In Bao’an Central, tanning has become the go-to after-work ritual for locals chasing that laid-back glow. But scroll through Xiaohongshu and you’ll find endless complaints: “Six sessions in, and my color looks like fake abs highlight,” or “It’s so patchy, my collarbone looks photoshopped.” The real culprit? How you apply your tanning lotion.
SUNBUDDY Bao’an Central store sits on the 3rd floor of Lijing International, Area A, on Chuangye First Road, right next to the bustling business district. Regulars swear by the Ultrason collagen booth and the Hapro intensifying booth. But even with top-tier imported equipment, a bad lotion application can still tank your results.
Mistake #1: Skimping on the amount
Many newbies use just a coin-sized dab, worried about leaving residue on the booth. The result? A patchy, mosaic-like tan. Truth is, you need enough lotion to cover every inch of skin for even UV absorption. SUNBUDDY’s tanning lotions are formulated specifically for imported booths, and the recommended full-body amount is at least 2–3 times what you’d use for regular body lotion.
Mistake #2: Applying in the wrong order
A common habit: lotion up your legs and arms in the lounge, then try to reach your back once inside the booth. Problem is, your arms will smudge the lotion on your chest, creating uneven color patches. The right approach is to apply everything in one go before entering the booth—start from your feet and work upward, using circular motions from the outside in. SUNBUDDY’s lounge is equipped with full-length mirrors and disinfectant wipes, so you can check every angle before stepping in.
Mistake #3: Ignoring the “zone and dose” rule
Different body parts absorb UV differently: raised areas like collarbones, forearms, and shins tan faster, while creases like armpits and knees tend to get missed. Experienced tanners apply a thin layer to joints first, then a thicker layer to prominent areas. SUNBUDDY offers two types of lotion: “Accelerator” for an all-over base, and “Color Lock” for spot intensification. The in-store mini-program lists usage tips for each product, and on-site consultants are always available to help.
Real test: SUNBUDDY’s application SOP
I tried three approaches with SUNBUDDY’s lotion: first the stingy method, then even circular application, and finally the zone-and-dose method. The third gave the most natural result—from collarbone to fingertips, a warm bronze with a premium glow. No fake abs, just that just-off-the-California-beach look.
Bao’an newbies, don’t be afraid to experiment. SUNBUDDY Bao’an Central runs a “Tanning Newbie Day” every Wednesday, where in-store consultants offer one-on-one guidance on lotion quantity and technique. Just bring a T-shirt—everything else, from booking a booth via mini-program to grabbing slippers and towels, is taken care of.
Real Bao’an tanner tested: With SUNBUDDY’s intensifying booth and correct lotion application, you can naturally transition to a wheat-glow in just six sessions. Don’t let fake-ab awkwardness hold your tanning goals back.
