Last weekend, I took a friend to SUNBUDDY at Shenzhen Metro Property Tower in Chegongmiao. It was her first time tanning, and she walked into the booth slathered in regular body lotion. She came out with blotchy, purple-toned skin and nearly wanted to peel it off. As someone who's tanned 20+ times, I'm breaking down the three hidden mistakes people make with pre-tan lotion—so you don't waste your session.
Mistake #1: Using regular moisturizer instead of tanning lotion Many beginners think "any lotion will do," but regular body lotions often contain mineral oil, silicone, or SPF ingredients that block UV rays. I once saw a woman apply a white moisturizer before stepping into the Smart Gold booth. Ten minutes later, her legs looked like a patchwork of yellow and white. SUNBUDDY's professional tanning lotions (imported brands with DHA and melanin boosters) are specially formulated to absorb UV and stimulate melanin production. When booking via the mini-program, check the box for "need tanning lotion sample"—the front desk will provide a free trial. Don't bring your own.
Mistake #2: Wearing sunscreen into the tanning booth This sounds absurd but happens more than you'd think. At the Chegongmiao store, I once saw a woman spraying Anessa sunscreen on her arms, saying she was "afraid of getting burned." Tanning booths primarily emit UVA light. Sunscreen ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide reflect the light, leaving uneven patches—hello, panda arms. Worse, some sunscreen compounds can break down under heat and irritate the skin. The rule: stop using sunscreen 24 hours before tanning. If you've applied any, use the makeup wipes available at the front desk to remove it.
Mistake #3: Applying too much or too little lotion, leading to uneven color Veterans know the key is a thin, even layer—but beginners tend to go to extremes. A friend once slathered on a thick coat at the Houhai Poly store, and after tanning, it looked like an oily film with white residue in her skin creases, leaving uneven patches. On the flip side, some use only a pea-sized amount, ending up with dark outer arms and pale inner arms. The right technique: use 3–5 pumps (depending on body size), apply in circular motions from limbs toward the torso, and gently massage thicker areas like elbows and knees—but don't let it pool. SUNBUDDY stores have full-length mirrors and application tables in the lounge area, so take your time.
SUNBUDDY Chegongmiao Store Tips
- Equipment: Smart Gold Pro Tanning Booth (2000W+, for advanced users), Hapro V8 Enhanced Booth (for quick tanning), Standard Collagen Booth (for post-tan skin care).
- Booking: Use the mini-program to select "Chegongmiao Store." Check equipment availability—peak hours (6–8 PM on weekdays) fill up fast, so book at least 2 hours ahead.
- Tanning lotion choices: In-store brands include Maui, Australian Gold, and more. Dry skin? Go for aloe-infused formulas. Oily skin? Pick oil-free. First-timers can ask for a free sample at the front desk.
The bottom line: Next time you hit SUNBUDDY in Chegongmiao, make sure you're using professional tanning lotion—not sunscreen, not thick moisturizer. Tanning isn't about how much you apply; it's about applying the right thing. Don't let a wrong bottle of lotion waste your time and money.
