For Week 1 of Dancing with the Stars Season 35, South Seas founder Julie Nostrand created customized spray tans for Rylee Arnold, BC Jean, Hailey Bills, Mark Ballas, Amber Glenn, Adele Zaikman, and Stephani Sosa. Julie selected each base solution according to the desired rinse time, complexion, undertone, and intended on-camera appearance. Most applications included two controlled coats using approximately 2 ounces of solution in total, while Stephani received one coat of Tahitian Medium Tan Solution.
Creating camera-ready color for the ballroom involves much more than choosing a light, medium, or dark spray tan solution. Natural skin tone, undertone, existing color, wardrobe, stage lighting, and the amount of time someone has before rinsing can all influence the formula a professional spray tan artist chooses.
That is why Julie does not use one universal formula on every performer. For the first week of Season 35, she worked with three different South Seas professional tanning solutions and adjusted them with tanning additive drops to create individualized color for each person.
An Important Note About These Spray Tan Formulas
Unless otherwise noted, the two-coat formulas below were prepared using approximately 2 ounces of spray tan solution in total. Julie added any listed tanning drops directly to the solution cup before beginning the application, then applied two coats using approximately 1 ounce per coat. Stephani Sosa received a single coat without additive drops.
- The drop quantities listed are the total amounts added to the full 2-ounces.
- The drops were not added separately to each ounce.
- These were individualized formulas but the same approach can be used for every day clients
Rylee Arnold’s Week 1 Spray Tan Formula
For Rylee Arnold, Julie used:
- 2 coats of Fiji Express Tan Solution
- 4 drops of Bali Bronzer Mahogany Drops
- 4 drops of Tahitian Sunset Violet Drops
- 4 drops of Victory Competition Drops
- Approximately 2 ounces of customized solution in total
- 3-hour rinse time
Fiji Express provided the rapid-development base, while the three tanning additives allowed Julie to customize the overall tone and on-camera depth for the ballroom.
BC Jean’s Week 1 Spray Tan Formula
For BC Jean, Julie used:
- 2 coats of Fiji Express Tan Solution
- 2 drops of Bali Bronzer Mahogany Drops
- 2 drops of Tahitian Sunset Violet Drops
- 2 drops of Victory Competition Drops
- Approximately 2 ounces of customized solution in total
- 3-hour rinse time
This formula used the same three additives as Rylee’s, but in smaller amounts. It is a perfect example of how a spray tan artist can work from a similar foundation while adjusting the formula for the individual in front of them.
Hailey Bills’ Week 1 Spray Tan Formula
For Hailey Bills, Julie used:
- 2 coats of Fiji Express Tan Solution
- 4 drops of Bali Bronzer Mahogany Drops
- Approximately 2 ounces of customized solution in total
- 3-hour rinse time
Hailey’s formula shows that every customization does not require all three additive options. Julie paired Fiji Express with Bali Bronzer Mahogany Drops without adding Tahitian Sunset Violet or Victory Competition Drops.
Mark Ballas’ Week 1 Spray Tan Formula
For Mark Ballas, Julie used:
- 2 coats of Espresso Rapid Tan Solution
- 2 drops of Bali Bronzer Mahogany Drops
- 4 drops of Tahitian Sunset Violet Drops
- 2 drops of Victory Competition Drops
- Approximately 2 ounces of customized solution in total
- 3-hour rinse time
Espresso Rapid and Fiji Express offer the same quick-rinse timing and comparable fully developed results. Espresso Rapid has a coffee-inspired scent and additional skin-loving ingredients, making it an alternative for clients who prefer that application experience.
Stephani Sosa’s Week 1 Spray Tan Formula
For Stephani Sosa, Julie used:
- 1 coat of Tahitian Medium Tan Solution
- No tanning additive drops
- Standard Tahitian Medium development instructions of 8 hour rinse
Julie kept Stephani’s application simple, using one coat of Tahitian Medium without additional tanning drops. Her formula shows that a camera-ready spray tan does not always require multiple coats. The amount of color applied should reflect the individual’s starting complexion, existing color, desired depth, and the demands of the performance.
Amber Glenn’s Week 1 Spray Tan Formula
For Amber Glenn, Julie used:
- 2 coats of Fiji Express Tan Solution
- 4 drops of Bali Bronzer Mahogany Drops
- 4 drops of Tahitian Sunset Violet Drops
- 4 drops of Victory Competition Drops
- Approximately 2 ounces of customized solution in total
- 3-hour rinse time
Like Rylee’s formula, Amber’s combined Fiji Express with equal amounts of all three tanning additives to create customized color for the stage.
Adele Zaikman's Week 1 Spray Tan Formula
For Adele Zaikman, Julie used:
- 2 coats of Tahitian Medium Tan Solution
- 2 drops of Bali Bronzer Mahogany Drops
- 4 drops of Tahitian Sunset Violet Drops
- 2 drops of Victory Competition Drops
- Approximately 2 ounces of customized solution in total
- 5-hour rinse time for this particular application
Tahitian Medium Tan Solution is ordinarily intended to remain on the skin for a full 8 hours before rinsing. Adele’s 5-hour rinse was a customized professional decision for this particular application.
Why Julie Used Different Base Solutions
The choice of tanning solution was influenced in part by each person’s schedule and preferred rinse time.
