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The deSoleil journal

Notes from the studio.

Practical guidance and real moments from thousands of appointments: how to time a wedding tan, what to wear afterward, how to keep a tan through a two-week trip, and why a Tuesday is reason enough.

Written by Jana, who has applied every deSoleil tan herself since 2007.

36 stories6 topicsWritten by Jana

Featured · Bridal Beauty Tips The Father of the Bride Didn't Want a Spray Tan

A father of the bride who was sure he didn't need a spray tan found out, two days before the wedding, that his daughter had already decided otherwise.

By Jana · 6 min readRead the story →
Start here

New to all of this? Begin with these.

These are the stories we would read first, in this order. They answer the questions that come up most before a first appointment, and each one explains the reason behind the step.

Your first visitThe Bronze ProtocolA first tan
  1. 01A smiling woman with wavy hair and a light tan leans against a sunlit stucco archway in a beige linen dress, holding a woven bag.Education & ProtocolThe Real Benefits of a Professional Spray Tan6 min read
  2. 02Soft palm shadows fall across cream linen behind the deSoleil logo and a gold tagline.Education & ProtocolBook Your Luxury Spray Tan Online Easily - The Art of Precision Bronzing5 min read
  3. 03A blonde woman in an olive jacket smiles as she looks out at the ocean, a surfer statue and lighthouse behind her.Education & ProtocolHow to Prepare for a Spray Tan in Santa Cruz5 min read
Browse by topic

Start with what's on your mind.

A wedding on the calendar, a flight next week, or just a Tuesday that could use a little color. Each topic gathers the stories written for that moment.

