Tonight I went Mystic Tanning for the first time. I was apprehensive about this method of tanning because I have seen sunless tanning results that have gone terribly wrong. Like orange glowing legs, brown creases on the fingers and areas of skin that look hauntingly discolored; but, I thought that for the sake of experimentation, I would try it. And hopefully live to tell about it. The woman at the tanning salon offered me a painstakingly long tutorial on how to apply my lotions and turn on the Mystic Tanning machine. The amount of instruction needed increased my already heightened nerves (although I was very thankful for it). Alone in the room, I carefully placed the cap over my hair, smothered myself in “prep” lotion and “barrier” cream. I stepped into the Mystic Tanning booth, closed my eyes and braced myself for the mist. It came with a blast that startled me and nearly took my breath away! It lasted about a minute and a half (front and back). As I emerged from the booth, I looked down at my skin and was delighted to see that I had transformed from white to bronze! I had accomplished in less than five minutes what normally would take me three beach days and five margaritas to achieve! Instead of my normally blotchy tan consistency, I was covered in all over color that looked smooth and even. For all the ladies who have had the same hesitations as me about spray tanning, I tell you - try it out. Take the winded tutorial, follow the instructions and you will not be disappointed!

• Shauna