SUNLESS SUNDAY

Spray Tanning rocks! I do it about once a week and you would think I lay out all the time but really I am a total indoor, sunscreen layering junkie ;)

Here are a list of products you should avoid when planning on your next spray tan and products to avoid to make your spray tan last the longest

This is a list of commonly used body care products that can have a detrimental effect on a spray tan. This is not all-inclusive. Not everyone will have a problem with these items. This is only a guide.

 The following products can lighten or make a sunless tan blotchy:

-AHA products

-Anti-acne products  

-Anti-aging products that "renew" "refresh" or otherwise exfoliate skin,

-BHA Products (Beta Hydroxy Acids-salicylic acid)

-Body hair bleach products will bleach the tan, non bleach skin lighteners are fine

-Dove soap, and Dove Shower gel, Curel lotions will fade a tan faster, on some people.

*BIG ONE: Everyone uses Dove I swear so grab something else next time you head to the market if you are an avid spray tannrer*

-Retin-A type products (Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, Tretinoin)- all will cause faster fading

-Shaving exfoliates skin, so fades tan

-Toners containing Alcohols or Witch Hazel in the top three ingredients listed can lighten tan

-Use of a loofa, scrub, mitt, etc. for daily washing. (Use a soft washcloth or "soft poof for daily use)

There are more listed on my website STAR SYSTEMZ

SHOUT OUT to all the Mommy's out there! Without you NONE of us would be here :)

I LOVE MY MOM!

I am so blessed to have this gorgeous lady as my Mom. She has been with me through EVERYTHING and I mean LITERALLY EVERYTHING! She pushed me to be a better person but showed me I could still enjoy my life and have fun at the same time. I would not be where and who I am today without her. She has listened to be whine and cry over the small and large things and stayed strong while I was growing up when it was just her and I. All the single mom's out there, I will tell you this YOU CAN DO IT! I promise! My mom proves it :)

BTW we are both spray tanned here ;)

For my Mother's Day I wanted a Shih Sunday! Shih Sunday means we take our dogs out to lunch with us and share some food with them. Do not worry it is all healthy stuff. I got chicken fajitas no shell and cooked in light oil while my hubby got steak fajitas. Next week I want to take them to the San Jose Farmer's Market so we can walk around more and they can have new scents!

Here are some pictures from our adventure:

Best day ever! I love my family!

FABULOUS FRIDAY

Time to get FABULOUS! Sorry to keep talking about this but its a BIG deal to me..wedding in 8 days!!

Went out last night and stuck to my NEW cleanse! One glass of Malbec Red Wine and a Vegan Meal! Thank you Bar Esquina for making it possible for me to eat an amazing healthy meal :) I ordered a pear, pistachio, arugula with cherry tomato salad. The dressing was an amazing vinegar reduction that I ordered on the side of course, no dairy was in the dressing so I was able to eat it!

Me with my girl Crissty Santana our for her birthday! The theme was GRAFFITI NEON so we had fun rocking our colors! 

Fabulous Friday is all about ways to be fabulous using natural products! Today I wanted to talk a bit about acne. I have been talking with people a ton about how they have such gorgeous porcelain skin and most of the time, unless you are extremely lucky and I envy you, they say I used to have ACNE like you could NOT believe! I than of course ask...How did you change that? Most of the time they say, I figured out I had an allergy! AN ALLERGY! Something as simple as eliminating a chemical or food and they have gorgeous skin! Allergies can also be an allergic reaction to chemicals in your makeup, sunscreen, facial creams even shampoos, conditioners and hair products. You really got to do some kind of elimination of one thing at a time and see what happens.

The best thing to do is an elimination diet. An elimination diet is eating the same as you always do but cutting out all dairy products (for example) for three months and seeing what happens. I say three months, because it takes some time for your body to get rid of all the past dairy. It can be difficult for those dairy addicts but its worth the gorgeous skin you may receive and cheaper than any laser treatment you could ever come across! Than come back start slowly eating dairy and see what happens. If your skin does not clear up move on to something else like something from the list below.

Dairy is not the only one there are also several others:

-Citrus

-Gluten

-Caffeine

-Shellfish

-Wheat

-Nuts

-Eggs

-Alcohol

-Additives 

-Chemicals like food colorings

-The list goes on...check out http://www.acne.org for more information

I used dairy because I am allergic and get severe acne explosions, if I come across it and I am pretty good at knowing if there is butter on any of my food at restaurants!

