Attention NPC/IFBB Competitors! Are you unsure about how to go about getting that great contest tan? Having the right stage color can mean the difference between winning and losing, so you better make sure you do your homework before putting on your stage color. Thankfully ProTan has created this article so that when it comes to contest time you can be 100% confident that your skin is looking it’s best under those stage competition lights.
Here are the topics of discussion – Product checklist, Travel checklist, Pre-tan preparation, Getting a base tan, How to apply pro tan® overnight competition color base coat, How to apply pro tan® instant bikini/physique/body builder bronze® top coat, How to apply pro tan® Instant quick bronze® top coat sheen ,How to apply pro tan® Instant Hot quick bronze® top coat sheen,How to apply your posing oil , How to apply bikini bite® no-slip suit fastener,Helpful tips,Tanning for a 1 day show starting Saturday & Tanning for a 2 day show with pre-judging Friday and finals Saturday.
Everything You Need For The Perfect Contest Tan
Product Checklist:
pH Perfect® pH Balance and Enzyme Optimization
Get Buffed® Pre-Tan Body Scrub
Sunny Day® Self Tanning Lotion or Two Minute Tan® Sunless Bronzer (Optional)
No H2O® Advanced Diuretic Formula (Optional)
Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat
Pro Tan® Instant Bikini/Physique/Body Builder Bronze® Top Coat
Muscle Juice® Maximum Definition Competition Posing Oil or Show Shine® Ultra-Light Competition Posing Oil
Hot Stuff ® High Definition Optimizer Oil (Optional)
Pro Tan® Instant Quick Bronze® Top Coat Sheen or Pro Tan® Instant Hot Quick Bronze® Top Coat Sheen (Optional)
Bikini Bite® No-Slip Suit Fastener (https://www.protanusa.com/pro-shop/)
Travel Checklist:
Applicator Mitts
Latex free, powder free gloves
Bowl or Tupperware Container
Flip Flops
Dark Sheets and Towels
Long, dark, loose fitting cotton clothes
Shower Cap
Baby Wipes
Pre-Tan Preparation:
Before using any self-tanning formula it’s essential to properly prepare your skin.
Competitors should start exfoliating their skin while showering up to one week prior to their fitness competition with Get Buffed® Pre- Tan Body Scrub. When used prior to the initial application of any of our sunless tanning formulas, Get Buffed® assures a deeper, darker, and longer-lasting tan.
Sometimes competitors’ pH levels are internally unbalanced, in this special case these competitors should start taking pH Perfect® two weeks prior to their fitness competition to achieve maximum tanning results. pH Perfect® is designed to help you with any challenges you may or may not have with your skin color application of Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat.
Once properly exfoliated competitors should remove all body hair two days before their initial application of Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat. Shaving can cause razor bumps which can lead to an uneven tan, while waxing is painful and may cause irritation. Pro Tan® recommends using Hair Away® Total Body Hair Remover Cream two days before applying your first tan application. Be sure to follow all directions properly.
Getting a Base Tan:
Now that your pH is balanced, your skin properly exfoliated, and all your body hair removed it’s time to get a base tan prior to your application of Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat.
Having a base tan prior to applying Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat is not necessary; however, it will help deepen your tan. If you are naturally dark skinned you will not need a base coat.
In order to get a sufficient base tan competitors should start tanning in a UV bed twice a week up to two weeks before their event, staying in for 5-6 minutes as not to burn. UV tanning also helps remove water from the skin. Competitors should cut out tanning bed use the Tuesday before their show.
Competitors with fair skin or who do not want to use UV tanning should apply Sunny Day® or Two Minute Tan® sunless tanning formulas one week prior to their show to build a base tan.
Note: These products are also beneficial for after your contest to even out and extend your tan.
How to Apply Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat:
Prior to tanning: Make sure that you have no lotions, deodorants, perfumes or colognes on and that your skin is dry and has been properly exfoliated.
Note: Dehydrated skin tends to hold the tan better, if you are dropping water we recommend using our No H2O® Natural Herbal Diuretic starting 10 days out of your show.
Step 1: Put on a pair of latex and powder free gloves.
Step 2: Gently pour Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat into a bowl. You can also spray Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat directly onto your skin.
