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Brown Sugar Airbrush Tanning Boutique
Categories: Beauty and Spas Tanning Beauty and Spas Skin Care Tanning, Skin Care [Edit]
1996 Union StSte 205
(between Charlton Ct & Buchanan St)
San Francisco, CA 94123
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow
(415) 346-3680
- Hours:
Tue 10 am - 8 pm
Wed-Fri 10 am - 9 pm
Sat 10 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
78 reviews for Brown Sugar Airbrush Tanning Boutique
78 reviews in English
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Review from Marie F.
San Francisco, CA
12/2/2011
I started going to Brown Sugar a couple years ago, when I procrastinated before a Hawaii vacation and wasn't able to make enough time for the 5 trips to a tanning booth my skin requires before I even start to get a base.
I was very apprehensive about getting that first spray tan (I'm pretty pasty, and if anyone would look like a streaky orange and white mess it's me!), but I didn't want to leave for the trip looking like a pasty ghost.
I'm so glad I tried spray tanning here: my first experience at Brown Sugar wasn't 5-star, it was a 10! Their website was helpful, and I came prepared (shaved the night before, exfoliated the morning of, dark, loose clothing to wear after, etc).
Cherish, the owner, was great at making me feel comfortable, and gave recommendations on how I could make my tan last during my vacation. She didn't push their products (she actually recommended some less expensive alternatives I could buy elsewhere) but I bought their tan extender lotion (it smells too good not to, and it really makes a difference in keeping your tan even as it fades).
I'm happy to report it wasn't a lucky first experience, either. I went periodically last year whenever I had a special trip or event, and this summer I bought a great package that kept my skin looking awesome all season.
After 20+ tans I'm addicted. Unless Brown Sugar expands, I'll never be able to leave the Bay Area!Comment from Cherish E. of Brown Sugar Airbrush Tanning Boutique 12/6/2011
Marie, Thanks for taking the time to share your wonderful… More » -
Review from Tanya O.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2012
been going here for years. really like it & it's 1 of the only airbrush tanning places i know if in the area where an actual human sprays you (very important for even-ness of color & no streaking/white spots)!
it's pricey & can be hard to get an appt. when you want b/c there doesn't seem to be another place that does this (beauty company does on polk now, but only 1 spray room there & not really as good, imo). so that can be a downfall if you don't have a flexible work schedule. just plan accordingly.
also, ask for nicole. she is the BEST. my tan always turns out great when she does it. sometimes you have to tell the new girls where you want to be sprayed more/where NOT to spray as much (brown hands/feet!)
overall, great place & the only place in the area really that offers airbrush tanning by an actual person that turns out really good. -
Review from Lauren T.
San Francisco, CA
12/18/2011
I checked out Brown Sugar after buying a groupon and was really impressed! I'm quite fair and was a little afraid that I'd come out looking like a character from Jersey Shore, but have no fear these ladies no their stuff!
Per their recommendation, I did two rounds of the spray and the result was a perfect post-vacation glow.
I was also concerned that the spray would smell toxic, but was pleasantly surprised to find that it smells like sugar (and apparently is derived from sugar)! The only downside is that once it dries, it still has the usual tanner odor. Fortunately the smell disappears once you shower.
Pluses:
- Professional atmosphere
- Knowledgeable staff
-No streaks!
Minuses:
-Price -
Review from Amber S.
San Francisco, CA
10/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I'm a big fan of the girls at Brown Sugar. They do an excellent job with the spray down which is probably the most important. But what makes them great is that they remember you (and there are a ton of people that come through here) and they ask how your last tan went and offer advice on how to care for your next tan.
Bonus points for telling me I looked thinner (which is awesome to hear...considering that they see it ALL).
They lose the 5th star because they are a little pushy with the products. But they have good products, so it's not terrible. -
Review from Kristina L.
San Francisco, CA
7/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Tan fat is better than pale fat.
I got my goods browned and sugared to a golden tan color. After a 15 minute session, I instantly felt 10 lbs skinnier and without having to sweat it up at the gym! At first I did feel a bit awkward baring all...even my lovely lady lumps, but the staff was super professional and friendly. If you get 4 tans you get one free, that's like paying $40/tan. You can also share packages with a friend (no, not at the same time!)
