Tag Skin

Why Liquid Sun Rayz is the BEST Competition Color Around

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LSRAfter competing in the NPC for a number of years I have tried ALL the major brands of competition spray tanning products and have certainly formulated opinions regarding each brand. I remember the first time I had Liquid Sun Rayz (LSR) applied and was mesmerized by the deep mahogany tone of the product. It was more believable than other brands and looked incredible onstage. Yet I found myself in geographic regions which featured other products, so I was often forced to use other products with results that never impressed me in the same way that LSR did. Whenever a competitor asks me what color I recommend, I always say LSR because I know it will always look outstanding onstage. The formula works well on pale skin tones and looks beautiful on the darker skin tones as well. You will NEVER look orange, yellow or green onstage with LSR. The formula also adheres beautifully to the skin and the DHA imparts a very deep color after several hours.

Another very important reason why I love LSR so much is that Marilyn Spatola has established a tremendous business which truly celebrates the athlete. The LSR team is very organized and adheres well to their spray schedule. I have heard horror stories about competitors choosing other spraying services and waiting for hours past their appointment times or not getting sprayed at all. Marilyn and her spray team are respectful, professional, caring and efficient. I never worry about whether my tan will look good for a contest because I know that LSR will make sure that my color (and everyone else’s) looks perfect.

I am so very excited to be one of the LSR Sponsored Athletes and look forward to LSR’s continued successes!

CoQ10’s Benefits

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CoQ10 ChartCoenzyme Q10 is an essential nutrient found in every cell of the body which is involved in cellular energy production. It confers a protective effect against damage from free radicals, thus also classifying it as an antioxidant. CoQ10 can be found in a multitude of foods, but is especially high in beef, peanuts, sardines, mackerel and organ meats.

CoQ10 has demonstrable effects against cardiovascular disease, cancer, and periodontal disease, and is also said to boost recovery from exercise. However, the most documented effect on health which CoQ10 has is its beneficial effect on treating hypertension. People with hypertension have CoQ10 levels which are below normal, and these same individuals have shown a reduction in blood pressure when supplemented with CoQ10.

Another strong benefit of CoQ10 supplementation is treatment of periodontal disease. CoQ10 can reduce the swelling, bleeding, pain and gum recession which characterize the disease. However, pairing this supplement with vitamin C would yield stronger benefits.

Some individuals take CoQ10 to reverse skin damage and preserve the collagen and elastin in skin. Levels of CoQ10 decrease with advancing age, resulting in decreased ability to produce collagen and elastin, so taking CoQ10 orally or applying it topically may boost skin repair.

Most individuals should supplement with 100 milligrams of CoQ10, but if insomnia occurs, take half the dose and only take it in the morning. Side effects at high doses (300 milligrams or more per day) include rashes, abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, headache, fatigue and sensitivity to light. Individuals who are taking warfarin may experience a diminished response to the blood thinner when taking CoQ10. Diabetics will experience decreased insulin requirements when taking CoQ10.

I Am An Official Sponsored Athlete With Liquid Sun Rayz!

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LSR2013 LIQUID SUN RAYZ SPONSORED ATHLETES

FIGURE
-Ann Titone IFBB
-Monica Specking IFBB
-Andrea Cantone IFBB
-Kiana Phi IFBB
-Cheryl Brown IFBB
-Shawn Hector Lewis NPC
-Jennie Grey NPC
-Hyla Conrad NPC

FEMALE BODYBUILDING
-Kim McGuire NPC

WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE
-Nola Trimble IFBB
-Tracey Bodner IFBB
-Jennifer Robinson IFBB
-Dana Linn Bailey IFBB

BIKINI
-Ashley Kaltwasser IFBB
-Sandi Forsythe IFBB
-Sabrina Nicole Griffin IFBB
-Christina Liberatore IFBB
-Francesca Yumul IFBB
-Stacey Naito NPC
MEN’S OPEN
-Toney Freeman
-Troy Alves
-Juan Morel
-Steve Kuclo
-Justin Compton
-Yano Garcia
-Mike Liberatore
-Blake Williams

