Skin finishing, ever heard of it? Alexandra DiMarchi, Tan-Luxe’s Global Tanning Expert, whose work has graced the Oscars, Grammys, and Golden Globes red carpets, and has been featured in Vogue and the cover of Rolling Stone, has made it her mission to normalize the term in regards to spray tanning — and by the looks of her resume and client roster, she’s well on her way.

To DiMarchi, the art of spray tanning is much more than giving clients the darkest tan possible, instead, it’s about helping people of all skin tones achieve a flawless, healthy-looking glow. The spray tan artist got her start in the industry as a MAC makeup artist and it was then, when her clientele included people of all ethnicities and ages, that she realized everyone is interested in having a glowing complexion and that they can achieve their glow goals through skin finishing.

Dark spots? Uneven pigmentation? Want to cancel out harsh skin undertones? Nothing a customizable skin finishing appointment with DiMarchi can’t fix. And everyone who has been inside her tent (including stars like Halsey, Nazanin Mandi Pimentel, Molly Sims, and Jordyn Woods) can agree. Considering her skincare-focused mission, it only makes sense that Tan-Luxe, a pioneer in customizable tanning, chose DiMarchi as their Global Tanning Expert.

For an even more in-depth look at the artist’s journey thus far, read on.

How many years have you been in the industry? I've been in the beauty industry for over a decade, and have specialized in airbrush tanning/skin finishing services since 2014. 

When would you advise someone to see a spray tan artist versus using a self tanner? I recommend seeing a professional airbrush artist for big occasions, weddings, bridal parties, red carpets, or any special event. Self tanners are great alternatives for daily use, but an airbrush artist is able to give a more detailed, customizable tan. 

Favorite memory from a tanning opportunity? I get asked this question a lot, and I always struggle with it. Every memory started as an opportunity. I am grateful for every opportunity that I can't choose just one. I've never viewed one as better than the other because each opportunity opened a door to a new one and gave me the experience I needed for the next. 

What advice would you give to new spray tan artists? To be patient and not get discouraged. When I first started my career I wanted everything. If I would have received everything early on, I would have fumbled. It really comes down to the power of the mind, focus on your own journey, remember everyone has their time, and there's room for everyone.

How did you get started? As mentioned, I’ve worked in the beauty industry for over decade. From a young age, makeup was my first love, which led to working as a makeup artist for years. It wasn’t until I became interested in skincare that I started to explore the world of sunless tanning. A friend of mine who is an esthetician educated me on the long-term effects of tanning beds and laying in the sun because she knew I loved to be bronzed! I was skeptical about self tanners at first because (like most people) I had a bad experience with my first self tanner and spray tan. Thankfully, I found a lot of self tanning lotions I was happy with and ended up using those for years. 

Fast forward, I wanted to complete my education and pursue more career opportunities outside of the DMV (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) area, which at the time wasn't known for their beauty services. So I moved to Los Angeles at the end of 2013 to attend FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising) for their Beauty Industry Merchandising and Marketing program. Part of the entrance project was to create a product mock-up, so of course, I created a self tanner. They told me I was the first student to apply to the program with an entrance product on a self tanner. I shared my passion with every professor, fellow student, guest speaker, etc. to build connections. I would ask everyone if they knew anyone in the industry who could help me. 

Once I graduated, I began the dual path of building my clientele while maintaining my job at MAC and pursuing other freelance gigs. I struggled with a lot of emotions, as well as my finances during those first few years as a first-time entrepreneur. The primary reason for those struggles was due to my lack of built-in support system and a result of originally being from the East Coast. It wasn't until I went beyond the walls of my comfort zone that I was able to make some of the key connections needed to propel things to the next level. 

Along the way I experienced a few key moments which really helped to fuel my dreams. One moment in particular was when I received my first international client via referral. From there, I started booking more appointments with well known people, which put me into a tier I had never imagined being in. Another big step came when I was given the opportunity to work with Tan-Luxe. I became their Global Tanning Expert in January 2019. It was surreal to be recognized by the world's leading tanning brand and since that day my role has expanded to include exciting new things outside of artistry. I look forward to my growth with them and becoming a better artist, while always appreciating how far I've come. 

Can you recall a time you faced a (tanning) challenge when traveling for a job and how you overcame it? I've been waiting to tell this story! Last summer I went to Miami with Tan-Luxe for Miami Swim Week. I was so excited as it was my first year big trip with Tan-Luxe and my first swim week. I landed in Miami and was told one of my bags had not arrived. Of course, it was my tanning kit and it had been sent to Hawaii! I panicked. Thankfully, I knew another tanning artist in the area, Mel (of Best Miami Tan), who had a mobile kit she let me use. If I could do it again I would either make sure my kit essentials were in my carry-on or mail my equipment a week or so in advance. Even if I lost most of my kit, I could survive with at least my machine and product. There's so many small mobile kits that could fit into a carry-on along with a few other personal belongings. I travel coast to coast for tans and I've learned to have more than one kit. I keep one in L.A., Virginia, and there's one in the Tan-Luxe offices in NYC. Wherever I am, I can always have one overnighted if I absolutely need it!

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Only take advice from someone you would trade places with, Now to be specific, I mean in the area you are asking them for advice. Everyone has an opinion on how you should run your business or operate professionally, and if you listen to everyone it can cloud your vision. 

 Favorite product? The Water by Tan-Luxe. It's literally the most universal product created. Artists can use it in their equipment to give their clients a hydrating glow treatment or customers can use it as a self tanner, a makeup setting spray, for tan touch ups, etc. It's the BEST tanning product to use for your hands. It gives a light mist, which is perfect for any area that is dry (since tan can overdevelop in areas that are dry). I have an IGTV on how I use this product for my hands. It's also a great product for artists to recommend to their clients to use to touch up their tans, it's easier to touch up your tan with a water than using a mousse/mitt because too much mousse can cause a lot of build-up in certain areas. Another main kit essential of mine is the Glyco Water by Tan-Luxe, it's a self tanning eraser I use on clients to remove any residue from an old tan. Before I set up, I'll spritz the remover on those areas and buff it out before we start our appointment.