THE Sunless Tan
Has anyone noticed a pattern of non-pattern in weather this year? New Yorkers woke up to snow this morning and in the City of Angels, where last week-as I set in a studio-the temp was a sunny 85 degrees, it dropped back to the 60’s just in time for the weekend. What a tease, I was all amped up to take my beach cruiser down to the Venice boardwalk and finally get the damaging UV rays I’ve been missing. Enter Hollywood’s trick to brighter, vacation-inspired skin: Infinity Sun. I was first introduced to my favorite tanning system last awards season when I was writing for E! Online, because as it turns out, a lot of those red carpetees who looked like they’d just stepped off the plane from Fiji had actually had a visit from Veronique Munro (also known as the Celebrity Tanning Guru). Veronique, who is not only Infinity Sun’s CEO but also created the technology and products, has kept stars like Kaley Cuoco, Jessica Alba and even Entourage hottie Adrian Grenier looking fresh-off-the-vacay since 2005 and because I’ve seen far too many spray tans gone bad, it is literally the only sunless tan I trust. I recently visited the HQ before that quick trip to Sin City but I’ve also stopped in for a little weekend pick-me-up just ‘cause. Addicting...
I caught up with Veronique, who spends most of her days testing and developing new products or helping new customers set up their businesses (don’t worry, you don’t have to come to Hollywood to look like you’ve spent weeks in Malibu). And in the complex world of pH balances and enzymes, she’s giving the download on why Infinity Sun is better than the rest.
What inspired you to create Infinity Sun?
When I was growing up, they used to call me Casper. I was so ashamed that I did not dare wear shorts or bathing suits; at least, not until I started mixing things together to make a color on my skin-any color that was not white. WOW, that means the color of Infinity Sun has been in development for over 30 years!
I love Infinity Sun because it is literally the perfect tan. No Orange!! How is it different than the rest?
The difference is in the technology and the products that run through them. The machines that you see with the little cups attached to the guns really were designed to spray houses and cars, not people. With Infinity Sun, one solution works on all skin types and you can go as light or as dark as you want. Because we use computer technology, the solution is atomized to a very fine particle size, which means only a fraction of solution is required to spray a full body and it is even and precise. That is why our sprays are so incredibly flawless. Not only do we use the highest grade DHA that can be found on the planet, but we also infuse our solutions with antioxidants and botanicals, as well as emollients and humectants, which protect the skin from the dryness that inevitably comes with the application of DHA. Additionally, we have a selection of beauty treatment elixirs, such as an antiaging/skin firming treatment that can be sprayed through the system to add an additional layer of hydration to the skin.
What’s the best way to prep for a spray?
1) Cleanse the skin with a non oil-based skin cleanser. Oil and heavy moisturizers will prevent the activation of the sunless tanner and the color will not develop fully. 2) Exfoliate. But do not use an abrasive exfoliant (like a loofah, salt or sugar scrub) because that will create little scratches on the surface of the skin. It is best to stick to exfoliants that dissolve dead skin cells and leave the surface smooth and even. 3) pH Balance. If you have dry areas on your body, rub on a little aloe before bronzing it up. This will make the absorption rate even, thus preventing darker patches. 4) Remove unwanted hair. Just make sure there is no oil or moisturizer on your skin before you apply a self tanner.
How long does the tan last?
7-14 days.
How much does it cost?
The price varies based on geographical location and whether a technician is mobile or brick and mortar. I have seen our spray tans as low as $45 and as high as $250 per spray.
For those who don’t have access to IS because of where they are located, how can they get a similar look?
They can purchase the Infinity Sun Glow on the Go to get a similar result at home. Shop.infinitysun.com.
Where would you go to get your sun on?
My skin doesn’t tan in the sun but I love Bora Bora as a sunny holiday destination! A nice hat, an Infinity sun spray tan and an oil free SPF and I am there!!
image courtesy of Infinity Sun