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Categories: Women's Clothing, Tanning [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Nob Hill, Union SquareMon-Tue. 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wed-Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
"I love coming here for a quick tan fix. No tan lines (if u choose not to wear undies) and no UV rays! After only a 15 minute spray session,…" read more »
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Staff is always efficient and friendly, and I haven't yet had a problem booking an appointment when I've needed one. I've never done the hi-pressure UV beds, I'm a spray-tan-only kind of girl (similar to the way in which I've never permanently colored my hair; just too risky). Room is always clean and I like that you can see the diagram of the positions from inside the booth, just in case you forget.
Word to the wise: definitely get the clear solution (without bronzer), there's no need to have orange rubbing off all over your clothes. Also, lots of specials running, check the website before you go in.
The only reason it's not a 5-star is that the outside of my hands tends to come out a little dotty and a wee bit too orange. I think I just need to be better about exfoliating and moisturizing my grubby little hands beforehand.
Their introductory 2 for 1 offer turned out to be more fake than my tan.
You only have two weeks to return - which on first glance seems fair, until you call and can't get an appointment, and then realize you are going out of town, so you shoot a quick email ahead of time to them to let them know the circumstances of you trying to redeem and not being able to and request an appointment for as soon as you return and you are denied because they've "had problems with this in the past."
Caveat ochreous emptor.
Never much of a golden beach bunny myself, tanning was a pretty foreign concept to me. My fair skin was just part of who I was, and I was always fine with it. Then I discovered how just a little bit of a fake tan makes you appear magically healthier, more well-rested, and seemingly five pounds slimmer. Fantastic! Let's fool everyone.
But the at-home lotion thing is a real pain to remember to do every night, plus it smells kind of weird. I always felt like it was such an effort to do five days of self-tanning before daring to show my legs.
Then Shimmer came into my life, and now in less than an hour, I get a fabulous, even, believable tan.
I've only tried the clear version, which develops color over time. (My coworker really enjoyed monitoring my subtle yet glamorous darkening as the day went on.) What's really great about the clear formula is that is dries quickly and doesn't stain your clothes, and no one knows you just did a spray tan on your lunch hour.
The spa is cute, quiet, and noticeably very clean. In fact, after you use the spray booth, which is a decent size and not at all claustrophobic, the booth automatically cleans itself. Neat. The booth itself is a little chilly, especially when you get blasted with solution, but I'd much rather tolerate a little breeziness than live with UV damage.
The pricing seems fair, and considering the amount of time you save by just doing one short treatment, it's totally worth it. Every time I've talked with the staff, either on the phone or in person, they've been really nice and helpful. This is especially assuring since you're psyching yourself up to go into what you fear will feel like an automatic car wash.
Definitely give Shimmer a try if you're curious about the spray tan experience.
I posted this review in August 2009. Why is it at the end of the list with many older reviews ahead of it?
I went to SHimmer with 2 of my friends. We had several problems with the spray tan solution/process.… Read more »
I do believe I love you.
No longer do I need to worry about treking a mile to Tan Bella on foot and finding a cab to come back. No longer do I need to ponder how very sad and pale my skin is, for I have found Shimmer.
You freaked me out at first with your strange sign and yelp reviews regarding spray tanning at lunch (wtf?) but I have learned you have beds. Big, beautiful medium and high pressure beds. Now I can walk in during lunchtime plop down onto a medium pressure bed (perhaps take a nap?) and emerge just a bit tanner, injected with vitamin d and NO LONGER FREEZING AND SHIVERING. Hooray for ANYTHING that has me take my coat off in SF! Hooray Shimmer!!
P.S. I went in today before 1 and was pleasantly surprised at the $5 off if you come in between 11 and 1:30 promo!!
Prior to Shimmer, I had never tried any type of tanning (other than the times I get to lay on the beach-but in San Francisco, you can read: no tanning). But I decided, it's a new year, why not try spray tanning? If I don't like it, it'll only last a week...
So I did. Two weeks ago I tried it for the first time and had a pretty pleasant experience. I panicked about having a "Ross experience" and tried to prepare as best as I could by scrubbing beforehand and reading the yelp reviews so I knew what to expect.
They tell you that it's not harmful to breathe during the tanning, but that they recommend you hold your breath for the few seconds. Okay, so I've gone twice and I can't do it. The shock of the spray and the coldness of it inevitably makes me not just breathe, but take a deep breath. Props to those who can hold their breath. But I digress.
The first time I tanned, the color came out pretty evenly and I was satisfied with the results. The only thing that bothered me a bit was that my hands were really dark compared to the rest of the body, but it wasn't a big deal. (Overall 4 stars).
