Growing up as a teenager in the 80s and 90s, I look back and cringe at the unhealthy things I did to my hair and skin in the name of achieving that golden, sun-kissed glow.  Remember applying baby oil to enhance your tan? Or dousing your hair with ‘Sun-In’ and large quantities of lemon juice?  Sporting a beautiful tan is still in style, but the good news is that you no longer have to sacrifice your hair and skin to achieve it.  For special occasions when I want to look my best, I make an appointment at Spa Nordstrom at NorthPark Center for the best spray tan in town.

I know you may think that a spray tan will leave you orange and blotchy but that’s not the case at Spa Nordstrom. They have perfected their formula and application technique so that the final result looks very natural.

For those of you who have never tried it, the process is quick, easy and reasonably priced.  You can expect the spa staff to greet you upon arrival while offering you tea or water. Once you put your belongings into a locker, you enter the treatment room. You are given the choice of wearing a throwaway paper undergarment or wearing one you brought with you. Depending on your level of comfort, you may choose to wear a bra top for a more modest experience but it is not required.  

After placing some paper shoes on your feet and applying lotion on your palms, feet and knees, you are ready to step into the spray tan chamber where the spa technician will prompt you to move in certain directions to apply the product.  Just last week, Spa Nordstrom began using a new spray gun that provides better coverage and a more even tan. Finally, after drying off by the fan, you are ready to put on your clothes and head out. 

The initial result is a tan that might be a bit darker than what you had anticipated, but after eight hours the product begins to work its magic. Once you shower off the excess product, you are left with that perfect, even tan. You can also pick up some take-home products that will help your tan last longer, such as the 'Everyday' Gradual Tan for Body by St. Tropez ($30).

So the next time you are getting ready for that special occasion or heading on a beach vacation, consider a spray tan from Nordstrom Spa at NorthPark Center. Call 214.231.3900 to make your appointment.