So you’ve booked your spray tan appointment, and now you’ve got to choose your solution and depth of colour. A light glow or something deeper? If you’re not sure which tanning solution is best for you, you’re in the right place. At The Tanning Shop Ireland, we use Norvell® professional spray tan solutions across our salons, so whichever you choose, you’re in for a gorgeous glow. When it comes to shade and colour choices, honestly, there’s no single answer; just the one that works for you, your skin, and whatever you’ve got coming up. So let’s walk through our spray tan solutions and exactly how to pick what’s right for your shade.
Norvell® Dark or Clear – What’s the Difference?
This is the first choice to make, at your spray tan appointment, and it’s simpler than it sounds. The different types of spray tans essentially revolve around the skin colour spectrum.
Norvell® Dark
This is the classic option, a bronze-based solution that gives you visible colour from the moment you step out of the booth, then develops into a deeper, sun-kissed glow over the next 24 hours.
If you like seeing your tan take shape straight away, or you’re after a really rich finish, Dark is usually the one to reach for.
Norvell® Clear
This option works differently. It’s a bronzer-free mist, so there’s no instant colour. Your tan develops invisibly over the next 24 hours, giving you a luxurious bronzed glow.
Both formulas deliver incredible, flawless results; they’re just built for different priorities and preferences. Our tanning consultants ask what you’re going for before every appointment, so don’t be shy about saying what’s on your mind.
Picking Your Spray Tan Shade, Coverage and Customisations.
Once you’ve settled on your perfect spray tan solution, the next step is deciding on coverage and colour depth – essentially, how much of a glow you want and how rich you’d like the finished result to be.
Start by choosing your coverage. You can opt for a full-body spray tan, a legs-only spray, or even add a customisation of a full-body tan with an additional leg spray if you want a little extra colour through your legs.
Then it’s time to select your colour depth. Think of it as a sliding scale, from a soft, everyday glow with Level 1 right up to Double Dark, our richest and most bronzed option for when you want maximum impact.
A good rule of thumb: if it’s your first spray tan, start lighter – you can always build up next time, once you know how your skin responds to the colour. If you’ve got an event, a holiday, or a big night out on the horizon, that’s when a darker finish tends to come out to play.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to figure this out alone – that’s what we’re here for. Your consultant will cover all bases when determining the best Norvell® spray tan solution for you. They will help you land on the right depth in as little as a couple of minutes (they know this world inside-out!) based on your skin tone and what you’re after. Take a look at the full Norvell® range we work with, or book your spray tan to chat it through in person.
How Long Does Each Spray Tan Solution Last?
Whichever solution you choose, the timeline works roughly the same way. Colour starts developing within four to six hours of your appointment and is fully settled by the 24-hour mark.
From there, a well-prepped, well-maintained spray tan can last up to a week. The two biggest factors in how long yours sticks around aren’t actually the solution itself; they’re what you do before and after your appointment. Exfoliating properly beforehand and moisturising daily after the initial 24 hours make a bigger difference than most people expect, and skipping either step is the fastest way to see your tan fade patchy rather than evenly.
If you want the full rundown, our guide on getting your skin ready for a spray tan covers exactly what to do beforehand, and our tanning aftercare guide will help you get every last day out of your glow.
A Little Extra Glow – Add a WellFit® Treatment
While you’re weighing up your solution, it’s worth knowing you can pair your spray tan with a WellFit® treatment for a bit of extra skin love. Our easy customisation options include adding WellFit® Hydrate to replenish moisture and help your skin feel smoother straight away, or WellFit® Lift, which is more about firming and rejuvenating over time.
Neither is essential; your spray tan will look great on its own. However, if your skin’s feeling a bit dry or tired and needs a little more TLC, it’s a nice way to get more out of your appointment. Your consultant can talk you through adding either one on the day, so there’s no need to decide in advance.
Ready to get booked in? Find your nearest salon and let’s get your glow sorted.
FAQs
Which spray tan solution should I choose?
If you like seeing colour straight away, choose Norvell® Dark. If you’d rather your tan develop naturally with no initial bronzer, choose Norvell® Clear. Both give an even, luxurious result in the end, and your tanning consultant will help you decide during your consultation.
What's the difference between Norvell® Dark and Norvell Clear®?
Dark is a bronzer-based solution with a visible colour guide that fades away as your tan develops. Clear is bronzer-free, so there’s no instant colour. Both promise a long-lasting glow within 24 hours.
Can I choose how dark my spray tan is?
Yes, your shade depth is completely up to you. Whether you’re looking for a subtle Level 1 glow or a rich, luxurious Double Dark finish, there’s an option to suit the look you want. Let your tanning consultant know what you’re after. They’ll assess your skin tone and help you land on the right depth.
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