Your body is your best friend! I swear to you, it talks to you, you just have to LISTEN!  Your body sends signals when it has a hard time digesting something, it sends you signals if it is allergic to something just take the time to listen and you will be much happier in life! Allergies go beyond into why you may have a hard time losing weight? You could be consuming those amazing eggs that are so healthy but could be severely allergic to them! 

I recommend getting an allergy test every 5-10 years. This is important because your body changes as you get older. Some people get adult acne or adult allergies!

Enjoy your weekends and Shine like Stars :)

FABULOUS FRIDAY

Sesame Oil? Vitamin E Oil? What is with all the oils!?!

Fabulous Friday is all about the oils today!

SESAME OIL

I have been using Sesame Oil in my mouth! 

I have been taking a tablespoon of this nutty tasting oil and swishing it around in my mouth and through my teeth every morning before I brush my teeth.

What it is supposed to do is latch on to all the germs, tartar, bacterias and toxins and removes them when I spit it all out. Because of this technique, your teeth will become whiter, gums pinker, cleaner teeth and protects the immune system!

The best part is, ITS WORKING and way cheaper than Crest White Strips! My teeth are really starting to look better and I really like the taste and the way it feels in my mouth (is this just me?)

*Tip: Spit it out in the toilet as I have been doing it in my sink and its starting to hold onto dirt more because of the oil

The only thing is, you must swish for 20 minutes! It takes forever, but I promise you the benefits are WELL worth it! I started this technique because of an article I read online at http://www.everydayglow.com This technique was practiced in India as part of the Ayurvedic technique. I really enjoy doing this every morning and I am loving my teeth more and more everyday! I head to the dentist on Thursday and I will see what my new dentist says! I also really like this technique because Crest White Strips and other products as such contain SO many chemicals such as aluminum which can't be good for you!

After about 1 month of Oil Pulling

VITAMIN E OIL

My skin has been so dry and I have so many FABULOUS bug bite scars since I guess I scratch at night! I started wearing socks on my hands which has helped tremendously! The other product that has helped my scars is Vitamin E Oil. I got my bottle at Trader Joe's and I really love it because I am starting to see a big difference. You can also purchase Vitamin E in capsule form and from what I have heard its much cheaper! You just need to poke the capsule with some kind of sterile needle.

My goal is to get rid of these "beautiful" scars ASAP since I am getting married in 15 days and who wants to see a bride with red scars all over! I put the Vitamin E oil on with a cotton swab randomly all day. According to ehow.com, it takes about 2 months for the scars to really fade. I have been practicing this technique for about 1.5 months and already see results so hopefully in the next few weeks they are totally gone!

Have you tried either of these oils? Let me know what you think and comment below!

SUNLESS SUNDAY

I am getting ready for my wedding and doing so well! I am almost done just working on my beauty routine so I look FABULOUS for my special day! 35 days and counting...wow! I still can't believe it! I can't wait to share with you pictures of a life changing celebration! I have been working on my natural tan a bit and of course I got burnt! I know better...I own a sunless tanning business but sometimes you just want to be a bit tanner so here are some pre prep ideas you can use to lay out a bit before that special day and before your spray tan.

Sunscreen, sunscreen and more sunscreen! Rene Davis, who does my facials out here in Cabo, you can contact her at skintherapybyrene@hotmail.com has this wonderful sunscreen that I use daily on my face called Doctor D. Schwab Umbrella High Environmental Moisturizer and the best thing about this product is it does not clog my pores. All other sunscreens I used always ended up making me break out and I could never find one to protect my face daily that would keep my lovely pale skin pale haha*

On my body I use Resort & Spa Skincare which I got when I swam with the dolphins. The great thing about this sunscreen is its natural and biodegradable so I always use this when laying out. Since its only SPF 15 I apply it quite often during a lay out session.

I apply both products focusing on my face, shoulders and neck/chest area.

I than put a nice moisturizing conditioner in my hair as I figure since I put a hat on I should moisturize my hair while I am at it! I also think the heat from the sun helps the conditioner penetrate my hair deeper.

I suggest laying out before noon or after 3 PM. The sun between 12-3 is the harshest on your skin and who needs a burn or damaged skin cells?

I keep my face and hair completely covered as I figure makeup and a spray tan do the trick and I avoid sun spots, wrinkles and burning on my delicate face.

I drink at least a liter of water to keep my skin and body hydrated the entire time and I keep a water bottle near me as well (glass of course)

After I am done its moisturizing time. I heat up some coconut oil and mix aloe vera with it and apply to my skin to get a nice moisturized feeling. I damp up a cool towel and wipe off the coconut oil and apply aloe vera again. Seems like a lot but I promise its so worth it!

