By Nadia Hosni
Modelinia is always thinking about you, even if it requires a little dirty work. We spent some time with celebrity and supermodel spray tanner (yes, it’s an actual job) Jimmy Coco at the Victoria’s Secret show in Miami. He was juggling a hectic schedule making the models a golden shade of brown, but was able to take some time out of his busy day to chat with us. Jimmy answers all your questions about spray tanning, and we also got him to tell us a juicy story about his favorite supermodel moment! Read on!
What should first-time tanners expect?
Well, for starters, you can expect to get naked. Seriously…tan lines are optional. When choosing a tan line, do make sure it is a smart one! No granny panties—unless you’re actually a granny! You can expect an almost therapeutic experience of a light mist being sprayed over your body.
Is there anything you should do beforehand for optimal results?
The best way to prepare for a perfect spray tan is to shower off with hot water and a loofah. Do not wash off or scrub your skin with oil-based or ultra-hydrating bath products. Towel dry. Apply a small amount of moisturizing lotion to any dry areas of skin (i.e., knees, elbows, and knuckles).
How do you find the right shade for your skin tone?
When tanning with Jimmy Coco, he will ensure you receive the desired shade or tone. When using self-tanner, though, apply a dab of it to a lighter area of your skin, like your inner thigh or inner biceps. Use a different brand/tone for each area. After eight hours, the one that looks best is your best tone!
What are the benefits of spraying compared to creams and tanning beds?
Spraying is best to ensure that there is no streaking or blotchiness. It also helps for even coloring on your back, unlike self-tanner when you’re applying without assistance.
What do you do when you think you look too orange and/or it won’t come off your hands?!?
The absolute best way to rid yourself of an overly orange tanning disaster is to soak in a chlorinated hot tub and rub it off. St.Tropez has a self-tanner remover that I recommend, but I swear by the chlorinated hot tub!
How often should you get sprayed?
I recommend applying self-tanner or getting a spray tan once a week. Sometimes it is necessary to stack the tan—applying two or three days in a row—but it’s quite risky. When stacking your tan, remember less is more each time.
With such famous clientele, we’re sure you’ve got some great stories…. Do you have any favorite supermodel moments that you’d like to share?
My fondest supermodel memory was at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Miami in 2008. I was running around the hotel tanning all of the models for the big runway fashion show at the Fountainebleu Hotel. Once I got to Heidi Klum’s room, she asked me how many more models I had to tan after her. I said four. Heidi immediately grabbed my schedule and began calling the remaining models. Next thing I knew we had an impromptu naked supermodel spray-tan party in Heidi’s room! It was almost like a slumber party, but no frozen bras!
And though he’s widely known as the spray-tanner to the stars, Jimmy also makes music. Look for his new pop single, “Rock the Tan,” on iTunes late July.
Need more Jimmy? Watch his video here!
