One morning last week, I flipped on the TV and got caught up in one of the shopping channels. I’ve never ordered anything from them. Have you? They sure know how to make things seem irresistible. That morning they were selling a self-tanner called XEN-TAN. A self-confessed self tanner junkie, I became certain that this was the one and only tan for me but I just couldn’t bring myself to order from TV. So I checked it out online and discovered that Nordstrom sells it. That gave it a whole new level of credibility and I ordered XEN-TAN Deep Bronze ($23 for 5ounces) from Nordstrom.

Before I applied it, I exfoliated. Don’t even think about self tanning without exfoliating! Here’s what I use:

Salt or Sugar Scrub

       ½ cup oil (almond oil is fabulous, but you can use grapeseed, light olive or canola oil, too)

       1 cup salt (I use kosher salt because it has just the right amount of texture- you can also use granulated sugar)

       Optional add-in: 5-8 drops of your favorite essential oil (my latest favorite is lemongrass)

       Mix together in a plastic container.

       To use: use the scrub from head to toe, applying in a circular motion. Pay special attention to any rough areas. Rinse off with    warm water. (Be careful, the oil can make your tub or shower slippery)

The thing that appealed to me about XEN-TAN is that you only use it weekly. They tout the moisturizing properties and nice smell. When I applied XEN-TAN, it did go on smoothly and feel rich. While it has a slightly gray tinge to the cream, I didn’t notice the "Beautifully sheer instant color" mentioned in the product description. (I went on blind faith and the "two direction" application technique I’ve adopted to apply it evenly. Use long stokes both up, down and across your body to get even coverage) When I sniffed my skin I did, however, notice a "delicious vanilla latte scent". Three hours after applying I did not have the deep bronze tan the product said I would. I was barely a different color. 8 hours later I had a just hint more color. I decided to give it another chance and re-applied again this morning. After 8 hours I have a nice, even light golden tan that I feel good about. I’ll keep you posted about how it lasts and whether or not it’s truly a "once a week" product.

If you have a self tanner that you love, or any great self-tanning tips, let me know. I’m dedicated to finding the very best self tanner this summer!