Ever spent hours perfecting your spray tan, only to have it fade too fast or turn an odd color? It’s a common frustration for anyone wanting that gorgeous, sun-kissed glow. You want your tan to look amazing and last, but sometimes it just doesn’t work out the way you hoped. The world of spray tan primers can feel confusing, with so many different kinds and claims. It’s tough to know which one will actually help you achieve flawless, long-lasting color.
But what if there was a secret weapon to unlock your best spray tan ever? That’s where a good spray tan primer comes in. It’s like prepping a canvas before painting – it makes a huge difference! By understanding what a primer does and how to pick the right one for *your* skin, you can say goodbye to patchy tans and hello to a beautiful, even glow that sticks around.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly what spray tan primers are, why they’re a game-changer, and how to choose the perfect one for you. Get ready to learn the simple steps to a flawless tan, every single time!
Top Spray Tan Primer Recommendations
- ENHANCING SPRAY TAN PRIMER – Prep your skin with the Norvell Glow System Pre-Tan Enhancing Primer! Step one of our Glow System regimen, this smooth primer lotion is designed to balance pH levels of your skin to intensify your spray tan.
- NATURAL COLOR COMPLEX – Infused with natural ingredients, the pre-spray tanning lotion protects and nourishes a lasting tan. Vitamin E in the moisturizing lotion helps block free radicals from skin to reduce wrinkles and keep the skin youthful-looking.
- HYDRATING – Aloe Leaf Juice in the pre-tanning primer moisturizes skin to help with anti-aging. Tomato Seed Extract enables skin to absorb oxygen and prevent signs of aging. The pre-tan lotion’s Vitamin C stimulates collagen to tighten and smooth skin.
- EASY TO APPLY – Blend the pre-tan primer evenly over desired areas before tanning. For best results, use the Glow System regimen. It helps you to prep your skin pre-spray tan, use the proper products during your spray tan, and extend your glow post-tan.
- NEW LOOK, SAME FORMULA - The Norvell formula you’ve always loved in bold new packaging. With 40 years’ experience, Norvell delivers a natural glow. Our famous Norvell University offers award winning training to certified technicians worldwide.
- PREP, PRIME, AND PERFECT: Want the best color payoff possible? In advance of a spray tan, or at-home sunless tanning, PRIME the skin with this specially formulated mist created to replenish lost moisture, while balancing the skin's chemistry.
- ELIMINATE THE ORANGE: ‘Turning orange’ is the most common concern when it comes to self tanning. Stop that worry right in its tracks by using Pre-Sunless XLATAN. Formulated to boost self tanning development and provide faster and longer-lasting results, this product assures optimal pH levels to provide natural looking, crave-worthy color.
- SKIN BENEFITS: Proprietary formulation contains a powerful and potent punch of wheat amino acids to strengthen skin from within, hydrating hyaluronic acid to “plump” and “dewify,” healing aloe vera to soothe and cool, and anti-aging vitamins C and E to fight free radical damage. Alcohol Free formula works with Natural Enzymes to repair weak, dehydrated skin and promote the efficiency of the body’s own natural moisturization factor (NMF).
- A DAY AT THE SPA EXPERIENCE: Like a breath of fresh air, Norvell's Oxygen scent is refreshing, calm, clean and pure, delivering the same relaxation and calm you’d feel at a spa.
- NEW LOOK, SAME FORMULA - The Norvell formula you’ve always loved in bold new packaging. With 40 years’ experience, Norvell delivers a natural glow. Our famous Norvell University offers award winning training to certified technicians worldwide.
- PREP, PRIME, AND PERFECT: Want the best color payoff possible? In advance of a spray tan, or at-home sunless tanning, PRIME the skin with this specially formulated mist created to replenish lost moisture, while balancing the skin's chemistry.
- ELIMINATE THE ORANGE: ‘Turning orange’ is the most common concern when it comes to self tanning. Stop that worry right in its tracks by using Pre-Sunless XLATAN. Formulated to boost self tanning development and provide faster and longer-lasting results, this product assures optimal pH levels to provide natural looking, crave-worthy color.
- SKIN BENEFITS: Proprietary formulation contains a powerful and potent punch of wheat amino acids to strengthen skin from within, hydrating hyaluronic acid to “plump” and “dewify,” healing aloe vera to soothe and cool, and anti-aging vitamins C and E to fight free radical damage. Alcohol Free formula works with Natural Enzymes to repair weak, dehydrated skin and promote the efficiency of the body’s own natural moisturization factor (NMF).
- A DAY AT THE SPA EXPERIENCE: Like a breath of fresh air, Norvell's Oxygen scent is refreshing, calm, clean and pure, delivering the same relaxation and calm you’d feel at a spa.
- NEW LOOK, SAME FORMULA - The Norvell formula you’ve always loved in bold new packaging. With 40 years’ experience, Norvell delivers a natural glow. Our famous Norvell University offers award winning training to certified technicians worldwide.