MEN’S PHYSIQUE
-Ian Lauer
-Alberto Umana

MEN’S 212
-Tricky Jackson
-Derik Farnsworth
-Stan McQuay

In addition, LSR is the official tanning product for Species Nutrition Athletes! CONGRATS to all of our winners and a big thank you to each competitor that applied! We are so very proud of each of you and your accomplishments!

http://www.liquidsunrayz.com

Biotin For Healthy Skin, Nails and Hair

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Woman touching her faceBiotin is a B vitamin which is naturally present in the human body and which is important for numerous metabolic functions. It is a carbon dioxide transporter and also expedites the processing of carbohydrates, protein and fat. As a result biotin can be a great component in a weight loss plan. Biotin’s involvement in carbohydrate processing also makes it responsible for maintaining normal blood sugar levels. It can also help to lower cholesterol levels, but be aware that it may interfere with the effects of some cholesterol-lowering medications.

There is extensive evidence to suggest that biotin plays an important role in the maintenance of healthy skin and nails. Those who suffer from eczema, seborrheic dermatitis or brittle nails often benefit from supplementation with this nutrient. Biotin is also helpful in treating a number of hair issues such as hair loss, reduced growth, thinning hair, and dull, brittle hair. I have put patients on biotin who have reported stronger, healthier and thicker hair after taking biotin for a few months.

This supplement is relatively inexpensive and carries rare and minimal side effects. The most common side effect reported is cystic acne at the chin and jawline and subsides after a few weeks. If this is something you experience while taking biotin, decrease your daily dosage to 25 micrograms per day.

Most sources recommend a dosage of 30 micrograms per day. However, I have taken 5,000 micrograms daily for many years and have not experienced any untoward effects.

Versatile Lemons

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lemonsWhen I was a child I was obsessed with lemons.  I loved their bright, cheerful yellow color, invigorating aroma and delightful, tart flavor.  In fact, I used to suck on lemon wedges so often that I stripped part of the enamel from my front teeth as a result.  However, I broke that habit long ago, but my love for lemons remained.

Lemons are truly amazing.  Though they have a tart, acidic flavor, they have a powerful alkaline effect on the body and prevent the accumulation of excess acid which can result in rheumatic pain.  Even the oil from lemons has anti-inflammatory properties that, when rubbed into inflamed joints (mix a few drops with 1 teaspoon of almond, jojoba or grapeseed oil), will alleviate pain.

Lemons are packed with citric acid, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, pectin, bioflavonoids and limonene which support immunity.  The juice of lemons acts as a digestive aid and is a liver cleanser, so regular consumption can act as a very effective weight loss aid.   A few drops of lemon juice added to a meal can aid in digestion and can also help to treat constipation.  Additionally, regular consumption of lemons can help to lower blood cholesterol levels.  If you want a natural breath freshener, you can rinse your mouth out with the juice of one lemon mixed into a glass of tepid water several times a day, or you can chew on a lemon slice after each meal.  The lemon and water mixture can also be employed as a treatment for canker sores.

Individuals who are plagued with frequent acne flare-ups may notice an improvement in the condition of their skin after incorporating lemons into their regular meal plan, since the alkaline nature of lemons can kill the bacteria known to cause acne.  Try drinking a glass of water with a teaspoon of lemon juice in the morning and see if your skin begins to clear up.  Some proponents of the lemon juice cure will drink the juice of half a lemon in a glass of water twice daily and swear by its multiple benefits.  You can also take lemon juice and apply it directly to acne blemishes and leave on overnight.  Another remedy involves mixing equal parts of rosewater and lemon juice, applying to acne-afflicted skin and allowing to sit for 30 minutes, then rinsing off with water.  This can be done twice daily.

If you suffer from corns or callouses, you can make a lemon poultice by placing a lemon slice onto the corn and bandage, or you can apply lemon oil to the corn.  Allow these treatments to sit overnight for best results.  Eczema can also be treated with lemons by adding several drops of lemon oil to one cup of lukewarm water and one tablespoon of honey.  Soak gauze bandages in this mixture and apply to affected area for 30 minutes.  If dandruff or dry scalp conditions plague you, take the juice and apply to the scalp.  Allow to sit for 30 minutes, then shampoo.

