Top 5 Sunless Tanners for 2013

Island House Photography

Much to my delight, the summer season is finally on the horizon. The warmer weather means many sand-filled sunny days ahead, as well as my scrambling to pull my sunless tanners from my cupboards. Granted, summer weather arrives a bit early here in South Carolina, but for those that may be waiting a month or two to don their favorite swim attire, it is never too soon to start planning the perfect self tan!

Everyone has heard it by now: baking in the sun and lying in the tanning beds are very bad ways to achieve a bronze glow. While the jury is still out about the main chemical in self tanners, DHA, and it's potential cancer threat, the sunless route is still the safer option when you must have some color for your skin.

I am a perfect example of how a little bit of color goes a long way. Yes, pale is always "in", but there are those of us that just need that bit of faux sunshine-kissed  flesh to add an air of confidence.  There is no arguing the facts: a little color (1) makes you look thinner (2) accentuates your muscle tone (3) gives the perception of health and vitality (which is ironic as a real tan often means the opposite).

Before a tan...

After a tan

I have tried just about every self tanner on the market, and although there are always new favorites that emerge from time to time, I have whittled down the dozens to a few select favorites that have withstood the test of time and tan. The "Wearability" rating in my reviews refers to how wearable the product is once you apply it. I truly hate being home bound because I am covered in goopy war paint (ahem,  St. Tropez...)

In the next month I will be posting in-depth reviews, how-to's and videos of each product, so be sure to check back if you're thinking about trying one (or all 5) to get your tan on. I also have some new to the market self tanners en route to my home as we speak, and those reviews will be posted soon!

Don't forget to drop me a comment at the bottom of the article, I'd love to hear about your favorites!

And the winners are:

1. Body Drench Quick Tan

Cost: $12 +shipping (Amazon.com)

Pros: Fabulous bronze (not orange!) color, inexpensive, pleasant smell, dries quickly, color guide is durable enough to wear running errands or going out

Cons: Very messy (lots of overspray!), color rubs off on light sheets and clothes (but it does wash out)

Color: 10/10

Ease of Application: 7/10

Smell: 10/10

Wearability: 10/10

Longetivity: 9/10

Overall Rating: 9/10

Overview:

If you can't remember what you look like with a Caribbean worthy natural dark tan, this spray self tanner will quickly remind you. The spray is a dark brown, which provides a color guide to see where you have applied the product. Once dry, you will be immediately very tan, and some Quick Tan lovers even use the spray before special events for a quick fix to cover tan lines and subdue pasty skin.

I will warn you, the application is very messy, and I advise you apply it in the shower or in your backyard (unless you have  creepy neighbors). This is my go-to for those moments when I find out I have a special event or need to be in a bikini for a photo shoot the next day- this is a quick solution for a dark tan, and the beautiful natural color it provides makes it well worth the mess!

2. Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion, Deep Dark Color

Cost: $6-$8, drugstores nationwide or on Amazon.com

Pros: Very easy application with a quickly absorbed lotion , no staining clothes or sheets (as there is no color guide), golden tan color, pleasant smell, cheap

Cons: The golden tan may appear a bit orange on pale skin in the direct sunlight

Color: 7/10

Ease of application: 10/10

Smell: 8/10

Wearability: 10/10

Longevity: 9/10

Overall Rating: 8/10

Overview: For many, this self tanner is the Holy Grail of tanners. It is hard to find fault as it passes every test with flying colors, and you can spend hours reading thousands of reviews online that agree. For those that like to build the color to a dark tan, it does so with ease.

However, this color is more golden than some other self tanners, and in the bright sunlight, I have found it can create a slight orange or fake tan hue on my naturally very pale skin. For those lucky enough to have olive undertones or medium skin, this drawback should not occur.

I have remedied the issue by not building the color and going for a lighter tan,  by mixing equal parts body lotion and the tanner,  to create a gradual medium-dark self tanner. This way, I can easily control the depth of the tan and ensure it does not reach an unnatural and unflattering shade.

3. Sun Laboratories Tan Overnight Self Tanning Lotion in Medium

Cost: $36 (Amazon.com)

Pros: Rich, moisturizing lotion helps smooth and soften skin, nice bronze color, fades evenly

Cons: Pricey, lotion takes a while to dry completely

Color: 8/10

Ease of Application: 8/10

Smell: 9/10

Wearability: 7/10

Longevity: 8/10

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

Overview: This product performs well and offers nearly everything I am looking for, but with the high price tag  I still keep my eyes out for other new products while using this one. Nice golden color, and the lotion is very moisturizing, which is a huge bonus for my very dry skin.

