Hey all!

Confession: I for one, am completely dumbfounded, bewildered and intrigued by the whole

self-tanning experience!

I have tried the infamous Jergens Glow lotion...which was alright for a while

(until I had white feet and Orange legs/appendages.. it sort of looked like I was wearing tennis socks, ALL the time). I tried again with various drugstore brands, to no avail. And these are the *GRADUAL* self-tanners! Which, as I have come to understand, means you can have the same streaky-orange hue, only gradually! Well thank GOODNESS, Because who wants to WAIT to be Oompa-Loompa-licious? Not I, Friends. I want to look Sunkist (like the orange) instead of Sunkissed (bronzed) STAT!

Seriously, though...you know that is not the case! And thankfully, I have stumbled upon a little gem to aid in the monstrocity of self-tanning!

To find out what I have been using...

Say hello to my little friend!!!!

His name is Neo!

Not Ne-yo like "So-Sick-Of-Love-Songs"

Because, wish as I may, he is not my friend...nor is he little!

His name is Neo Strata...he is saucy and bronze and DELISH!

*disclaimer* Do not eat Neo...it is a figure of speech. :)

I bought this from Shoppers a while ago and was really upset with how it turned out. I had heard SUCH great things about it But why, why oh why did it not work for me?

I thought It was *ME* That i was inept...

Turns out It was me, haha.

This has around 91% positive feedback (out of 100 reviews) on a review site I read--> http://www.makeupalley.com ! That was the basis upon which I purchased said self-tanner!

Anyway...I decided to try this again, and let me say it really does work well!

It was the only *natural* coloured self-tanning product I have used to date.

This retails for around 26$ CDN at Shoppers Drugmart, and online drugstores like http://www.well.ca

*IMPORTANT*

Tips For Self-Tanning :)

1) DO NOT USE HANDS TO APPLY! GET GLOVES! (latex or similar style)

Or else you will have orange palms. It will be hideous!

2) Apply lotion on rough patches, the rough skin like elbows and knees absorb

MORE product, and can look super dark. After letting lotion absorb (10+ minutes)

you go very very very lightly over these areas with the self-tanner!

3) If I can't find gloves...then I apply self-tanner with a SPONGE! Like the ones from the dollar store, used for foundation. Usually called cosmetic sponges! You can get these pretty much everywhere! I just squeeze out the product a little bit at a time, and apply like foundation, blending carefully

4) Start from your feet UP! Otherwise, you will probably mess up your arms and other body parts--> *NOTE* When you get to your feet- take the self tanner from your lower leg and sweep it gently over your foot--this ensures sheer coverage and no icky orange junk in between your toes (so..like, orange toe jam? orange..marmalade :o)

5) EXFOLIATE LIKE A FIEND! Use a loofah, a salt or sugar scrub, just get ALL the dead skin off!!!! This is hands down *not orange hands* the most IMPORTANT step! It helps your tanner apply smoother and last longer (why would you apply to dead skin, and have it flake off? yucky. For best results: Start to exfoliate a few days (or a whole week) before you self tan-- this way you have a better chance at a fresh layer of skin!

6) Don't forget your face, ears, neck, etc. Take your time! this is a lengthy process if you want it done right!

7) Get help with your back! trust me...it just makes SENSE! You know how gangsta's say

"I got your back" This probably isn't what they mean...but ask someone who REALLY has your back--If there isn't anyone there-- my favourite trick is to put some self-tanner on a baby wipe, and wipe the tanner all over my back (I look in the mirror while doing this!!)

8) IF you have any crazy streaky blotchy parts, lemon juice helps dissolve self-tanning errors but i much rather pefer baking soda and water-- it works great!!!!!

9) When applying to my face, It usually looks like I faceplanted a mud-pie...BUT If you use

10) Make sure the scrubs and moisturizers you use are OIL FREE. Oil can cause self-tanner to streak! More of a big deal for the lotion, as you rinse the scrub off.

11) This is a given, but don't wear light clothing, and wait 10-15 minutes before getting dressed :)

moisturizer to blend it all in, you are left with an even glow :) in fact...If you are weary of self-tanners to begin with, just mix it with your moisturizer! Your less likely to have a traumatic experience this way!

Good Luck Everyone, and Safe Tanning to you all!