Norvell Venetian, Dark & Clear: Which Spray Tan Solution Is Right for You?
We carry three Norvell sunless solutions: Venetian, Dark and Clear. They all use DHA to create your color, but each one is built on a different base, and that base changes how your finished tan looks. Here's how they differ and who each one tends to suit.
Venetian has a cool violet-brown base designed to counter orange and yellow tones for a smoky, Mediterranean-style bronze. Dark has a warm brown base for a classic golden-brown tan. Clear has no cosmetic bronzer at all, so color appears gradually as the DHA develops, which makes it the subtlest option.
Key takeaways
- ✓Every solution has two parts: DHA, which develops your lasting color over hours, and a cosmetic bronzer base that gives immediate guide color and rinses off.
- ✓Venetian uses a cool violet-brown base to help counter orange and yellow tones.
- ✓Dark uses a warm brown base for a classic, golden-brown bronze.
- ✓Clear has no cosmetic bronzer, so you won't see color right away. It develops gradually for a light, natural glow.
- ✓Norvell suggests Venetian for yellow undertones and Dark for blue or violet undertones. Our team can help you choose.
Why the base matters
A sunless solution does two things at once. The DHA reacts with the outer layer of your skin and develops into your lasting color over the next several hours. The cosmetic bronzer, sometimes called guide color, gives you a tan-looking shade right away and washes off at your first rinse. The tone of that bronzer, cool violet-brown or warm brown, shapes how your finished color reads once everything has developed. DHA itself is an ingredient the FDA has approved as a color additive for external cosmetic use.
Norvell Venetian: cool violet-brown
Venetian is built on a cool violet-brown base. According to Norvell's own solution guide, the violet tone is designed to counter orange and yellow undertones, which gives a deep, smoky, Mediterranean-style bronze rather than a brassy one. Norvell recommends Venetian for guests with a yellow undertone. If a past spray tan turned orange or golden on you, Venetian is usually the first solution to try. (Had that happen? See our guide to fixing streaks, orange tones and patchy hands.)
Norvell Dark: warm brown
Dark is built on a warm brown base for a classic, golden-brown tan with a natural "just back from the beach" look. Norvell recommends it for guests with blue or violet undertones. It's also a popular pick for fairer guests who want rich, warm color rather than a cooler tone.
Norvell Clear: no cosmetic bronzer
Clear contains no cosmetic bronzer, so there's no guide color on your skin right after your session. Your color shows up only as the DHA develops over the following hours. That makes it the most subtle choice, and a good fit if you want a light spray tan, a gradual glow, or less color to rub off on clothes and sheets in the first hours. It's generally recommended for light to medium skin tones.
Venetian, Dark and Clear at a glance
| Venetian | Dark | Clear | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Cool violet-brown | Warm brown | No cosmetic bronzer |
| Finished look | Smoky, Mediterranean bronze | Classic golden-brown | Light, natural glow |
| Often chosen by | Guests with yellow undertones, or whose past tans turned orange | Guests wanting warm, rich color | Guests wanting a subtle, gradual result |
| Color right after session | Yes, guide color shows | Yes, guide color shows | No, develops over hours |
How to choose
Start with what happened last time. If a tan has turned orange or gold on you, try Venetian. If you want a warmer, classic bronze, try Dark. If you only want a hint of color, try Clear. These are general guidelines from Norvell, and your own skin chemistry plays a part, so tell our team what you've liked or not liked before and they'll point you to the right one. You can switch solutions between visits if you want to compare.
New to all this? Start with our spray tan guide, or read how an automated sunless booth works before your first visit.
Ask our team to match your shade
Tell us what you've liked or not liked in past spray tans and we'll point you to Venetian, Dark or Clear at any of our six South Hills salons.
Visit our salonFrequently asked questions
What's the difference between Norvell Venetian and Dark?
Venetian has a cool violet-brown base that counters orange and yellow tones for a smoky bronze. Dark has a warm brown base for a classic golden-brown tan.
Which solution is best if my spray tan turned orange?
Venetian is usually the first one to try, since its violet-brown base is designed to counter orange and yellow tones.
What is a Clear spray tan solution?
Clear has no cosmetic bronzer, so you won't see guide color right after your session. Your color develops gradually as the DHA works over the next several hours.
Will a Clear spray tan rub off on my clothes?
With no cosmetic bronzer there is no guide color to transfer, but the tan is still developing, so follow normal aftercare and wear loose, dark clothing for the first few hours.
How long does a Norvell spray tan last?
Most sunless tans last about 5 to 10 days depending on your skin, aftercare and how often you shower or exfoliate.
Brian Homerosky
Founder & Owner, Sunsational Tan
Austin Homerosky
Owner, Sunsational Tan
Brian founded Sunsational Tan in 1995; Austin now oversees day-to-day operations across all six South Hills locations. Guides like this one are reviewed by the team that actually runs these services in-salon.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and reflects publicly available FDA guidance and manufacturer information current as of publication. It is not medical advice. Sunsational Tan does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment or advice. Consult a licensed physician with questions about a skin condition, pregnancy, or an allergy before your appointment.