New York Magazine -- Top Five Spray Tans

City Sun Tanning. Photo: Courtesy of City Sun Tanning

Brazil Bronze
580 Broadway, Ste. 501, nr. Prince St.; 212-431-0077
Former ballroom dancer Sally Blenkey-Tchassova opened the first location of this mini-chain in 2002. The five spots feel feminine and cozy, and all employ her proprietary, scentless airbrush-tan formula—applied by a technician—to achieve your desired effect (healthy glow, light, medium, dark, or extra dark).

Solar Salon
55 W. 21st St., second fl., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-242-3749
With its immaculate hardwood floors, in-house product line, and a D.J.-mixed soundtrack, Solar Salon feels fancier than the typical indoor-tanning franchise. Hit the Chelsea location’s automated UV-free Sun Spritz booth for affordable color that lasts about a week.

Brownberry
195 Spring St., at Sullivan St.; 212-612-5814
This intimate spray-tan salon is within the home of owner Meredith Fish. Her Brownberry formula is colorless and odorless (although some have noticed a subtle “Grape-Nut scent”); it’s made from an all-natural mixture of aloe and the active bronzing ingredient DHA, which doesn’t stain clothing or sheets.

City Sun Tanning
50 E. 13th St., nr. University Pl.; 212-353-9700
These two immaculately appointed spots both boast the CalTan AutoBronzer ($39). The automated, stand-up booth produces an even color that lasts up to a week.

Sundara Airbrush Tanning
425 W. 46th St., nr. Ninth Ave.; 212-977-9575
The non-streaky faux glows at this Hell’s Kitchen spot are custom blended, manually sprayed, and last about a week. Clients here first consult with a “sprayologist” to decide which shade would provide the most complimentary — and believable — bronze. Packages start at $195.