I went back for my second "free" session recently and the color did not come out as evenly. To be fair, most of the color on the body came out nicely. But MY HANDS!! My hands are blotchy and uneven and seriously look like I have some sort of skin disease. I have no idea what happened, but parts of my hand and fingers are "tan" and others are not and it has been driving me nuts ever since the color has developed.
Bottom Line: this place is clean, I liked that they called me after the first session to see how it turned out, it's awesome they give first time customers a second session for free. I would probably give this place a 3.5-4 stars, but I also type a lot (read: I have to look at my hands a lot). And everytime I look down, I get a little more freaked out.
I used to just LOVE strutting my porcelain skin all over the place, saying whatever it took people to believe that I actually ENJOYED being that white/deathly/pale looking. I mean, I wasn't like "fooooorrrr shammmeee" in my head or anything-I don't look like shit when I'm pale-but let's be honest here. We all want what we can't have. Well, FUCK YOU MOTHER NATURE/GOD/MOM. I'M TAN!!!! That's right, bitches, you read that right.
For the past two weeks I have been desperately trying any and all methods to getting that "glow" and no I'm not talking about being pregnant.
I have tried sunless tanning gels, creams & lotions. I have tried boiling in the sun on a blanket of tinfoil. I have tried several spray tanning facilities across our city. I had been unhappy with the results. Some of them worked, but man... what an effort on my part. Too much maintenance. Also, aside from the natural way and spray tanning, all the other options make me look orange, not brown. Gross. Orange is not a sexy skin color.
Well, yesterday I tried Shimmer for the first time (as recommended to me by Nicole G.) and let me tell you.... I AM IN FAKE TAN HEAVEN.
Shimmer has the newest spray tanning machine. It distributes the spray perfectly and then quickly blow dries your body so that it's even and not streaky. Shoot forward to today and I look like I just got back from Bora Bora. I am so tan.
The facilities are really convenient if you work/live downtown (which I do). They also reserve lunch hour for their repeat clients, which I think is really nice of them. You also get a free spray tan coupon with your first purchase. I love this place. I wish I could move in.
Best spray tanning machine everrrr!
So awhile back I swore off fake n'spray.
I was determined to re-claim my natural pale skin.
Mostly, I was just tired of being burned by unfortunate experiences with cheap spray booths, blotchy home self-tanners, and couldn't keep up with the high-maintenance up-keep, of trying to make a messy spray tan last as long as possible.
Until Shimmer came along, via Nicole G's recommendation.
I love that I can stroll in for a special occasion, and know that I can be in and out in 15 minutes - with a subtle healthy-looking tan. A tan, that will look like I spent the weekend at Dolores, and will fade naturally, without gross dry and brown patches.
The booth at Shimmer, uses high quality spray and is clean and efficient. I've had no orange fingers or feet, no embarrassing streaks, and I always take advantage of the five dollar extra moisturizing pre-spray which helps the color soak in, and adds a luminous glow for later on.
If you get there early or decide to drop in for an appointment, the wait is always eased with a decent selection of fairly reasonably priced jersey dresses, work-out gear, and bikinis to browse. Their staff are also mellow and never too pushy.
A little bit of color, can sometimes turn your day around. Also be sure to ask about their tan packages which will save you a considerable amount.
"Tan fat looks better than pale fat" - My mom.
I was terrified to lounge poolside in Las Vegas with my gorgeous friend, Lindsey. Add to this equation 3 Million boobless/buttless spring breakers, and 50 million March Madness businessmen with sports-betting addictions and you'll see that the end result was not looking very good for me, or my cute sparkly bikini.
After doing some Yelpsearch, I noticed Nicole G. is a die-hard Shimmer sister. With two days remaining before my Vegas Getaway, I called the tanning goddesses and begged for an open spot. Fortunately, there was a lunchtime appointment available the following day. This gave me enough time to exfoliate my body pre-tan AND to panic about turning the color of a jack-o-lantern. Orange is so not my color.
The girl at the tanning place was very helpful. She explained the BOGO package (second must be used within 2 weeks) and charged me $35, which includes the pre-spray.
I followed her directions, got sprayed with clear mist (will develop overnight), hopped a cab back to work and thus began the freak-out:
What if my tan streaks? What if I look like a cheetah? What if I enter the pool at Hard Rock Hotel and orange dye starts spreading through the water and attacking young children?
And what actually happened, dear Yelpers?
It turns out that my faux glow was applied beautifully. I had no tan lines and instead of looking amazon, I appeared glamazon.
Thanks to my bronze bod (courtesy of Shimmer) I got toasted and roasted on the sundecks of Las Vegas' sexiest hotels.
