Tanning
Browning Studio is honored to have been voted Best of the Upstate in tanning for many years.
We understand that every skin tone is unique + not all schedules are created equal, which is why we take the time to listen to your needs + tailor each tan to you. By blending the right solutions from our favorite labs, we create a custom mix that perfectly complements your natural complexion + desired level of darkness. Simply chat with your artist on the day of your tan to decide what’s best for you. Our goal is to make the process as easy + stress free as possible.
We believe that every tanning solution we use on you should include ingredients that nourish and hydrate the skin, so we never rely on gimmicks, add-ons or unnecessary upgrades. Each solution we carry is hand selected and tested for months before becoming a staple at Browning and all are crafted to include all the essential ingredients that hydrate, + enhance your skin's natural beauty. And the contouring? That’s included in every visit because we know the impact it makes on your body and your soul.
Our team isn’t just trained to perform a service, every Browning Artist undergoes extensive hands-on training with Brandi, who has over 20 years of experience + was the first to introduce airbrush spray tanning in Greenville. She teaches her exclusive techniques in layering, fading, and contouring, giving our artists the skill + precision to deliver a flawless tan every time. Whether you book with an apprentice, a seasoned artist, or with Brandi herself, you can relax knowing you’re getting the best tan in the Upstate.
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![Sunless Tanning Studio in Greenville]()
Browning Apprentice
Full Body - $48
Upper or Lower Body - $24
Face + Chest - $10All airbrush tans include custom mixed solution, body contouring, finishing powder, + disposable hair nets and underwear. For more details on levels and details, see our Frequently Asked Questions toward the bottom of the page.
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![Best of the Upstate Spray Tanning]()
Browning Artist
Full Body - $58
Upper or Lower Body - $29
Tan Line Blending - $20
Face + Chest - $15All airbrush tans include custom mixed solution, body contouring, finishing powder, + disposable hair nets and underwear. For more details on levels and details, see our Frequently Asked Questions toward the bottom of the page.
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![Master Spray Tans]()
Browning with Brandi
Full Body - $68+
Upper or Lower Body - $34
Tan Line Blending - $25
Face + Chest - $20All airbrush tans include custom mixed solution, body contouring, finishing powder, + disposable hair nets and underwear. For more details on levels and details, see our Frequently Asked Questions toward the bottom of the page.
Tan Packs
Specialty Tans
Frequently Asked Questions
“With over 20 years of airbrush tanning experience, I know there isn’t one method that works for every body or every solution. The tips I’ve shared below are what I’ve seen deliver the best results. But if you notice an outcome that feels “out of the norm,” please reach out to us. That way, we can help troubleshoot your skin type + routines to personalize your best prep + aftercare.”
- Brandi G. Browning
Solution FAQs
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We custom mix your solution during your in-room consultation, so there’s no need to specify preferences when booking. Our artists will choose the formula that best suits your skin tone + lifestyle, whether that’s a traditional or rapid solution. If a rapid solution is recommended, it will be provided at no additional cost.
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this is a common misconception and an unfortunate marketing ploy in the sunless (spray tan) industry. there is no such thing as organic dha. (+ the dha free solutions on the market are meant to be used as a training solution because the results don’t last.)
we currently work with 4 labs + we utilize more than 10 solutions, all of which are Ecocert certified + use natural ingredients for the long term health + safety of your skin. our solutions vary in undertones + curing times because just like our complexions, individual schedules vary.
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dha (dihydroxyacetone) is an ingredient derived from sugar cane + beets, which reacts with the amino acids in the protein on the outer layer of the skin to create the darkening reaction or temporary browning of spray tans.
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our first question is always an excited, “what are we getting tan for today?!” although our favorite answer is ‘because it makes me feel great,’ we know that you come to see us for a variety of reasons.
all answers prep us + get our gears turning for the customized mixology, application layering, + designated shower time recommendation.
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when you head into the airbrush room, you will discuss the best solution for your skin type, lifestyle, and goal. whether you choose a rapid developing solution or the longer developing solution [neither is better than the other], you must shower at the time your artist advised you. remember, this shower time is based on the desired outcome the two of you discussed in your consultation.
wearing the rapid drying solutions longer than they are designed will result in a ‘dirty’ looking [and possibly orange] tan that fades poorly. showering the longer developing solutions too soon will result in a lighter result and a faster fade time.
for a general idea prior to your consultation this is the typical guideline:
clear + rapid solutions:
-1 to 2 hours: very light tan
-3 to 4 hours: medium tan
-4 to 5 hours: dark tanclear solution:
- only offered by lead artist.
