Automated vs. Artist Spray Tan
Which Should You Book?
Toronto gives you two ways to get a spray tan: a spray tan artist who applies the solution by hand, or an automated booth that does it for you. Both can leave you golden — but they differ on privacy, speed, consistency, and price. Here’s an honest side-by-side from a studio that obviously has a favourite, including the cases where the other option genuinely wins.
For most people, an automated spray tan booth is the better booking. It’s completely private (nobody else is in the room), faster (about 4 minutes of spraying inside a 20-minute appointment), perfectly consistent from visit to visit, and more affordable — $60 with a complimentary skincare treatment included. A spray tan artist can be the better fit if you want custom body contouring or have mobility needs that make holding the booth stances difficult.
Side by Side
| Automated Booth | Spray Tan Artist | |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Completely private room — nobody else is in the room with you. | An artist is present and sprays you by hand. |
| Time | About 4 minutes for the spray tan, and 2 minutes for the skincare in the booth, inside a 20-minute appointment. | Appointments can take up to an hour or even longer. |
| Consistency | The machine applies the same even coverage every single time as long as you position yourself correctly. | Results vary with the artist’s technique. |
| Price | $60, including a complimentary skincare treatment. But can be as low as $42.50 per tan with our Gold membership. | Typically $75–$120+ in Toronto. |
| Booking | Book online anytime; let yourself in with a self-serve access code. | Depends on the artist’s schedule and availability. |
How an Automated Booth Works
Step into your own private room and the booth takes it from there. A voice guides you through four simple stances while the machine applies an even mist of solution — choose Malibu (with an instant cosmetic bronzer), Regular Clear (gradual and bronzer-free with a 6–8 hour rinse), or Rapid Clear (same clear formula, but rinse in 1–3 hours), each in four intensity levels from light to double dark. Built-in drying means you’re not standing around damp, and the whole spray takes about 6 minutes. Curious about every step? See how it works.
When an Artist Might Suit You Better
We’ll be straight with you: an artist is the right call in a few situations. If you want custom contouring — hand-shaded definition on your abs, arms, or legs — that’s an airbrush skill a machine doesn’t replicate. If a mobility limitation makes briefly holding four standing stances difficult, a hands-on artist can work around it.
What It Costs
A spray tan artist in Toronto typically charges $75–$120+ per session, before tip. A single session at TANNED TO is $60 — and it includes a complimentary full-body skincare treatment. If you glow regularly, memberships bring it down to $42.50 per session, and flexible credit packs start at $165. See the full breakdown on our pricing and memberships page.
See the Results
Even, natural, streak-free — drag the slider to see what a machine-applied tan looks like.
Common Questions
Is an automated spray tan as good as an airbrush tan?
+For overall colour quality, yes — and for consistency, it’s usually better. An automated booth applies the same even mist across your whole body every visit, with no missed spots, overlap lines, or handprints. A skilled airbrush artist can match that on a good day; the booth does it every day. Where an artist still has an edge is custom contouring, like hand-shading definition on specific areas.
Is anyone in the room with me?
+Your first session is staff-assisted, so someone walks you through the booth and answers any questions. After that, no — and that’s the point. Your session happens in a completely private room with a self-serve access code. You undress to your comfort level, follow the voice guidance, and nobody sees you during your spray.
How long does the session take?
+The spray tan itself takes about 4 minutes, including built-in drying time. The full-body skincare treatment takes about 2 minutes. Your full appointment is 20 minutes, which leaves plenty of room to get settled, apply your barrier cream, and get dressed afterward.
How much does it cost compared to an artist?
+A single session at TANNED TO is $60 and includes a complimentary full-body skincare treatment. Spray tan artists in Toronto typically charge $75–$120+ per session. With our memberships, the per-session price drops to $42.50, and credit packs start at $165.
Can I choose my shade?
+Yes. We offer two regular solutions — Malibu (with an instant cosmetic bronzer) and Regular Clear (gradual, bronzer-free) with a 6-8 hour rinse time — each in four intensity levels from light to double dark. We also offer Rapid Clear where you get the same results as our Regular Clear but you get to rinse it off within 1-3 hours. You pick your combination at the booth, every visit.