From this base tan, I plan to spray tan of course to get that gorgeous even glow which I love! Pictures coming soon :) 35 day countdown....

Hope everyone is enjoying Sunday and having tons of fun with April Fools!

SUNLESS SUNDAY

 Sunless tanning is the ticket to achieving that perfect skin tone without harming your skin! Star Systemz uses cruelty-free, vegan all organic and natural products. This way you are achieving your perfect glow without being sprayed with harmful chemicals.

So before you start rubbing yourself down with self-tanner consider the fact that it might be harmful chemicals you are lathering onto your skin and not an all organic Star Systemz spray tan :)

Currently running specials, book your appointment to find out more details!

FABULOUS FRIDAY

 We all have a cabinet full of beauty products but did you ever think that what foods you are consuming promote beauty and can actually do more for you than that expensive face cream. When I entered high school, I always had acne and looking back it was most likely because all I consumed was Del Taco, McDonalds, and greasy pizza. Your skin is your largest organ and will tell you how your insides are doing if you just pay attention. Of course I was breaking out, I am allergic to cheese and the amount of grease and chemicals I was consuming was disgusting. Now I eat a clean, dairy free diet and my skin is clear and clean :)


Here are some foods you should add to your diet to create a healthier skin tone and get rid of that acne!

Avocados- Contain the fats essential for cell rejuvenation which is essential for the building blocks of new skin

Grape Seed Oil-Contains oligomeric procyanidine which improves skins elasticity 

*Add some grape seed oil to your vegetables, the great thing about grape seed oil is it doesn't smoke when cooked on high heat.

Millet-Highly nutritious seed which contains silica which is amazing for hair, skin and nails

*Cook millet and put some olive oil in there into a blender makes a great stuffing for peppers!

Apricots-Rich in phytochemicals and contain folate, calcium, vitamins a & c, iron and potassium which provide the vitamins to promote collagen
*Snack on them or add chopped apricots to give your salad a healthy boost

Brazil Nuts- Helps promote skin moisture and prevents sun damage

*Eat 3 (100 calories)  a day to promote skin moisture, eat as a snack

Cucumbers- Contain tons of Vitamin C and manganese necessary for increasing collagen production

*Add some to your sandwiches, salads, dip in hummus for a snack

Add these items to your grocery list and start seeing results as soon as 4 weeks! So much cheaper than those facial creams and a great way to add stuff to your salads and snacks!

Enjoy your weekend and have a FABULOUS FRIDAY!

SUNLESS SUNDAY

Tons of events are coming up! Its bikini season and its time to shine and show off that body you have been working so hard on! 

Nikki Beach White Party is April 13th and just around the corner! Feel confident rocking white and get a spray tan! White is such a difficult color to pull off unless you have some sort of glowing tan. Be the star shining at this party and book your appointment early! 

Host a party at your home before an event! Have a beauty pre-party and be the hottest group at the party! Star Systemz will set up the catering, drinks and spray tan appointments! Groups of 5 or more receive a discount! Contact and book an appointment at http://www.starsystemz.com or by emailing Courtney at courtney@starsystemz.com

Shine like a Star with Star Systemz!

FABULOUS FRIDAY

Today is a different kind of fabulous friday! Other than teaching you about natural beauty remedies, I am going to teach you about a tool you already have!

We all own it, we all show it in pictures but what about when you are just walking around, driving, shopping, socializing..? Do you show it than? A smile is literally an expression that can change the mood of EVERYONE around you and can change the mood of even yourself! 

The other day I was driving around and I felt sad and bored. I didn't drive to the nearest gas station to pick up candy or stop at my favorite store to pick something up, I just smiled :) My mood instantly changed and I felt an amazing warm feeling. Never underestimate the power of your smile!

No matter what is going on a smile can change a situation. I smile wherever I go and I swear it has brought much more joy and happiness into my life. Yesterday I was driving around lost with my girlfriend and because we were both so happy and smily a lady asked us if we were lost and helped us get around! Another instance I was walking around lost in a town that I barely know the language let alone where I am. A lady stopped me and asked me what I was looking for and showed me the way to get where I needed. People tend to soften up towards those who are happy. If you walk around mad or at least look mad people will avoid you! Who wants to be avoided!? 

From now on when you feel yourself getting tired, lazy, sad, mad or stressed just take a look in the mirror and smile! Smile as big as you can and I promise you will feel an amazing power go throughout your body and your whole situation and day will change!

