Beauty and the Beach archive

The FADE AWAY…

Ok, so it is the middle of winter and your tan is starting to fade away. I swear I have not seen my legs this white in a long time! Furthermore, the weather here on the West Coast is acting more like spring (it was in the upper 70’s last week) and people are back out on the beach in swimsuits. With this being said, it is time to get your GLOW ON!!

Additionally, I am becoming more aware of skin cancer and the dangers of spending long hours in the sun or fake-n-bake to become a bronze beauty, so I have started relying on self-tanners, lotions, and spray on tans. And these do not make you look orange, promise!

Here is the of my top recommendations:

Self-tanners:

1. Clarins Delicious Self-Tanning Cream

This cream is tinted so application is easy, you will not miss a spot. The color is a nice golden bronze and lasts about a week or so. Plus it smells delicious, it smells like caramel, unlike most tanning products. The only negative thing is the amount you get for the price, but definitely one of my favorites!

http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P208309&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=2082

2.  Neutrogena’s MicroMist Tanning Sunless Spray

This spray tanner goes on clear which makes it difficult to determine if each spot on your body has been covered, but the spray works at any angle. So you can spray upside down while getting your thighs and back. My recommendation is spray it on and then rub it in (it does say no rub-in required, but this helps to make sure each spot is covered). It comes in two different shades and you can darken the glow by re-applying! The color lasts about 3-4 days and does fade unevenly, but the price is quite nice!

http://www.neutrogena.com/econsumer/ntg/productdetail.browse?segment=women&catId=3&subCatId=10&productId=283&target=/products/sun/micromist-tanning-sunless-spray.jsp

Daily Moisturizers with tanning properties:

1. Dove’s Energy Glow Body Lotion

2. Neutrogena’s Build-a-Tan Gradual Sunless Tanning Lotion

So these are the daily body lotions that gradually add color, but these two do not have that distinct smell like Jergens (I have a sensitive nose, if you cannot tell!). I recommend applying after showering once a day. The color does take a while to build-up but it helps to add a nice hint of color during the winter months.

3. Tarte’s celluFight Natural Anti-Cellulite Self-tanner

I just purchased this product and really love the color! This product is an all natural self-tanner that helps in reducing the appearance of cellulite. So you get bronze with out the dimples and this was clinically proven. In a study, 70% of the participants saw an immediate reduction in their cellulite dimples and 81% noticed smoother skin after 8 weeks, Additionally, this cosmetic line is green and all the bottles are recyclable!

http://www.tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-celluFIGHT

Last Minute Tans:

1. Victoria Secret Bare Bronze Instant Spray Tan

I am in love with this product! When you need quick color or balance out your tan lines this is the perfect solution. You spray on a golden tan for the night! This color only lasts the day, but is smells like a day at the beach! I had many people comment on how good I smelled when wearing this product! I will seriously stalk-up on this product this coming spring!

2. LORAC’s TANtalizer Body Bronzing Luminizer and Award Show Glow

These two products are also quick fixes for instant tans! The Luminizer is a nice lotion that goes on easily and provides a beautiful golden gleam. The Award Show Glow is listed as body make-up and stays on till you shower it off. I recommend the Luminizer for the arms and chest and the Award Show Glow for the back and legs. Plus, a little goes a long way with the Award Show Glow.

http://sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml?brandId=LORAC&categoryId=C152

Bronzer for the Face

1. Benefit’s Hoola

This is my go to product for a instant bronze for my face. It provides a nice, warmer look to my face. The product comes in a little box (great for traveling) with its own little brush. Also, Hoola lasts a really long time, totally worth the money!

http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P8940&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5333

2. Lorac’s Blush/Bronzer Duo in Hot and Spicy

This is a great product! Each part of the duo can be worn independently or together to provide the perfect beach glowing look you are going for. When using this product it is important to invest in a Bronzer brush or else the color will go on unevenly.

http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P65801&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=4144

With all the talk of faking your tan…if you do go outside to get your glow on, I recommend the Aveeno Spray Sunscreen in SPF 30!

Now GET YOUR GLOW ON and not let it FADE AWAY!

Are they fake?

I have been asked multiple times “Are those fake?”. And at first, I always think they are referring to my breasts (which if you know me are not large at all), but then they follow up, “Are you wearing fake lashes?”. The answer is no….so here is my advice for getting kickass lashes:

1. First Mascara is KEY, but I believe the application of that mascara is even more important. Often people apply mascara fast and a couple of strokes. Well, I believe that is complete false!!! You should really apply the mascara slow and really start at the base of the lash. And slowly move the wand up the lash. Even apply pressure to bend the lash up. Think about working out….you need to strengthen the lash to long and lean.

2. Curling the lashes: I do not curl my lashes often but it does work wonders. When curling start at the base of the lash and slowly move up the lash with little closure of the curler. I know people advertise really expensive curlers, but I have never seen a difference in curling based upon price.

3. MASCARA: Okay, so if you want good lashes I am a firm believer in purchasing good mascara! Here are my recommendations:

• MAC Cosmetics Fiberlash: this mascara is great if you want fullness. It makes you lashes look really thick, but as time goes on it can get a little clumpy.http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CAT152&PRODUCT_ID=588

• TOO Faced Lash Injection: Absolutely the best mascara i have tried! It really does give you the look of fake lashes. But can become clumpy http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P168368&categoryId=C10480

• Givenchy Phenomen’ Eyes: nothing else like this in the world! A small pompom like thing as the wand is kinda weird looking but it really does get every lash, especially the inner eye lashes that are hard to reach with a regular wand. http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P218317&categoryId=C13919

So go out there and bat those lovely lashes!! Cuz every likes to get asked are the fake, especially when you can say “NOPE…I am all natural!!!”

Creation of Beauty and the Beach

Ok. So for starters I am a beauty product addict.

Here are a few signs you are an addict:

* You have a two drawers filled with make-up* You have more then one type of shampoo in your shower* You can recognize a person’s perfume * You can name which OPI nail polish she is wearing* Your make-up/bath bag takes up half your suitcase* and * Sephora is your idea of Heaven*

I love all things beauty: make-up, perfumes, bath and body, face and hair products. Through my years of addiction, I have acquired a wealth of knowledge of products and tips, while building to my collection.

So, I decided to use my addiction to help others, maybe not become addicts themselves, but at least help them conquer the world of beauty products.

Advice and Product Reviews to Follow!