Having recently taken note of the crow's feet that have begun to take up residence on my face (for those of you who don't know, 30 is the new 80), I have come to the conclusion that much as I love the look of a natural bronze glow, I don't so much care for the whole "permanent sun damage/Methusala" thing. Unfortunately, my wish to escape the harmful rays of the sun equates to a pallor that often leads people to mistake me for Winona Ryder (a la '88 gothed out Lydia Deetz in "Beetlejuice") and/or those ghosts who chased Pac-Man around (although they were pastel and I'm talking white-bordering-on-transparent, so perhaps a better comparison would be Bill Cosby in "Ghost Dad" - ya' know, when he was the ghost and not Bill Cosby, cuz that wouldn't make any sense - just like this review heretofore). As such, I have had to seek out alternate means of getting my glowing goddess on which is what led to my recent visit to Brushed in Saddle Brook.
After calling to make an appointment (not sure if this is required, but I would definitely recommend doing so), I arrived to find that Brushed was tucked away in a strip mall that also housed a Chinese buffet, but don't let that deter you - I didn't! Upon entering Brushed, I was instantly happy to have found them. New to the area, their owner has gone to great lengths to provide something akin to a spa experience for customers. The reception/waiting area is outfitted with ample seating, plush pillows, a TV (airing Seinfeld at the time of my appointment - pinch me, am I dreaming?!?!), magazines, and a small coffee/beverage area. The overall look of Brushed is one of warm neutrals that is at once warm, modern, and super clean. In all, being there you feel less like you're about to get a spray tan and more like you're checking in to a local spa. This instantly drew me in. At the front desk, I was greeted by Breanne (sp?) who explained that she would be the person providing my spray tan. Friendly, professional, and upbeat, Breanne took the time to ask me what kind of look I was going for, what my concerns were, and what occasion I was tanning for. Taking all this into consideration, she explained what the process entailed, what the end result would be, and how to best go about maintaining it. She confirmed that the tanner used at Brushed is completely organic and reacts with the skin's own melanin to produce a subtle, but noticeable effect. At this point and throughout the process, she patiently answered all of my questions in a friendly and detailed fashion without ever making me feel as though I was pestering her. After we agreed upon a spray tan game plan, Breanne directed me to a private tanning room (of which there are several) which, like the seating area, was clean, comfortable, spacious, and posh feeling. Provided in the room were disposable "footies" - adhesive foot-shaped cushions you step on in order to prevent tanner fall out on the feet/orange soles, a new and very nice touch I had never before encountered elsewhere. Thereafter, she went into further detail as to the options I had including a pre-tan toner, post-tan moisture treatment, and take home products retailed at Brushed, but wasn't the least bit pushy which was a welcome relief and made me that much more comfortable. Afterwards, she left the room to allow me to disrobe (behind a private curtain) and promised to check back in after a few minutes with a knock to see if I was ready. After allowing for just the right amount of time (not too little, not too much), Breanne returned and began the tanning process which was quick, but thorough, leaving no area untouched. She went over my tan twice to insure that she hadn't missed anything and that I would get the color I sought. The end result was exactly what I was looking for - a natural, just back from a week away, natural bronze without a hint of unsightly streaking or orange undertones in sight; just tanned and natural and ideal for the wedding I was attending that weekend. I left feeling happy with my results and elated to have found my new favorite source of sun.
Some side notes. The cost of a full body airbrush for first time customers is $25 (a great deal); thereafter, it will run you $60/session. Brushed does offer packages for more frequent airbrush tanners, (including one for 3 full-body tans for $99, amounting to $33/tan) which in my experience are reasonably priced - particularly given the fact that elsewhere I've paid as much as $45/tan. And keep in mind that although pricier than the spray tan you might get at many of the chain tanning salons, here you are getting airbrushed by a human as per your specifications as opposed to a spray tan booth, where you are limited to a spray machine and are liable to walk out resembling a Cool Ranch Dorito. Lastly, if you decide to check out Brushed (and by now, you know you should), request Breanne! Loved her! read more