Step 3: Using the supplied applicator mitt, put the mitt on and lightly dip it into the bowl of Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat. If you have sprayed Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat directly onto your body disregard this step.
Step 4: Starting from the ankles and working your way up to the neck, apply Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat in long, even, vertical strokes. Be sure to apply lighter strokes around hairlines, knees, elbows and ankles. After the legs and torso have been tanned, use the excess product on the applicator mitt to blend up the color on the neck and down on both the hands and feet.
4a. Applying Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat to your Back: The back can be a tricky area to tan yourself, Pro Tan® recommends getting assistance from your coach, a friend, family member, or significant other.
4b. Applying Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat to your Face: Pro Tan® Overnight Competition should only be applied to the face the day of your competition.
Women should check with their make-up artist before applying Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat to their face. If applying your own makeup, moisturize your face then put Pro Tan® Overnight Competition on a makeup brush. Lightly apply the product, let it dry, and then apply your makeup over the tan.
If desired, Men should use the supplied applicator mitt to apply Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Base Coat to their face and let it dry completely.
Note: When applying Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Base Coat to your face be careful as to not get any in your eyes. Using a Q-Tip to tan under the eyes is recommended.
Tanning Tip: Apply a small amount of lotion to your hands, feet, knees and elbows since those areas tend to absorb the color the easiest and you do not want them to become too dark.
Step 5: Let the tan dry for 5-10 minutes in a cool, dry environment. Do not stand in front of a fan, A/C unit, or use a blow-dryer to try and accelerate the drying process as this may cause your body to produce heat while trying to stay warm; which may cause the tan to run. If you are applying another coat of Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat make sure to wait 4-6 hours so that the color fully develops.
Tanning Tip: After applying your tan be sure to wear long, dark, loose fitting clothes. Avoid wearing strap clothing or carrying a backpack as it may smear the tan. Cotton clothing is preferred because it absorbs the color rather than push it around the body such as other materials like silk.
How to Apply Pro Tan® Instant Bikini/Physique/Body Builder Bronze® Top Coat:
After your Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat has been properly applied, the last step for the perfect competition tan is applying one of our top coat products. These products provide additional instant color and should be applied backstage at least 30 minutes prior to stepping on stage.
Tanning Tip: The top coat bronzer should only be applied the day of the competition. Never apply a day before and never sleep in the bronzer.
Step 1: Using the supplied applicator mitt, put the mitt on and gently pump your chosen Pro Tan® Instant Top Coat into mitt.
Step 2: Using a small amount rub onto clean, dry skin, one body part at a time in long, even, overlapping strokes.
Note: Never apply the top coat bronzer to the face as it requires a contest finisher to seal in the color.
Step 3: Allow color to dry before direct contact with clothes or water. Reapply for a deeper color.
How to Apply Pro Tan® Instant Quick Bronze® Top Coat Sheen or Pro Tan® Instant Hot Quick Bronze® Top Coat Sheen:
Get that dark, healthy, rich tan in seconds with Pro Tan® Instant Quick Bronze® Top Coat Sheen ®. Exclusive non-streak, water resistant formula with rich moisturizers that guarantees an extra smooth and easy application that looks great after just one use. Pro Tan® Instant Quick Bronze® Top Coat Sheen guarantees you the ultimate dark brown-bronze color combined with the perfect glowing sheen for bodybuilding competitions.
Pro Tan® Instant Hot Quick Bronze® Top Coat Sheen guarantees you the ultimate dark red-bronze color combined with the perfect glowing sheen for bodybuilding competitions and added amounts of heat to help keep your muscles warm while enhancing your ultimate shredded look.
General Tip: It is recommend that Pro Tan® Instant Quick Bronze® Top Coat Sheen or Pro Tan® Instant Hot Quick Bronze® Top Coat Sheen only be applied to dark skinned athletes if you are dehydrated or ashy, otherwise we recommend using one of our top coat products.
Note: The more your rub that Pro Tan® Instant Quick Bronze® Top Coat Sheen or Pro Tan® Instant Hot Quick Bronze® Top Coat Sheen the lighter the color becomes.
Step 1: Put on a pair of latex and powder free gloves.
Step 2: Gently scoop out the product and apply all over the body in long, even, vertical strokes.