4.  Fake Bake Self Tanner

Cost: $20 (Amazon.com)

Pros: Beautiful bronze color, fades evenly

Cons: Tedious application process, messy

Color: 9/10

Ease of Application: 6/10

Smell: 8/10

Wearability: 3/10

Longevity: 8/10

Overall Rating: 7/10

Overview: Once again, a highly desirable natural tan color trumps the messy and irritating application process. The color guide is a goopy but pleasant smelling light brown lotion. It will stain sheets (at least temporarily- the color washes out). but the highlight is the natural dark tan you will have once you wash the color guide off.

Fake Bake has a slew of self tanners, but this original version has remained my favorite. One of their latest, Fake Bake Flawless, has received rave reviews, but I have found the spray leaves me splotchy and that the color is not as dark or even.

5. Coppertone Endless Summer Sunless Tanning Moisturizing Lotion

Cost: $10, drugstores nationwide or Amazon.com .

Pros: Easy application, natural color

Cons: Very subtle color (although this is not really a con as it is part of the purpose of gradual self tanner)

Color: 8/10

Ease of Application: 10/10

Smell: 7/10

Wearability: 10/10

Longevity: 10/10

Overall Rating: 9/10

Overview: Gradual self tanners have many benefits. Because the color builds up gradually, there are no streaks or splotches. Because you apply the lotion daily or every couple of days, you do not need to worry about the color fading. But for many gradual tanners, even with weeks of use, the darkest shade is a very subtle tan. This is a positive for most that desire the look of a touch of sun, but for those that want a more robust tan, or those with a slight issue of desiring immediate gratification (both of which apply to me), then this can be a negative.

But the ability to throw on self tanner every day with no gloves without a worry about applying it evenly or  thinking about brown tell-tale stains on your gym clothes, means that a lighter glow is a worthy trade. I also prefer a tan that looks like it's just my natural skin tone, rather than a I-like-to-bake-in-the-sun tan shade. These gradual tanners can be a good compromise for a much more natural, easy, and flattering result than some of the other deep dark tan products deliver.

And there you have it...my top 5.  Any you would like to see added to the list? Any you see on here that you don't like? I look forward to hearing your feedback!

Zesty Balsamic Pork Tenderloin: C2

Servings: 6
Prep time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 60 Minutes

1 center cut pork tenderloin (roughly 18 oz, or about 6 servings)
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 cup hot sauce (I prefer a thicker, richer hot sauce for this dish, such as Valentina)
1/3 cup Stevia in the Raw (I use the granulated form)
2 TBS whole grain mustard

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (or if there are preparation directions on the packaging of the pork, follow them accordingly).
2. In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, hot sauce, mustard and Stevia until the Stevia has dissolved. Taste test the sauce to ensure it has the right sweet/tart/tangy balance for your palate.
3. Using a fork, pierce the pork several times on all sides, then place in  shallow baking or casserole dish. Don't use too big of a dish, as you don't want the marinade to spread too thin.
4. Pour marinade over the top of the pork, and turn the tenderloin several times to ensure it is thoroughly coated in the marinade. The marinade may seem a bit thin, but it will thicken as it bakes.

5. Bake 45-60 minutes, or according to the directions (I bake mine for 50 minutes to achieve a medium well temperature) Cut down the thickest portion to check the doneness prior to serving.

6. To serve, cut into 1 1/2"-2" inch thick slices, and garnish with the marinade. Serve with quinoa or brown rice and vegetables (I like broccoli with this dish).

Enjoy!

Tracey Mallett's FuseDance Cardio Melt DVD: A Review

photo from TraceyMallett.com

From the DVD:

FuseDance Cardio Melt is an exhilarating high energy low impact workout, incorporating a fluid fusion of dance styles from salsa, jazz, funk and ballet mixed with athletic fitness moves that are easy to master and gentle on the joints.

Your heart will pump, your body will pulse, your energy will soar, but most importantly, you'll forget you're actually burning mega calories because you're having so much fun!

My Overall Rating of this workout: B+

Production Quality: 5/5
Fun Factor:              3/5
"Burn" Factor         2/5
Instructor:                5/5
Value:                       5/5

Workout Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Workout Length: 30 Minutes (2 Workouts)
Equipment Required: 3 and/or 5 lb weights

This DVD is broken down into 2 workouts, each 30 minutes long. I own many of Tracey Mallett's DVD's (primarily the Booty Barre collection), and find her workouts fun, energetic and inspiring.

PROS:

• Instructor is upbeat, inspiring and fun
• Dance moves integrated to make the workouts pass quickly, but steps are simple enough for those with little to no dance background

CONS:

• Routines are fairly easy, "sweat factor" lower than many of Tracey Mallett's other DVD's (primarily her Booty Barre collection)
• Even though this is touted as "low impact", I would describe it rather as "medium impact." One must be careful during many of the moves. I have prior knee surgery, and found myself at times exercising with caution due to impact to my knees and wrists.