The airbrush is definitely much better than the typical spray booth, where it gets all up in nostrils and you get those crazy obvious streaks. Airbrush is really customized, she asked me if I wanted to be darker and I wanted more coverage in my stomach area, so a few swishes, I had abs!
I think I may be addicted. -
Review from Cat M.
San Francisco, CA
8/6/2011
This review is long overdue. Cherish and her team are awesome. They take a lot of time and care in making sure that you have an even, smooth spray tan. The staff is friendly and attentive so I feel super comfortable--even as I am standing there, getting sprayed in my birthday suit. And, if you have any issues or concerns, they're super responsive in helping you through the process to ensure that you are completely satisfied with the results.
It's a bit pricey, but hey, sometimes it's worth it to instantly look amazing (and instantly feel sexy). -
Review from Jacin F.
San Francisco, CA
3/25/2012
i was always weary of the spray tan because of a horrible incident i had with "mystic tan" a few years back that turned me in to an oompa loompa. but after my first session with brown sugar i was hooked and bought a package on the spot. it's not orange, it is totally "real" looking and a much healthier option than baking myself in a tanning booth!
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Review from Annalise F.
San Francisco, CA
6/29/2011
Wow. I'm not entirely sure what has taken me so long to write this review.
First and foremost- know ahead of time that I'm not one to dish out 5 star reviews left and right- you've got to earn it! And Brown Sugar- you're nearly there!
After reading the reviews of fellow Yelpers, I felt I was taking a little bit of a gamble going to Brown Sugar to get my tan on prior to my 24th Birthday Celebration. As you'll notice, the review of this place are either excellent are horrible... So let's just state the facts:
1) If you want an even looking, amazing spray tan then Brown Sugar is the place to go! Cherish, the owner, will explain to you how machines believe in "even" tanning- which really isn't what you want. Our body absorbs the color in different ways (ie: your skin on your shins is very different from your tummy) so hand-applied is the way to go!
2) BUT if you want it to look natural, you NEED to exfoliate and you NEED to purchase their glove & face scrubby thing. I swear by this $30+ tool. If I didn't have this, then I'd probably have a horror story to share like the other Yelpers.
3) Get over bearing your body in front of these women. A) They see nakedness all day. B) Cellulite is a fact of life. C) I mentally prepare before an appointment that 45 seconds of sheer awkwardness is going to leave me tan and sexy.
4) Cherish and Deirdre have both spray tanned me and both done an excellent job. They're incredibly friendly and extremely professional given the "intimate" environment.
5) Purchase a package! They give you two weeks after your initial appointment to decide. Yes- it is addicting, and yes- each $50 session is expensive. So save some money, and some trouble, and get a package!
6) The only CON: Brown Sugar is NOT an easy establishment to reach via phone. It's definitely best to schedule appointments while you're physically in the office and not try to call ahead of time.
I love Brown Sugar! And for as long as I live in the city I will leave my tan in their hands! -
Review from Kate J.
San Francisco, CA
12/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Easy to miss! Look for the logo on the door and go upstairs. I went on a Wednesday night and the event I was going to was Thursday night and my tan was amazing. Nicole did my tan and was friendly and very knowledgeable about everything spray tan. Spending $50 on my first airbrush tan was worth it because I wanted to make sure I was getting the best work. I wish my wallet was bigger so I could go more often! Whenever I have an event and want a summer glow I'll definitely be going to Brown Sugar.
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Review from Kate M.
San Francisco, CA
7/8/2011
I love this place! My cousin was getting married last year and at the last second I decided to get a spray tan. Cherish did it and it looked fabulous.
I got my second spray tan again about a week ago before 4th of July weekend. I loved my tan and everyone thought it was very natural looking. The only reason I am not giving them 5 stars is because a few spots had streaks (elbows, ankles) and it faded funny (which I am not sure is even their fault because I was also sunburned). BUT overall I think they do a great job and I will definitely be buying a package next time I need a tan :) -
Review from Frenchie P.
