Why I’m Qualified To Answer
For over 20 years I have worked with SunFX Cosmetic Scientists around the world in developing our range of Sunless Tanning Products.
Oh boy! have we learnt a thing or two from where they are ethically sourced, to color variations, types, outcomes, compatibility etc etc!
In this article I clarify the reason for bronzers, and I hope it brings value to you and your business.
Do You Know What Bronzers Do?
Bronzers are the colored ingredients that provides a client with an instant tan before the DHA, in the tanning solution, starts the Mallard
Reaction and their skin begins to change color (tan).
You’re not sure what a Maillard Reaction is? click here (chapter 2)
Bronzers are also a color guide for the Spray Technician to enable them to know how much solution they have applied and that the client has an even application.
What Are Bronzers Made Of
Most Bronzers are a mix of FD&C colors such as our Original Tan, Rapid Tan and Showtime.
However, SunFX has formulated our Organic Caramel bronzer for use in the Caribbean Chocolat, Caribbean Rapid & ShowDown Spray Tan Solutions.
This liquid organic bronzer is a wonderful alternative for clients hesitant in using FD&C.
It wears exceptional well and is very true in color to the long-term tan whilst also being a non-irritant.
For some clients it can feel a touch tacky if over applied, however, drying with warm air from our SunFX Equipment and a quick dusting of SunFX Finishing Powder eliminates this. An easy fix considering the wonderful benefits using this bronzer.
How Do We Formulate Our Bronzers?
SunFX chemists have always formulated all our bronzers in-house.
We pay careful attention to avoid colors that have raised concerns such as Red 40 & Yellow 6.
We formulate our bronzers so that they match the clients end tan as close as possible. Our aim is for a realistic representation of color.
Our Bronzers are designed to be compatible with all skin tones. This means you can use either the Original or Caribbean Chocolat. The key to the perfect outcome is the correct level of Solution for the client’s skin tone. Want to know more about Spray Tan Solution Strengths ? Youll find a handy table under the Education Tab on our Tanning Solutions
Most Common Questions
Thanks for reading this far! Here are the 4 top questions I’m regularly asked
Are Bronzers Temporary?
Yes, they are designed to only last for the first couple of showers post the spray tan.
Therefore, it is important that your client knows they will wash off when they take their initial shower. This way they don’t panic when they see some color washing off. Remember to reassure them that it’s not their final tan. Their spray tan can take 24 hours to fully mature
Can You Use A Tanning Solution Without Bronzers?
Yes, a competent spray tan technician can use our ClearCoat Tanning Solution. This is a great solution for those bronzer hesitant or not wanting a “white one moment tan the next” look. You can also use ClearCoat and add a dash of a solution with a Bronzer. This allows some color guide and just a touch of bronzer.
Do Bronzers Stain?
The longer a tanning solution is left on for before the first shower as well as how heavy an application the more “staining’ may occur. Remember, color from the bronzers isn’t the real tan and will be removed within a couple of days. It is not a true statement that bronzers only stain if made with oils or aloe. All FD&C can stain. It is the strength and the time left on the skin that will determines this.
Do Voilet Based Bronzers Work?
Having read what bronzers do the answer should now be apparent…No. They are a marketing angle and if anything, they may help hide orange tones from a badly applied spray tan where too strong a product was used for the client’s skin tone.