Fiji Express Tan Solution and Espresso Rapid Tan Solution are rapid formulas that can be rinsed in approximately 2 to 3 hours. For Week 1, the performers who received either of these solutions rinsed after 3 hours.
Tahitian Medium Tan Solution is a traditional 8-hour formula. The selected base provides the foundation, while the additives allow the spray tan artist to make more specific adjustments for the person, setting, and desired appearance.
How Tanning Additive Drops Customize a Spray Tan
Professional tanning additives give an experienced artist more flexibility than relying on a base solution alone. Julie uses them selectively according to the client’s natural complexion, undertone, existing color, and the way the finished tan needs to read under ballroom lighting.
Bali Bronzer Mahogany Drops
Bali Bronzer Mahogany Drops can be added to professional tanning solution to customize its visible mahogany-bronze tone. The amount used can vary depending on the client and the desired overall appearance.
Tahitian Sunset Violet Drops
Tahitian Sunset Violet Drops allow a professional artist to introduce a violet-brown tonal adjustment when it complements the client’s complexion and undertone.
Victory Competition Drops
Victory Competition Drops can add another dimension of deeper cosmetic bronze to a customized formula. Julie used them in controlled amounts of 2 or 4 drops for several of the Week 1 applications.
Why Undertone Matters in a Camera-Ready Spray Tan
Two people can receive the same base tanning solution and still benefit from different additive combinations. A professional spray tan artist may consider:
- The client’s natural complexion and undertone
- Existing natural or sunless color
- The desired depth of the finished tan
- How quickly the client needs to rinse
- Which areas of skin will be exposed by the costume
- The color and finish of the wardrobe
- Stage, studio, or camera lighting
- The amount of immediate cosmetic color desired before rinsing
- The client’s rehearsal, performance, and travel schedule
On Dancing with the Stars, the tan must look cohesive from the face and neck through every exposed area of the body. It also has to maintain its appearance under bright lighting, movement, costume changes, and high-definition cameras.
Why Julie Used One or Two Controlled Coats
For most of the Week 1 tans, Julie prepared approximately 2 ounces of customized solution and applied it in two controlled coats of roughly 1 ounce each.
When tanning additives were used, they were mixed into the full solution cup before spraying, so both coats came from the same customized mixture. The drops were not measured and added again between coats.
Stephani received one coat of Tahitian Medium without additive drops. This lighter application demonstrates that the number of coats should be selected according to the person and the desired result rather than treated as a universal rule.
What to Expect After Rinsing a Rapid Spray Tan
A rapid spray tan may look lighter immediately after the first rinse because much of the visible guide color has washed away. That does not mean the tan has disappeared. The developed color can continue becoming more visible after rinsing.
Clients should follow their professional’s recommended rinse time, use warm water without scrubbing during the first rinse, and gently pat the skin dry. Applying more product simply because the color looks light immediately after rinsing can lead to an uneven or overly dark result later.
Professional Customization Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
These exact formulas offer a behind-the-scenes look at Julie’s work, but they are not intended to serve as universal recipes. A combination created for one performer may not produce the same appearance on someone with a different complexion, undertone, schedule, or desired result.
The real professional technique is not memorizing a single mixture. It is learning how to evaluate the person in front of you, select the appropriate base solution, use additives with restraint, and adjust the application according to the desired outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What spray tan solution is used on Dancing with the Stars?
South Seas uses multiple professional tanning solutions depending on the performer and the needs of the application. For Week 1 of Season 35, Julie Nostrand used Fiji Express Tan Solution, Espresso Rapid Tan Solution, and Tahitian Medium Tan Solution, along with customized combinations of tanning additive drops.
How much spray tan solution did Julie use per person?
For most of the two-coat applications, Julie used approximately 2 ounces of customized tanning solution in total, with roughly 1 ounce applied per coat. Stephani Sosa received one coat of Tahitian Medium, so her application used less solution.
Were the tanning drops added separately for each coat?
No. The listed drops were added to the full 2-ounce solution cup before the tan was applied. Both coats came from that same customized mixture.
Why did the Fiji Express and Espresso Rapid tans rinse after 3 hours?
Fiji Express and Espresso Rapid are quick-rinse professional tanning solutions. The performers who received those formulas during Week 1 rinsed after 3 hours according to Julie’s instructions.
Why did Adele rinse Tahitian Medium after 5 hours?
The 5-hour rinse was a customized decision for Adele’s particular application. Tahitian Medium is normally an 8-hour tanning solution, so customers and professionals should continue following its standard directions unless advised otherwise for an individualized professional service.
Do tanning additive drops automatically make the final tan darker?
Not necessarily. Additives are used to customize the tone and overall appearance of a professional spray tan formula. The result also depends on the base solution, the amount used, the client’s skin, application technique, development time, and rinse time.
Can another spray tan artist copy these exact formulas?
These formulas provide useful insight into Julie’s process, but they should not be treated as universal combinations. Professional artists should evaluate each client individually and use their training, product knowledge, and manufacturer guidance when customizing a solution.
Where can professionals purchase South Seas tanning solutions and additives?
Licensed and working spray tan professionals can learn more about wholesale pricing, professional solutions, additives, equipment, and education through the South Seas Professional Program.