- instant color? no.
- shower time? 1-5 hours.
- final results? 24 hours after appointmentrapid solution:
- book as “full body tan”
- instant color? yes.
- shower time? 1-5 hours.
- final results? 10 hours after appointment.classic solution:
- book as “full body tan”
- instant color? yes.
- shower time? 8-10 hours
- final results? 8-10 hours after appointment. -
if you are pregnant, yes! however, we recommend each mom-to-be consult with their physician first. a women’s tan may develop differently during various hormonal changes (ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy) it may be patchy or produce lighter or no color.
if you are breastfeeding, yes! just let us know when you book your appointment or when you arrive. you are welcome to wear a bra or swimsuit top that covers any areas that you don’t want your child coming in contact with. we can also avoid solution contact with that area of skin.
The Basics
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Our Apprentice Artists have completed skin theory and hands-on airbrush training with Brandi, Founder and Lead Artist of Browning Studio. They continue refining their skills under our education program and can provide beautiful, natural-looking spray tans. While they are still building experience with more advanced or specialty services, they may occasionally recommend booking with an Artist or Lead for those needs.
Our Artists have successfully completed our apprenticeship program and consistently deliver customized, natural-looking spray tans. They perform the majority of our spray tanning services and are a great fit for most clients.
Our Lead Artist, Brandi, has more than 20 years of spray tanning experience and specializes in advanced techniques, corrective services, competition tans, pageant tans, and other specialty appointments. She is recommended for clients with unique needs or those seeking her highest level of expertise.
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Upper Body: This tan covers from the waist up, including the face.
Lower Body: This tan covers from the waist down.
Tan Line Blending: This is not a full body spray tan + was created for those who have visible tan lines from sun exposure. Rather than darkening your entire body, this service focuses specifically on minimizing the contrast between your natural skin tone + the areas that have tanned in the sun.
Face + Chest: This tan covers the face + neck, blended into the chest. You can book this anytime or use our face tan mist available in-studio. -
typically 20 minutes but we ask that you plan to arrive 5 minutes early, and plan 30 minutes into your schedule for check-in/check-out.
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our artists inform you to dress down to your comfort level as these are prominent tan lines that you will see for the next 7-10 days.
-disposable thongs are provided if needed.
-long, loose clothing is recommended immediately following your spray tan.
-if raining on the day of your appointment, you must wear clothing that covers + protects every inch of your skin. bring an umbrella.
-initial "over-spray" may rub off on clothes (before your first shower) but it should wash out completely.
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1-day event: 3 or fewer days prior.
wedding: 2 days prior.
pageant: 1-2 days prior.
vacation: 1 day prior. -
depending on your skin type + the amount of solution applied to the skin, your tan can last 7-10 days.
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yes. scrub all color off from previous spray tans or sunless tanners (especially any solution or self-tanner that isn’t our solution, as we don’t know how the two will interact) for best results.
we carry an incredible tan remover in the studio, this is ideal for those who like to keep a consistent tan.
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We offer discounts on Browning spray tans for
teachers
military
police officers
as a thank you for the work they do in our community. Please bring proof of occupation to receive your discount.
Prep
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if you are sunburned + there is any possibility of peeling, you should not get an airbrush / spray tan. when the sunburn sheds your skin, it will leave only those areas with your original skin tone. please listen to your artist if they advise you to not get it done that day.
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exfoliate: skin cells turn over every 7 to 10 days. exfoliating all dead [or close to dead] cells off before your service allows the tan to adhere to the outer most [fresh] layer of skin- resulting in an even, longer lasting tan.
shower: you should shave + exfoliate your skin 12 to 24 hours before your tan appointment to better avoid “strawberry legs” aka the solution collecting in open pores. take a washcloth/loofah + gently scrub areas on the body + be mindful of areas that still have color if you have a previous sunless tanner.