So go ahead smile! Say hello to people and help those who are around you! Your life will become a happier and more positive place!

Have a star studded weekend!

SUNLESS SUNDAY

What are you doing to protect your skin? Did you use to lay out with baby oil all over and than burn to just peel and be tan? Have you developed sun spots or moles?

Its time to take a look at your skin and make a decision as to what you are going to do to save your skin! Skin is the largest organ on your body and unfortunately everyone can see what damage you have done to it. 

There are so many ways nowadays to be tan without damaging your skin. One way is spray tanning! Its easy, effective and quick. We all love looking like bronze goddesses but why do it the harmful, damaging way when you can just have a professional come to you and turn you into that goddess in less than 30 minutes!

Spray Tanning is like a 30 minute body make-over! Makes you look 10lbs thinner! Formulated with anti-aging ingredients, Camouflages cellulite & spider veins! very natural looking - no orange tint! A safe and healthy tanning alternative.”

Jennifer Aniston was quoted in "InStyle" magazine stating that she protects her skin with sunblock and uses spray tanning to keep that youthful glow. 

One question I usually get is "will I turn orange?" 

With my specialized formula that fits your skin tone, even the palest girl can be a bronzed goddess! Star Systemz knows what will work just for YOU and uses the best product on the market! Each session is catered to make YOU the Star and "red carpet" ready for that special event or just an everyday shine!

Try it out today and check out http://www.starsystemz.com for more information and to book your appointment. 

FABULOUS FRIDAY

Every woman deserves to feel fabulous at all times. Making time for yourself and doing what makes YOU happy makes those around you happy. Sometimes being selfish is a good thing. When it comes to your personal happiness, its worth the time it takes away from someone else. Think of it this way, when you are happy everything else around you is happy. So take that time for yourself and try some of these simple remedies!

Lips is my subject today as in the past I have done everything and anything to get my lips to have that plump larger look. With all of that my lips have become dry and have aged quite a bit. Wrinkled, small lips means aged older woman so I have been trying different techniques to fix just this. These remedies also work for those who have sunburnt lips or just chapped lips from the wind.

E-lips

Ingredients

-1 bowl

-2-3 cotton balls

-1 teaspoon vitamin E oil

-1 teaspoon yogurt

-4 drops of honey

-4 drops lemon juice

Mix ingredients together in bowl. Take a cotton ball and tear it up and dip into mixture and place all over lips and let sit there for 15 minutes. Rinse with water.

Coconut Rescue

Ingredients

-Coconut Oil

-Bowl of Hot Water

Heat coconut oil until melted. Place on lips.

The fats in coconut oil relieve chapped lips and help fill the wrinkled lines.

Enjoy your weekend and remember to make time for YOU!

Wedding Spray Tan

Glowing, blushing and gorgeous the bride looks fabulous hair done, makeup done, with tan lines and bright red. Why is this? She wanted to be tan for her wedding so she spent hours worshipping the sun to find out that she needed to put sunscreen on after she was burnt. To hide a burn is very difficult as the skin is already irritated and dry sometimes even chapping.

Don't look like this on your wedding day:


Take the easy way out and go for a spray tan! Spray Tanning is a safe, quick and an effective way to get the desired color you are going for! Why risk it? Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and unless you are a model the most amount of pictures you will probably take in your life so why not look your best? Sure the sun is free but the time you waste and the chances you take really outweigh the cost.

The best time to get a spray tan is one or two days before the big event! You won't be orange especially with my specialized formula and I have a satisfaction guarantee! I am certified and trained by the top spray tanning technicians and will provide you with the color you desire!

Why not give it a shot? You sure don't want to look like a pasty white bride or a burnt tomato!

Book your appointment now!

Contact: courtney@starsystemz.com
or check out my website at http://www.starsystemz.com for more information!

SUNLESS SUNDAY

PROLONG YOUR TAN

Getting a tan is the key to looking healthy, young and vibrant! Getting a tan and keeping it is the hard part. Even with a spray tan you can risk the color by not taking care of your skin properly. Here are some tips on prolonging your tan and keeping your perfect glow for as long as ten days!

-Moisturize day and night

-Pat dry your skin after the shower

-Use baby oil instead of shaving cream

-Avoid exfoliants of any kind

-Avoid chlorine as it reacts to the DHA in the spray tan and causes dry skin

Try out a spray tan and see how you can make your skin tan and glow without damaging it!

Check out http://www.starsystemz.com for more information!