San Francisco, CA
1/31/2011
So I purchased an amazing deal from Bloomspot and had the pleasure of meeting the sweetest most adorable young woman I have ever met! Nicole is a total goddess! I was running late for my appointment but called to let her know what the deal was... Nicole was extremely professional and patient. I arrived, albeit almost 15 minutes late and I receieved NO attitude what-so-ever... talk about a trooper! When I scurried up the stairs, I was greeted by a bright smile and warm hello from Nicole... we got down to business and let me tell you - this girl knows what she is doing! She makes you feel completely comfortable and I felt like a million bucks afterward...
If you are in the market for a beautiful, natural looking airbrush tan - Brown Sugar is definitely your stop... and it doesn't hurt that the staff there is SUPER down-to-earth and extremely friendly! Thank you Nicole... you are THEE best, girl! :-) -
Review from Tawny A.
San Francisco, CA
11/28/2011
I went to get tanned in the afternoon and the rest of the day was perfect. It must have been the great mood i was in when I left and of course the flawless tan I received :) The girls there are so nice and did a great job! It looked amazing and it lasted way longer than i expected. I definitely recommend Brown Sugar.
Comment from Cherish E. of Brown Sugar Airbrush Tanning Boutique 11/30/2011
Tawny, Thanks so much for taking the time to review us. We… More » -
Review from ABBY A.
I just got my very first spray tan with Diedra today!
I kept telling myself as I walked up the steps to the second floor, "You gotta do this Abbz.. There is NO turning back!" There were a number of other small businesses in the building and Brown Sugar is at the end of the hall with two separate rooms; on the left is the reception area where you are greeted by the friendly staff; and to the right you have the tanning room.
As soon as I signed in, Diedra led me to the tanning room (a cozy room the size of a bathroom with an open shower and space to change). She stepped out so that I could undress in private and within a few minutes, was back to give me the details on the tanning process.
Let me tell you, she was SUPER down to earth and made me feel totally comfortable. I don't have the best body in the world, but they make you feel like being naked is the thing to do LOL! I know being buck-booty-naked in front of a total stranger can be uncomfy for most people, but don't fret, they don't stare at you. Like she said, "Don't worry, I've seen it all." I mean, it's not like they don't have what you have and I don't think ANY men work here. (Let's keep it that way!)
I stepped into the shower and we went over what shade I wanted (light, medium, dark, bronze, etc.). Before I knew it I was getting blown away by her powerful spray brush and it felt goooood! I liked the fact that as she was spraying me down, she was asking me if I had any special requests (which I did: Please do not spray my face!). It was SO FUN! I felt like I was doing the hokey-pokey. Put your left foot in, put your left foot out, put your left foot in...you get the picture. Don't worry, they don't make you "spread 'em". You do have to raise your arms and such so that she gets around every orifice of your body. Or you can always do The Robot:)
10 minutes and $50 later (not including tip), VOILA! I was a beautiful medium bronze! A color that I could never achieve in the years that I've been trying. I tell ya, being a Filipino, Spanish, Italian, and Chinese mutt is not easy. I do not tan very well at all, so Brown Sugar is such a great discovery for me!
Thank you to my Golden Girls at Brown Sugar! I'll be seeing more of you this summer! -
Review from sandy c.
New York, NY
5/26/2009
I have never been here, but I just saw a girl who had thee perfect tan. When I asked her where she got it, she told me $50.00 airbrushed spray tan from Brown Sugar on Union. Heard it lasts a week. Too rich for my blood, but it was Puurrrrrfect.
Applause Applause.....Listed in: SF Health & Vanity
Comment from Cherish E. of Brown Sugar Airbrush Tanning Boutique 6/21/2009
The single sessions are $50. if you buy 4, you get 1 free… More » -
Review from Nilu r.
San Francisco, CA
3/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
Wow. That is all I can say. I had my first ever spray tan today and it was done fast, professionally, and the ladies were so sweet and wonderful. I am going back tomorrow for the "double whammy" since I have to be super dark for a figure competition this weekend. After that, I am buying a package so I can look this good year round.
My tan looks so natural! it honestly looks better than when I sit in the sun because there is no redness. Just a healthy glow. Worth every penny. Love it. I'm so glad I found this place.Comment from Cherish E. of Brown Sugar Airbrush Tanning Boutique 3/17/2010
Thank you Nilu! It was fantastic meeting you today, and I… More » -
Review from nicole b.