Workout 1: Interval Fat Burn

This is the Dance Cardio workout. There are elements of ballet, jazz, and modern dance in this workout, but the moves are quite easy, and will be appropriate for anyone with no dance background. She does use technical terms, however it's easy to follow her moves for those unfamiliar with the terms.

This workout is fun and fairly easy, but gets the heart rate going. I enjoyed it, but prefer more high-intensity dance cardio (such as Zumba.) This is a good workout for beginners or for those days when an easier workout is desired. These workouts can also be performed together for an all over work out with light cardio.

This workout transitions into the "Total Toned Body" segment, so be sure to incorporate your own cool-down if this is the only workout you will be doing.


Workout 2: Total Toned Body

This segment is less dance oriented, with athletic/strength moves integrated in between cardio intervals. I would describe this workout as an "intermediate" workout, with modifications available for those that prefer to go the beginner's route.

 I used 5 pound weights, and felt my arms tingling by the end of the workout. This is primarily an upper body workout, with some core work and light leg work.

Overall:

 The choreography is clean, simple, and easy to follow. Tracey Mallett's cuing is excellent, and all women in the video have great chemistry. Tracey has an immaculate body (perfect six-pack!) which is quite inspiring, but she adds 2 "non-dancers" to the mix, which gives a very natural and approachable feel to the routines.

I'm glad I added this DVD to my collection, but I feel that I will be incorporating the Total Toned Body workout much more frequently than the Interval Fat Burn. It's great that there are 2 options on this DVD, so I will still be able to put it to good use.

Many of Tracey Mallett's other workouts are staples in my weekly routine, including Functional Intensity Training and Booty Barre Total New Body. I will be including reviews of those shortly.

For more in-depth reviews or to purchase this DVD, click on the image below.

C2: Day 3: New favorite recipes!

So far, I am loving this second cycle! The biggest drawback so far is that I am cooking for one, so any leftovers when preparing the recipes cannot be eaten for two days. It's also a bit of a bit of a buzzkill to go from eating delicious, satisfying dishes such as Tangy Pork Chops with Brown Rice or Chinese Steak and Broccoli (my new favorite recipes!) and then the next day revert back to the rather stale, limited menu offered on Cycle 1. It was fine for the 17 days that it lasted, but you realize how much you've missed grains and red meat once they're back on your plate!

But I believe in the science behind Dr. Moreno's diet plan, so am doing my best to follow the diet as he intended.

On to my meals:

Breakfast:

Old fashioned oatmeal mixed with greek yogurt
6 strawberries

Snack:

Carrots

Lunch:

Tangy Pork Chops with Brown Rice

with steamed broccoli

Snack:

1/2 cup cottage cheese

Dinner:

Blackened Shrimp with sauteed collard greens

C2: Tangy Pork Chops with Brown Rice

One word to describe this dish: DELICIOUS! I used 4 slices of boneless pork chops that were equivalent to about 1 1/2 pounds total, each cut about 3/4 inch thick. Be sure to adjust cooking time if you are preparing very thickly cut chops. Cut off fatty portions prior to eating.  Pair with your favorite vegetables (I enjoy it with steamed broccoli or sauteed collard greens).

Serves: 4

4 boneless pork chops
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
3 TBS powdered Truvia or Stevia in the Raw
3 TBS Balsamic Vinegar
1 tsp hot sauce (I used Cholula for this recipe, but any will work fine)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper


1. Prepare the marinade: in a casserole dish, whisk all ingredients minus the pork until Truvia is dissolved and ingredients are blended thoroughly. I recommend taste testing the marinade to make sure the balance of flavors suits your taste.

2. Pierce each side of pork chops with a fork several times to help the marinating process. Add pork chops to dish, coat each side with marinade and make sure they are thoroughly coated. I chose a fairly shallow casserole dish to ensure the pork was soaking in the marinade.

3. Cover dish and place in refrigerator, let sit for 6-12 hours.

4. Once it has marinated sufficiently, prepare brown rice according to directions.

5.  In the meantime, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

6. Place marinated pork chops in oven and cook for 30 minutes.

7. When finished cooking, cut through the thickest chop to ensure it is cooked appropriately. I cook my pork medium well (when cooking it at home), if you want it well done you may want to cook it a bit longer.

Cycle 2: Day 1: The "Before" Picture

Despite the fact that I haven't been a complete saint on this diet, I am quite proud of how much I have accomplished. I am now taking meals daily with me to work, which has proven to be 100% effective in avoiding late night binges. I am cooking almost daily, utilizing fresh produce, and am back to taking my multi-vitamin on a daily basis. I am fortunate that I have a job that is far from sedentary- most shifts I am moving quickly with no breaks for up to 14 hours. If it weren't for that extra caloric expenditure, I am sure that my moment of clarity (to get on a diet!)  would have arrived at a moment more serious than barely being able to squeeze into my size 6 jeans.