Note: Never apply any top coat or sheen product over Quick Bronze® or Hot Quick Bronze®.
How to Apply your Posing Oil:
General Tips:
Apply oil lightly to your whole body.
Note: Our posing oils will seal in your competition tan so be sure to cover all areas appropriately.
Bikini Competitors should highlight their glutes, shoulders, and abs.
Physique Competitors should highlight their abdominals and obliques.
Figure Competitors should highlight their latissimus dorsi, shoulders, and quads.
Body Builders should highlight their inner biceps and front latissimus dorsi as well as abductors and adductors, areas that are commonly overlooked when oiling.
Muscle Juice® Maximum Definition Competition Posing Oil:
The ultimate physique presentation and total muscular definition posing oil, Muscle Juice® Maximum Definition Competition Posing Oil allows your skin to breathe while limiting perspiration beading. Natural oils soak into your skin to moisturize, gradually emerging to provide a superior sheen.
Note: Muscle Juice® Maximum Definition Competition Posing is a heavier oil and should be used by competitors who are more dehydrated such as Body Builders.
Step 1: Spray product into hands.
Step 2: Rub product together in hands.
Step 3: Rub down entire body with product as you would lotion.
Show Shine® Ultra-Light Competition Posing Oil:
This ultra-light, dry oil formula is designed to give you the perfect contest sheen while conditioning your skin, leaving it looking its very best.
Note: Show Shine® Ultra-Light Competition Posing Oil is a lighter oil and should be used by Bikini, Figure and Physique Competitors.
Step 1: Lightly spray product onto body, keeping the bottle moving so the spray disperses evenly.
Step 2: Pat dry product if necessary.
Note: Only rub Show Shine® in if the product starts to pool.
Hot Stuff® High Definition Optimizer Oil:
Hot Stuff® High Definition Optimizer Oil is formulated with natural buffers and Vasculex, an exclusive combination that helps assist in micro circulation and stimulation throughout the upper levels of the skin. You’ll feel a deep, warming heat that helps keep your muscles warm while pumping up backstage. Exceptional natural oils leave your skin with the perfect contest sheen.
Step 1: Spray product into hands.
Step 2: Rub product together in hands.
Step 3: Rub down entire body with product as you would lotion.
Step 4 (Optional): Add Muscle Juice® Maximum Definition Competition Posing Oil or Show Shine® Ultra-Light Competition Posing Oil on top if desiring more sheen.
Note: This product is Hard Core – Read all label directions and warnings prior to use. Never use Hot Stuff ® High Definition Optimizer Oil on your face.
How to Apply Bikini Bite® No-Slip Suit Fastener:
Control what you want and when you want them to see it with Bikini Bite® No-Slip Suit Fastener. Unique skin friendly fabric fastener provides superior holding power for hours, yet can be removed easily when desired.
Step 1: For best results roll on clean skin and bikini liner, let dry for 30 seconds.
Step 2: Put bikini on and press against skin for 2 minutes.
Helpful Tips:
To get any Pro Tan® product out of clothes, linens, or posing suit immediately make sure to soak the garment in warm water and detergent, hand wash and hang to dry.
To help aide in the taking off Pro Tan® soak in a bath tub with baking soda and lemon juice until your fingers prune. Use Get Buffed® or our Pro Tan® exfoliating mitt and gently exfoliate your skin.
For back-to-back shows you can remove your tan as stated above, just make sure not to scrub too hard as you may braise your skin which can cause irritation and your next tan to not take as well.
Tanning for a 1 Day Show starting Saturday
Thursday (P.M.):
Follow the self-application instructions and apply Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat to dry, exfoliated skin. After applying your first application be sure to sleep in long, dark, loose fitting cotton clothes.
Note: Most hotels will charge you if the tan rubs off onto their sheets or linens. Pro Tan® recommends you always travel with your own pair of black sheets and towels.
Friday:
Upon waking, gently rinse in warm water with no soap. Be sure as to not rinse in too hot of water as it opens up your pores, causing more color to rinse out. Pat or air dry gently. Baby wipes can be used to clean private areas if desired.
Note: Sometimes competitors want to get in a final workout the day before the show; if so, make sure to do so immediately upon waking up and then rinse afterwards. Never sauna or steam after applying your tan as it will completely run off.
