It's getting mighty close to spring, and we're so pale we might as well tell people we've been living in Antarctica. We don't really have the luxury of jetting off to St. Barts, and it's hard to turn a healthy bronze in a two-day weekend (plus, we're not huge advocates of voluntary frying). Like you, we want a natural-looking golden glow that's quick and won't make us look like a Hollywood extra. Lucky for you, we've compiled a list of Manhattan's best spots to get a spray tan without turning out like La Lohan. We've tried them all (really!), and we're putting our stamp of approval on five treatments (and five am-azing discounts) that are perfect for showing off that new white dress you're just saving for Memorial Day.
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1.) Solar Salon—It looks more like the Delano than a tanning joint, which is fine by us. There's a Solar Salon DJ, an automatic kiosk check-in system, and an awesome membership program.
Deal: BONUS! What's better than FREE? Bring in a printout of this newsletter and try any one of their services for free.
55 West 21st Street, 2nd floor (between 5th and 6th avenues); 888-282-6669
2.) Color Tan
— We kinda love the design of this 14th Street glow go-to, masterminded by former nightclub impresario Steve Lewis. Check out the ski-lodge fireplace and warm wood panels, plus spray-tan artist Nikki is considered one of the best in the city. She's done work for the Olsens and Vanity Fair.
133 West 14th Street (between 6th and 7th avenues); 212-620-0100
3.) Sundara— Not gonna lie, we're kind of obsessed with the Velocity Quick Dry Treatment at this HK hideaway. It's the only spray-tan treatment in the U.S. that allows you to shower four hours afterwards (cuts waiting time in half)! They're customized to your skin-tone by their sunless tanning expert Natalie Cupid.
Deal: R29 readers get 30% off all spray tans. Full-body spray tan (regular price $78; R29 price $55). Just print out this newsletter and bring it to the salon.
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425 West 46th Street, (between 9th and 10th avenues); 212-977-9575
4.) City Sun— We know, we know, it's not exactly a secret, but City Sun is just that awesome. We die for the spa-like amenities including complimentary bottled water, chilled scented towels, and multichannel audio in every tanning bed. While we personally aren't into tanning beds, we've heard that City Sun's machines leave you looking naturally bronzed.
Deal: Mention you're an R29 reader to get 50% off any single session through Sunday. (Regular price $39; R29 price $19.50)
207 West 75th Street (between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue) and 50 East 13th Street (between Broadway and University Place); 212-595-9700
5.) Gotham Glow— Tamar Vezirian from Gotham Glow doesn't have a salon, she comes to you (up to 11 p.m.)! The whole process takes just 20 minutes using her custom solution, so there's no Paris Hilton effect. Plus, she adds some bangin' body contours.
Deal: R29 readers get 20% off a custom spray tan this weekend only! (Regular price $130, R29 price $104); 212-592-0368.
Above, clockwise from top left: Urban Outfitters Summer 2010 Lookbook; Solar Salon; Alyson Fox's "A Small Collection"; City Sun; image via Fashion Gone Rogue; Sundara Airbrush Tanning.