My GlowFusion Alternative.

So I have previously written about the pricey Fusion Beauty's GlowFusion Airglow for $175.  Seeing as I did not have the best of luck with the GlowFusion lotion, I though I would recommend my GlowFusion alternative.

modelco.jpgModelCo Tan Airbrush In A Can  is my alternative of choice.  With a 360-degree nozzle spraying the finest of mist to cover every body area evenly, this self-tanner is the closest to GlowFusion - but with better results, for me anyway.

The Coverage: Great! The mist sprays out very fine, and if you take your time and spray slowly, you get very even coverage. I recommend buying the tinted version first to get a feel of how the spray works. Areas like the back of arms and legs, even the neck are easy to reach with this spray. I like this best for my neck, back, chest and arms. Hands are a breeze with this formula. All you do is keep your fingers closed tightly to avoid staining the palms, and spray lightly a bit further from your hands than you would normally spray your body, and you get a very light coverage. With you hands, remember that less is more!

The Smell: Very slight. When initially spraying the formula, you smell a scent of cocoa butter in the air. It is very light and fresh. The smell of DHA is ever so faint, and really doesn't appear until the color is fully developed in 3 - 4 hours.

Drying Time: Fast! If sprayed correctly, this self-tanner dries within 2 - 3 minutes. If you are spraying so much that you see your body wet, you are spraying too much.

Staining: The translucent formula does not stain or transfer anywhere. You can dress as soon as you are dry or slip right into white sheets and not worry. The original formula that leaves color when sprayed, will leave a residue on everything it touches as you spray. I spray it in an area of my basement with old sheets on the floor. Do not spray this version in the bathroom as you will notice a build-up of colored dust that is a real pain to clean. When using the colored formula, wait a good 15 - 20 minutes before dressing or slipping between the sheets.

Lasting Time: 5 - 7 days! REALLY, I spray myself with this once a week. Sometimes I will apply it after 5 days if I want to darken up a little more, but plan on a full body spray at least once a week.

Price: ModelCo Tan Airbrush In A Can comes in three sizes, 1.7 oz (good for 1 - 2 complete body sprays) for $7, 5.3 oz for $28, or 7.8 oz for $36.  ModelCo Tan Translucent Airbrush In A Can  comes in just one 5.3 oz size for $28.


Getting A Tan, The Xen-Tan Way!

I discovered Xen-Tan last year, and I have been hooked ever since.

Xen-Tan is a line up of premium sunless tanners. Their line offers something from gradual, no tinted tanning cream, tinted sprays and lotions, mousse, and even bronzer for the fairest to the darkest of skin tones. Xen-Tan really has something for everyone.

I am always amazed at how well the self-tan from Xen-Tan lasts. It fades naturally with no freckled appearance, as none of their tanners contain mineral oil and the pH of the products are balanced in a way to give a natural looking glow that fades naturally and evenly - which is very important for us self-tanning addicts.  The tinted based products have color that is so believable, as it goes on an olive tan, instead of an orange or bronze glow. It looks so natural, that you can simply apply, dry, and go. And the smell is the best cherry-almond blend you have ever whiffed.

You must look at their website to get a full taste of all of their products, but here are my favorites that I use on a regular basis in my self-tanning routines.


xt_mist.gifXen-Tan Dark Mist, $29 - This is a tinted non-aerosol spray, in a pump. I like to spray it on a sponge like the one they offer on the website, and then apply where needed. It dries quick, so you have to blend it well and fast, but the color is amazing, and it is a cinch to use on the hands.

xt_extender.gifXen-Tan Tan Extender, For Light Tanning, $28 - This is a non-tinted (white in color) cream, that I use on my chest and neck a few times a week. The resulting color is very natural for me, not too dark or golden, just a natural looking light brown suntan. I also use it on my legs probably once a week, as an additional product to my regular leg self-tanner (Lancome Flash Bronzer) to keep my legs moisturized while still looking like I have a deep tan.

Are you a Xen-Tanner?
 

A Visit to Maryam's Soap Nook.

I have read the rave reviews of Maryam's Soap Nook's products, and am thrilled to have finally gotten to give some a try myself.

All of Maryam's products are all natural, and hand made with love in each batch.

msn_applepie.jpgI am such a sucker for handmade, hand cut soaps. And I am in love with this Dutch Apple Pie Handmade Soap. This soap is enriched with palm oil, olive oil, coconut oil, goats milk, shea butter, monoi de Tahiti oil, and Vitamin E. How enriching is that? It smells amazing with the aroma of fresh from the tree granny smith apples, smoothered in butter, cream, sugar, and cinnamon, with a background of fresh baked crust. Yum - is the best way to describe this. Each bar is $5.00.

 

msn_sheabutter.pngMayam also offers some glorious whipped shea butters. Hers are entitled Whipped Shea Monoi Body Butter. There is nothing like a whipped shea butter on rough knees, elbows, and feet, and to soothe sun scorched skin. And this shea butter is so ultra rich. Some of the scetns, scented only with essential oils, of course, include Sweet Lavender Herbal, Jasmine and Neroli, Chocolate Lovers, Fresh Cut Flowers, Pomegrante and Wild Berries, just to name a few. This Whipped Shea Monoi Body Butters sell for $15 for an 8 ounce jar or $25 for the 16 ounce jar.

I hear that Maryam'a Shea Butter and Dead Sea Salt Glow Scrub are her star product, and I can't wait to try that. It sounds like a perfect mix of ingredients to exfoliate and moisturize skin.

Be sure to visit Maryam's Soap Nook to see her handmade goodness for yourself.