Following the self-application instructions, apply your second coat Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat.
Wait 4-6 hours and then apply your third and final coat of Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat. After applying your final application be sure to sleep in long, dark, loose fitting cotton clothes.
Saturday:
Upon waking the day of the show you will not rinse. In the rare case your pH balance is off and you wake up green, you may then rinse in warm water with no soap and apply another coat of Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat.
Note: Unless you wake up green, NEVER rinse the day of the show.
Follow the self-application instructions and apply your chosen Pro Tan® Instant Top Coat 30 minutes before stepping on stage.
Tanning Tip: Accidents happen, water may spill on you or urine may dribble down your leg. Do Not Freak Out, simply apply your top coat to your applicator mitt and lightly rub the bronzer over the affected area to fix your tan.
Follow the self-application instructions and apply your Hot Stuff® High Definition Optimizer Oil, Muscle Juice® Maximum Definition Competition Posing Oil, or Show Shine® Ultra-Light Competition Posing Oil to seal in the bronzer before pumping up.
Follow the self-application instructions and apply Bikini Bite® No-Slip Suit Fastener if necessary.
Tanning for a 2 Day Show with Pre-Judging Friday and Finals Saturday
Wednesday (P.M.):
Follow the self-application instructions and apply Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat to dry, exfoliated skin. After applying your first application be sure to sleep in long, dark, loose fitting cotton clothes.
Note: Most hotels will charge you if the tan rubs off onto their sheets or linens. Pro Tan® recommends you always travel with your own pair of black sheets and towels.
Thursday:
Upon waking, gently rinse in warm water with no soap. Be sure as to not rinse in too hot of water as it opens up your pores, causing more color to rinse out. Pat or air dry gently. Baby wipes can be used to clean private areas if desired.
Note: Sometimes competitors want to get in a final workout the day before the show; if so, make sure to do so immediately upon waking up and then rinse afterwards. Never sauna or steam after applying your tan as it will completely run off.
Following the self-application instructions, apply your second coat Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat.
Wait 4-6 hours and then apply your third and final coat of Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat. After applying your final application be sure to sleep in long, dark, loose fitting cotton clothes.
Friday:
Upon waking the day of prejudging you will not rinse. In the rare case your pH balance is off and you wake up green, you may then rinse in warm water with no soap and apply another coat of Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat.
Note: Unless you wake up green, NEVER rinse the day of the show.
Follow the self-application instructions and apply your chosen Pro Tan® Instant Top Coat 30 minutes before stepping on stage.
Tanning Tip: Accidents happen, water may spill on you or urine may dribble down your leg. Do Not Freak Out, simply apply your top coat to your applicator mitt and lightly rub the bronzer over the affected area to fix your tan.
Follow the self-application instructions and apply your Hot Stuff® High Definition Optimizer Oil, Muscle Juice® Maximum Definition Competition Posing Oil, or Show Shine® Ultra-Light Competition Posing Oil to seal in the bronzer before pumping up.
Follow the self-application instructions and apply Bikini Bite® No-Slip Suit Fastener if necessary.
After your prejudging is done you may gently rinse in warm water with no soap.
Saturday:
Upon waking the day of finals you will not rinse. In the rare case your pH balance is off and you wake up green, you may then rinse in warm water with no soap and apply another coat of Pro Tan® Overnight Competition Color Base Coat.
Note: Unless you wake up green, NEVER rinse the day of the show.
Follow the self-application instructions and apply your chosen Pro Tan® Instant Top Coat 30 minutes before stepping on stage.
Tanning Tip: Accidents happen, water may spill on you or urine may dribble down your leg. Do Not Freak Out, simply apply for top coat to your applicator mitt and lightly rub the bronzer over the affected area to fix your tan.
Follow the self-application instructions and apply your Hot Stuff® High Definition Optimizer Oil, Muscle Juice® Maximum Definition Competition Posing Oil, or Show Shine® Ultra-Light Competition Posing Oil to seal in the bronzer before pumping up.
Follow the self-application instructions and apply Bikini Bite® No-Slip Suit Fastener if necessary.
For more information please visit our website www.ProTanUSA.com or email rob@protanusa.com.Educational videos can be found on our YouTube Channel: Pro Tan® Official.
