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Xen-Tan’s New and Improved Web Site

You know that Xen-Tan is a favorite of ours here at D because we’ve not only written about it in D Beauty but blogged about it several times. Well, to celebrate the launch of their new web site today, Xen-Tan is offering 15% off! Use promo code VACATION09 on all orders before August 30, 2009 and get a golden tan without damaging your skin. Woo hoo!

The Self-Tanner Saga Continues With Xen-Tan, Bliss, Pur Minerals, Clinique and Tan Towels

Last summer I blogged about my favorite self-tanner. Read about it here. Currently, I am in the midst of trying out several new ones and so far one of the best is Xen-Tan. Raya already sung (well, wrote) it’s praises so I won’t go into details because she pretty much said it all. Aside from Xen-Tan, Bliss’ “A Tan For All Seasons” spray wasn’t bad – quick drying, decent smell and nice color. (more…)

Ask the Editors: VersaSpa

Your Question: I was curious if anyone has tried the Versa Spa sunless tannning. It is similar to mystic but is suppose to look more natural. If so, did they like it and where did they go?

Our Answer: Okay, so let’s talk VersaSpa. I have to be honest here: I’ve done it a handful of times (all at Planet Tan) and have been similarly dissatisfied every time. I’ve done the sunless tanner thing at home, so I know how to use “barrier cream” to block tanner from caking under fingernails and around elbows, but the formula from VersaSpa gets—and stains—between my fingers and around my cuticles every time, no matter how much stuff I slather on for protection. I liked the color the VersaSpa provides, olive-toned, not orange, but not the uneven and splotchy tan I received. (And note, I went in exfoliated and completely clean, so I did my best to be the perfect canvas.) I had a pretty dark, although uneven, tan for about two days before it quickly faded, leaving lingering brown marks behind. I don’t suggest Versa Spa. It’s completely possible that I’ve had a few, unusual, bad experiences, but I think it’s much better (unfortunately more expensive, though) to be airbrushed by a human, rather than a machine. For those who love the spray tan, perhaps try VersaSpa and see what you think. It does have its benefits. For starters, you can breathe in the machine, unlike in the Mystic Tan booth. You have extra options, like adding a moisturizer or anti-aging boost—you pay extra, of course. And there’s a drying segment, where blow-dryers make a pass up and down the machine to dry your body off from the wet tanning solution. I say, try it for yourself and see how it works for you, but if you don’t have time to deal with Cheeto fingers for a few days, skip the VersaSpa and try something else. I suggest Xen-Tan that we’ve blogged about before or a personal airbrush experience, like the one Jennifer mentioned. If anyone has an opinion on the subject, please join in the conversation and let us know what you think!

*UPDATE: Our Nightlife gal, Kyle Kearbey, says she prefers Mystic Tan to VersaSpa, and she usually has a lovely tan.

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Get a Glow at Home

Jennifer’s right. Now’s the time to get back in the bronze swing of things. But testing sunless tanners at home is a dangerous game. If you’ve ever had a mishap, you know what I mean. There’s nothing cute about looking like you rubbed Cheetos between your fingers. Ew. But I think I found a winner. Xen-Tan’s 2009 products are, so far, the best tanners I’ve tried. Nice smell? Check. Nice texture? Check. Nice color? Check. I’m currently using three of the Xen-Tan products: Transform Daily Moisturizer, Deep Bronze Luxe, and Face Tanner Luxe. Side note: I used these products for a while, and then took a break to get spray-tanned before a wedding. And honestly, I should have stuck with the Xen-Tan. The VersaSpa tan made me spotty and funky-colored. The Transform daily moisturizer is perfect for every day use. (And it’s not like the kind that you apply every day and then 10 bottles later realize it never made a difference.) It creates subtle color you can actually see. The Deep Bronze Luxe acts a quick burst of color that’s natural and never orange. The Face Tanner Luxe does the same for face, but it’s also a really nice-feeling moisturizer. Overall, you get a nice, even tan that’s natural looking—more olive than orange—but still golden-goddess-ish. The products are inexpensive, too, at $20 to $40 at Nordstrom or nordstrom.com. To get some of Dera Enochson’s tips for a flawless look at home, follow the jump. (more…)

Win Cool Stuff!

For those of you who haven’t entered to win D Beauty Booty, you’d better hop to it. We’re giving away a fabulous beach bag full of Xen-Tan sunless tanning products and makeup from the summer collection of Shu Uemura. Nice!