Tips & Tricks for Sunless Tanning & Bronzers

oompa loompaIf you are like most women, you’re probably afraid to try sunless tanning. Why? Fear. Plain and simple! No one wants to look like a streaky, orange oompa loompa.

There is nothing worse than a faux tan that looks fake! This kept me from using sunless tanner for years. I gave it a fair try half a dozen times and was left very unhappy with the results and wearing maxi dresses for a week, waiting for the color to fade. Not how I want to spend my summer!

Fear no more ladies. Not only are there much better sunless tanning products on the market now but I discovered this nifty little products called The Bronze Buffer.

bronze buffer

The Bronze Buffer takes the stress out of faux tanning by giving you the power to refine results—even after color has developed—leaving you with a flawless, natural looking golden glow. With the Bronze Buffer, the days of waiting for a bad self-tan to fade are over.

Bronze Buffer is a soft cushiony sponge with no added ingredients or chemicals. With just a little water, Bronze Buffer’s gentle abrasion removes unwanted self-tanner on the uppermost layers of skin. From streaks to application mishaps to color buildup, Bronze Buffer will leave you with a flawless finish. Use it on specific trouble spots like elbows and knees or all over to tone down a too-dark tan, and the “points” are ideal for small areas like between the fingers and toes.

  • Evens out streaks
  • Eliminates stained palms
  • Removes buildup on knees and ankles
  • Lightens too-dark color
  • Gets between fingers and toes
  • Removes deodorant from clothing when used dry

Price: 2 sponges/$10
Availability: www.bronzebuffer.com

Tanning Tip: You may have to try a few self-tanners before you find the one that works best with your skin’s unique tone and pH.


Sunless Tanners On Our Radar

brazilian bronze

Brazilian Bronze is said to be the best self tan mousse on the market right now and according to the numerous reviews I’ve read, I would say it probably is! Click here to purchase online today! ($39.95)

Check out Vani-T’s complete line of celebrity-worthy and highly acclaimed products here.


jergens

Celebs like Brittany Snow, Catt Sadler, Louise Roe and Nina Dobrev trust the newly reformulated Jergens Natural Glow collection. These a-list insiders all turn to Natural Glow for a red carpet-worthy glow without the downside of sunless tanners, from streaky color to those orangey hues and gross sunless tanner smell. Thanks to an all-new odor-blocking technology, the Jergens collection delivers a natural-looking, healthy tan you need for spring and summer!

Find the Jergens Natural Glow Collection at most retailers like Target, Wal Mart, Walgreens etc and online at Drugstore.com and Ulta.com


beautisol

And last but not least, my personal favorite is Beautisol. If you are looking for that perfect glow, you should definitely try Beautisol self-tanner. Paraben-free, vegan, and packed with anti-aging ingredients! Available on HSN and www.beautisol.com

Do you use self tanner? Why or why not? We’d love to hear how you get your summer glow!

Recipe for DIY Tropical Mango Body Scrub

In My Mind, I’m Somewhere Tropical
DIY Mango Body Scrub

Mango Body Scrub

With kids screaming and one million and one household chores to complete, sometimes it’s nice to take a moment, close your eyes and imagine you’re somewhere tropical. This month is Pregnancy Awareness Month, and whether you’re currently expecting or have passed the days of baby showers and infants, it’s the perfect time for each and every mom to take a second to take care of herself and de-stress with a gorgeous DIY beauty treatment that will leave her glowing and rejuvenated.

This DIY treatment is inspired by the tropical beauty of Honolulu – specifically the Na Ho’ola Spa at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki. This gorgeous island destination is home to some of the most tropical and luxurious pampering spa treatments in the world. The masks and treatments are all-natural and inspired by the reinvigorating ability of a tropical getaway. During the LomiLomi Facial, estheticians harness the natural exfoliating properties of fruit acids – in this case, the fruit acids found in mangoes. Mango does absolute wonders for the skin, leaving the complexion purified and deeply exfoliated and cleansed.

