Editor's Letter: Lotion Overload? Never!

My skin feels fantastic. Seriously. And it should, considering the amount of time I’ve dedicated to trying out all of the fabulous lotions we’re featuring in this issue. But why? Well, because it’s March, and this month is all about lotion—from the feature article on 2008 lotion trends and retailing secrets to a rundown of ways to get money back from lotion manufacturers through co-op money, rebates and more, we’ve got everything you need to know about selling salon skincare. Of course, we’re following that up on page 50 with a showcase of the hottest products you need on your shelves this season.

Now back to the “my-skin-feels-great” comment. This year, we decided that the Annual Lotion Issue needed something fresh, new and exciting … so in addition to the showcase, we created a special LF Favorites section to provide you with honest reviews of some great lotions in a variety of categories. Yours truly, and a group of LOOKING FIT staffers, spent the last month sniffing, appraising and using some of the best products on the market. Turn to page 66 to find out which lotions we’re calling the creamiest of the crop and why.

Special thanks to all of the lotion manufacturers that provided LOOKING FIT with samples, as well as to Michelle Tilton, owner of Chandler, Ariz.-based Planet Beach, and her staff, for inviting our judges to use her salon as our testing ground for the tanning treatments.

On a non-lotion note, we’re also bringing you something else that’s new and different this month—a section dedicated to keeping you up to date on all of the Indoor Tanning Association’s projects and events, including federal/state regulatory and legislative developments, public relations, board meetings and the upcoming Tanning World Expo. Flip to page 24 to read the first installment, compliments of the ITA.

And, as a reminder—as if you could forget—taxes are due on April 15. Log on to www.lookingfit.com and read the Web Exclusive, “Tax Tips: Things To Know Before You File,” for information on the forms you need and the deductions you deserve this tax filing season.

Sincerely, 

Danielle Maheux 
Managing Editor