Why should I choose Portofino?
In addition to our excellent facilities, our staff is unparalleled. Each employee is certified through the Smart Tan Network, assuring you’ll receive intelligent, well-informed guidance through every step of your tanning experience. We’ve got additional full-time service staff, whose attention to detail gives us the cleanest, most sanitary tanning salons in town. Our technical staff services our machines weekly, making sure that our bulbs are fresh and our machines are in tip-top working order. Together, we’re here to make your visit to Portofino as informative, relaxing and enjoyable as it can be!
How do I prepare for an airbush tan?
You must exfoliate your skin on the day of the appointment. Take a shower and use a loofa sponge or a good washcloth to help exfoliate. Your skin should be clean and clear before your application; avoid lotions or moisturizers. We will provide face wash for you. You should shave before your application. Avoid any waxing for at least 48 hours before or after your spray tan.
Do I need an appointment to tan?
Our busiest hours are in the late afternoon and evening. We strongly recommend making appointments – especially between 5 and 8pm — but feel free to walk in anytime.
Do lotions really work?
Yes. Our lotions are designed to help your skin absorb more color, retain its tan, and moisturize your skin. Our lotions are formulated for a variety of skin types, so be sure to ask a staff member to recommend the right lotion for you.
May I tan in the nude?
Most of our clients do. Indoor tanning offers you the kind of privacy you don’t have on the beach; it’s the perfect way to eliminate your tan lines! Please be cautious if it’s your first time tanning nude: any skin that hasn’t received UV exposure is more likely to burn than areas where you have a tan. We usually recommend that when you first begin tanning, you tan for half your session in the nude, eventually working up to full-time.
How often should I tan?
That depends on how dark you want to be! It also greatly depends on your skin type. Ask a staff member to recommend a program that’s specifically geared toward your goal.
May I share my package with someone else?
Sure! Many clients share packages with a spouse, friend, coworker or family member. Simply tell a staff member that you’d like to share a package, and we’ll set up your account accordingly.
What happens when I refer someone to Portofino?
If you send a client who buys a new package, we’ll give you a free session.
Do you have gift certificates?
Yes. A tanning package makes a fantastic gift. It’s become one of NYC’s most original – and sensible — bridal shower gifts!
What is the difference between UV-A and UV-B?
Many salons mistakenly label UV-A “the tanning ray” and UV-B “the burning ray.” Unfortunately, it isn’t quite that simple. Ultraviolet light is a spectrum, and skin types respond differently to the varying wavelengths of ultraviolet light.
Tanning happens when ultraviolet light oxidizes the melanin in your skin. For most skin types, UV-A is especially good at oxidizing the melanin that you currently have, while UV-B is especially good at stimulating skin to produce more melanin. It’s true that it’s easier to burn with UV-B light, but once you have a base tan established, you’re far less likely to burn in general. Our staff is well informed; we’ll evaluate your skin type and recommend the machines that will help you achieve the color you’re looking for, without burning.
How can I tell if a bulb is high or low-pressure?
High-pressure bulbs are small, quartz bulbs that contain pressurized gas, xenon. They’re about 3 to 6 inches long. When electrically charged, they emit a warm, blue-colored light. High-pressure bulbs emit UV-A light. Low-pressure bulbs are long, thin bulbs that glow a bright, slightly purple light. They’re usually a few feet in length, and emit a fuller spectrum of UV-A and UV-B light.
How does teeth whitening work?
A bright, white smile is the perfect compliment to your tan. You can go several shades lighter in 15 minutes with no sensitivity. We apply a special gel to your teeth which which works with our special UV lamp as you sit back and relax.
What are your policies?
We accept all major credit cards.
All regular packages are valid for 365 days, and all sales are final. Student Packages are valid for 60 days.
We’re open seven days a week, with convenient opening hours.
Although we welcome walk-ins, we highly recommend that you make an appointment during our peak hours. Our last appointment is approximately 30 minutes before closing.
Please inform us if you are taking any sun-sensitive medication, including antibiotics.
To avoid overexposure, Portofino will allow only one tanning session within a 24-hour period. Always use protective eyewear.
Gift Certificates are available for all services.
We welcome corporate accounts.
Portofino is not responsible for lost items.
A credit card is required to secure an Airbrush Tanning appointment. If you are unable to keep your appointment, kindly notify us at least 2 hours in advance. No-shows and late cancellations will incur a $25 charge billed to your credit card.
Portofino requires that all cancellations be made at least two hours prior to avoid penalization.
" Another awesome Yelp review! Thanks so much Joe A! http://t.co/8ArZbffI " — portofinosun