Even if you aren’t jetting off for your own LomiLomi Facial anytime in the near future, you can steal this Tropical treatment inspired by one of the more popular hotels in Honolulu, for yourself in the form of this DIY Mango Body Scrub. It’s incredibly easy to make and use and is the perfect way to experience the relaxation of a spa day in an hour or less in your own home.

DIY MANGO BODY SCRUB

You’ll Need:

salt
1 Finely Chopped or Pureed Mango
1/4 Cup Instant Oats
1 Cup of Castor Sugar
1 tbsp Sweet Almond Oil
4 Drops of Essential Orange Oil
1 tbsp Pineapple Juice

What To Do:

Place the peeled mango and oats into a blender and mix. Next, add the remaining ingredients and stir until well incorporated. If you want a deep exfoliate, increase the amount of sugar used. The finished product will have a thick, gritty consistency and a very fruity, tropical smell. Take the scrub into the shower with you, and slowly rub in circular motions over damp skin to exfoliate, cleanse and tone the skin. When you rinse off, be sure to put some sort of covering over the drain to capture the remnants of the scrub. This treatment is luxurious, but can be a little messy. Remember to also wipe down the shower or tub after using any body treatment that contains oils, as they can make surfaces slippery. Enjoy!

Emily Definitely Knows How To Get Noticed!

Naturally, because I’m so ‘fashion continuous’, I notice other people’s style (or lack-thereof). I can’t help it. There is a fine balance, on either end of the spectrum, between envy and judgement. Admittedly, I’ve been guilty of both.

I usually find myself lusting after the latest fashion trends on Refinery29, but my fashion envy and style idol right now is Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere. This woman has impeccable style and grace; fashion just flows through her veins. If Audrey Hepburn and Carrie Bradshaw had a love child, Emily would be it. Not only that, she has an amazing talent with home decor and she can cook too. I could seriously marry this girl!

Emilycupcakes and cahsmerecupcakes and cashmere

On top of being the coolest and most fashionable blogger I know, she recently authored her first book – Cupcakes and Cashmere: A Guide for Defining Your Style, Reinventing Your Space, and Entertaining with Ease. A woman with many talents, she is!

Cupcakes & Cashmere book cover

If you are looking for inspiration, want to know how to really style an outfit perfectly, find tips for home decor or discover a new recipe, then Emily is your girl. If I’m having trouble coming up with an outfit, I look to Emily’s Pinterest Boards. She definitely has mastered the art of getting noticed – in a good way!

Naturally since the explosion of Pinterest, it’s much easier to gather inspiration for building my own outfits, finding new dinner recipes or for discovering amazing, new beauty products like Dial 7 Day Moisturizing Lotion With Shea Butter for Extra Dry Skin. Getting inspired is no longer a chore, it’s a pleasure. It makes it easier than ever for me to find tips and tricks on how to get noticed whether it’s on the streets or in the kitchen.

The best tip I’ve seen on getting noticed is this one…

Be happy. Be bright. Be you.

What is your best tip on getting noticed? Is getting noticed something that is important to you or do you try to stay in the background?

dial

America’s trusted brand for 65 years, Dial® continues to deliver clean, healthy skin for you and your family.
Dial® Healthier Skin. Healthier You.®

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Dial® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Dial®.

LUXECOAT Monthly Nail Care Membership Program

I just found out about this new monthly nail care membership service called LUXECOAT and wanted to share in case any of you lovely ladies were interested!

luxe coat

Members receive everything they need to create a spa-quality manicure and pedicure. In your monthly box is three vegan nail-polishes reflecting the hottest colors of that month along with all the tools and products you need to have perfect nails.

box of products

Watch the video:

luxe box

In honor of their launch, LUXECOAT is running a two week contest on Instagram, inviting fans to post photos of their best, most unique manicures or pedicures with the Hashtag #LuxeCoatStyle for a chance to win! 50 lucky ladies will be selected at random to win three polishes of their choice!!! Don’t forget that contestants must follow @Luxecoat on Instagram to be eligible.

