Help for an old gal who is new to tanning

[tbo]

I've been lurking about for a week or two, just trying to learn some things. I really did not know there was so much to going to the tanning bed! Honest to goodness, I think I need a tanning for dummies guide.

I'm pretty fair skinned. Normally in the summer I use a little self tanner, but for my vacation I wanted the real deal. The salon I'm going to has 4 levels of beds and 1 thing that looks like a spaceship, lol.

Anyway I bought a package that would get me any of the 4 levels. Not wanting to spend a lot of $$ on lotions (I know, I know) I bought the European Gold at Walmart.

I was started in a level 2 bed, 6 minutes. The next time I went in they put me in a level 3 bed-a bronzing bed. It's a 12 minute bed and I've been in 6 times and I'm up to 10 minutes-no burning.

Now my questions, and sorry if they are stupid, I just truly don't know and I'm not sure the girls at the salon do either

I am seeing some color-but is this real color or the bronzer in the lotion I'm using? I know that sounds dumb, but if all I'm doing is using a self tanner, I'm really wasting my time tanning.

And should I just be using a bronzing bed? It seems like I should be switching back and forth.

Suggestions for lotion? Their selection is limited so I'd have to order from somewhere.

My trip is on June 6th, I'm hoping to have a decent tan by then. Not like some of you guys-just not the neon color I am now

[Vancvr_Rob]

The three best lotions I hear people here keep mentioning:
Pink Pinapple Tini, Lime n da Coconut, Little Bronze B_tch

[rose313]

The thing that looks like a spaceship is a standup booth, they are awesome and give you an even all-over color boost, but the bulbs are usually stronger so dont go in for the full time till you already have a good base.

I would continue using lower level beds, level one beds will get you tan, and higher levels are good for getting you darker when you already have a tan. You are seeing color, and its not just from bronzer since the cosmetic bronzers wash off. Rotate between a base bed and the bronzing bed, and you will definitely see color before June.

[tbo]

Originally Posted by rose313

The thing that looks like a spaceship is a standup booth, they are awesome and give you an even all-over color boost, but the bulbs are usually stronger so dont go in for the full time till you already have a good base.

I would continue using lower level beds, level one beds will get you tan, and higher levels are good for getting you darker when you already have a tan. You are seeing color, and its not just from bronzer since the cosmetic bronzers wash off. Rotate between a base bed and the bronzing bed, and you will definitely see color before June.

Oh I forgot about the stand ups and that's not it. It's something Velocity?? Does that sound right?

[italiababe]

as long as it is not a cosmetic bronzer it will not wash off, and it is your tan. Try using accelerators to help with a more natural tan. Fiesta Sun has some great lotions (from what i have heard) and you can find them for a good price. Supre is also a great line and they're prices are not bad either.

[tanchic77]

Fiesta Sun Pink Pineapple Tini is really good... I get pretty good color from it... I got it at my salon for 30 bucks and have seen it online for even cheaper.... Totally recommend it for a beginner who needs a good base tan. and the bonus is its an accelerator so any color you get from it is natural...no bronzers.

[*Angel_Eyes*]

I would definitely stick with the level 1 beds until you get up to max time and/or have a base tan. Level 1 beds will help you build your tan and the higher levels help to deepen and darken your existing tan and to keep the tan lasting longer.