Chicago, IL
4/15/2008
THE FAR best Mystic tanning place I've ever visited!
The staff is wonderful, each time I went there they greeted me by name and had real conversations with me.
Very clean area!
And they sell great makeup on top of that. I love this place! -
Review from Gracie W.
San Francisco, CA
8/2/2010
I was going to Vegas and I needed a spray tan.
My search for an air-brush (non-machine) spray tan in San Francisco was much harder than I anticipated. Brown Sugar was the only place I found that offered this service, so I decided to go check it out.
Their facility is TINY, you'll probably walk past it if you haven't been there before, but beautifully decorated inside.
The girl who did my tan (I can't remember her name!) did a great job, no streaks, light where I wanted it, dark where I didn't. She even sent me a card in the mail one week later thanking me for my business and wishing me a happy trip to vegas.
Didn't get 5 stars because it's expensive.Comment from Cherish E. of Brown Sugar Airbrush Tanning Boutique 8/16/2010
Gracie, Thank you for your wonderful review! I am so glad… More » -
Review from Karen C.
San Francisco, CA
9/26/2007
Tennis tan lines and a strapless wedding dress do not go well together. So I made an appointment to try to get rid of them. The process was super easy and quick. I did feel icky the rest of the day until I could take a shower, but that was a small price to pay for beauty.
So after 5 hours or so, I took my shower and anxiously examined myself in the mirror. The color was very natural looking and really looked great. The only thing is that it made everything uniformily a few shades darker, so my tan lines, though were darker, where still much lighter than the rest of me. I specifically asked for them to get rid of my tan lines, so they knew to focus on certain areas. I just don't think the airbrush can spot treat like I would have hoped.
5 stars for a great tan color and good service
-2 stars for not being able to get rid of my tan lines.Listed in: Wedding Wedding!!!!
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Review from jean w.
San Francisco, CA
6/5/2008
OMG I can't believe this place doesn't have a ton of reviews. It is AMAZING. The color you get is off the chain!! I swear to god that my skin tone comes out the exact same color as post week long vaca in Miami. And you can ask them to go lighter if you don't want to freak people out because you really could go 12 shades darker than everyone else in sf.
Love stopping in pre special events or weekends in Vegas. Really makes you look healthy and sooo much leaner.
And the workers are great and and know what they're doing. -
Review from Sachi T.
San Francisco, CA
11/13/2009
The Good:
*The staff here is very friendly and were so good at making the whole "naked" thing as uncomfortable as possible. In fact, I was surprised at how at ease I was with all my ladybits out in front of a stranger.
*Very quick and convenient process. They're open late and the entire appt takes less than 20 minutes.
*My color lasted over a week. I used a sunless tanning lotion twice during that week in place of my regular moisturizer.
The Bad:
*It's expensive
*Despite it being my first time, I received very little after-care info. I did not know to anticipate how sticky my body would be (SO sorry, boyfriend's leather car seats!), wasn't quite sure when I was allowed to shower (I couldn't take the stickiness but I still managed to wait 6 hours).
The Ugly:
*My hands looked like I had stolen all of George Hamilton's tan. But only my hands.
*My tan faded so unevenly. I was very careful to moisturize properly and I exfoliated once toward the end of the week, but I was so self-conscious about all the weird orange spots and fading that I ended up scrubbing my skin raw to get the rest of the tan off. Not joking here: someone thought I had one of those "burn" birthmarks on my arm. I'm not sure, but I think the application on my hands/wrists may have just been done wrong; the rest of my body was nowhere near as bad. -
Review from Nikki c.
Oakland, CA
6/12/2007
I'm naturally latte colored [one of my friends think's I'm more yellow]. In the winter I get pale, and in the summer I get darker. But, since I work inside, sometimes I am not the color I want to be. Le sigh. Enter Brown Sugar.
I was at an event where they had a mobile unit set up. They were providing complimentary spray on face tans. The woman doing it was very nice....Later I realized that was because she had an empty wine glass next to her.
