Forget Spray Tans, Get a Luminess Tan {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Polly!}

Last year I did what I always tell myself not to: I tried a new hairdresser just for the heck of it.

Why do I do it? I find a coupon or a hear a recommendation or I just think that this is going to be the one that does magic with a pair of scissors and I'm going to love it... and somehow it never goes well. This woman was extremely nice and I really enjoyed chatting with her, but the far-too-bright highlights that she put into my hair made me cringe every time I looked in the mirror for what seemed like eons afterward.

However, one positive of the experience was that she introduced me to airbrush tanning. As we talked she mentioned that it was a popular service that she offered and, when I said that I had heard of it but never tried it, she brought me right into the other room for a quick application on my face and shoulders.

Quick, convenient, safe, and great results? Yes. But something that I would continue to go back for? No. How would I find the time to go back every few weeks? Fortunately, the simple and innovative solution is to enjoy the results of airbrush tanning right from the comfort of my own home thanks to Luminess Tan.

The ultimate way to apply the smoothest, most natural lasting sunless tan, airbrush tanning is different from spray tanning due to the exact control application. And Luminess Tan includes everything that you need to experience flawless results all throughout the year.

When the complete system arrived, my pale skin couldn't wait to see how easy it would be to achieve spa-quality results right at home.

Opening up this kit, I was impressed that the entire thing easily all fit into the convenient carrying case, meaning not only would I be able to store it without any problem, I wouldn't misplace any of the parts and pieces in the process.

There is even an instructional DVD included with your Luminess Tan, so that there isn't any worry that you won't know what you're doing. I also found that the Quick Assembly/Quick Start Guide was extremely helpful in showing all of the steps and helpful hints to get you on your way to being tan in no time.

Setting everything up in my bathroom, I started by checking out the stylus (dispenser) and realizing that by simply screwing on a bottle of the tanning solution and connecting the tube, I was pretty much ready to go.

When it comes time to actually tan, the process is extremely simple as well. After turning the power on (which makes a low, whirring noise), you can already feel the cool air flowing and all that is left is to pull back on the lever to start the dispensing of the tanning solution.

As the instructions had explained, the key to making sure the application would be smooth, natural and not streaky or blotchy is to continue moving the stylus at all times, using large sweeping motions. Really, that's it!

I began with my legs, thinking that if the results weren't so great that I would be able to easily cover them up... but things turned out wonderfully! The tanning formula features an instant bronzer, meaning that it gives you just enough instant color to see where you have already done and where might need another application. The drying time is very fast, so if you do want to reapply, you don't have long to wait.

I was so pleased with the way my legs turned out after just one application (and how light and clean the spray felt) that I went on to airbrush my arms, shoulders and even my face! I wasn't sure about the latter, as I had to just close my eyes and go for it, but it didn't prove to be a problem at all!

And when I needed a moment to pause and check things out, I appreciated that the Luminess Tan base has a built-in location for the stylus to rest.

Clean up was just as easy, as I simply removed the tanning solution and instead screwed on a bottle filled with water. After flushing any remains of the color out, my stylus was clean and ready for my next use. I actually didn't notice how long it took for my tan to fade completely away, but it did so very naturally - just a tiny shade at a time.

As the leader in airbrush cosmetics with the most advanced cosmetics formulations and airbrush innovations, Luminess Air offers much more than just a way to get a light healthy golden glow or a deep dark velvety tan (although, those are pretty nice). They also offer ways to get the flawless look of airbrush makeup in just as easy and convenient methods.

With everything from satin foundation to eye shadow to moisturizer, Luminess Air has the products that have been raved about from women across the country. They just make it so easy to have the spa appearance in your cosmetics or tan right from your home!

The initial price tag is a little higher than you might see elsewhere (Luminess Tan retails for $149 and Luminess Air has a price tag of $229), but both offer a 30-day trial period and monthly payments to help. Once you've made the investment and tried these systems, you won't want to go back!

Thanks to the generosity of Luminess Air, one person will be able to have a taste of their luxurious beauty products as well, because...

One lucky person will win a Luminess Air Eye Kit*! ARV $29.99!

*Eye Kit includes Luminess Air Calligraphy Eyeliner Pen - black, Luminess Air Calligraphy Eyeliner Pen - brown, and Luminess Air Infinity Long-Wear Mascara

To enter to win: Visit Luminess Air and tell me something that you liked or learned there.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow Luminess Air on Twitter and/or Like them on Facebook.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

WIN a Luminess Air Eye Kit (ARV $30) for spa-quality makeup application at home! #thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/fTsIkt #giveaway #win

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email or become a fan on Facebook.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on April 26th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

A big thank you to Luminess Air for providing a Luminess Tan for me to review as well as a Luminess Air Eye Kit for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.