Not sure if you should get an airbrush tan? This article will tell you everything you need to know about airbrush tanning and recommend you the best airbrush tanning kit available on the current market.
Using a compressor and an airbrush a technician or an experience beginner can apply the tanning solution onto your skin. It’s important to know that the active ingredient DHA is present in the solution and it is precisely it that reacts with the outer layer of your skin and creates a bronzing effect.
If your skin is not dark enough after the application, don’t worry! It will continue to darken and the maximum color will be reached within a 12 hours period. However, in case you desire an immediate tan effect, the technician can also apply a bronzer that will achieve this. But this is only a temporary solution, given that it will be washed away after a shower.
Note: Pigments that result from an airbrush tan do no have UV protection.
Application
The application process will only take 12 minutes of your time while the drying will last around 10 minutes. So, basically the entire tanning process will last about 22 minutes give or take. Which is very fast, especially if you’re in hurry to get to an important event.
Lasting
Depending on the aftercare you give your skin and the nature of your skin, the airbrush tan lasts from 4 to 10 days. It is recommended that you get a ten about once a week and not more.
Shower after 8-12 hours after the application. The DHA requires 12 hours for the skin to become fully tanned.
Before getting a tan, you will need to remove dead cells ready to shed by proper cleansing and exfoliation. And after tanning application of a moisturizer is recommended. These two simple steps will extend the lasting period of your tan.
Renewing of the airbrush tan can also be done using a tan extender which contains a small amount of DHA.
Hands and feet issue?
Hands and feet sometimes absorb too much tanning solution which is not pleasant looking. You have probably seen it and wondered what happened and what illness does that person have?
To successfully avoid this from happening, all you need to do is to follow a few simple steps. Firstly, apply moisturizer on the rough patches of the skin to limit the absorption or a barrier cream. Do not stand in the tanning solution, your feet will absorb it and end up looking disastrous. And the most important thing is that you apply less solution on these parts of the body.
Recommended airbrush tanning kits
Maxi-Mist Lite Plus Sunless Spray Tanning KIT

This is what you would call a bestseller in the airbrush tanning area. Maxi-Mist Lite Plus is made for salon and mobile use. It features a powerful 300 watt turbine and a spray gun that features a spray nozzle engineered by Germans (and they always do things right). The kit contains three professional level spray tanning solutions suitable for a wide range of skin types.
The Pros
- Professional and beginner use
- Salon and mobile use
- Lightweight
- Flawless precision
- Spare parts included
- Spray tan solution included
- Made for home usage
- Affordable price
The Cons
- Takes a bit of practice
Maxi-Mist Lite Plus HVLP Spray Tanning System

Another bestseller by Maxi-Mist which includes absolutely everything you need to start tanning right away. Designed by the Germans this tanning kit is worth every penny. It weighs 5 pounds and has one SatinAire spray head with three 5 oz cups and 2 lids. This kit also features a powerful 300 watts single stage turbine with a 47cfm air flow, 75 DB and 110 electrical voltage.
The Pros
- For beginners and professionals
- Salon, mobile and home usage
- 10 + usages a day (60 uses per week)
- Flawless performance
- Lightweight
- Easy usage
- Top pick by many
- Affordable price
The Cons
- Practice needed