The Biggest Mistake People Make When Choosing a Spray Tan Artist
If there's one thing I've learned over the past 16 years as an esthetician, it's this:
Not every spray tan artist is meant for every client.
And that's actually a good thing.
One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that all spray tans are essentially the same—that you simply pick the closest artist, the lowest price, or the first appointment available.
The truth?
Choosing a spray tan artist is a lot like choosing a hairstylist.
Could anyone cut your hair?
Technically, yes.
But finding someone whose style, experience, and approach match what you're looking for makes all the difference.
The same goes for spray tanning.
Every Artist Has Their Own Specialty
One of my favorite things about this industry is that no two artists are exactly alike.
Some specialize almost exclusively in bridal tanning, helping brides look their absolute best on one of the biggest days of their lives.
Some focus on competition tanning, creating dramatic stage-ready color for bodybuilders and fitness competitors.
Others thrive on high-volume appointments, helping as many clients as possible every day.
Some love working events, group parties, and vacations.
Others, like me, enjoy creating a more personalized, one-on-one experience making spray tans apart of their monthly beauty routines.
None of those approaches are wrong.
They're simply different.
And that's what makes our industry so special.
It's About Finding the Right Fit
When you're looking for a spray tan artist, don't just ask,
"Who's available?"
Instead, ask yourself:
What kind of experience am I looking for?
Do you want a quick appointment before vacation?
Are you looking for someone who can educate you about your skin?
Do you want someone who customizes every tan?
Do you prefer a luxury experience in your own home?
Or maybe you're a bride who wants someone experienced in wedding timelines and photography.
There isn't one right answer.
There's only the right answer for you.
Every Artist Runs Their Business Differently
This is something I think is important for clients to know.
Every spray tan artist structures their services differently, and that's completely okay.
Some artists charge separately for every add-on, such as:
pH-balancing spray
Barrier cream
Finishing powder
Rapid solutions
Hydrating treatments
Post-tan sealants
Others include many of those services in the appointment price.
Some artists offer memberships.
Some focus on packages.
Some operate from a studio.
Others, like me, bring everything directly to your home.
None of those business models are better than the others.
They're simply designed around different clients and different experiences.
The key is knowing what's included before you book so there are no surprises.
Communication Matters More Than People Realize
A beautiful spray tan starts long before the solution ever touches your skin.
It starts with communication. I start every appointment with a customized consultation to learn about your, your skin and your goal of the appointment.
A good spray tan artist should want to know things like:
Have you had a spray tan before?
Are you tanning for a wedding, vacation, photoshoot, or everyday glow?
Do you have dry skin?
Have you recently waxed or exfoliated?
Are there any areas you'd like to be lighter or darker?
Those conversations help create a tan that feels customized—not cookie cutter.
Experience Isn't Just About Years
Of course, experience matters.
But experience isn't only measured by how many years someone has been tanning.
It's also measured by how much they continue to learn.
The beauty industry is constantly evolving.
New solutions.
New techniques.
New ingredients.
New education.
The best professionals never stop learning because they know there's always something new that can help their clients.
Reviews Tell a Story
Before booking, take a few minutes to read reviews.
Don't just look at the star rating.
Read what people are actually saying.
Do they mention that the tan looked natural?
Did it last?
Did it fade evenly?
Did they feel comfortable?
Did the artist communicate well?
Sometimes those little details tell you much more than a five-star rating alone.
Follow Their Work
One of the easiest ways to decide if a spray tan artist is right for you is by looking at their portfolio.
Do their clients look natural?
Do the tans complement different skin tones?
Can you tell they customize their work?
If every photo looks exactly the same, it may be worth asking how much customization is involved.
After all, no two people have the same skin tone, undertones, or goals.
Your spray tan shouldn't look identical to someone else's.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions
One thing I always tell people is this:
Ask questions.
A good spray tan artist shouldn't mind.
Ask what solution they use.
Ask what's included.
Ask how to prepare.
Ask how long the tan typically lasts.
Ask what happens if you're tanning for a wedding or vacation.
The more informed you are, the more confident you'll feel walking into your appointment.
We're All Part of the Same Community
One thing I truly love about the spray tan industry is how supportive it can be.
Most of us know each other, cheer each other on, share education, and genuinely want to see one another succeed.
At the end of the day, we're all working toward the same goal:
Helping people feel confident in their own skin.
Every artist has their own strengths, personality, and approach.
That's what makes this industry so unique.
There isn't one "best" spray tan artist.
There are simply different artists who serve different clients in different ways.
My Approach
For me, spray tanning has never been about applying color and sending someone on their way.
It's about understanding your skin, your lifestyle, and what you're hoping to achieve.
As a licensed esthetician, I naturally look at things through a skincare lens.
Before every appointment, I'm thinking about your skin barrier, hydration levels, undertones, and how I can create a tan that looks like it belongs on you.
I don't believe luxury is about adding unnecessary extras.
I believe it's about thoughtful details, education, customization, and making every client feel comfortable from the moment I arrive until long after they rinse.
That's simply the experience I love creating.
Final Thoughts
The biggest mistake people make when choosing a spray tan artist isn't booking the cheapest option or the closest one.
It's assuming every spray tan experience is the same.
Take a few extra minutes to learn about the artist behind the business.
Read their reviews.
Look at their work.
Ask questions.
Find someone whose style and approach align with what you're looking for.
When you find the right fit, you're not just booking a spray tan.
You're building a relationship with someone you'll trust for vacations, weddings, special events, and all the moments in between.
And that's something worth taking the time to find.
If you're looking for a personalized, skin-first spray tanning experience, I'd love to meet you. I proudly serve clients throughout Venice, Wellen Park, Sarasota, Nokomis, North Port, Osprey, Englewood, and Lakewood Ranch, bringing luxury mobile spray tanning directly to your door with customized color, professional skincare knowledge, and an experience designed around you.
