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| Rightio........ I have decided to design a page based on things that I am asked quite often, mainly from the gals, but I am also including things that the fellas might find interesting ( Especially when it comes to "tanning / bronzing") Things such as..... "How do I get a good base tan for a show?" or ... "What is the best way to get rid of body hair before a show?" These are common questions asked by men and women.My aim is to guide you in the right direction, and to hopefully give answers to some of the trivial things that are so often looked over when it comes to either a competition or even a photo shoot Hey......I think it's helpful to know most of these things for every day general livingI do believe that healthy well being comes from not only our "inner selves" or by our eating habits, but also from the simple, basic things in life such as feeling better about one's "appearance" This is a large part of becoming a happier, healthier and confident human beingI am not at all insinuating that "looks are everything" I am a true believer in making the most of what you have instead of wallowing in self-doubt or pity. I am certainly no natural beauty! But I have learned to make the most of what I have I absolutely LOVE grrly thingz such as make-up (in moderation), filing and painting my fingernails and my toenails, pedicures, clips, gadgets, lip glosses, earings --- oh crikey, the list goes on! All the fun things that are enjoyable just being a gal After scanning through this page and its contents maybe you will have learned just a little bit more than you knew before reading |
Tanning / Exfoliation / Moisturising * Try to start at least 4 weeks prior to show / shoot. The easliest way is use of a solarium (tanning bed) Take a little bit longer if you are very fair skinned, and these sessions should be dones l o w l y to start with. Working anywhere from 5 minutes up to 25 minutes each session is important if you are fair-skinned. And remember, some fair-skinned folks will never tan whether from natural sunlight or a solarium. Your skin just doesnt have the required melanin to change the epidermal layers. A harsh reality it seems, but really just means that you should start to search for your "perfect fake tan" (bottled). If you tan easily or know that you will tan eventually, then starting around 4 - 5 weeks prior to your event is all that is needed for a good base tan. I do not recommend that you place you face under the rays. The skin is much finer and delicate. A good fake tan, or bronzer can always be applied instead. ( For the gals, some similar skin-toned make-up is easy to use. And this day and age, there is even one for the fellas............yes guys, get with it!! You wont be called queer for using something that will actually help keep you looking younger and less wrinkled!! Skin is skin and both sex's skin need a little TLC (Note: Sunbeds are NOT considered safe and can still cause skin cancer) Exfoliation is a large part of skincare when tanning. Cheaper skin scrubs are just as efficient as those that cost big $$$ so shop around. I recommend using skin scrubs ( sold in most supermarkets world wide) and the Jan Tana Skin Scrub is awesome! Also try a moisturizing soap such as Dove Soap and exfoliating gloves found in most chemists (drug store to the yankees!) Check to make sure the scrubs and lotions you select do NOT contain anything such as the Alpha-hydroxy ingredients. These are meant for those who are not going to be out in UV rays, and may actually damage your skin. They are designed to slough off the top layers to bring out the newer skin underneath, and this skin is very delicate. (You can still "burn" in a solarium - don't be fooled by salon owners who say otherwise!) The scrubs with the finer particles are generally better for the more delicate parts of your body such as face and neck areas. I tend to use the smaller grained scrubs for all over the body. If you would like to try a real treat, then look to the awesome scrubs made from the company "Origins". They are also situated world-wde. You really shouldnt over-exfoliate, maybe just once every 5 - 7 days Moisturizing is the next step, and very important. I do not believe all the hype that certain companies promise when stating that their products make skin "younger". They do hydrate the skin and help to retain moisture. So once again, just look for those that are decently priced, since it is something that is to be used every day up to twice a day. Moisturisers should be used year round. Skin dries out just as much in Winter as it does in Summer. A great one to try out for the body is one I LOVE and am addicted to! It is called Nut Body Butter from the Body Shop...... it is not in a huge container, but a little goes a long way. I also love Bath & Body Tutti Dolci Butter Lotion (in Sugar Wafer) . Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion is also good. The Extra Dry formula is probably gonna be more popular with the guys. The smell is not as strong. Although, I have never heard a bad word about the Nut Butter........ in fact my hubby goes through as much as me!! Just remember to ALWAYS moisturise after a shower. And also before going to bed last thing in the day. As for the face? Well, that does depend on your skin type. I suggest maybe getting a skin test done ( usually quick and free!!) from a cosmetic counter or a beauty salon to determine what works best for you! (I use Prescriptives Super Line Preventer) Bottled Fake Tans have come a long way! There are SO many on the market these days. Most of them do take overnight to take effect, and can be annoying if you accidently missed a spot, or put too much on one spot. All I can recommend is that you do try out a few different brands, whether they are instant tans ( the lotion is brown) or gradual tans. If you are using these for a photo shoot that is cool, but I dont recommend them for a bodybuilding / fitness show. A much darker tan is needed because of the strong lights you are under. The better ones to use are ProTan, Contest Colour (Aussie brand), Dya-Derm and Jan Tana Show Tan. Please try a test colour first!! Dont wait until the day before a show to throw it on. Try it a few weeks before hand, and ALWAYS try a test patch, about the size of a twenty cent piece (2 quarters) to see if you have any kind of skin reaction. Many contest tanning products contain acetone, an ingredient that can irritate some of you with sensitive skin. Always exfoliate all over your body (including your back......hey what a great excuse to get your partner to scrub your back??......haha) before you use a fake tan, and most of the competition tans will go on a lot smoother if you apply a light moisturizer first, leaving 2 hours before applying the tanning product. Now, as far as the show tanners go put on one coat all over starting 2 days before your show. Sleep on an old sheet (or one you dont mind getting brown!) and then in the morning shower lightly. Repeat with the next coat that day, and shower lightly that afternoon. Put on another coat then only have a towel "wash" the night before the show and put on your final layers the next day, being the day of your show (I like the instant towlettes you can buy to use that night before and for the big day) If you are going to try a product called Dream Tan ..then please try it out first. I have seen good and very bad results from this bronzer!! If you are a person who seems to have "thicker" skin........Dont use it without trying it first. I really think this product is great for guys/girls who are totally shredded with that extremely thin skin, otherwise it can make you appear flat and smoother then you really are! It may tend to rather "hide" your detail then to enhance it. Please do yourself a huge favour and try it BEFORE you go up on stage. For the fitness/figure gals it's great though. (Just remember that the stuff gets EVERYWHERE!! ) A suggestion for an every day tan is my personal fav - Tan Towels from HSN.com |
Hope some of this info helps you out ..... I try to be available for more advice but as my time on the internet is limited I may not be able to respond as quickly as I'd like :) For questions related to training and nutrition please see my online personal training for more information Even More information and a message board for you to ask me all kinds of questions can be found at my Members Club |
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