I also recall two years ago, when I had a surgical procedure that involved remaining off my feet for two weeks. Before that time, I had numerous photo shoots for modeling, and remaining in great shape was literally part of the job. I took some time off from the shoots due to the surgery, and also made the change from bartending to serving for a few months. I burned far fewer calories serving, and what turned into a two months without exercise resulted in a 10+ pound weight gain. At the heaviest, it may have been fifteen.

A few months later, I began bartending again, and within a week I was down five pounds. But because I was in front of the camera less, the few extra pounds that remained I wasn't very conscious of. It wasn't until the following spring, when I had to prepare for a few more photo shoots, that I realized I had yet to get back to pre-surgery shape.

I have been very blessed with some amazing modeling and acting opportunities, the most recent national catalog shoot being a year ago. I have other career aspirations that I am working toward, but this diet has made me motivated to get back to the shape I was in when I was always swimsuit ready. Not as much for the way I looked, but the way I felt. Confident, happy, energetic. It's crazy what a few pounds due to an unhealthy lifestyle can do to both your energy levels and your psyche.

My official "before" picture:

This is from a few years ago...this is my goal for my "after" picture:

Photo Credit: JMT Photography

Yes, I'm sure this had a touch of Photoshop- but my abs really did look like that. It's strange, but seeing that picture is more than enough motivation to to work on getting them back!

Being healthy is my main objective on this diet. I'm actually a big fan of curves- aka Marilyn Monroe style.I was born with the body style predisposed for curves, which has been a blessing and a curse. I've never wanted to be model-skinny, just toned and in shape. I actually lose weight in my bra and butt first, so I have to balance my weight training, cardio and diet carefully to keep the curves I have. I've heard many trainers say "It's 90% diet," and I believe it. I have maintained a regular workout routine through the years, but my off-kilter eating habits prevented me from staying in optimal shape.

For Cycle 2 I am back to my full-speed workout routine. I will include it in this blog in case anyone wants to follow along. I adore barre workouts, and also will be doing some Zumba as well. 

To prepare for this new cycle, I prepared a large amount of brown rice and beans. I have a feeling those will be my staples for the natural starches.

Exercise:

Tracey Mallett Functional Intensity Training

This is a killer workout! It involves 3 25-minute workouts, able to be done separately or combined for a very intense workout. I am starting today with the first workout, Total Ripped Body. This is the first of Tracey's DVD's I have bought that is not in her actual Barre series, and I absolutely love it! I appreciate the fact that there are cardio intervals built into the work out, so I have both strength training and cardio in one short but challenging 25-minute routine. And it's FUN! I like high energy, no-boredom routines, and this DVD delivers.

Breakfast:

Boiled Egg
6 strawberries

Snack:

Dannon LIght & Fit Yogurt

Lunch

"Chinese" Steak & Broccoli Stir Fry with Brown Rice

This is my new favorite recipe! I found the original at the Rainy Day Gal website (be sure to check it out!). I made some adjustments to accommodate Cycle 2.

Snack:

1/2 cup fat free cottage cheese

Dinner

Spicy Chicken Vegetable Soup

C2: "Chinese" Steak and Broccoli Stir Fry

This is a FABULOUS recipe! Easy to make, tender and flavorful steak, and easy to add/modify as you see fit (ie, adding onions, peppers, etc. to make it more of a "stir fry"). I found the original recipe at Rainy Day Gal's website , be sure to check it out! I made several modifications to make it C2 compliant, so the recipe as I prepared it is below. I like to prepare this with brown rice, when eating this for lunch. Delish!

Serves 4

1 lb. Cycle 2 approved steak (see Cycle 2 list...I used flank steak)

2 cups broccoli

1 TBS Baking powder

1 TBS cornstarch (not listed on the 17 Day Diet, but a lot of recipes I looked up for the diet contain it...so I 

am making sure I use it as sparingly as possible)

1/3 cup water

1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup powdered Truvia or Stevia in the Raw

1 TBS olive oil

1 tsp red pepper flakes

1/2 TBS garlic powder

1. Combine baking powder, cornstarch, Truvia, water, soy sauce and olive oil in mixing dish. Using a fork or whisk, combine ingredients.

2. Cut steak into strips, and add to above mixture. Combine thoroughly.

3. Let marinate in fridge for 1 hour. If you desire brown rice, prepare at this time.

4. Once the hour is complete, heat large skillet,  and coat with non-stick cooking spray. Place over burner set on medium-high heat.

5.  Fill saucepan with 1/2 cup water, place fresh or frozen broccoli in pan. Bring to a boil, and let steam until the broccoli reaches desired tenderness.

6. Place marinated steak strips (including any marinade remaining in bowl) in heated skillet. Add red pepper flakes and garlic powder, stir. Cook until well done.

7. In a bowl, place rice (if desired), broccoli, and steak. 

Enjoy!