Posing Oil (Contest Sheen)

[bgbdwlf]

You know...it is almost a given that every bodybuilding board has the standard "Contest Tan" thread, mainly because there are so many choices out there. The Dream Tan, Protan, Dy-o-derm, Jan Tana combinations vary all the time. One loves it, another hates it. I definitely have my opinions on tan approaches, but I will save that for the "tan" threads.

What I never seem to see is a discussion about posing oil - or more directly - how everyone goes about getting that contest sheen. I would think it is as important as the question of how to tan, no?

In my opinion, a nice satin finish, one that like the skin is polished, but not wet, is the look that one should strive for. You see competitors all the time that have decent builds but they come out onstage either bone dry and dull looking, or glossy and almost dripping wet. Niether will win any favor with the judges.

Over the years I have heard of people using Posing Juice posing oil, Pam cooking spray (stay away from the Garlic one out there), or even Dream Tan which has gloss enhancers in it.

For my past show, I used something called Coppertone Dry Oil. Obviously, since it is Coppertone, it is traditionally used for outdoor tanning. The effect that is produced on the skin is a satin shine that is great about showing just the right amount of light reflection. It doesn't really have any adverse affect on smudging or ruining Protan either. I simply have someone spray it on rather liberally and then take a bunched up old t-shirt and dab at any excess oil. This prevents smudging, keeps the right amount of oil on the skin, and leaves a great look for the stage.

I am curious to know what approach others use. Perhaps someone has that one secret detail that other board members are in need of. Let's hear it!

Derek

[Tim Wescott]

I use "Hot Stuff"......lots of other people backstage hate me for using it,but it helps keep me warm,and seems to bring out my vasularity bigtime.

Used to use plain old baby oil with good results also.

At times,I`ll use almond oil if I`m out of "Hot Stuff"......great oil also.

The trick is to use just enough to highlight the muscles and give them a sheen.......too much oil,and all your hard earned muscularity is washed out onstage,ala Sergio Oliva!

[GerryT]

Agree 100%, Tim. Use the product that suits you best. Pam seems to be getting more popular.

You want a sheen, not a shine. overdo and the stage lights will wash you out and make you look smooth even if in shape.

[beckie]

I don't use any-the Dream Tan has enough of a sheen for me and any oil just smears it.

[bgbdwlf]

Actually, I am surprised that Hot Stuff is still allowed at some venues. For the shows that I have done or even expedited for, they refuse to allow it. Great stuff for bringing out additional vascularity though.

Thanks for the input everyone.

[Sal Paradise]

I think Pam has gotten more popular because of the lack of people helping with the prep backstage.
I've noticed less and less "helpers" are allowed backstage.
This leaves it to another competitor to put your oil on.
In that case it better be easy and Pam fits the bill.

I posted in a "TAN" thread about this final touch, I'll see if I can find, I hate to type it all out again.

Sal

[Sal Paradise]

Well, I couldn' find the post I was looking for but I use Neutrogena body oil.
It's light, not greasy and leaves a sheen without looking wet.
Typically I will use that in conjunction with the pro-tan and even combine the two and rub it in together. That I feel makes both work better and evens out everything.
Just before stepping on stage, I use the oil again and use a bunched up towel or shirt to take away any possible shiny spots that are little heavier applied than another.

Sal

[Tim Wescott]

When I did the 2005 NABBA Nationals,the guy who won the Over-50 title used White Rain hair spray......I kid you not!! #bflushsmiley5qk#

Strangely enough,it looked good on him.

[mrbeefy]

My very first show I used plain old vaseline.

Saturday morning I put on one light coat, and put my sweats on. By Saturday showtime, I had a nice "SHEEN" bnut not a shine.
Haven't used it since, but did work for my first show.

After my wife "greased me up"....I kept telling her..."C'mon Honey...try and catch me!!!!"

;D

[beckie]

LOL Frank-that must have been a sight!

Alot of us figure girls use sprakly hairspray to give us a sheen but I guess you boys aren't up for that

[masterschamp]

I don't use any oil backstage.........throughout the 3 day process I use for applying Pro Tan I moisturize my skin daily with plain old Jergen's Body Lotion. It keeps the skin from drying out, as is common with the use of Pro Tan, and it gives the color a deeper ,richer, more natural look as well as helping to even it out. Morning of the show I moisturize again....I pump with sweats on and the oil that is already in the skin begins to cause a very nice sheen as I work up a small sweat. I just smooth that out evenly and hit the stage!



Keith

[Intensity]

Derek, for now, i've used small amount of PAM and/or Jan Tana oil... in my mind, both are ok, but i'm also curious to know what people in here use because there is always a little something i dont like with PAM and Jan tana... maybe it's the fact that it doesnt mix very well with the Pro Tan...

Mo

[Sal Paradise]

Keith, that sounds similar to what i do and you are right.
Once the sweat starts it just gets everything together just right.


Sal

[BigMikeReed]

I saw one of our own, "Massiv", compete last year- his color was FLAWLESS. I believe he said he used Pro-tan - a few applications day before and morning of and then dream tan for his face.

[bgbdwlf]

salparadise said:

Well, I couldn' find the post I was looking for but I use Neutrogena body oil.
It's light, not greasy and leaves a sheen without looking wet.
Typically I will use that in conjunction with the pro-tan and even combine the two and rub it in together. That I feel makes both work better and evens out everything.
Just before stepping on stage, I use the oil again and use a bunched up towel or shirt to take away any possible shiny spots that are little heavier applied than another.

Sal

Sal - Great find on the Neutrogena oil. I tested this stuff out. When applied lightly and then blotted off with a fine knit towel, it leaves almost a satin shine.

Good deal. Now I know the oil I will use. 30 days and counting.....unfinished business....soon to be unfinished no more!

Derek

[bgbdwlf]

Also, has anyone ever used Protan Blow-Out? It sounds like a vasodilator, but I am not sure. Just saw it for the first time today.

[RUBICON19]

bgbdwlf said:

Also, has anyone ever used Protan Blow-Out? It sounds like a vasodilator, but I am not sure. Just saw it for the first time today.

Nope. I've used Hot Stuff

[Sal Paradise]

Haven;t used Blow - Out do you have the ingredients listed for it?
I used a spray on liniment type of thing.
Worked good for vascularity IF I stayed warm but if a breeze caught me it made me cold because of the menthol in it. Similar to most others.
It still helped with the veins though!


Sal

[megapecs]

Regarding your oiling question earlier this year to the Forum, you are so right there is mucho discussion and suggestions regrading tanning agents but little on oil types. I find that using a very fine baby oil with about thrity drops of glycerine (for added sparkle) per each two ounces of baby oil works just fine for me. It is also optional to add some drops of iodine (just a few) to augment your tanning agent. I am one of those "hammy" posers who s used to douse my bod in oil and discovered I was over-oiling and actually causing too much light refraction and blotting our or blurring my muscle detail. Your idea of a satin finish sounds most interesting. Does it still provide enough "roundness" and biuge
to your muscles under the hot lights ? What type of music do you like to pose to and what is your preference for cut and color of briefs. Hope this proved he;pfu or at least seomwhat interesting to you. Best always, Deak

[intenceman]

I've used baby oil, Pam, but I think I like Muscle sheen the best. With. Baby oil and Pam, my body gets too slick and I can't do a. Proper lat spread- and my backs a strong point