The color was subtle, but looked like a color found in nature. I'm not sure what their prices are like, but the results are not scary orange. I was actually surprised that it didn't last longer, but I'm willing to bet they spray a bit more when you're paying cold hard cash. -
Review from Jennifer K.
San Francisco, CA
8/2/2010
Hi my name is Jenn and I am a tanorexic, but I know tanning beds are so bad for you, so I am glad there are alternatives like spray tanning. Brown Sugar gets me my fix! Their spray tan lasts me almost two weeks, it fades as time goes on but still keeps an olive tone. (I naturally resemble Snow White...."skin as white as snow")
The ladies there are very professional, I have never felt awkward or uncomfortable stripping down to my skivies in front of them. And every time I arrive for an appointment they are ready, I never have had to wait, which I really appreciate.
If you are thinking about using one of those mystic tan machines, I would reconsider! Try spray tanning, it's a much more natural look and about the same price if you buy a package deal.Comment from Cherish E. of Brown Sugar Airbrush Tanning Boutique 8/16/2010
Jenn, Thanks for the fab review! Look forward to seeing you… More » -
Review from Julia G.
4/18/2008
Sigh. I'm a whitey. After years of fake tanning I've come to the conclusion that it's not worth the risk or the money anymore. Out of necessity I've learned to embrace my fair skin. However, there are times when insecurity gets the best of me (e.g. a trip to the island of Nantucket) and don't wish to look like an albino.
Brown Sugar was my first spray tanning experience and unfortunately it may be my last. From the hips up, the tan looked great. But my legs, gasp! What a mess. It was streaky, orange and completely embarrassing. I spent my entire vacation trying to cover myself up in 90 degree heat.
I'm sure some have had a pleasant experience here, but unfortunately I'm too scared to try again.
UPDATE: I just received this lovely message from the owner at Brown Sugar.
"I just want to thank you for coming to see us. I'm so sorry that your experience wasn't what if should have been. Since we deal with sunless tanning, mistakes do happen, although we pride ourselves on the fact that they only happen VERY rarely. I'm so sorry that the tan wasn't flawless for your trip! I'd love the opportunity to personally spray you and try to make it up to you. Hopefully show you that sunless tanning can be a positive experience! I completely understand if you don't want to try it again. But I hope you don't give up on it, and will let us try to renew your faith in us and in getting you a great color.
Cherish Eastland
Owner
Brown Sugar Airbrush Boutique"
Thank you, Cherish, for your lovely and mature response. I will provide another update once I've given this a second chance. -
Review from Seda B.
Emeryville, CA
Updated - 1/4/2011
So, I stopped by for a second try right before New Years Eve. Just wanted to say that in terms of customer service this place is really as good as it gets. Cherish, the owner, makes you feel right at home and she really did try and do everything possible to fix the issues I had with the tan earlier. She offered me a complimentary tan and I am not sure what was different this time around except for the fact that I did not exfoliate as rigorously before going this time as I had the first time. Anyway, I still have the tan on and its been about 5 days now. It looks awesome, I hardly put on any makeup except for eyeliner... that's how awesome and even my face looks with this spray. BTW.. no patchy spots this time.
LOVE IT.... will be going back in two weeks.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/28/2010
So.. my review is a little bit overdue. I went to Brown sugar at the end of August hoping to add a… Read more »
Comment from Cherish E. of Brown Sugar Airbrush Tanning Boutique 1/5/2011
Dear Seda, Thanks so much for giving us a second chance!… More » -
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Review from Kitty S.
San Francisco, CA
8/20/2008
Was getting over my pathetic attempt at fake tanning and decided to give this a go.
Lady that looked after me was very nice but the whole standing around naked in a room with a big (well it seemed it at the time) open window kinda got to me.
Didn't help when another customer came in and was looking for someone and decided to walk straight into the room with me standing there starkers.
Tan looked great and lasted over a week but didn't fade evenly.
Overall a great tan not so much experience.Comment from Cherish E. of Brown Sugar Airbrush Tanning Boutique 6/21/2009
Kitty, I am so sorry your experience at our salon was… More » -
Review from Chelsea J.
Raleigh, NC
9/21/2007
I must admit, I was a spray tan virgin. My fake bake experiences were limited to those "healthy glow" products at the drugstore. I say this because I have nothing else to compare my experience at Brown Sugar to....
