Ask the Editors: VersaSpa
Your Question: I was curious if anyone has tried the Versa Spa sunless tannning. It is similar to mystic but is suppose to look more natural. If so, did they like it and where did they go?
Our Answer: Okay, so let’s talk VersaSpa. I have to be honest here: I’ve done it a handful of times (all at Planet Tan) and have been similarly dissatisfied every time. I’ve done the sunless tanner thing at home, so I know how to use “barrier cream” to block tanner from caking under fingernails and around elbows, but the formula from VersaSpa gets—and stains—between my fingers and around my cuticles every time, no matter how much stuff I slather on for protection. I liked the color the VersaSpa provides, olive-toned, not orange, but not the uneven and splotchy tan I received. (And note, I went in exfoliated and completely clean, so I did my best to be the perfect canvas.) I had a pretty dark, although uneven, tan for about two days before it quickly faded, leaving lingering brown marks behind. I don’t suggest Versa Spa. It’s completely possible that I’ve had a few, unusual, bad experiences, but I think it’s much better (unfortunately more expensive, though) to be airbrushed by a human, rather than a machine. For those who love the spray tan, perhaps try VersaSpa and see what you think. It does have its benefits. For starters, you can breathe in the machine, unlike in the Mystic Tan booth. You have extra options, like adding a moisturizer or anti-aging boost—you pay extra, of course. And there’s a drying segment, where blow-dryers make a pass up and down the machine to dry your body off from the wet tanning solution. I say, try it for yourself and see how it works for you, but if you don’t have time to deal with Cheeto fingers for a few days, skip the VersaSpa and try something else. I suggest Xen-Tan that we’ve blogged about before or a personal airbrush experience, like the one Jennifer mentioned. If anyone has an opinion on the subject, please join in the conversation and let us know what you think!
*UPDATE: Our Nightlife gal, Kyle Kearbey, says she prefers Mystic Tan to VersaSpa, and she usually has a lovely tan.
(Mystic Tan on left, VersaSpa on right.)
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Yeah, I agree. I’ve tried both, and always have had a more even tan with Mystic than VersaSpa. I had weird, brown splotches everywhere, even though I followed the directions.
Ok, I’ll be honest. I’ve tried everything, and Mystic Tan has stolen my heart. Of course, I’ve done them since high school, so I’m super comfortable with them. But, I’ve tried it all. To me, the at-home stuff takes too long and smells worse, for whatever reason. And, I tried my first airbrush applied by a human last fall – hated it! It faded terribly. I, too, exfoliated and the likes, and it was absolutely awful. Splotches everywhere. I never get that with the Mystic. I’ll never do anything but a Mystic Tan ever again! It’s all I recommend.
So far, we have three votes for Mystic!
I need to get on the bandwagon and quit using the beds! Mystic is so much healthier.
I wrote the question, they said they will give me a free versa, so maybe they will give me a free mystic too so I can try them both… I love to be tan in the summer but I have to say bye to the tanning beds and the poolside college days, melonoma scares me too much!! How often do you all mystic?
Yes, Karen, I agree! My sister is a dermatologist, and she tells me horror stories to keep me out of the beds. One Mystic Tan lasts about five to seven days, so I do one a week, roughly. You can easily find places around town that offer unlimited memberships, and it’s SO much cheaper than paying for one at a time. Also, be sure to moisturize daily! That’s what helps them last the longest.
If you have $50 to spare, I HIGHLY recommend the St. Tropez spray at the Crescent! It was a gorgeous even tan that was the perfect olive color. I told the woman who was spraying me that I was wearing a low cut dress and she gave me extra color on my chest and on my arms and legs.
My hands and feet looked fantastic and natural. And like when I use my St. Tropez products at home, I didn’t have that funky tanning smell.
I loved it and wish I could go every week, but because we’re in a recession, I usually use St. Tropez self tanner at home or the Mystic.
I’m trying the St. Tropez next week. Glad to hear your great review. I’ll let you all know how it goes next week.
I love the Xen-Tan! I bought it as soon as you mentioned it on here. I like being able to do it whenever I want and not go in a salon for spray tans.
Mystic is turns out too orange on my naturally olive skin…
But, I would like to try the Crescent just once!
[...] I’m able to chime in on the tan talk. So … yesterday I visited the Spa at the Crescent, where St. Tropez Tan expert Michelle [...]