Convenient, clean, classy, and cute - Shimmer salon is the total tanning package. The store is perfectly located downtown so you can get your Vitamin D before or after work. They offer high pressure, low pressure, and spray tanning - for any desired darkening process. Prices are about average for a san francisco tanning salon - not too expensive, but not cheap either. The staff is helpful, friendly, and SUPER sweet and make waiting for beds an enjoyable experience. Call and book an appointment to reserve your favorite bed ahead of time. The next time you need to clear the clouds away - make a stop into Shimmer for a little bit of sunshine to brighten up your day!
Unfortunately, I had to work on a Sat., so I figured why not test drive Shimmer (which is in the Financial District too) before I go on vacation to Miami in May to see what they can do for my white-as-a-ghost state. It also gave me a reason to wake up early on Sat. to go into the Financial District and distracted me from the fact I had to work.
I went to Shimmer on Sat. (4/19) after exfoliating myself raw and putting on some Bath & Body Works Body Cream. The cream had time to absorb whilest I was working. I chose the Level 1 spray tan with clear solution (i like the element of surprise vs. the brozer that may get all over my clothing). The spray tan room is huge and private. They had an excellent "tan repellant" lotion that I put on my hands and feet....that actually worked (another salon gave me some Suave cheap lotion that did not work). I was given proper direction and went in. It was cold, but that's okay, this isn't about comfort people, it's about looking fine (or in my case, not sickly).
The best part is the dryers that come on at the end. No longer must you worry about wiping/ buffing the extra solution off, it's taken care of for you!
I ended up w/ a light tan that was completely even and perfect. No one noticed that I was tan, but I got a lot of compliments that I look happy and healthy!
With my FREE extra tan (Buy One Get One Free...for new clients $30), I'm going to up the ante to Level 2 to try to see if I look like a Bronzed Goddess....
...I went back to use my free tan and got the Level 2, clear solution. I was not splotchie and looked great! It lasts about a week, but the strong color only lasts 2 days.
OK though I am Filipino and already have a bit of a tan, my legs are whiter than the rest of my body because they hardly eva see the SF Sun (or lack thereof). Anyway -- I love this place because whenever I want to look extra hot for an event or before traveling to an exotic locale, I head to Shimmer. It is by far, the best spray tan I've ever had.
If it's your first time here, they will give you 2 for the price of one. Make sure you watch the video too or else you won't know what to do before and don't want to look like Ross on Friends (if you saw that episode). Anyway I looooove Shimmer. It's a great place to get a quick tan.
I'm starting to wonder if I'm addicted to spray tans. I love, love, love Shimmer. Everything from the great belt I bought there to the way a spray tan makes me look 10 pounds lighter. Seriously!
I've had spray tans at other places and their booths are out-dated and the rooms are smaller, colder and sort of messy.
I hate fake-n-bake and the whole idea of killing myself for the sake of my own vanity. I found my solution last October and I've been goin ever since. I guess you know it's bad when you ask for a spray tan package from your mom for Christmas. She sure came through though!
I've found the perfect tanning salon, and it doesn't have a bed on the premises. The pale and pasty are with me (right, sistas?) when I say glory be, hallelujah.
A perfect remedy for the color challenged, Shimmer has a fab clear spray tan that develops slowly during the day, leaving you perfectly bronzed by the next morning. I like to head over on Fridays for the $25 lunchtime special so I've got a glow going on for the weekend.
Okay, so it's not peerrrrfect. My feet tend to turn out a little darker than I would like. But the owner/receptionist is a total sweetheart and will teach you little tricks to help minimize any issues.
I Heart Shimmer!
I don't mind being fair and freckled. I'm not trying to fight it. But as diligent as I am with the sunscreen, it seems I always end up with some odd spots of color. Doesn't get me down, except when there is some special occassion that calls for a dress that will show the world all my many odd spots.
Most recently, when I needed to be evened out, I went to Shimmer. I was drawn to them for two reasons: 1) The clear (no-bronzer) option, so I don't look like George Hamilton on my walk home; and 2) the non-Union Street location.
When I walked into Shimmer, I felt so much more laid back and comfortable, the owner there is sweet and honest. No up-sales or pressure. Plus, first customers get a buy one get one free on their first tan (spray or bed). Shimmers has a high pressure tanning bed that is identical to Tan Bellas and cost less.
I am glad to have walked into Shimmer's, she has some great bathing suits to. Now I am ready to go to Cabo!
I had a really great expierience here. The receptionist was SOOO NICE, and went out of her way to show me what to expect in the booth.
The tan has lasted almost 4 days! I couldnt be happier!
And since it was my first time, I got 2 for 1!! i will be back this weekend!