Anyway, the lady was super nice and talked me through the entire process. I felt slightly silly standing in a shower stall in my underwear and one of those food-service bonnets on.
My color is even though slightly darker than I was expecting. I smell a little chemically the day after but then again I haven't showered yet.
$50 for full body as of September. Seems a little pricey to me but I really have no idea how much this stuff costs.Listed in: Nuptial Bliss
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Review from Kassie S.
San Francisco, CA
5/16/2011
Worst spray tan ever imaginable. I turned completely orange and splotchy ALL OVER! Talk about traumatizing. I was so devastated by the results I had to complain. The owner requested pictures before she offered a complimentary session with her. I agreed - my mistake! The second time the results were even worse. The only thing I can think of is their product is seriously inferior to the other places I have been for airbrushing. I would do mystic or stay pale but do not risk it.
Comment from Cherish E. of Brown Sugar Airbrush Tanning Boutique 5/18/2011
Hi Kassie, Thank you for this feedback, and I'm sorry you… More » -
Review from alexia f.
San Francisco, CA
11/26/2008
I have a new addiction and its to Brown Sugar!! I was hesitant about airbrush tanning as I've heard/read horror stories however after all the great reviews of this place I decided to give it a try.
1. Its clean
2. The girl who tanned me was super nice and made me feel totally comfortable as I was standing naked in front of her.
3. It was so easy and I look so good!! The tan looks super real and not orange!! Even after showering 3 hours after the tan was applied, my skin looks and feels great!
4. I bought a five session series so it'll only be $40bucks a session. Not much of a price to pay to look smoldering without any skin damage.
5. I LOVE how reclusive the space is. Walking up the stairs made me feel like I was going to a 'best kept secret'
The were only a few negatives (and mind you, I notice these things because I manage day spas)
1. The decor of the reception area could be better, like a fresh coat of paint on the walls and more plush, comfy chairs.
2. The retail area could be better organized and made to look more attractive. It looked a little too 'homemade' to me and not worth spending extra money. Also I would have been more likely to spend money on a yummy candle or some cool havianas, since I wore my heels from work there.
3. I wish the tanning solution could be a little warmer. That would be nice but I doubt its possible.
Overall I love this place and I will definitely be going back for more and more and more! The staff was super nice and my tan looks so amazing.
I think with a little more attention to detail in the retail area, this place could make a ton more money. Just my two cents -
Review from Elizabeth R.
San Francisco, CA
5/25/2011
My friend and I decided to book a cruise...4 days before departure...and I had a mini panic about how pale I was and how I would get super sunburned because of it. My waxer told me I should get a spray tan...that is actually helps protect you by giving you a base coat (which I didn't know, I thought it was more like paint...idiot). The next day I gave in and went on the hunt for a place to get the tan. TY yelpers for helping me find this place. I called and the lady asked me about when I was leaving and scheduled me for the best time to come in that allowed the color to develop but also gave me enough time before my flight. She gave me careful instructions to scrub, scrub, scrub before coming in. I found parking (shocking!) pretty quickly and headed up the stairs of the cute building. I was greeted with a friendly smile and taken to a small room to get ready. So as we know, this was my first time. I asked a lot of questions and she never made me feel like an idiot or uncomfortable. She even made me comfortable enough to completely strip for the whole thing. Tanlines are not cool. So I stand in the thing and she carefully sprays me, sometimes with me in a crazy position, chatting to me about life and overall keeping me smiling and laughing like it was NBD I was naked. She told me what would happen over the next hours and sent me on my way.
I went on my cruise and my friend was shocked how tan I was. The only signs of splotchy or orangness was the bottom of the palm of my hands...but that is because I kinda failed at scrubbing it. I think the people who say they had a splotchy job may have slacked on the scrubbing beforehand.
TIP: They will let you come back and upgrade to a package with the credit of your session for 2 weeks after your first session. NICE.Comment from Cherish E. of Brown Sugar Airbrush Tanning Boutique 6/3/2011
Hi Elizabeth, Thank you for a great review, and I'm glad we… More » -
Review from Sharon T.
