How to Choose The Perfect Starter Kit (Updated 2026)
How to Choose the Best Spray Tan Kit
Starting or upgrading a sunless tanning business can be an exciting venture, and choosing the right starter kit is a critical first step in your journey. Sjolie offers a range of starter kits that provide a cost-effective way to acquire the equipment and products you need to get your business up and running.
Before selecting the perfect kit for your needs, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. Below, we’ll walk you through what matters most (volume, location, equipment preferences, and what to look for inside a truly “complete” kit) so you can choose confidently.
Consider Your Daily Tan Volume
The first key factor to consider when choosing a starter kit is your anticipated daily tanning volume. Are you just starting and planning to do a few tans per day, or are you already an experienced technician looking to serve a high number of clients?
Your volume impacts everything: the machine you’ll enjoy using, how quickly you can move through appointments, how often you’ll refill solution, and how much wear your applicator will take over time.
A Quick Note on What “Best” Really Means
The best spray tan kit isn’t always the biggest kit. It’s the kit that matches your current business model and helps you deliver consistent results with less stress.
If you’re unsure, choose a kit that supports your next 90 days of growth. You can always add upgrades later, but you shouldn’t have to replace your entire setup because the first kit didn’t fit your workflow.
Essentials Package
If you’re a beginner, planning to use the kit for personal use, or expect to perform a low number of tans daily, the Essentials package is ideal. It provides a solid foundation and includes a choice between the Apollo MiniMist and the Fuji soloTAN machines.
Premier Package
For those who are familiar with spray tanning, offer existing beauty services, or anticipate a moderate volume of tans, the Premier package is recommended. It’s suitable for both mobile and salon-based businesses and offers a choice between the Apollo MiniMist Deluxe and the Fuji studioTAN machines.
Ultimate Package
If you’re running a high-volume sunless business, already have an established client base, or are an experienced technician, the Ultimate package is your best bet. This kit, featuring the Apollo MightyMist and the Fuji salonTAN machines, offers the power and efficiency needed to handle a high volume of tans.
Consider Your Service Locations
The second factor to ponder is where you will perform your tanning services. Are you planning to operate as a mobile technician, work in a salon or spa, or perhaps do both? The choice of your starter kit should align with your service location preferences.
The Apollo Mini Mist, Apollo Mini Mist Deluxe, or Fuji SoloTAN would be your best options!
salons or locations with minimal mobile services. Due to their weight, noise level, and spray volume capabilities,
the Fuji studioTan, Apollo Mighty Mist, or Fuji salonTan kits will be the best options!
Consider Your Equipment Preferences
Finally, you should consider your equipment preferences. Do you prefer a system that’s “pre-set and ready to use,”
or do you want more flexibility with ways to adjust and customize the tanning experience for your clients?
Focus on an even distance from the skin, smooth passes, and one uniform coat.
Kit Checklist: What the Best Spray Tan Kits Include
When you compare kits, don’t stop at the machine. A “best” kit supports consistent results, easy cleanup, and great client experiences. Here’s what to look for:
Choose what fits your schedule now—then level up when the demand proves it.
Solution + Color: How to Choose the Right Look
A spray tan kit is only as good as the results you can deliver. When you’re deciding on formulas, think in terms of
depth (how dark) and finish (how natural it looks on different skin tones).
Light / subtle glow
Medium / everyday bronze
Dark / bold result
If your clients worry about looking too warm, selecting formulas designed for a natural-looking finish (and pairing them with great prep + hydration) helps keep results balanced.
How to Choose the Best Spray Tan Kit: FAQs
Here are the most common questions artists ask when choosing a kit. Use these to narrow your options quickly.
If you’re consistently booked, doing back-to-back appointments, or tanning multiple clients in a short window, you’ll benefit from a setup built for higher daily volume. If you’re still building, a lighter kit can be the perfect start.
Yes. Mobile artists usually prioritize portability and quick setup. Salon artists often prioritize power, workflow, and a consistent room setup for speed and repeatability.
Both matter. Your machine affects application consistency and workflow. Your solution affects how the tan develops, looks, and wears. The best results come from pairing the right equipment with solid prep and aftercare.
Adjustable settings can be helpful if you like dialing in spray patterns or switching between body areas. If you prefer a simple, ready-to-use approach, a more straightforward applicator can still deliver beautiful results with good technique.
Start with a small range that covers your typical clients (a lighter option, a medium “everyday” option, and a deeper option). You can always expand your menu once you see what your clients request most.
Uneven fading usually comes from prep issues, application inconsistencies, or aftercare (like friction, long hot showers, or harsh exfoliation). A kit that supports prep + aftercare helps you prevent most problems.
Look for products that help create an even canvas and protect dry areas prone to grabbing color (hands, feet, elbows, knees). Consistent prep helps deliver more predictable results for every client.
Build cleaning into your routine. A clean applicator helps keep spray patterns consistent and prevents buildup that can lead to clogging or uneven application.
Recommend hydration and gentle care. Moisturizing helps the tan fade more evenly, while friction and aggressive exfoliation can shorten wear time.
Choose based on your real schedule right now. Essentials fits lower volume and simple mobility. Premier fits steady growth and mixed service locations. Ultimate fits high volume and busy studios.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a beginner, an intermediate technician, or an experienced pro, Sjolie has a starter kit to launch your sunless tanning journey. Choose the kit that matches your volume, location, and equipment style—then lean into a consistent prep, spray, and aftercare process. Once you make the investment, you’ll be well on your way to providing beautiful, natural-looking tans to your clients!