Meet Gale Richards, the owner and spray tan artist behind Red Carpet Tanz in Lewiston, Maine. With 15 years of experience in the sunless tanning industry, Gale specializes in customized airbrush spray tans and contouring, helping clients achieve beautiful, natural-looking color that complements their skin tone, features, and individual goals. From brides and pageant contestants to vacationers, photoshoot clients, and those simply looking for an everyday confidence boost, Gale is passionate about making every client feel comfortable, cared for, and confident in their skin. Her journey into the industry began with a search for a healthier alternative to traditional tanning and an unforgettable spray tan experience in California. Today, she brings that same commitment to quality, personalized service, and exceptional results to every appointment at Red Carpet Tanz.
Looking for a spray tan in Lewiston, Maine? Meet Red Carpet Tanz:
Area: Mobile spray tan artist in Lewiston, Maine. In-salon spray tan artist at Red Carpet Tanz (185 Webster Street, Lewiston, ME 04240) and surrounding areas.
Phone number: (207) 754-8642
Email: redcarpettanz@gmail.com
website: redcarpettanz.com
Instagram: @redcarpettanz
Facebook: @redcarpettanz
Click here to view Gale’s full profile.
How did you get started in the spray tanning industry, and what inspired you to open your salon in Lewiston, Maine?
"I didn't set out to start a spray tanning business. I loved being tan and how it made me feel, but I also knew there had to be a healthier alternative to baking in the sun or using a tanning bed.
The turning point came when I traveled to California for a fitness event. I'd gotten a booth spray tan before leaving, and the results weren't great. The event offered on-site spray tanning, and it turned out to be the best spray tan and overall experience I'd ever had. When I learned the owners offered professional training, I jokingly asked if I could take them home with me!
When I returned home, I scheduled my training and flew back to Orange County for one-on-one, hands-on training with The Tan Girlz. At the time, traveling across the country specifically for spray tan training wasn't commonplace, but I wanted to learn from people who were doing it exceptionally well.
The name Red Carpet Tanz came out of that experience, too. The fitness event offered a special 'Red Carpet' registration experience, and the 'Z' in Tanz is a nod to The Tan Girlz, who helped launch my journey. I blended those two influences into a name that felt right.
What started as my search for a better tanning experience became a business built around helping others feel confident in their skin. Over time, it also grew into an opportunity to help others explore spray tanning as a career or an additional source of income."
Tell us about your salon and the spray tanning services you offer in Lewiston, Maine.
"Red Carpet Tanz is an owner-operated spray tan studio in Lewiston, Maine, serving clients throughout the greater Lewiston/Auburn area and surrounding communities.
With 15 years of experience, I offer professional airbrush tanning and contouring for everything from weddings and pageants to vacations, photoshoots, special events, and everyday confidence. I love working with clients who want a natural-looking result that complements their features and fits the occasion.
For me, it's about more than the color. I want every client to feel comfortable, cared for, and confident throughout the experience. That includes helping them understand how to prepare, what to expect, and how to maintain their tan so they can get the most out of it."
What makes your spray tans and client experience different from other spray tan artists?
"I'm the owner and the artist behind every appointment, so clients know who they're working with and can expect a personal experience from start to finish. I take the time to listen, understand what someone wants to achieve, and pay attention to the details that can make a real difference in the finished result.
Over the years, I've learned that a great spray tan isn't just about applying color. It's about technique, experience, knowing when to adjust your approach, and understanding that what works beautifully for one person may not be right for another.
My goal is always a result that looks natural and feels like you. Honestly, the best spray tan is often the one people can't quite figure out. They just know your skin looks really good."
How do you customize each spray tan to your client's skin tone, desired color, and lifestyle?
"It starts with a conversation. I consider a client's natural skin tone and undertone, the depth of color they're hoping for, and what they're preparing for. A bride may need a different approach than someone heading on vacation or looking for a subtle boost before a photoshoot.
I also take into account timing, skincare routines, previous tanning experiences, and how a client's skin typically responds to sunless tanning. These details help me choose the right approach rather than relying on one formula for everyone.
The goal isn't simply to make someone darker. It's to create color that complements their natural features, suits the occasion, and looks believable on their skin."
What professional spray tan solutions and products do you use, and what do you love about them?
"I'm intentional about the products I use, looking for professional sunless tanning solutions that deliver beautiful, natural-looking color while incorporating skin-loving, naturally derived ingredients. I also pay attention to formulations that prioritize ingredient quality and a more thoughtful approach to sunless tanning, without getting caught up in the latest buzzwords.
Of course, the solution is only one part of the equation. Skin preparation, application technique, and aftercare all play an important role in how a tan develops and fades, which is why I put just as much emphasis on educating my clients as I do on the products themselves.
Every tan also includes a finishing powder as the final touch. It's one of those little details that helps clients feel polished and cared for before they head out the door."
What types of occasions do clients in Lewiston typically book spray tans for?
"Honestly, all of the above—and I love that. Bridal tanning is a big part of my business, and I work with brides throughout the process, from trial tans to wedding-day color. I also work with pageant contestants and queens, photoshoot clients, vacationers, and people getting ready for special events.
But some of my favorite appointments are the everyday ones. You don't need a wedding, a vacation, or a special event on the calendar to want to feel good in your skin. Sometimes it's simply about feeling a little more confident, enjoying how your clothes look, or having that extra boost when you look in the mirror.
I love being able to be part of those moments, too."
What's your best advice for getting a natural-looking, long-lasting spray tan?
"Start with proper skin preparation and don't underestimate aftercare. Exfoliate before your appointment, arrive with clean skin free of products that may interfere with application, and follow the recommended timing for your first rinse.
After your tan, hydration is key. Keeping your skin moisturized helps support an even fade. I also recommend allowing your previous tan to fade fully before starting fresh rather than layering a new tan over old color.
If you're tanning for an important event, plan ahead instead of leaving it to the last minute. And don't be afraid to communicate with your spray tan artist. Your skincare routine, event date, previous experiences, and the result you're hoping for are all useful information.
A little preparation and the right guidance can make a big difference in how your tan looks and lasts."
What would you say to someone searching for the best spray tan in Lewiston, Maine, who is considering booking with you for the first time?
"Come in and have a conversation with me. You don't need to know exactly what color you want or understand all the different options—that's part of what I'm here for.
If you've had a spray tan before that looked too orange, too dark, or uneven, tell me. And if you've never had one and aren't sure what to expect, that's completely fine, too. I want you to feel comfortable asking questions and sharing any concerns.
My goal is never to make you look like someone else. It's to create a result that works with your skin, your features, your plans, and how you want to feel when you walk out the door.
Ultimately, I want you to look in the mirror and think, 'Wow, my skin looks really good.' Not, 'Wow, I got a spray tan.'"