A woman smooths lotion onto her legs at the edge of the bed in morning lightEducation & ProtocolHow a tan develops, how to prepare and how to make it last, in plain English.6 stories →A woman in a green velvet slip dress raises a glass by the fire at a holiday partySeasonal Tanning TipsGolden Octobers, foggy Junes and the holiday party season, month by month.4 stories →A bride and her bridesmaids laugh together on the rocks above a coveBridal Beauty TipsTrials, timing and the dress, for brides, mothers and the whole wedding party.4 stories →Two friends in sage and rose slip dresses toast with champagne on a garden lawn by the seaLuxury Tanning RitualsThe regular appointment, the date night and the Tuesday that needs no excuse.11 stories →A couple relaxes on a beach blanket in front of the Santa Cruz BoardwalkSanta Cruz Spray TanningStories from the studio on Capitola Road and the towns its clients call home.3 stories →A woman in a sleeveless top smiles at the rail of a ship deck at sunsetTravelPacking, timing and arriving already tan, from Positano to Highway 1.4 stories →
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A woman in a sleeveless cream dress gazes toward the horizon from a ship deck at sunset, her hair loosely pinned up.TravelSantorini in WhiteA week before her honeymoon, Priya told me about the drugstore self-tanner that still haunted her, and why she didn't trust her own skin around all that white.By Jana6 min readA woman in a pale green cardigan holds a cream travel bag on a coastal path above a sunlit beach.TravelPacking for PositanoEleven days before a fortieth-birthday trip to Positano, Margot discovered a farmer's tan line in the one dress she couldn't return.By Jana6 min readA young woman in a white sundress walks a clifftop path lined with bright poppies, with a lighthouse and the ocean behind her.Santa Cruz Spray TanningThe Architecture of Vitality: Why Santa Cruz Professionals Are Trading Fluorescents for a Natural TanOffice light flattens everyone, and decades of research show how fast we judge faces, so a subtle tan that says you stepped outside this month has become a quiet professional habit.By Jana10 min read
A laughing man and woman unload towels, a cooler and a woven basket from an open wagon beside a coastal cottage at sunset.TravelClose to HomeThe two-day rule still holds for a weekend you can reach by car, and the planning takes even less time than packing.By Jana6 min readA woman in a soft green cardigan holds a cream and sage travel bag, looking out over a sunlit coastal beach.TravelThe Two-Day Rule: Timing Your Tan for the Trip AheadOne imagined trip, planned backward from the morning you leave, shows exactly when to tan so you arrive already looking like yourself after an easy week in the sun.By Jana7 min readA shirtless man seen from behind carries a cream towel over one shoulder while looking out at ocean waves from a cliff path.Education & ProtocolHis First Spray Tan: A Wedding Weekend, PlannedA first spray tan for men, told through one wedding weekend: will it look fake, when to book, and what happens in the room.By Jana6 min readA bride in a backless ivory gown and floral hair piece walks barefoot on a beach at sunset, holding a bouquet.Bridal Beauty TipsI've Planned Wedding Tans for Nearly Twenty Years. Here Are 5 Things Every Bride Should KnowFive things I tell every bride, from why the trial matters most to never tanning the night before, planned from engagement to honeymoon.By Jana3 min readA sandy path winds between grassy dunes toward the sea, lit by low, bright sunlight.Three Tans, Five Saturdays: A Santa Cruz October, PlannedA Santa Cruz October mapped out in three tans, from the first weekend through film festival week to a Halloween that lands on a Saturday.By Jana3 min readA woman in a champagne satin robe pauses before a tall gold-framed mirror in a bright bedroom with soft neutral linens.Luxury Tanning RitualsSpray Tanning for Confidence, Chemistry and Lingerie Ready GlowHow a fresh spray tan changes the way you feel in your own skin, and the choice between tan lines and no lines.By Jana15 min readA smiling woman with freckled skin and a straw hat sits in a linen tank top under a beach umbrella, looking out at the bay.Luxury Tanning RitualsTailored Tans for Mature Skin: Achieving a Rested and Collected LookHow a spray tan is adjusted for mature skin: a lighter depth, steady hydration and the right undertone for a rested, natural look.By Jana3 min readAn athlete seen from behind, bare-backed in dark shorts, looks down a dim backstage corridor lit by warm lights.Seasonal Tanning TipsTiming a Competition Tan: The Stage, the Floor and the FieldTwelve weeks of training come down to ninety seconds under the lights: how to plan a competition tan, from first conversation to the morning of.By Jana6 min readTwo smiling blonde women in relaxed linen outfits walk hand in hand along a coastal road beside the ocean in warm evening light.You Don’t Need a Reason. A Tuesday Works Fine.You do not need a wedding or a reunion. Most of my clients book a spray tan as simple, ordinary maintenance.By Jana1 min readTwo women in cream sweater dresses walk barefoot hand in hand along a wet beach at sunset, with golden cliffs behind them.Luxury Tanning RitualsdeSoleil has been calibrating skin tone in this town since 2007Why consultation and nearly two decades of experience matter when a tan is calibrated to your skin, and why tans go wrong.By Jana5 min readThree-dimensional gold lettering reading deSoleil Spray Tanning on a cream wall of vertical fluted panels in soft gold and ivory tones.Luxury Tanning Rituals18 Things I Have Learned in 18 Years of Spray TanningWhat nearly two decades of one-on-one sessions have taught me about formulas, clients and the work itself, in eighteen short lessons.By Jana6 min readA woman's hand rests on a cream pump bottle of lotion on a marble counter beside a white rose, lavender and a champagne glass.Seasonal Tanning TipsSpray Tan Aftercare: Rinse Times and Making It LastWhat the first rinse is really doing, when to rinse for your formula, and how to protect the first 24 hours.By Jana3 min readA smiling woman reads on a lounger while a man relaxes nearby and three friends toast with drinks in a bright, airy room.Luxury Tanning RitualsUnveiling Spray Tan Myths and Facts - Navigating Spray Tan Misunderstandings with ConfidenceThe most common spray tan myths and misunderstandings, answered plainly, plus how to get the most from your appointment.By Jana4 min readTwo women and a man in cream robes laugh and hold glasses of water in a sunlit room with sheer curtains.Luxury Tanning RitualsAchieving the Perfect Glow: Spray Tans in AptosWhat to wear, what to expect and how to keep a custom spray tan going if you live or play in Aptos.By Jana5 min readA smiling woman in a cream swimsuit and open linen shirt sits on a hazy beach at dawn, a straw hat beside her.Santa Cruz Spray TanningWhy deSoleil Spray Tanning is the Best Choice for Your Next