Spray tanning has become an increasingly popular alternative to UV tanning beds and prolonged sun exposure. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to decide which brand and solution is right for you.
Two of the most popular spray tan solutions available today are Norvell Venetian Plus and Norvell Double Dark. But what exactly sets these two apart, and which one is ultimately better?
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Venetian Plus | Double Dark |
| Color | Golden olive tan | Ultra-dark bronze |
| Depth of Shade | Dark tan | Extremely dark tan |
| Active Ingredient | DHA and Erythrulose blend | Higher % of DHA |
| Odor | Minimal | Minimal |
| Development Time | 8-12 hours | 12-24 hours |
| Duration of Tan | 7-10 days | 10-14 days |
| Best For | Subtle, natural looking tan | Maximum color saturation |
Overview Of Norvell Venetian Plus And Double Dark
Norvell is an industry leader when it comes to sunless tanning products. The company offers a wide range of solutions that allow you to customize your perfect shade. Venetian Plus and Double Dark are two of their most iconic bronzing formulas.
Norvell Venetian Plus is their original dark spray tanning solution. It provides a rich, olive-toned tan that develops over 4-8 hours. The color is meant to emulate a post-vacation glow. This solution utilizes Norvell’s proprietary bronzing blend to provide lasting results for up to 7-10 days.
Norvell Double Dark is an ultra-dark bronzing formula. As the name implies, it produces a darker tan compared to Venetian Plus. The added DHA concentration provides a beautiful, brown tan that keeps getting darker even after you leave the tanning salon. It also utilizes Norvell’s signature blend for long-lasting color that fades evenly.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the details and compare these two top-selling products.
Color And Development
One of the biggest differences between Venetian Plus and Double Dark is the depth of color these solutions provide.
Venetian Plus creates a natural, golden olive tan. It is a nice dark shade without being overly intense. The color continues to fully develop even after rinsing off the initial bronzing cosmetic color guide. This helps avoid uneven tones or splotchiness. The tan peaks at around 8 hours and then begins to gradually fade over the next 7-10 days.
Double Dark, on the other hand, produces an extra rich, dark chocolate hue. It’s noticeably darker than Venetian right after your session. As the DHA works its magic, the color intensifies to a deep, bronze tan. It rivals the pigment you would get from weeks in the sun. The added dose of DHA does mean you need to be diligent about exfoliation to avoid uneven fading.
If you’re looking for a subtle, golden glow, Venetian Plus is the way to go. But for those seeking an ultra-dark tan, Double Dark is guaranteed to deliver.
Ingredients
Both Venetian Plus and Double Dark contain Norvell’s proprietary blend of DHA and Erythrulose. These active tanning agents react with amino acids in the skin through the Maillard reaction to produce color. But Double Dark amps up the DHA percentage for extra bronzing power.
In addition to the main tanning actives, these solutions also contain beneficial ingredients like:
- Nutrient-rich extracts and vitamins
- Aloe vera and other humectants for moisture
- Anti-aging antioxidants
- Fragrances for an enjoyable tanning experience
Norvell solutions use only cosmetic-grade DHA, meaning they are safe for use on the skin. Their proprietary blend doesn’t have the harsh chemical odor associated with low-quality DHA.
Application
Venetian Plus and Double Dark are designed for professional airbrush application in a spray tanning salon. As with any sunless tanning solution, the technique your technician uses will impact your final results. Make sure to go to an experienced salon that uses Norvell products.
Some tips for your spray tanning session:
- Exfoliate thoroughly before your appointment
- Arrive with clean, dry, shaved skin
- Use the barrier cream they provide to protect palms, cuticles, etc.
- Hold the proper poses during your session
- Allow the recommended development time before showering
- Follow aftercare instructions to maximize and maintain your tan
With the right prep and application techniques, you’ll get flawless results with either Venetian Plus or Double Dark.
Also Read: Choose Between Norvell Venetian And Dark.
Cost
As two of Norvell’s premium solutions, Venetian Plus and Double Dark are priced similarly. You can expect to spend $25-$50 per session depending on your location and individual salon pricing. Since Double Dark uses a higher DHA percentage, it may come at a slightly higher cost.
Monthly unlimited tanning packages at salons can reduce the per-session cost. But no matter which solution you choose, Norvell products provide excellent value considering how long the results last.
Odor
One common concern with any DHA spray tan is odor, which is caused by the reaction that develops the color. Lower quality solutions often have a strong chemical scent.
Norvell’s proprietary bronzing blend uses the highest grade DHA available to minimize odor. Customers report little to no odor with Venetian Plus and Double Dark when applied correctly. Any smell dissipates quickly after rinsing. Be sure to go to an experienced technician who knows proper application techniques for minimal scent.
Duration Of Results
Thanks to the premium formulas, both Venetian Plus and Double Dark provide long-lasting color that fades gradually. Proper prep and aftercare will maximize how long your tan lasts.
Venetian Plus delivers gorgeous color that lasts for up to 10 days. The shade will continue intensifying for 8 hours after application. Exfoliate regularly as the tan begins to fade to maintain an even tone.
Double Dark results can last over 2 weeks with proper aftercare. The ultra-dark color takes longer to fully develop but remains vibrant for a long time. Be extra diligent with moisturizing and exfoliating to prevent uneven fading.
No matter which solution you choose, you’ll enjoy naturally bronzed skin for up to 2 weeks before needing a color boost.
Who Should Use Each Product?
With an understanding of the differences between the two products, deciding which is best comes down to your tanning goals:
Norvell Venetian Plus is ideal for those seeking a natural-looking, golden tan. It’s perfect for first-time spray tanners or clients wanting a subtle sun-kissed glow. The ease of application and gentle fading also makes it a great choice for maintaining color year-round.
Norvell Double Dark is perfect for spray tanning pros looking to amp things up. The ultra-dark bronze shade is ideal for special occasions, vacations, bodybuilding competitions, and more. Clients wanting maximum color saturation will be thrilled with the intense hue.
Also Read: Comparison Between EltaMD And CeraVe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, Double Dark is noticeably darker than Venetian Plus. The higher DHA concentration in Double Dark creates an ultra-dark, intensely bronzed tan compared to the golden olive hue of Venetian.
Norvell Dark is an older formula that produces a medium tan. Venetian Plus came later to provide a darker, olive-toned tan. Both utilize Norvell’s signature bronzing blend, but Venetian has more DHA for deeper color saturation.
Venetian Plus should remain on the skin for 8-12 hours for full development. Leaving the initial bronzing cosmetic color on for at least 8 hours allows the DHA deeper in the skin time to fully react and produce even, lasting color.
There is no single “best” Norvell solution. Venetian Plus is ideal for clients wanting a natural-looking, golden tan. Double Dark is perfect for those seeking an ultra-dark, intense bronze hue. Consult your technician to choose the right solution for your individual tanning goals.
Conclusion
Whichever solution you choose, Norvell Venetian Plus and Double Dark both provide gorgeous, long-lasting results when applied properly. Be sure to find an experienced technician that uses these premium products. With the right prep and aftercare, you’ll have flawless bronzed skin in no time!
Ready to book your next spray tanning appointment? Let us know if you have any other questions to determine which Norvell solution is your perfect match. We can’t wait to give you your healthiest glow yet!