Finding Confidence in Colour
A Spray Tan Artist’s Take on Glow, Routine, and Feeling Good in Your Skin
There is something magical about watching someone look in the mirror after their spray tan. Not because of the colour itself, but because of the way people stand taller the moment their glow is revealed. The shoulders relax. The smile gets a little bigger. The eyes brighten. It is a small moment, but it is the reason I love doing what I do here in Whitehorse.
Spray tanning is often seen as a beauty service, but behind the scenes it is really about confidence, ritual, and the small things that make life feel lighter. That is what inspired today’s post. I wanted to share a more personal look at the world of sunless tanning from my perspective as a solo artist.
The Ritual of the Glow
One of my favourite parts of the process is the routine. Clients come in with their comfy clothes, their exfoliated skin, and that “I am treating myself today” feeling. It sets the tone immediately. A spray tan is quick, but the lead up has its own rhythm.
Prep day feels a bit like getting ready for a vacation, even if you are staying home. You exfoliate, shave if needed, and avoid lotions and oils which is a tall order for any Yukoner. It becomes a moment of taking care of yourself on purpose which for many of us, is hard to make time for. It feels good to be intentional about your skin, especially in a place like Whitehorse where the winter air can make everything feel dry.
Then comes the appointment itself. The calm lighting in the studio, the upbeat music, the privacy to be vulnerable, and the refreshed feeling on your skin. Most people leave looking like they just came back from a getaway they never had to get on a plane for.
Why People Tan, Even When It Is Not “For” Anything
Of course, some clients book tans for special events, vacations, or weddings. But the quiet truth is that many people come in simply because it makes them feel good.
A spray tan can do that. It smooths the look of the skin, adds warmth to the complexion, and makes outfits feel more flattering. Even a simple pair of leggings and a cozy hoodie feels nicer with a hint of colour. There is something grounding about feeling like the best version of yourself, no matter the season.
The Kind of Tan That Feels Good Inside Too
Something I care about just as much as the final glow is what goes into the products. I carry solutions and aftercare that are cruelty free, vegan, and non toxic, because I want even the most sensitive skin to feel comfortable. The spray tan world used to be full of strong artificial fragrance and harsh ingredients (I should know, I was a spray tan artist back in 2013). Now we have gentle, skin-friendly formulas made for real people with real sensitivities.
A glow is better when it is worry free.
The Part People Do Not Expect
Most clients are surprised by how long their spray tan lasts when they prep right and follow the right aftercare. A typical tan lasts about seven to ten days. With daily moisturizing and gentle showers, many people stretch it even longer. The first rinse is only the beginning. The colour deepens over the next several hours and then settles into a natural, wearable tone.
Some clients make it part of their monthly routine, like a fresh haircut or a refill of their favourite skincare product. It becomes a moment of self care that fits naturally into their lifestyle.
Ending on a Soft Note
Spray tans are not about “pretending” to be something you’re not. They are about feeling polished, confident, and cared for. I love creating that experience for people, especially here in the Yukon where the seasons can feel long and seasonal colour can feel rare.
Whether you come in for an event or simply because you want to feel a little warmer and brighter in your own skin, the glow is only part of the story. The rest is how it makes you feel, and that is the part I love most.
If you want, I can help you refine the tone even more, add SEO elements, or create another blog post in a different style.
XO- S