San Francisco, CA
6/10/2011
I had a horrible experience today ! Appointment was at 3:40 pm but I arrived early so I checked in and walked around for a bit. Then Claire calls me and says I'm 6 minutes late to hurry back . I ran back .... Got there about 1 minute after cause I was just across the street at lululemon. The other girl( not Claire) said she might not be able to give me a spray tan . Me- disappointed
Her ( u forgot her name )looking at the other employee (Claire) and says to me lets do it !
Me- excited....
Her- how dark?
Me-3 shades
Her- no time
Me- ok two is fine the regular amount
Her- no I really can't now
Me- wth? ( is she messing with me?)
First of all If I missed my appoint by 5 min n if u really couldn't take me
1) don't call me and tell me to hurry back
2)don't bring me to the tanning room and then change your mind again
3) by the time you explain to me why u couldn't tan me I would have already been done.....I explained to them I am a regular here , big tipper, have a wedding tomorrow , just paid an hour meter, made the effort to check in early, and is sorry for being 5 min late. The two girls who worked there cared less. No no no sorry! Wth? Don't give me that sorry s***! left being upset and felt screwed over.... So I called and ask to speak to the manager . They said she was busy so I told them to tell her to give me a call when she's done. Waited so decided to drive home... 30 minutes later no one called so I called back and finally was able to talk to the owner (Cherish) . She was super sweet told me that she would squeeze me in and apologized and told me to come back at 5pm . I came back of course cause wedding was the next day and I was desperate. So the owner handled the situation pretty well by telling me to come in! But the bad thing was 1) made me drive all the way from union st. to sunset area back and forth, wasted my time and gas, and no complimentary discount or what so ever ( the bad part) . This would have been a zero star but since the owner Cherish was so nice and sweet I gave them 2 stars. So 1 minus star for each of the girls who worked there and 1 minus star for no complimentary for the whole hastle I had to go through. Next time brown sugar leave at least 7 min gaps in-between appointments fir situations like this. Handle your customers right.... Don't book everything back to back right on the dot. Don't be to greedy on making that extra cash and down grade on your customer service. There are times I have came and waited 5- 10 minutes but I never complained . Pls .... Do it right next time! By the way I think these two girls that works there are new. Never had a problem with the other girls!
So, would I come back ? Maybe.... I would have to think about it! If I do I will probably only let cherish spray me or the other girl that was not working today ? Hmmm.... The only thing that MIGHT get me to come back will be because the owner was considerate . By the ways I was the one that told my whole group of friends to come here ( I always putted good words on how wonderful my experience was). Untill now!!! Step it up guys!!!Comment from Cherish E. of Brown Sugar Airbrush Tanning Boutique 6/16/2011
Hi Sharon, I'm sorry for your frustrating experience. This… More » -
Review from Cheryl L.
8/26/2010
My review is overdue!
I found brown sugar through Yelp and I had read about it somewhere. So thank goodness the reviews were great on Yelp! This is the only place I will go to for a fake tan. The results are gorgeous and you have a beautiful golden brown tan after...no orange glow (which even my husband noticed after a few people have had when going to other "spray tan" places)!
The place is tiny, they take you into a small little bathroom where you can change and wipe down a bit with exfoliating wipes. After, a girl will spray your whole body with tanning goodness.
Loved the results! -
Review from Michelle N.
San Francisco, CA
2/22/2010
I'm loving Brown Sugar!!!
Staff is amazing - tan is beautiful - don't fret on the pricing...Brown Sugar will give you 2 weeks to upgrade your single tan or smaller package to 10 for $350...$35/tan is reasonable. Keep in mind, rent in the marina is high and this place specializes in airbrush tanning. I am forever loyal :)Comment from Cherish E. of Brown Sugar Airbrush Tanning Boutique 7/23/2010
Michelle, Thanks for the great review and loyalty! We look… More » -
Review from Dana P.
San Francisco, CA
3/13/2010
I haven't had a spray tan since the days of the spray booth.
Brown Sugar was awesome. The owner did my tan and she could not have been nicer. I brought by 3 yr old along and she was very accomodating. Gave me a great tan and good advice on how to make it last. She told me to expect it to last 7-10 days. I thought "no way" and sure enough, it's day 7 and starting to break down. But still looking way better than I thought. And I got a hand written thank you card in the mail today! It was expensive, but worth it given I had such a good experience. Definitely will take all my friends there before our next girls trip to Cabo.