- Optimal Skin: Readiness: Prepares your skin for a flawless tan by balancing pH levels and removing impurities, ensuring an even and long-lasting tan application.
- Hydration Boost: Infused with hydrating agents to nourish and moisturize the skin, enhancing the absorption of the tanning solution for a natural, streak-free tan.
- Prolonged Tan Life: Extends the life of your tan by creating a smooth canvas, preventing patchiness and ensuring a uniform color development.
- Skin Care Benefits: Enriched with antioxidants and skin-loving ingredients, it helps protect against free radicals and promotes healthier-looking skin.
- Easy Application: Convenient spray format for hassle-free use, enabling quick and effortless coverage, ideal for both professional salons and at-home tanning routines.
- SJOLIE SECRET: Proprietary formulation contains skin pH-balancing to remove oil, makeup, and other build-ups to provide a perfect spray tan every time!
- PREP TO PERFECT: Prep and prime your sunless tan with this innovative, pre-tan spray that instantly balances and beautifies skin’s pH levels for a deep, dark, and definitive sunless tanning application.
- INGREDIENT: CITRIC ACID - derived from citrus and used to adjust the pH levels of the skin to promote quicker cell turn over for anti-aging benefits.
- INGREDIENT: BUTYLENE GLYCOL - Texture enhancer
- WORKS WITH ALL SUNLESS BRANDS - Use the SJOLIE pH Balancer with any brand of sunless solution to get the max tan life, color, and retain your customers!
- FEATURES AND BENEFITS: Norvell Pro-Blending ( DHA Barrier ) Cream prevents DHA bronzing sprays from over-darkening areas of the body that tend to take too much color resulting in an overall un-even tan. Used as directed, it helps produce a more even, natural looking bronze all over without over staining of susceptible areas by tanning solutions. Our barrier cream is unscented and suitable for all skin types.
- SAY HELLO TO A PERFECT COLOR BLEND: Barrier Cream is a pre-sunless tanning, skin moisturizer that helps prepare skin for a perfect color blend. Keep the bronzing spray effect more even and avoid over-tanning of any area in need of protection. An easy and effective preventative measure to help avoid tanning solution from penetrating the soles of your feet, palms, knees, elbows etc.
- PROFESSIONAL TIP: Apply liberally to knees, elbows, palms, soles, cuticles, knuckles and areas between fingers and toes, just before a spray tan session. Since the barrier cream prevents the treated areas from bronzing, make sure to blend smoothly and gradually outward from target areas into surrounding skin to allow for even color transition. Prepare for the perfect self tanning session or a better sunless tan at the tanning salon.
- NORVELL PRODUCTS HAVE A SHORT SHELF-LIFE: Due to the quality of ingredients that are used to manufacture Norvell products, the typical shelf-life is 5-6 months from the production date to the expiration date. Please note that the transit from the manufacturer to Amazon and to the final consumer should be accounted for when purchasing Norvell products.
- TIGHTEN, TAN, AND TONE: Get summer-sexy skin that’s tight, tanned, and toned in one ultra-hydrating, routine-simplifying step! Proprietary, innovative, multi-tasking moisturizing mist sets and seals your sunless tanning application, while deepening and darkening DHA development for long-lasting, succulent, sun-kissed color.
- BRONZING WITH BENEFITS: This hydrofirm moisturizing spray seals the deal on your self-tanning application, while providing thirsty, parched skin with a beautifying blast of sumptuous, skin-smoothing hyaluronic acid and healing and hydrating aloe vera.
- GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TAN: Exclusive formula is your faux glow’s flawless finishing touch, as it expertly extends and amplifies your tan for days longer, while firming, lifting, and perfecting the skin. Essential for body-building show contestants that need that extra dose of double-duty DHA action.
- KIND TO SKIN HEALTH: Gentle, irritant-free, 100% vegan post tan moisturizer contains zero parabens, sulfates, and gluten.
- NEW LOOK, SAME FORMULA - The Norvell formula you’ve always loved in bold new packaging. With 40 years’ experience, Norvell delivers a natural glow. Our famous Norvell University offers award winning training to certified technicians worldwide.
- NO MORE STICKY SELF TAN FEEL - Designed to reduce the sticky, tacky feeling after self tan so skin feels soft, dry, and more comfortable. Tan Fan's lightweight drying powder and huge soft body brush absorbs excess moisture and oil leaving skin silky smooth
- LIGHTWEIGHT, NATURAL BLEND, TALC-FREE, USA MADE QUALITY - Tan Fan crafts this powder to be lightweight + colorless to prevent blothes or streaks on your self tanner without feeling heavy, cakey, or drying.100% cruelty-free, vegan + mica-free making it safe for all skin types
- YOUR NEW SELF TANNING BESTIE - With huge ultra-soft eco-bamboo body brush designed to quickly dust powder across arms, legs, chest, and back after tanning. Lightly scented with coconut and great value 22-28 full-body applications and no white residue like baby powder.
