Tanning Preparation for a Contest

1.) Tan Outside v. Inside
Get out in the sun, go to tanning beds. I prefer the sun over tanning beds due to the higher UV rays in a bed, plus you can find some fun things to do in the sun. Use the bed to even up the spots that the sun doesn't get. Make sure you don't burn a lot, take it easy when tanning and do 20-30 at a time outdoors and 10-15 indoors, don't try to do a lot at once. I would say start about a month out from your show. For those that are local, I tan at Solarium on Edison.

2.) Tanning Paints & Oils-
a.) Water-based-One paint I like and use is DreamTan. It is basically a water-based paint that applies with a wood-staining type brush. I will use this the night before a show, and apply two coats letting the first one dry before applying the second and touch-up in the morning, because a lot will rub off in your bed or wherever you sleep that night. Use old sheets to sleep on that night, because it can be messy (nice thing about hotels and out of town contests). When applying try to find a good spray bottle and then wipe with brush. If not, then dip brush in an old bowl or old whip cream or butter container. Also, always have gloves, towels, and Ziploc bags handy so it won't spill and get on your stuff.

b.) Oil-based-DreamTan is my personal favorite. I have used #1 and #2. #2 is definitely darker than #1, for those that need a little more color. Dream Tan I apply in the morning about an hour before I step on stage, and a few minutes before I pump up, but be careful, this stuff is real messy, and get all over everything, so make sure you have dark or cruddy clothes to where when you leave and be careful what you touch, especially in between shows (in the car, hotel, house, etc.). Make sure you bring towels, and gloves for those that are helping you so they can clean off, handy wipes are nice too. Dream tan looks great if applied evenly and not blotchy or streaky. Also takes days to wash off.

c.) Spray guns and Auto booths-Spray booths have become popular over the past few years especially temporary ones that are put up backstage at a show.  These can be great so you don’t have to do all the work and it stays nice right before you go up on stage, but can be expensive.  Automated are becoming the new thing, because you just get in and follow directions from the voice control.  I really like these because they are quick and easy and no one is hovering around you the whole time.  They provide a nice color and clear coat to avoid the mess you can leave behind with the other oils. These come in handy for special occasions, such as weddings, prom, etc.

Oil-My personal favorite is Hot Stuff, rather than baby oil. First note of warning, when applying hot stuff on dream tan, be careful will make dream tan run and make a worse mess. Use sparingly when applying. Luckily you don't need a lot of hot stuff due to the fact that dream tan has oil in it, but what I do like about Hot stuff it make your skin burn and turn a little red from the niacin in it. This will make your veins pop out which is good.
A few side notes-If you’re worried about skin cancer like we all are and you don't want to spend a lot of time in the sun, the products are safe and will definitely help, but if you don't want to have white spots show up in areas where it might rub off, arm bits and between thighs are the two most common, then tanning definitely helps. You don't want the judges and audience to focus on your white spots and not see all the work you have put in. Shaving-I like to shave the night before, and prefer bath shaving over shower shaving.
…For more information and tips, check my website, www.chadamartin.com.