She stood in front of the mirror, fingers pressed lightly against her collarbone, watching the gentle shimmer in the soft overhead light. She didn’t step into a tanning bed, and she didn’t roast in the midday sun. No, she faked it, with grace, confidence, and a product line that understood her skin. That’s the philosophy behind the brand. Let’s walk through how that philosophy became a business and how its star products (the mousse and the setting powder) make the magic happen, and why so many clients can’t stop raving about the results.

From Humble Garage Beginnings to Radiant Dreams

Christina never set out to create an empire. In fact, it all began in her garage, as a side hustle to offset her daughters’ cheer fees. But she had a special spark, the kind of sparkle you see when someone follows a passion even before they realize it’s going to be a full-time life.

Raised in Rexburg, Idaho, she juggled motherhood, family, and small business dreams. With one son, an “AMAZING” daughter-in-law, and three daughters, she had her hands full, but also her heart full. In 2021, she launched what would become a local beacon: a spray tan service built on customization, kindness, and a commitment to natural beauty without UV damage. Before long, her garage operation morphed into a brick-and-mortar studio, and in 2024 she earned a nomination for Best Spray Tan Business in Southeast Idaho.

What’s her secret? It’s that she doesn’t just spray color onto skin, she crafts confidence. She meets each client with curiosity: what skin tone are they working with? What kind of depth do they want? What’s their comfort level? That bespoke approach, combined with technical know-how, has made waves.

The “Fake It, Don’t Bake It” Philosophy

Most people know the phrase “fake it ’til you make it.” But here, it’s “Fake it, don’t bake it.” Because “baking” usually implies UV exposure, either outdoors, in tanning beds, or under harsh lights. The message is simple and radical: you don’t need to damage your skin to look sun-kissed. Instead, you can faux glow—and do it better, safer, and more comfortably.

This ethos runs deep in their offerings. Every spray session begins with a consultation. No cookie-cutter mixtures. Every formula is customized to your skin tone and your end vision. And there’s a rigorous attention to detail, blending wrists and ankles, softening edges, and ensuring no streaks or harsh lines. After the spray, a finishing powder is applied to lock everything in, banish stickiness, and prevent settling into creases. The goal is to look radiant, not artificial.

The tone is personal but not pushy. They speak to you like a friend who wants you to glow and to feel good in your skin.

The Star Players

Mousse and Setting Powder

Let’s talk about the two home-use power products that let you fake, not bake, on your own turf: a self-tanning mousse and a setting powder.

Self-Tanning Mousse, the Invisible Magic

If you’ve ever used a self-tanner that left you orange, patchy, or flaky, you know the disappointment. But this mousse is intentionally crafted to avoid those pitfalls.

Why it stands out:

It won’t leave you orange. The goal is a medium, natural bronze without undertones of carrot.

Safe for acne-prone skin.

The product is 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

Builds gradually; start subtle, deepen as desired.

Fades evenly; avoids blotchiness.

Lightweight, streak-free formula.

Free of sulfates and parabens.

Enriched with Argan oil, Vitamin E, and glycerin, it results in a hydrating, dewy finish.

How to use it:

Start with exfoliated, clean skin. Use a mitt for smooth, even application.

Let it sit for 8 hours before rinsing with lukewarm water (no soap), though you may leave it 8–12 hours for deeper color.

Use less on difficult areas (knees, elbows, ankles).

Keep skin moisturized daily to sustain the glow.

Because the mixture is customized and gentle, many users find that even first-time applications yield natural, flattering results.

Setting Powder, the Secret Lock

A great tan is only as good as its staying power. That’s where the ultra-fine finishing or “setting” powder comes into play. This isn’t just cosmetic fluff, it has a real job.

What it does:

Sets the spray or self-tan, locking it in place.

Prevents transfer onto clothes.

Reduces the sticky, tacky feel after a session.

Stops the solution from settling into fine lines or creases.

How to use it:

Once your tan is applied and your skin is dry, use a fluffy brush or dusting tool to sweep the powder over your body, head to toe. The goal is light but even coverage, focusing on areas prone to creasing.

Interestingly, the studio’s spray services always include the application of this finishing powder to cement the look.

And for reference, the brand offers multiple scent options for this powder (coconut, iced vanilla woods, pink sugar, pineapple, etc.).

Behind the Scenes: The Studio Experience

Let’s take a step back from formulations and step into the studio world, because what happens in person often shapes how people feel about their tan.

