GLOW-T AWARDS: Xen-Tan Absolute Gold

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BEST OF THE BEST: Xen-Tan Absolute Gold 

Xen-Tan Absolute Gold is my Summer 2012 winner for best self-tanning product. In just one application this self-tanner produces a rich, deep, olive-based tan that lasts.

The luxurious formula contains a color guard made of 24K gold leaf. Usually, I am not a fan of color guards. I believe them to be unnecessary and the reason behind messy application. However, the gold sheen in this product is very flattering and subtle. It dries nicely and does not rub-off on clothing or bed linens.

Enriched with Shea Butter, Absolute Gold is incredibly moisturizing – which is why, I believe, it lasts so long. The rich lotion feels very pampering on the skin and does not stick to stubborn dry patches. It absorbs into the skin very quickly, which cuts out drying time, but forces application to be speedy. The formula contains Xen-Tan’s innovative “Scent Secure” – a ground-breaking technology that blocks out self-tan (DHA) odor. And has a sweet vanilla scent, that reminds me of yummy marzipan.

For an easy, single-application, luxurious-feeling, natural-looking dark tan – you need to try Xen-Tan Absolute Gold.

Read my post on: Application Tips & Tricks

GLOW-T AWARDS: Kerstin Florian Sunless Tan

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BEST MOISTURIZING SELF-TANNER: Kerstin Florian Sunless Tan

Kerstin Florian Sunless Tan is an innovative product that provides easy application, natural color, consistency, moisture and a pleasant aroma.

The uber moisturizing formula is enriched with Sweet Almond Oil and Shea Butter to deeply hydrate and smooth the skin for a radiant, streak-free appearance. Ginko Biloba and Echinacea extracts help to condition the skin, fight free radicals and promote healthy cell regeneration.

The active ingredient in most self-tanners is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with the outer layer of the skin to create a bronzed tone. Kerstin Florian Sunless Tan uses a natural sunless tanning ingredient derived from a vegetable source. It reacts with amino acids in the top layer of the skin to produce the golden appearance.

Selected by SELF Magazine as the “Best New Self-Tanning Product of the Year,” Kerstin Florian Sunless Tan is thick and creamy and smells subtly like a bouquet of flowers. The initial color is light but builds to a beautiful sun-kissed glow. It feels very lux on the skin and feels and smells like a spa treatment.

Read my post on: Application Tips & Tricks

Tips & Tricks: Perfect Summer Glow

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I have spent the last couple months aggressively testing the best self-tanning products on the market. From sprays to mousse, wipes to lotions, I have discovered some great formulas and techniques. (Reviews to follow)

Along the way, I have picked up some tips and tricks to get the perfect summer glow:

PREP:

☀ Do a patch test: Skin may be sensitive to DHA (a sugar derivative) or other ingredients in the product.

☀ Wax 24 hours in advance. Shave 12 hours in advance.

☀ Exfoliate! To get the smoothest, streak-free color possible, apply self-tanner immediately after exfoliating. The outer layer of the epidermis, which is what the self-tanner interacts with, is composed of dead skin cells that last only 7 to 10 days before they shed. You want to make sure you have an even layer of dead skin cells so that they all tan and slough off together. If you don’t properly exfoliate some of the skin will begin peeling in a day or two, which can result in a splotchy tan job.

☀ Apply a light body lotion to dry areas such as knees, elbows and heels. Body lotion will prevent the tanner from saturating these areas.

☀ Choose your favorite self-tanning formula: Aerosols are easy to apply and dry very fast. Mousse has quick-drying power and gives you more control. Wipes are great for on-the-go. Lotions are the most hydrating and will generally last the longest.

APPLICATION:

☀ 99% of the time you will end up with a streaky or uneven tan because of lack of product. Always work with enough product so you are able to glide it over the skin freely. Your skin will only absorb a certain amount of product so it is better to follow the “more is better” rule.

☀ With many application methods to choose from: gloves, mitts, brushes… I believe the best device is your hands. To prevent tan-palms, do not wait until the end to wash your hands. Scrub hands after each section of the body is completed.

☀ Apply product section by section. Always start at the bottom, so you won’t crease the color as you bend over. Start with feet: Apply product to a cotton round and blend on the tops of feet, toes and ankle area. This is my biggest problem area and have found this technique to be the best.

☀ Continue to apply over the shin and calf of a leg. Then apply tanner to your thigh from front to back, using the excess to cover your knee. Repeat on your other leg. For the final step, apply tanner to your hips, stomach and torso, following with your shoulders and arms.

