Tanning Truths with Janessa Lopez of Hollywood Tans

We sat down with Hollywood Tans' Janessa Lopez and had her fill us in on tanning tips, routines and more!

 

(Credit/Off Guard Photography) 

HOLLYWOOD TANS: Do you have any tips for first time tanners?

JANESSA LOPEZ: Start slow, deepen your tan very gradually. Get a fun lotion and let your body soak it all in. Stay consistent with it, use a good after lotion and exfoliate.

 

HT: How often do you tan?

JL: 3-4 times a week 

 

HT: When did you first start tanning?

JL: I love being bronze so I feel like I’ve been tanning forever. I started in the tanning bed, when I did my first beauty pageant at 18. But, nothing is as quick and great as Hollywood Tans. I especially like their Stand Up booths If you wonder what I mean by that, go have a try for yourself! 

 

HT: Do you have a favorite Hollywood Tans Tanning Lotion?

JL: I am in love with the 1AM tanning lotion, it is super dark. Sometimes if I’m feeling feisty, I’ll mix it with the Caliente for a tingle! They’re all great though! 

 

HT: What do you think sets Hollywood Tans apart from the rest?

JL: You get a golden glow in 8 min, the salons are super cute and glamorous and you don’t lie down. They’re everywhere and they’re trusted. Quick and clean!

 

HT: What’s one rumor about tanning that you’ve found to be completely false?

JL: So many people are afraid of it. I stopped tanning a while back because I’m on a mission to age gracefully. When I partnered with HT, my only question was: "is this going to harm me at all?" They looked at me like I was crazy!

Before, I’d go in and lay down in the bed for 20 min and I’d usually overexpose when I first started. They let me know, build your tan gradually, as to not overexpose the skin. I started at one day a week and didn’t do the max time. As I built a base tan, I increased my time. The key is to care for your skin. Having a base tan actually protects your skin while out in the sun. Take your time! Use a good lotion, especially an after tan lotion like HTO tan extender and your golden!  

 

HT: What do you think is better- self tanning or going into the salon?

JL: Without a doubt the salon because you get a tan that doesn’t streak, a tan that’s even and a tan that you don’t sweat off in the gym. I work out hard, I need to not sweat brown and or get funky lines!

 

HT: Is it hard to fit tanning into your busy schedule with your son and work? How do you make time?

JL: Tanning, like any other upkeep I practice is a way of life. When I started tanning again, I went to Hollywood Tans and in 8 minutes I was in and out. But like anything that you add to your schedule, it has to become a part of your daily routine. I find a way to make time for many things: hair, nails, the grocery store, etc. Tanning is something that greatly benefited my lifestyle [as a bikini model] from helping me look in the mirror, to seeing definition, to feeling better with a healthy glow. I definitely made time for my 8 min habit. I started tanning once a week; I probably go four times a week now. With a great lotion and a great salon, it’s easy to maintain. Besides, life is better bronze!

 

HT: Speaking of busy schedules, how can other busy moms like you keep it together!

JL: Simplicity and preparedness are things that work for me! I always leave the house with everything I might need for the day. There’s nothing worse than meaning to follow your plan and not having what you need.

(Credit/Off Guard Photography)

By: Janessa Lopez/Melanie Hunter

Meet Janessa Lopez, one of the new faces of Hollywood Tans

Janessa Lopez isn’t someone who lets her circumstance get the best of her. At one point in her life, the model found herself in the middle of a daunting break up and an accompanying custody battle over her son. Like most women Lopez found her light dwindling with the new found stress that had taken over and reincarnating that light in unhealthy foods, less physical activity and withdraw from most social interaction. As a result, Lopez gained 30 pounds. In spite of her situation, Lopez continued modeling, but admits she was numb inside and her apathy began to manifest outwardly.

One day a co-worker said to her, “You were so glamorous before, what happened? I guess that’s what happens when you have kids, right?”

Prior to having her son Brody, Lopez had plenty of experience as a bikini model and a promotional model for organizations such as USC Football, Playboy, Relay for Life and National Girls and Women for Sports.

“The minute she [co-worker] said that to me, I had to pull myself together. I originally got into bikini modeling because I loved feeling glamorous, and there’s this feeling of female empowerment that comes along with it. The fact that I was no longer conveying that was a wake-up call for me.”

Since then, Lopez has started rejuvenating her bikini model body. She officially began her weight loss journey on January 24, 2011, with a goal of shedding 40 pounds.

Lopez, currently a life coach at Jenny Craig, advises her clients to identify what initially is causing the weight gain and find ways to address where the emotional or mental problems lie. “Begin with the end in mind,” Lopez says. “Stop and think about where you want to go, what goals you’d like to set. Weight loss is so much more than a number on a scale. At the end of the day, you have to want to be healthy.”

And so she’s begun. Lopez has returned to working out five times a week and following a healthy diet. She also journals every workout and everything she eats so that she stays motivated and continues to see results.

In order to continue to feel glamorous every day, Lopez tans at Hollywood Tans, where she receives her favorite service, the high pressure tanning. One day, the CEO of Hollywood Tans, Lewis Shender, suggested she model. A simple compliment turned into Lopez becoming the face of Hollywood Tans.

“We at Hollywood Tans really like what Janessa has done, in terms of her weight loss and more importantly, positive outlook on life. It’s also a plus that she enjoys tanning with us,” Shender said. “We’re thrilled to have her represent us and spread her positivity and cheer her on to becoming the best bikini model she can be!”

Lopez’s son Brody is her biggest supporter; as he often helps her take document her weight loss by taking pictures of her. “For a while I didn’t know what my sons "home" life would be like since his dad and I split. I knew I wanted him to have a firm foundation and the best way I could show him that was by how I lived my life. I want him to know that his mommy didn’t give up.” 

Here's her progress so far: 

MARCH
 

MAY 

JUNE 

We'll keep you posted with fun updates from Janessa and her weight loss tips! And as always, updates on Hollywood Tans!

By: Melanie Hunter

CONTEST- Bleach Bright Teeth Whitening Kit

We're giving away three (3) of the Bleach Bright Teeth Whitening home kits, starting Tuesday, June 7, 2011.

Why, you ask?

1. Because we can.
2. Because we appreciate our fabulous customers.
3. Because no one likes looking at yellow teeth.
4. Because everyone loves free stuff.

Here's what you could win: 

The UVBleachBright Kit!

The UVBleachBright Advanced System uses the power of L.E.D light to help whiten your teeth in just a few sessions. Use this unique system anytime or anyplace. Great for tanning salons and beach goers.
(1) Vial of 12% HP
(1) Mini blue L.E.D. light
(1) White leather carrying case
(1) Shade guide

Your new pearly whites will look great with your tan! You can even use this while tanning!