If you’ve ever wondered “Should I go to a spray tan booth or a spray tan artist?” you’re not alone.
Both options can work — and plenty of people love booths. But they’re not the same experience, and they don’t behave the same on your skin.
This post isn’t about bashing booths. It’s simply a clear breakdown of why they’re different, why booths sometimes create undesirable results, and who tends to be happiest with each option.
Quick Answer
- Spray tan booth: fast + convenient, but one-size-fits-most (same spray pattern, same timing guidance, no hands-on adjustments).
- Spray tan artist: customized to your skin tone, undertone, dryness level, and how you like to wear your tan — with help preventing common problem areas.
If you’re new, you may also like: How Much Does a Spray Tan Cost in Orlando?.
Why Booth Tans Can Look Uneven (and It’s Not Always Your Fault)
A booth is basically trying to “guess” your body.
Even when you follow directions perfectly, booths can still struggle with:
1) Dry patches (knees, ankles, hands, elbows)
DHA grabs onto dry skin faster, which can make these spots look darker.
Prep matters a lot here: How to Prep for a Spray Tan & Make It Last.
2) Missed areas + awkward angles
Armpits, inner arms, sides of the torso, and behind the legs are common “miss” zones.
3) Over-application in creases
Underarms, wrists, behind knees, and between fingers/toes can collect extra solution.
4) Tone that doesn’t match your undertone
A booth can’t look at your skin and go, “Let’s warm this up,” or “Let’s keep this more neutral.”
If you want the science behind color development, this helps: What Is DHA? The Science Behind Your Spray Tan.
What a Spray Tan Artist Does Differently
A custom airbrush tan is not just “someone spraying you.” A good artist is adjusting for real-world skin.
Here’s what changes:
1) Custom shade + depth guidance
We can choose a tone that looks natural on your skin, and I’ll guide you on how long to leave a rapid formula on.
2) Prep check (and real-time adjustments)
If I see dryness or areas that will grab too much color, we can correct it before it becomes a patchy fade.
3) Hand-blending and finishing work
Hands, feet, wrists, and ankles are where the “fake” look happens first — and those areas benefit most from hands-on blending.
4) Comfort + privacy
At 33 Esthetics in Longwood, it’s a private studio — no rushing, no awkward waiting room, no feeling exposed.
Who a Booth Is Great For
A booth might be a good fit if you:
- want the fastest option
- don’t mind a more “standard” result
- already know exactly how your skin develops
- aren’t picky about hands/feet finishing detail
Who Usually Prefers an Artist-Applied Tan
A custom tan is usually the better fit if you:
- are a first-timer
- have had booth tans pull orange, streaky, or patchy before
- have very fair skin, very dry skin, or uneven texture
- want the most natural result for photos (vacations, events, weddings)
- want help making it last longer and fade evenly
If longevity is your top priority, read: How Long Does a Spray Tan Last?.
If You Use a Booth: Tips for Better Results
If you love booths and want to keep using them, these tips help a lot:
- Exfoliate the day before (not the day of)
- Shave 24 hours before (or wax 48 hours before)
- Skip lotion/oils/deodorant on the day of
- Use a small amount of barrier cream on very dry areas (knees/ankles/elbows)
- Rinse according to instructions — don’t guess
Booking a Spray Tan at 33 Esthetics (Longwood, FL)
If you want to try a custom spray tan in a private studio:
And if you’re choosing between options in the Orlando area, this guide is helpful: Best Spray Tan in Orlando — What to Look For.