☀ For application to the back area – your best bet is have someone do it for you. Otherwise, use an aerosol formula for an easier reach.

☀ Hands – same technique as feet. After applying product to the body. Wash hands vigorously. Add product to a cotton round and smooth over the backs of hands and lightly on the fingers, blending down onto the wrist area.

☀ An easy way to soften or slow down the absorption of self-tanner on areas that tend to grab a lot of product such as the elbows, knees and heels is to use a dry wash cloth to gently buff these areas after application. It will pick up some of the excess self-tanner and prevent them from getting too dark.

☀ Ever notice that areas like sunspots, melasma or old scars tend to get darker and more noticeable when you’ve slathered on self-tanner? Once you apply self-tanner to the area, take a slightly damp Q-Tip and gently wipe off the self-tanner from the areas where the dark spots are most prevalent. If it still grabs to the spot – try dipping Q-Tip into some rubbing alcohol. This will minimize the chance of the area getting darker and create a more even tone to the skin.

☀ Wait at least 15 minutes before dressing.

EXTENDING YOUR TAN:

☀ Moisturize! Try to moisturize the skin a couple times a day.

☀ Try a gradual tanner. This will not only extend your tan but will even it out as well.

Healthy Skin from Within: Nordic Naturals Complete Omega – 3.6.9

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There are a million reasons to take an omega-3 supplement everyday. One of the many is that EFAs or essential fatty acids control a large number of cellular processes in the body that directly relate to the health of your skin, hair and nails. Before I get to that, let’s look at the numerous benefits of fish oil.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are considered “essential fats” because they are required for optimal health but cannot be produced by the body. EFAs can be found in fish, flaxseeds, walnuts and canola. Fish oil supplies the most beneficial omega-3s, which are: EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Eating actual fish (mostly oily, cold water fish like salmon, tuna, herring and sardines) is the best food source of EPA and DHA, but due to concerns about toxins such as mercury, a fish oil supplement is the safest source.

OMEGA-3:  EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)

*Healthy heart and body*

• Maintains a healthy heart and circulatory system
• Enhances joint flexibility and movement
• Promotes healthy immune function
• Supports optimal metabolism and body composition
• Promotes balanced blood sugar levels
• Supports the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response

OMEGA-3:  DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)

*Healthy mood, mind and memory*

• Supports learning and memory
• Promotes positive mood and well-being
• Supports and protects the brain, eyes, nervous and immune systems
• Essential for the proper development of infants and children
• Recommended by physicians for pregnant and lactating women

OMEGA-6:  GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid)

*Healthy skin, hair and hormones*

• Nourishes hair and skin
• Supports healthy joints
• Enhances Hormonal Balance
• Maintains optimal body fat metabolism
• Supports positive mood
• Supports a regular menstrual cycle

OMEGA-9:  OA (Oleic Acid)

*Healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels*

• Naturally occurs in fish oil
• A “good for you: omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid
• Supports healthy blood vessel function
• Promotes healthy cell membrane structure

Healthy Skin from Within:

Our skin cells need plenty of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. Without these, our skin can become dry, dull, prone to premature aging and even inflamed. There are two key essential fatty acids that your skin and hair will love. Since your body doesn’t manufacture them, they must be sourced through food and/or supplements.

Omega-3s in fish oil have been shown to:

• Keep the skin hydrated thus helping to prevent dry skin and other skin conditions
• Help soothe scaly, rough skin by reducing unnecessary inflammation
• Improve blood flow and support the elasticity of red blood cells thereby providing more oxygen to nourish the skin
• Encourage the production of strong collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis making skin look younger by reducing wrinkling and sagging

GLA is an Omega-6 fatty acid that occurs naturally in evening primrose and borage oils and has shown to:

• Relieve dry skin
• Reduce hair loss
• Provide relief for eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis

Your skin is the largest organ in the body and allows approximately 60% of “what goes on it, to go inside it”. Anything that increases the body’s ability to maintain integrity in our highly polluted world is a plus for your beauty routine.

Nordic Naturals is the leading manufacturer of fish oil in the United States. They are committed to delivering the world’s safest, most effective omega oils. The Complete Omega – 3.6.9 is an omega-rich blend that contains all the needed ingredients to support heart health, brain function, positive mood, healthy joints, as well as healthy hair, skin and nails. It has a fresh lemon taste that ensures no fishy smell, taste or aftertaste and all research is based on third-party test results – resulting in an honest and pure product. You will not find a better fish oil than Nordic Naturals.