There are countless other benefits which lemons offer, but the ones I have mentioned here are my favorites.  I hope you enjoy the benefits of this amazing fruit!

My Skincare Regimen

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I’d like to say that I have a detailed skincare regimen, but I really don’t.  In my line of work I am asked frequently what serums, potions, brews, etc. I use to keep my skin looking its best.  I swear this is not a copout, but honestly, eating clean food is my number one insurance policy for good skin.  This is not to say that I don’t take care of my skin.  I follow certain guidelines which I am pretty consistent about, but I think people will be surprised by what I don’t do and what I don’t use, as well as the reasons behind why I don’t incorporate certain steps and products in my routine.

Face WashMy Nightly Regimen:

At night I remove eye makeup with a cotton ball soaked in Kiehl’s Extremely Gentle Eye Makeup Remover.  Then I use a dollop of Earth Science Clarifying Facial Wash on my Clarisonic Professional Skin Care Brush.  Once that is completed, I pat my skin lightly and apply moisturizer while my skin is still damp.  I vary which moisturizer I use, either turning to Kiehl’s Cryste Marine, Nerium AD, Vivite Vibrance Therapy, or Skin Food Peach Sake Pore Serum depending on whether my skin is on the dry side or more oily (I have skin that tends towards the oily end of the spectrum).  Every 2 to 4 days, I apply Latisse to my upper lash margins.

I do NOT use a separate neck cream or eye cream, nor do I use Retin-A.  My skin tends to react to regular use of retinoic acid or glycolic acid so that is part of the reason why I switch my moisturizer frequently (Vivite Vibrance Therapy has retinol, which I also react to if I use it for prolonged periods of time).  I also do not use fancy serums or skin tightening potions to firm my skin.  I will admit that I have been a bit alarmed by the ever increasing amount of sag that my skin adopts over time and have somewhat accepted it as part of the aging process.  Besides, I know that laser therapies are very much hit-or-miss when it comes to conferring a tightening effect on skin that is progresssively losing elasticity.

My Daily Regimen:

I do not wash my face in the morning as I believe it strips my already clean face (from the night before) of essential oils which it needs.  The only thing I do is dust translucent loose powder on my face which has SPF in it so that I can get some UV protection.

Once a Week:Face Mask

I am fairly religious about applying a mask to my face and neck once per week and notice a difference in the tone and texture of my skin after I do so.  I cleanse my face in the same manner I use at bedtime, then I use either Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask or 10.0.6 Deep Down Detox Ultra-Cleansing Mud Mask on my nose and chin area, while Repechage Honey and Almond Scrub is applied to the rest of my face, neck and decollete.  I let the mask sit on my skin for 15 to 20 minutes, then I remove with a wet washcloth and warm water.  Then I pat dry and use one of my moisturizers.

Perfect Stage Makeup – Learn How To Do It Yourself

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For those of you who did not see my original post at http://www.rxmuscle.com/rx-girl-articles/6198-perfect-stage-makeup.html, I am re-posting here!Smoky eye

Perfect Stage Makeup

 

Let’s say you have decided to compete in your first contest and have already chosen your suit and accessories, booked your tanning appointment and, in an effort to keep costs down, decided to do your own makeup.  If you have done stage makeup for other competitors then you most likely know what colors and techniques to use in order to avoid looking like a ghost onstage.  However, if the extent of your makeup application skills has not ventured beyond bridal makeup and a nice going-out-on-the-town look, you might want to read on.

 

FOUNDATION:

 

First and foremost, the foundation you use needs to be DARK.  I mean really dark.  Generally speaking, the color on your face needs to be only a shade or two lighter than the color on your body after you get your spray tan.  For those of you familiar with MAC Foundation colors, Studio Tech NW43 or NW45 are excellent foundation shades for the majority of competitors.  However, I do not like MAC foundations because 1) they are extremely comedogenic, and 2) the compacts dry out very quickly.  Instead, I use Bobbi Brown Stick Foundation in Warm Walnut and that works very well onstage.