Event in Santa Cruz CountyWhy a spray tan suits the events of Santa Cruz County, from weddings and graduations to beach festivals, and how to book one.By Jana5 min readFireworks burst over a calm beach at dusk, their pink and gold glow reflecting on the wet sand and gentle waves.Seasonal Tanning TipsCelebrate the 4th of July with a Radiant Glow and Expert Spray Tanning TipsGetting ready for the Fourth of July in Santa Cruz County: preparing your skin, keeping your tan, and a private appointment before the holiday.By Jana5 min readA woman in a cream linen robe holds a mug with her eyes closed, enjoying sunlight in a bright white room.Luxury Tanning RitualsNormalize Elixir for Smooth Balanced Skin Before TanningWhy skin that is clean, balanced and hydrated takes a tan more evenly, and where Normalize Elixir fits in before your appointment.By Jana7 min readA woman in a cream linen tank smooths moisturizer onto her tanned leg on a sunlit sofa, her hair pinned up.Education & ProtocolKeeping Your Spray Tan Flawless with Aftercare for Spray TanningAftercare tips that keep a spray tan even: what to do, what to avoid, and why those first days matter.By Jana4 min readA smiling woman in a white dress and a man in a linen shirt share tea on a cream sofa in a sunlit room.Personalized Spray Tanning Services for Every Skin Tone - Discover Your Perfect Glow with Personalized Tanning OptionsWhy a spray tan chosen for your skin tone and undertone looks natural, and who benefits most from a custom approach.By Jana4 min readA blonde woman seen from behind walks along a sunny beach in an off-the-shoulder white linen dress, with colorful beach houses ahead.Bridal Beauty TipsSpray Tan FAQ: Preparation, Rinse Times and How Long It LastsThe questions I am asked most: how a spray tan works, how to prepare, when to rinse and how long it lasts.By Jana3 min readA woman with a golden tan in a cream lace top holds a bouquet of white flowers close to her chest.How Much Does a Spray Tan Cost in Santa Cruz?What each formula, add-on and package includes, so you know exactly what you are paying for before you book.By Jana3 min readA smiling woman in a sage linen dress with short sleeves stands in a seaside garden beside a candlelit dinner table.Luxury Tanning RitualsKeeping Your Color Between VisitsTwelve days in the life of a tan, from Thursday's appointment to rebooking: the small habits and products that help it fade evenly.By Jana6 min readTwo hands hold an open notebook of handwritten tan notes on a marble counter, with a glass bottle and eucalyptus sprig nearby.Education & ProtocolWhat to Wear After a Spray Tan. And What to AvoidWhat to wear in the hours after your spray tan, and what to avoid, so the color develops evenly and lasts.By Jana7 min readA blonde woman in an olive jacket smiles as she looks out at the ocean, a surfer statue and lighthouse behind her.Education & ProtocolHow to Prepare for a Spray Tan in Santa CruzHow to prepare for a spray tan: when to exfoliate, what to leave off your skin, what to wear and how to time your appointment.By Jana5 min readA woman with eyes closed and dark hair pinned up has a soft tan shade brushed onto her cheek in bright, airy light.Luxury Tanning RitualsOn Camera: A Spray Tan for Photos, Shoots and FilmingHow to plan a spray tan for headshots, shoots and filming: tone before depth, timing for the camera, and what to tell your photographer.By Jana6 min readSoft palm shadows fall across cream linen behind the deSoleil logo and a gold tagline.Education & ProtocolBook Your Luxury Spray Tan Online Easily - The Art of Precision BronzingBooking a spray tan online should feel as seamless as the tan itself: choose your service, pick a time and arrive prepared.By Jana5 min readFour friends laugh over drinks at a wooden table on a sunny seaside terrace with arches, olive trees and a pier beyond.Luxury Tanning RitualsThe Ultimate Glow with Capitola Spray TansWhy a private, appointment-only studio near Capitola suits a custom spray tan, and what happens in your session from first conversation to rinse.By Jana5 min readA woman with a golden tan and wavy brown hair sits on a beach in a linen slip dress beside a palm tree.Luxury Tanning RitualsOrganic Spray Tan in Santa Cruz: What Bronze Organics Is and Who Chooses ItWhat is actually in Bronze Organics, the color it gives, who chooses it, and how to prepare and rinse.By Jana3 min readGentle waves roll onto a wide, empty beach under a soft grey, cloudy sky with misty hills in the distance.Seasonal Tanning TipsBronzed Year-Round: Strategies for Maintaining a Healthy Glow in Santa CruzHow to keep a warm, even tan through Santa Cruz's June Gloom with simple preparation, skincare and outdoor habits that help it last.By Jana4 min readA bride with wavy light brown hair and a warm, glowing tan wears a strapless ivory gown with beaded embroidery.Bridal Beauty TipsWedding Spray Tan Timing: When to Book Your Trial and Final TanBook a trial at least two weeks out and the final tan two to three days before the wedding, never the night before.By Jana3 min readA woman with sun-kissed shoulders, a deep tan and her hair swept up looks down beside a spray tanning poster with palm shadows.Santa Cruz Spray TanningThe Art of the Modern TanThe science, the craft and the formulas behind a modern spray tan, and why warm color on healthy skin looks so natural.By Jana7 min readA smiling woman with wavy hair and a light tan leans against a sunlit stucco archway in a beige linen dress, holding a woven bag.Education & ProtocolThe Real Benefits of a Professional Spray TanWhat a professional spray tan really does, told through a long month, a sister's fortieth in Capitola Village and twenty minutes in the studio.By Jana6 min read
Short on time?

A few minutes to spare?

The shortest stories in the journal, each a complete read in about the time it takes a coffee to cool.

Two women talk over tea in a sunlit room, one in a sleeveless cream dress, the other in sage
Why there is a blog

Written between appointments

Every post here starts with a question someone asked me in the studio. A bride wants to know how early her trial should be. A client flying to Kauai wants to know how soon she can swim. (After the first 24 hours, as much as she likes.) When the same question comes up three times in one week, I write the whole story down, so you can read it on your own time, with your coffee, before you ever book.

Jana

I had a gala coming up and looked exhausted. Twenty minutes at deSoleil gave me a lovely glow and helped me feel camera-ready. It was quick, easy, and a real confidence boost.

Tara H.
Three friends share coffee on a white blanket on the beach at golden hour

Stories go better with coffee, a blanket and a friend or two.

Where to next

Beyond the reading.

Finished reading? Your tan is ready when you are.

Online booking closes 12 hours before an appointment. Jana will match the depth and the formula to your skin and to whatever the story on your calendar happens to be.