I tried Shimmer out a couple weeks ago. They have a 2 for 1 special for new customers. You have to use your second free spray tan within two weeks. Since my free tan expires tomorrow, I rushed in today to make sure I didn't miss my deadline. Unfortunately, I just had surgery on my wrist on Tuesday so I have a bandage that I can't remove yet. I was just going to suck it up and have a hideous left wrist tan line and get my free spray. I asked the staff for something to cover it up, but instead, they offered to extend my free tan for another week and a half so I could return without my bandage. Definitely will be returning for my free one and will be buying a package soon. Loved the spray solution...doesn't streak or leave you sticky...and the 'fake tan' smell is not nearly as potent as most places. Very pleased :)
Best spray tan spot in SF! It is an open spray tanning machine that also drys you off. It isn't streaky or sticky. And the people there are super nice. I go every other week... they also have a UV bed now too if that's your flavor!
1st visit: I got the prespray, then the machine is supposed to stop and wait for you to push a button before it starts the tanning spray. It didn't. It kept coming at me, and I didn't get adequate instruction so I got messed up in my stances and ended up splotchy with my entire front not getting tanned.
2nd visit: better, the machine worked properly this time. I still turned out orange-tinged and a little splotchy, but not horrible this time. Will probably stick to tan in a bottle, unless its an emergency situation.
This place is great for a spray tan. I love how the machine blow dries you and you don't have to jump out and blot yourself. I am use to having an airbrush tan, so this was about my 3rd time ever getting a spray tan done. The people are very nice and friendly, and I must admit, it is one of the fastest spray tans I have ever gotten, granted I have only had 3. I love the color ( I get the darkest, which I think is 3) but I being that I am of mixed ethnic backgrounds, I already have a tan so I was hoping to get a little darker. I would def. recommend this place to anyone looking for a quick tropical fix but personally for myself being that I like a certain color on me, I would probably go back to airbrush tanning,
Shimmer --- 4 stars
You can go to Shimmer on your lunch break, from 11:30 --- 1:30, and get a discount on your tan; plus, if you get the clear formula (which gradually darkens in to a "natural-looking, golden tan") your officemates will be none the wiser upon your return to work.
First time customers get a 2-for-1 deal---pretty standard in the spray-tan world---so I got the clear solution on my first trip and the medium-dark, instant tan solution on my second. They both turned out well, and the clear formula was particularly nice because you feel like you're less likely to stain your clothes.
My only hang-up here is that I would have preferred that the staff be a little more attentive in helping me remove all the excess tanning goop post-spray.
And lastly, I remember the shop girl telling me that customers who mention they found Shimmer on Yelp get, I believe, 20% off the price of the tan. So that's nice.
Last time I went for the spray on tan I was given coffee filters to put on my feet. Yes, you read that right, coffee filters! Surprise, the bottom of my feet, toes and nails were stained by the spray tan, and it took days to get it off. Who needs that?
Fantastic! I LOVE Shimmer! Based on a referral from a co-worker, I decided to try Shimmer to tan these pasty legs of mine. I tried the clear solution at level 2. Perfect! No streaks, nada! I might try a higher level on my next visit, but I'm still very happy with the outcome.
They use the Magic Tan Versa Spa---it's great because you don't feel claustrophic like in other spray-tan booths. It's open and it blows you dry afterwards! The tan is seriously perfect. I've tried other spray-tan places on Union Street and definitely wasn't impressed. Streaks were horrible. I'd recommend Shimmer to anyone! Friendly staff, too.
This place is ok. I'll be honest. I like to spray tan. A lot. Generally I use mystic tan (Shimmer uses Magic Tan), and I have to say that I like mystic better. Magic tan uses alot more bronzers, so tons of color came off onto my towel. Also, it was much blotchier and there were more drips than Mystic tan. I have to wait until morning to see how this tan really turned out, but as of now. I'm a little scared.
This spray tan actually looks real - HONEST. Definetly listen to the staff for the secret to getting your hands and feet to look natural (the dead give away for every other spray tan I have ever tried) but it looked great and lasted for a couple of days. And, it is much cheaper then going to Hawaii for a week!!
This place is awesome! Super convenient to visit during lunch breaks - you're in and out pretty quick. Staff is really nice and answers any questions you may have. The spray tan is THE BEST I've ever had - I use the clear medium solution - never orange, never streaks. I always visit when I have an event to look good for. Also - this place is very clean...which is sometimes hard to come by!
If you're looking for that quick 1-minute natural spray tan, Shimmer is the place to go. Not only is this the best way to obtain that 'I-just-went-to-the-beach' look, they also have a great variety of clothing and accessories not found in many other boutiques. I also love their Zents body product line - try the perfume solids and body lotions. The friendly staff is also very helpful in assisting with your tan...
Hey, a girl's gotta look good, it ain't easy. Love this place, and some cute clothes too.
Always friendly helpful staff and a great fast natural looking tan. Best place ever!!!
I love this place. They have cute clothing for budget price and the stuff are very friendly. They recently installed two new tanning bed, I love it. Tried the spray tanning machine too, and it came out really natural and no "RED". It's my favorite shop.
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