I have a secret to admit darlings…my name is Jessica and I used to be s spray tan addict. Remember when Mystic Tanning first came out? It seemed like the perfect tanning option for pasty girls everywhere. The only problem was that it smelled horrible, rubbed off quickly, made you look vaguely oompa loompa-ish, and turned your sheets a dingy brown. Charming I know, but for some reason over the course of one long orange year, I was hooked. See photo collage above…feel free to judge, I sure do. When the opportunity to try Montreal based celebrity makeup artist Ally Zwonok‘s new organic at home spray tanning service I was very interested and very skeptical. Ally has a sterling reputation as a makeup artist, so I had a feeling that if spray tanning was ever going to work for me, it would be with Ally. And work it did darlings! Ally showed up, quickly assembled the tent that she would tan me in, and went to work turning me from almost translucent to having a healthy glow. In less then 10 minutes, I was glowing away! The product was far from the chemical smell I was use to from the other brands and almost immediately gave me a nice natural color that normally would never be achievable for this Russian/Irish girl. After showering the day after, my colour looked even better. It’s settled into a nice warm tone that’s natural and healthy looking. No shades of Snooki here! I had a wonderful time chatting with Ally – she’s a sweetheart who’s so passionate about making her clients look and feel beautiful. I asked her if she would share some of her favorite tips and tricks, so make sure to read her interview below. For those in the Montreal area, make you appointments today! Ally does house calls for both tanning and makeup (individuals and groups) and also has a studio space where she offers her full menu of services as well.
What sets your organic spray tanning apart from the other options available on the market?
“The products I work with are Eco Certified Organic, which basically means it is the highest grade and purest form of DHA. There are no chemicals or parabens in the solution; they are replaced by Witch Hazel whose rich anti-oxidants have potent anti-ageing effects to firm and tone the skin.”
What are some of your favorite tips and tricks for making spray tanning look natural year round?
“It’s very important to repeat the same steps before every Spray Tan: shower, shave, and exfoliate! By keeping hydrated, moisturizing and avoiding exfoliating after the tan will help preserve a beautiful golden glow!”
What are some of your favorite tips and tricks for successful at home self tanning?
“I always recommend going to a professional! But if you are stuck for time and need a last minute tan, blend it with a moisturizer and wash your hands right away! This will help minimize streaking and orange palms! You’ll also need someone to do your back!”
What services do you offer?
“I offer and Elite Mobile Airbrush Makeup and Organic Spray Tan Service across Montreal!”
What is your background in the beauty industry?
“I’ve been an Airbrush Makeup Artist since 2007, working in TV, Fashion, Music, Bridal and any other unique projects that come my way. I’ve added Spray Tans to my service this past year and I’m so glad I did! I love the art of a tan and the instant gratification of seeing my clients go ‘WOW’!”
Ally Zwonok
514.298.2559
ally@allyzwonokmakeup.com
[box type=”info”] Note from Darling Husband: Ally’s tanning stuff is awesome. I know nothing about this process, but whatever voodoo is happening, it works. Jess looks great (and doesn’t smell…). Also, please note Jess’ toes – that’s my handy-work! It’s a shame you can’t see the smiley faces on her big toes.[/box]