If you are a frequent tanner, the Nuda Remover Foam with exfoliating mitt is a game changer! apply a thin layer all over, get some chores done while it sits on the skin for 5-10 min, then hop in the shower to exfoliate. It dissolves the tan + dead skin away.
avoid: lotion, oils, + makeup coming into your appointment. if you are one of those with super dry skin, feel free to apply a light layer of lotion to any of those trouble dry spots at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled tan. you don’t want to apply your moisturizer too close to your appointment time because it can act as a barrier + won’t absorb evenly into the skin. we do provide makeup remover as well as image skincare face wash for your convenience.
if you use an oil on the day of your appointment, you will need to be positive it’s all rinsed off prior to your appointment. oil can act as a barrier to your skin and cause the tan to look extremely patchy.
deodorant: you can wear it, although some chemicals can cause a green tint. this is not uncommon. if a green tint does appear, it should wash away after your first shower.
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bring dark, loose-fitting clothing + open-toe shoes (flip flops work best if weather permits, rain boots or closed-toe shoes if not) to wear after the appointment. you should continue to wear this loose clothing until your first shower.
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yes, but this is crucial... the second liquid touches your skin, it immediately stops the tanning process in that area. if there is a chance of rain, make sure you are fully prepared to ensure that no liquid touches your skin at any point until your first shower.
umbrellas, rain jackets with hoods, long sleeves/pants + rain boots, or closed-toe shoes are highly recommended. seriously.
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manicures, pedicures, + most hair services: can be done on the same day but should all be done before your airbrush tan.
body waxing: at least one day prior to your airbrush tan appointment.
lash services: must be done a full 24 hours before or after airbrush tan. we recommend lashes first, tanning second.
Processing
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while you wait, you may look “too dark” or “unnatural” until your first shower (unless you have upgraded to the clear solution). this is the overspray mixing with your developing tan underneath.
do not shower before the designated time! you will lose almost all (if not all) of your final color.
after showering with the rapid solution, you will feel like you have no color left. the solution is still developing and you will see your true results 10 hours after your airbrush appointment.
clear solution: you will see your true results up to 24 hours after your airbrush appointment.
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do not touch the skin with fingers/palms until you take your first shower.
we pay close attention to your hands + feet but you are responsible for maintaining them during the following hours while the color is still developing.
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if you plan to nap/sleep in your developing solution, be sure that you are wearing loose, long sleeves + pants to bed. this will help avoid any overexposure from touching one arm/leg to another. overexposure will cause areas darker than the rest of the skin.
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sweating or getting wet for the amount of time it takes your particular solution to cure. do not work out or attend cheer, dance, sports, or any other practice where you could sweat.
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I know this is going to go against everything you read on the internet, but we recommend using both water AND soap in your initial shower [and every shower thereafter].
“But I’m scared my tan will fade faster if I use soap!”
The solutions we use, coupled with the application techniques our artists are taught in our studios ensure your tan will last 7-10 days, even when you use soap in your initial shower. If you don’t get all of the topical solution off evenly in your first shower, you run the risk of some parts of the skin being darker than others or even having water streaks from hard water…so why prevent these ‘what ifs’ by simply washing?
Maintain
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the key to extending the life of your spray tan is to preserve the top layer of skin as long as possible. your routine + habits determine the length of time it will last.
use a fragrance/alcohol-free moisturizer throughout the week.
as a blanket statement, we advise avoiding all oils but if you are going to use coconut oil, use it with caution as some can strip your tan, while others moisturize. (it’s tricky) we do sell a coconut oil moisturizer that happens to work incredibly with our solutions. if the first few ingredients include water and glycerin, but no oil, that’s ideal.
stay away from soaps/moisturizers with mineral oil and/or alcohol.
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avoid long hot showers or baths. bummer. we know. but it will fade your color quicker.
keep your showers lukewarm + keep them as short as possible.
wash with soap + water, ensuring you have evenly washed all overspray off until water runs clear.
avoid dove bar soap + exfoliating soaps.
always, always, always pat dry. keep it simple. the more you scrub, the faster your face + neck will fade.
the more you shave, the faster the color fades so keep shaving to a minimum (or schedule a body waxing appointment a few days prior to your spray tan)
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bar soap and exfoliators
aha and bha products [ anti-aging products that "renew" "refresh" or otherwise exfoliate the skin]
retin-a type products- accutane + salicylic acid
toners containing alcohol or witch hazel in the top three ingredients. tip: if you are using a perfume or bug spray with exfoliants, spray a cloud and walk through it rather than applying directly to your skin.
body wax or nair
band-aid or adhesive tape applied to the skin will immediately pull the tan off. this also applies to adhesive facial strips or “peel-off” masks [ex: nose pore strips]
submersion in water. examples: hot tub or swimming pool. tip: an application of a thick waterproof lotion sunblock helps build a temporary barrier.