 

Make sure to gently exfoliate your skin prior to the day of the competition, and use moisturizer and primer immediately before applying foundation.  Though I usually use a foundation brush to apply foundation for photo shoots, when working with very dark foundations for stage I find that a makeup sponge works better than a brush in applying a nice, thin yet even layer. Make sure to extend foundation onto your neck, ears and hairline, feathering out and blending.  Once this is done, dust some translucent setting powder over the foundation to set it.  Chanel makes an excellent loose powder which I love both for daily use and for shows.

 

EYES:

 

Usually I will do my eye makeup first, then apply foundation since using a lot of black eyeshadow can often create a lot of dust which will ruin your foundation if you have applied it prior to your eye makeup.  When choosing eyeshadow colors, avoid blues, greens and purples as they tend to look garish under the stage lights.  Your best bet is to stick with neutral tones.  You can never go wrong with a dramatic smoky eye.  If you don’t know how to do a smoky eye, check out YouTube for some great smoky eye tutorials. Also check out the image in this article which shows a perfect smoky eye for the stage.  Ideal colors to use for a stage-ready smoky eye are black, champagne or platinum, a beige base, brown and perhaps a warm pink.

 

Here are some guidelines for creating a smoky eye with the above colors:

 

  1. Apply eye shadow primer.  I like Too Faced Shadow Insurance.
  2. Sweep a beige shadow (recommended: MAC Grain) over entire lid and up along browline.
  3. Apply black eyeshadow (recommended: MAC Carbon) over lid but be careful NOT to extend beyond lid crease. Extend shadow beyond outer corner of eye in a V, angling towards brow.  Blend well with a blending brush. Also apply black eyeshadow to the outer portion of the lower lash line.
  4. Take a brown eyeshadow (recommended: MAC Brown Down) and work into crease at outer corners.  Make sure to blend this well.
  5. Take a warm pink (recommended: MAC Da Bling) and sweep it over the inner and mid-portion of the lid.
  6. Apply the champagne (recommended: MAC Ricepaper) or platinum shade on the browbone, the center of the lid, and the inner corner of the eye.
  7. Apply black liquid eyeliner along the upper lash line, sweeping up into a cat eye at the outer corners.  Please refer to the image of cat eye liner for a guideline.

 

Don’t forget false eyelashes!  Finish off with liquid eyeliner and lots of mascara.

 

Make sure to also fill in your brows. I find that shadows work much better than pencils at creating a flattering look.

 

FACE CONTOUR:

 

Make sure to use a blush which is dark enough to show up on your face.  MAC Dollymix is an excellent color for stage.  I tend to extend the blush a bit into the side of the cheek below the cheekbone to avoid a hollowed out look, and will add a bit of bronzer to the blush when I do this.

 

Your contouring powder also needs to be dark, making MAC Deep Dark mineralized skin finish ideal for such a task.  Apply contouring powder in an “E” on each side of the face, starting at the temple, then sweeping under the cheekbone and then along the underside of the jawline and under your chin.  Make sure to blend well!  A bit of highlighting powder also looks lovely when dusted lightly on the apples of the cheeks, forehead and chin, but be sure to use a light hand.

 

LIPS:

 

For your lips, choose pink or red matte shades.  Avoid frosted formulas, oranges and corals as they do not translate well onstage.  Also apply clear or pink lip gloss over your lipstick for a nice finish.  Before you go onstage, make sure to blot the inner part of your lips with tissue to ensure that no lipstick ends up on your teeth.

 

 

IMPORTANT TIPS:

 

If you are nervous about how your makeup might look on the day of the show, practice your techniques until you feel comfortable.  Also, make sure to give yourself enough time to apply your makeup on the day of the competition without feeling rushed.  It is far better to start very early and have extra time to relax AFTER your makeup is applied than to be rushed and perhaps unable to complete your makeup application before stepping onstage.