Robby LaRiviere with Tabatha Coffey. Photo Credits: Lobeline Communications ©2012

What the LGBT community in Provincetown has known for years and what the world saw on Tabatha’s Salon Takeover, has now arrived in West Hollywood, as Robby LaRiviere - beautician extraordinaire -  is now making the community even more fabulous at the Meridian Day Spa.

The last few seasons of Bravo-TV’s hit show revolves around Tabatha Coffey helping failing salons turn around in one week. This season she’s evolved beyond salons, helping an array of struggling businesses under the show’s new title “Tabatha Takes Over.”

But it was last year standout episode with LaRiviere (pronounced la-riv-ee-air) as the West End Salon’s “spray tan guru” in Ptown that propelled him into the pantheon of memorable Bravo moments.

With Robby’s artistic eye and desire for perfection, he uses an airbrush technique for a natural-looking spray tan which customizes each application. 

He is even able to reshape and contour your body – so if the gym can't tone it, the tan will! The process only takes 7 minutes, lasts for 7 days and you chose the level of darkness. 

Trained at the late Vidal Sassoon’s Institute in Santa Monica, LaRiviere has been in the beauty business since the age of 15.

Robby LaRiviere, Photo Credits: Lobeline Communications ©2012

During this past Hollywood’s award season, LaRiviere was the featured spray tanning artist all weekend long at the Vani-T Tan Oscars Celebrity Gifting Suite in The W Hotel and his client Francesca Lo Schiavo won the Oscar forBest Achievement in Art Direction for Martin Scorsese’s Hugo

We recently had a chance to catch up with LaRiviere between spray tan sessions and beautifying his clients and got down to some of the basics that inquiring minds would like to know:

Q: What made you want to move to West Hollywood? Do you have plans to go back to P Town for the summer?

A: I  knew I wanted to move to west Hollywood the moment I arrived! From the weather, to the high frequency at which people operate, Weho's culture, attitude and beautiful people inside and out allow for a supportive environment that truly embraces individuality.

Although I have enjoyed Provincetown for the past four summers, I am excited to spend the summer in Beverly Hills/West Hollywood, continuing to build a happy, beautiful,  powerful clientele. Ptown is however, hard to resist. So I'll probably head back in august for a few weeks with friends.  I hope all my new west coast fans and friends come and visit me there too! 

Q:To many Provincetown & West Hollywood are like Night & Day. Do you see any similarities between the two Gay Hotspots?

A: Absolutely! Granted it is true Weho is known more for its nightlife, as opposed to Ptown which is just as fun but seems to revolve more around day activities (beach, tea dance, bars close at 1 am) Both towns are very similar though in their beautiful energy. Both Weho and Ptown, are places where you can  be totally free and uninhibited. If you walk down the street in either of these town wearing a lampshade on your head,  instead of gawking, they applaud!

Q: How often should you spray tan to keep a consistent color?

Robby LaRiviere. Lobeline Communications ©2012

A: To maintain that healthy natural glow all year long, I would recommend tanning once a week. Not only will this keep your eyes looking bright and teeth sparkling white...  My new Vani-T Australian Natural Tanning solution has skin firming and cell rejuvenation properties which help to hydrate and make your skin feel younger - killing two birds with one stone!  

Q: Should people with breakouts spray tan? Why or why not?

A: Absolutely! My tanning solution won't only mask blemishes, it will heal them as well!!  From pasty to perfect! After all…”Why be a nine when you can be a TEN!?”

Q: Why should people switch from a Spray Tanning Machine to you?

A: Let’s put it this way,  I  have been spray tanning since I was 12; from harmful UV tanning beds to cookie cutter orange mystic spray machines... And HANDS DOWN the best tan money can buy is a professionally applied air brush spray tan.  Getting a spray tan should be as common as receiving a haircut or manicure. Spray tans have always had such a bad rap, but a properly executed tan with my odorless, streak free, ash based solution, it will last long, look fabulous, and create a natural Caribbean glow.

With every tan I perform, I customize the solution to the level of my clients desired darkness depending on their skin tone and features. Not only does the air brush application leave you streak free, but a well-trained artist can actually reshape and contour your body! If you can't tone it, then TAN it!

Q: What was the Bravo-TV experience like with Tabatha?

A: Tabatha is such a wonderful, sweet person, contrary to her stern persona portrayed on the show.  It was an amazing experience that opened many doors and helped me manifest inherent skills to beautify the world! 

For more information on Robby LaRiviere and on all the world-class spa treatments check out www.RobbyLaRiviere.com and www.MeridianDaySpa.com