Scents for Mother’s Day – Must-Have Perfumes

Fragrance has the unique ability to conjure memories, capturing a moment in time that you will remember forever. This Mother’s Day, give your Mom a gift that will help create new memories that she can cherish for years to come.

Here are a few of my favorite perfumes this Spring:

Find one that is just right for each of the Moms on your list!

[Read more...]

Mother’s Day Beauty Look: Pretty In Pink

Get pretty in pink this Mother’s Day with CoverGirl’s latest beauty products that we’re gushing over!

I’m obsessed with CoverGirl Lipperfection Jumbo Gloss Balm right now! So many gorgeous spring colors to choose from, easy application and a creamy finish that lasts. I’ve been wearing “Rose Twist” and “Radiant Rose” all week. They are the perfect girly, spring shade of pink!

Don’t forget to polish those nails in the perfect shade of pink like Covergirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Peek A Boo Pink. Do an accent nail with one shade darker like Tickled Pink for an on-trend look. Or try some cool nail art like this pretty manicure…

Stay tuned for more of our favorite mother’s day products and meanwhile…

Shop our favorite Covergirl Products for Mother’s Day:

What’s YOUR favorite CoverGirl product? We want to know!

The Smile On Your Face…

My husband frequently reminds me that the first thing he noticed about me when we met in person, was my smile…

I know, it’s so cliche’, right? I think I was proudly flashing my smile more than ever though because I had just gotten my braces taken off a few days before I met my husband in person for the first time. We met each other online over 10 years ago! After talking to each other on the phone and online through emails and instant messengers, for two months, we decided to meet in person. I remember putting it off and putting it off because I wanted to wait until my braces were removed! I did NOT like having braces or how it made me look, so I procrastinated planning our first meeting. As soon as those braces were gone though, it was a go!

My husband took this picture of me the first day we met…

June 2003 at Winnipesaukee

It was June of 2003 and I was working full time as an Assistant Manager at a campground on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. We had the pleasure of being able to go boating and enjoy the lake on our first “date”.

I asked the hubs what else he noticed about me that made it “love at first sight” and he said, “Definitely your red hair! I have loved red hair since I saw my first red head in Elementary School. Most red heads have like orange hair, but your hair is deeper and darker and more… RED.” (said with emphasis!)

red hair

Upon further prodding my husband offered, “The other thing I noticed about you was your lips. They have this nice little curve… They’re yummy.”

Isn’t he just the sweetest? I remember not wanting to ‘dress to impress’ and wanting him to see me in my daily life, how I normally looked with no facades. Well, looking back at the pictures, WOW, I guess I really wasn’t trying…

Lake Winnipesaukee

That was my favorite shirt at the time and I still have it. I don’t know what I was thinking of wearing it with those pants though… At least I was wearing a swimsuit underneath it and those pants were more of a coverup than an outfit. We went swimming off the boat later that day with a few friends. Good memories…

At the end of the day, I think it must have been my personality that won me this amazing man! He’s the only person I have ever felt like I could totally be ‘myself’ with and never felt like I had to impress him, do anything special to get noticed or put on a facade. As soon as I met him, I knew we’d be together forever so our relationship was so much different than relationships nowadays. We never wondered if we were right for each other, we just knew. We never felt like we had to impress one another to earn love and respect. We were like best friends from the word ‘go’ and a deep, compassionate and eternal love grew from that.

My smile might have been the first thing he noticed about me, but our deep love and respect for each other is what has kept us together for over 10 years. I’m thankful that my smile got me noticed initially though! :-)

May 21, 2005 - Our Wedding

dial

America’s trusted brand for 65 years, Dial® continues to deliver clean, healthy skin for you and your family.
Dial® Healthier Skin. Healthier You.®

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Dial® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Dial®.