new products, Platinum Reserve might be your safe bet. It’s a super-hydrating tanning butter with shea butter at the core. Translation: instead of just bronzing, it nourishes and calms sensitive skin while building a natural glow.
This one’s like the “gentle hug” of the tanning world—still luxurious, still firming, but with a softer, hydrating finish.
Smart Sun Spa Enhancers: The Glow Boosters
Salons offering spray tan Virginia Beach also love to pair tans with boosters from the Smart Sun Spa line. These are like little sidekicks to your main bronzer—they make everything work harder and last longer.
- Breakthrough Booster: Think of it as an energy drink for your tan. It balances pH, makes light therapy more effective, and plays nice with spray tans.
- Hydra Intense: The hydration hero. Extends your tan and keeps skin from flaking.
- Moisture Surge: A blue-tinted formula that balances skin and is spray-tan friendly. Perfect if you’re in and out of the beach air in Virginia or Florida and need serious moisture.
- Orange Therapy: A lightweight gel just for your face, loaded with antioxidants and Vitamin C. Basically, the glow-but-make-it-skincare product.
Why These Beat Drugstore Options?
Here’s the blunt truth: drugstore tanning lotions are made for the masses. They do the job, but they’re often missing the extras—like skin-firming agents, anti-aging peptides, or pH-balancing tech. Salon-grade products are designed to multitask: bronze, hydrate, tighten, and protect. And honestly, you can tell the difference the moment you rinse off your first spray tan.
FAQs About Sunless Tanning & Prep
Q: How should I prep before a spray tan?
Shower, shave, and exfoliate the day before. Don’t slather on lotion, oils, or deodorant right before your appointment—those can block the tanning solution from sticking properly.
Q: What should I wear to my tanning session?
Loose, dark clothes are your best friend. Skip the skinny jeans and tight sports bras. And maybe bring flip-flops so you’re not sliding sneakers over fresh color.
Q: Can I use regular lotion instead of these salon products?
Technically, yes. But salon products are designed to extend and deepen your tan. Drugstore lotion might hydrate, but it won’t lock in your glow the same way.
Q: When can I shower after a spray tan?
Most solutions need 6–8 hours to fully develop. Your salon will let you know the sweet spot for your formula. Quick rinse, no scrubbing, and skip the hot water for that first shower.
Q: How long will my sunless tan last?
With the right prep and aftercare (hello, Hydra Intense or Moisture Surge), you’re looking at 5–7 days of even color. Without it, the tan fades faster and patchier.
Final Thoughts
The products salons use aren’t just about looking darker—they’re about looking better. Firmer skin, a smoother finish, and a tan that lasts longer without weird streaks. If you want that fresh-from-the-salon glow at home, ask your local tanning spa what they recommend.
If you’re in Virginia Beach or Jacksonville, check out your neighborhood salons—they often carry these exact lines. And trust me, once you’ve tried something like Black Reserve or Smart Sun Spa Hydra Intense, you won’t want to go back to plain lotion.
Because at the end of the day, your glow deserves the good stuff.