- THE PERFECT PRE-SLEEP STEP - Use after applying self tan to absorb excess moisture and help your tan feel more wearable while developing overnight. Best paired with the Tan Fan Sleep Sac for overnight sheet protection
- TAN FAN GLOW GUARANTEE – Our support team is here 24/7 to make sure you’re glowing with confidence, satisfaction guaranteed.
Your Guide to the Best Spray Tan Primer
Getting a flawless spray tan is the goal for many. A spray tan primer can help you get that perfect glow. This guide will help you choose the right one.
What is a Spray Tan Primer?
A spray tan primer is a product you apply before your spray tan solution. It prepares your skin. It helps the spray tan solution stick better. This means your tan will look more even. It will also last longer.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a spray tan primer, keep these things in mind.
Hydration Power
Good primers keep your skin moisturized. Dry skin can lead to a patchy tan. Look for ingredients that add moisture. This helps your tan develop evenly.
Even Application Aid
The best primers help the spray tan solution go on smoothly. They create a good surface for the tanning mist. This prevents streaks. It ensures a uniform color.
Long-Lasting Tan Support
Some primers are made to help your tan last longer. They create a barrier on your skin. This barrier helps the color stay put. It slows down the fading process.
Skin-Soothing Ingredients
Your skin might be sensitive. Look for primers with gentle ingredients. Aloe vera or chamomile can be calming. These ingredients make the tanning process more comfortable.
Important Materials and Ingredients
What’s inside your primer matters.
Humectants
These ingredients attract water. They pull moisture from the air and your skin. This keeps your skin hydrated. Examples include hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Emollients
Emollients soften and smooth your skin. They fill in the gaps between skin cells. This creates a smoother surface. Shea butter and various plant oils are common emollients.
Astringents (Use with Caution)
Some primers have mild astringents. These can help tighten pores. This might make the skin surface smoother. However, too much can dry out your skin.
Natural Extracts
Many primers use natural extracts. These can offer extra benefits. They might be anti-inflammatory or antioxidant. Green tea extract is a popular choice.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a primer great or not so great?
Improved Quality
- Lightweight Formula: A primer that isn’t heavy feels better on your skin. It also lets your skin breathe.
- Quick Drying Time: You want a primer that dries fast. This saves you time. It also means you can move on to the spray tan sooner.
- No Sticky Residue: A good primer shouldn’t feel sticky after it dries. Stickiness can make the spray tan application difficult.
- Pleasant Scent (Optional): Some people like a light, pleasant smell. However, strong perfumes can be irritating for some.
Reduced Quality
- Oily or Greasy Texture: An overly oily primer can prevent the spray tan from adhering properly. This can lead to a streaky or light tan.
- Drying or Stripping Ingredients: Ingredients that dry out your skin will hurt your tan. They can cause patchiness.
- Artificial Colors or Fragrances: These can irritate sensitive skin. They don’t add to the primer’s performance.
- Heavy or Thick Consistency: A thick primer might not absorb well. It could leave a film on your skin.
User Experience and Use Cases
How do people use these primers? And who are they for?
Before Your Spray Tan Appointment
You apply primer after showering and before your spray tan. Make sure your skin is clean and dry. Apply a thin, even layer. Let it dry completely. This is the most common use.
For Home Spray Tan Kits
If you do your own spray tans at home, a primer is a great addition. It helps you get a more professional result. You can use it with spray tan machines or mousses.
For Special Events
Planning for a wedding, vacation, or photo shoot? A primer ensures your spray tan looks its best. It helps your tan be flawless for important occasions.
For Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, choose a primer with gentle, soothing ingredients. Always do a patch test first. This ensures it won’t cause irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spray Tan Primers
Q: How do I use a spray tan primer?
A: Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin before your spray tan. Let it dry completely.
Q: Can I use a spray tan primer if I have oily skin?
A: Yes, look for lightweight, oil-free primers. Some can help balance oiliness.
Q: Will a primer make my spray tan last longer?
A: Many primers are designed to help your tan last longer by improving adherence.
Q: Should I use a primer if I’m new to spray tans?
A: It’s a great idea! A primer helps beginners achieve a more even and natural-looking tan.
Q: What if my primer feels sticky?
A: You might have applied too much, or it may not be fully dry. Ensure you apply a thin layer and let it dry completely before tanning.
Q: Can I use primer on my face?
A: Yes, but choose a primer specifically formulated for the face. Facial skin can be more delicate.
Q: How long should I wait after applying primer before spray tanning?
A: Wait until the primer is completely dry to the touch. This usually takes a few minutes.
Q: Can I use any lotion instead of a primer?
A: No. Lotions are generally too heavy. They can interfere with spray tan absorption. Primers are specifically designed for this purpose.
Q: What is the difference between a primer and an extender?
A: A primer is used *before* the spray tan to prepare the skin. An extender is used *after* the tan to help it last longer.
Q: Do I need to rinse off the primer?
A: No, you do not rinse off the primer. It works with the spray tan solution.