Thanks Brown Sugar. Keep up the good work!Comment from Cherish E. of Brown Sugar Airbrush Tanning Boutique 7/23/2010
Dana, Thanks for the Fab review! Hope to see you all soon!… More » -
Review from Tiffany U.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Once again, Brown Sugar saved the day by squeezing me in for a New Years glow! Thanks girls!
Listed in: Vanity is my favorite sin.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/22/2010
There comes a time in every girl's life when pastey pale skin just doesn't work. I could imagine… Read more »
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Review from Maeghan L.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 7/19/2011
After my review on 7/5, Cherish, the owner, reached out to me to apologize for the mix up with the Yelp discount and said that she would credit my account for the amount of the discount. For that customer service and follow up...I give five stars!! Thanks, Cherish!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/5/2011
It's amazing how great a good spray tan will make you feel! I have fair skin, so for special… Read more »
Comment from Cherish E. of Brown Sugar Airbrush Tanning Boutique 7/21/2011
Hi Maeghan, Thank you for an excellent review. I definitely… More » -
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Review from Michelle K.
San Francisco, CA
11/27/2011
Went here a while ago with a sister of mine from my sorority. It was before we had a big formal event and we both wanted to get a nice tan glow but not risk looking orange or like some variation of Garfield the cat in our photos. Thanks to some wonderful suggestions from friends, as well as some extensive yelp research we finally settled on Brown Sugar and WOW! was it worth it! I am originally from New England and due to the fact that the sun there hides out about 75% of the year i have experienced my fair share of bad spray tans but Brown Sugar was far from the awkward orange booth tan and disgusting chemically smell. The girl that did my tan was so helpful, made great suggestions for how many coats to do and i left looking beautifully bronzed and natural, on top of all that the prices here are totally reasonable, the space is cute and very clean and i wont hesitate to return and to recommend this place to my friends A-plus for Brown Sugar!
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Review from Cassie B.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 12/22/2010
After writing this review, the owner emailed me and asked that I come in again and she would personally do the airbrushing. She wanted to make it right and I find this admirable. Sadly, we never were able to work out a time for me to come back in but I'm giving an extra star for effort.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/11/2010
I'm getting married in a few months and looking for a way to have a nice glow without laying in a… Read more »
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Review from Blair E.
San Francisco, CA
10/16/2009
Nicole has sprayed my tan on twice now and she does a really good job. I don't like standing there naked but it's as minimally weird as possible which I appreciate.
The tan lasted over a week because I used tinted Nivea body lotion
which helped to prolong it. It's amazing what a tan will do for you. I recommend them highly and altho they are expensive, they have some packages to help lower the cost a bit.
I learned that tips are accepted after I went twice and didn't know better (I'm sorry Nicole!), so tip your sprayer. -
Review from Jeanne B.
Novato, CA
10/20/2011
Umm can I please be this tan all the time?!! Finally a tan that has NO ORANGE at all!! Everyone was super nice, the place was very clean and welcoming, I was completely comfortable, they got me in the day I wanted to tan and it lasted way longer than any other spray tan I've gotten and I had no streaking or white spots...officially hooked on Brown Sugar!!
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Review from Vanessa B.
San Francisco, CA
12/17/2010
After having been traumatized 7 years ago by a spray-tan-turned-oompa-loompa experience, I decided to take a gamble and try out Brown Sugar to avoid the dreaded pasty-skin + cocktail dress combo. I was really nervous and explained to the girl that I wanted the "lightest color possible" and did "NOT want to turn out orange". She assured me that I wouldn't and she'd just "give me a little color". Well, I didn't turn out orange, just a nice flesh-y natural-looking color. What's more, standing in a shower nearly naked getting sprayed wasn't even that painful of an experience- the liquid wasn't as cold as I expected, and the girl who was doing it put me totally at ease. Brown Sugar is super cute and clean. I would definitely recommend the place and I will definitely be going back!
P.S. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because $50/tan is too expensive for me to go every week! Although I am considering buying a package deal to bring the price down :P