The Atmosphere & Approach

Arriving at the studio, you can sense the intention immediately. It’s not clinical. It’s not flashy. It’s warm, low-pressure, and welcoming. The space is built to feel safe, especially if it’s your first spray tan. There’s no judgment about your skin, whether you’re pale, dark, or in between. Bodies of all shapes, tones, and comfort levels are celebrated.

Christina, as the founder and lead artist, takes pride in making clients feel at ease. She knows that someone stepping into a tent or booth might feel vulnerable. Her mission is to guide every movement, “lift your arms, stretch tall, turn slightly”, so you feel seen, secure, and confident.

The Process, Step-by-Step

Consult and Mix

You chat about your skin tone, desires, and concerns. Then the solution is custom mixed on the spot, not off-the-shelf.

Prep and Protection

Barrier cream is applied to dry zones (elbows, knees, and ankles). A hair net, sticky-feet pads, and a breathing mask are used as needed.

Spray and Blend

You step into the spray tent, and the artist applies and carefully blends the tan, paying extra attention to ankles, wrists, and feet to ensure a seamless finish.

Dry and Set

Once the spray is done, the skin is dried, and the finishing powder is dusted over. This locks the color in and helps it last longer without transferring.

Aftercare and Checkout

The client receives personalized rinse-time instructions (depending on formula strength), tips for care, and a warm send-off.

Many clients mention that by the time they leave the studio, they feel golden: confident, glowy, and ready.

Real Words from Real Glow Lovers

One of the best ways to understand a brand is through client reviews. Here are some recent voices:

“The color came out absolutely flawless, natural, even, and perfectly bronzed without any streaks or orange tones.”

“I had the BEST experience! The founder was so sweet and made me feel right at home. My tan turned out wonderful and so natural!”
“My hands and feet also turned out super even; you can’t even tell I have a fake tan!”
“No two bodies are the same … we lock in color with finishing powder to avoid settling into fine lines.” (from service descriptions)

These voices reflect what many clients say: it doesn’t feel fake. It feels like you, only radiant.

Why It’s Not Just for the Beach, Use It Year-Round

The name evokes sand, sea, and surf, but this approach works well beyond summer. Think:

Special events (weddings, graduations, galas)

Vacations or “glow getaways”

Confidence boosts during the off-season or in colder months.

Photo shoots, social media content, or professional appearances

Because the tan is customizable and subtle (if desired), it doesn’t scream “fake.” It enhances your tone and gives you just enough warmth to feel polished.

Addressing Common Questions

Let’s return to those top search queries and tackle them in depth.

1. What makes their self-tanning mousse different from other mousses?

This mousse is engineered to dodge common pitfalls: orange hues, uneven fading, streaks, harsh smells, or excessive drying. It’s vegan, gentle, enriched with hydrating oils, and built to fade evenly. Plus, the brand’s ethos means each batch is blended per skin tone, not mass-produced.

2. How long does the tan last when using their setting powder?

While personal skin chemistry and aftercare routines affect longevity, pairing the mousse or spray with the finishing powder boosts staying power. That powder locks in color, prevents creasing, and helps reduce premature fading. In clients’ experience, their tans remain strong and vibrant longer than with methods that skip a finishing step.

3. Do they ship internationally, and how long is the delivery?

Yes, they do ship. According to the product page, orders are processed and shipped within 7–10 business days. Delivery depends on your location, shipping method, and carriers. Beach Bum Spray Tans. Unfortunately, because external factors (like customs or weather) may cause delays, they don’t guarantee arrival windows beyond that baseline.

Tips and Tricks for Your Best Glow Ever

Prep carefully: Gentle exfoliation the night before helps the tan take on more evenly. (Harsh scrubs or recent waxing can hamper results.)

Moisturize smartly: Especially in dry areas, keep skin hydrated before and after to reduce patching.

Mind timing: When rinsing, stick to lukewarm water; avoid hot baths or showers.

Be strategic with garments: Wear loose, dark clothing post-tan to avoid rubbing off the color.

Top up where needed: After a few days, if some areas fade, you can lightly reapply mousse to those zones.

Let the powder do its job: Don’t skip the finishing step; that’s what helps your color last.

Why “Fake It, Don’t Bake It” Resonates

We live in a time when beauty trends lean hard into authenticity: real skin, tones, and confidence. But that doesn’t mean going under UV rays is necessary. The “fake it, don’t bake it” mantra gives women (and men) a path to glow without compromise.

When a brand speaks in friendly, human terms, when the founder reaches out personally, when the process feels safe, when the results are natural, you feel seen. You feel like a person, not a product. That’s the difference.

And if she looks in the mirror tonight and sees that soft bronze light shimmering across her skin? She’ll know: she didn’t bake it. She faked it, with care, precision, and a touch of delight.