Top 5 Self Tanners

Review by: Mike Hardcastle

Nothing says summer like a glowing tan – but we all know that endless basking in the sun can be bad for your skin and could lead to skin cancer. Don’t fret! There is no need to resolve yourself to a winter skin tone. Invest in a good self tanner and you’ll get as bronzed as a beach bunny without any of the risk. Here, we list 5 of the best.

1) Neutrogena Instant Bronze, Deep

A sunless tanner and instant bronzer in one product. Put the cream on for an instant bronze color with the actual tan setting in 30 minutes. The bronze tint helps insure an even application since you can see where the cream is as you put it on. The fast dry formula allows you to dress within 5 minutes of application. Comes in medium and deep tones.

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2) Environmental Shield Self Tanner

A self tanner with SPF protection. This self tanner sets in 10-15 minutes with the tan showing up within 2 hours. Perfect for a day at the beach as it offers sun protection as well as a safe tan. Warning: you can not swim until the tan has shown up or you risk washing away the self tanner and/or leaving streaks.

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3) Clinique Self-Tanning Body Mist

If even application is a problem for you, or if you always seem to get a darker tan on the palms if your hands than anywhere else, this is the self tanner for you. Spray it on, rub it in and wash your hands to avoid the tell-tale “orange palm”. This spray smells great and sets fast so you can get dressed quickly.

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4) Clarins Instant Self Tanning Gel

Plant botanicals make this one of the best smelling self tanners on the market. The tinted gel allows you to see where the tan will appear and the bronze tint is very close to the color of the end tan. The gel won’t clog pores, dries quickly and is easy to apply.

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5) Bain de Soleil Streakguarde

Aside from uneven application, streaks are one of the biggest problems with self tanning. This inexpensive self tanner is formulated to eliminate the streak problem while leaving behind a beautiful bronzed color. Won’t clog pores. This gel has a coconut scent that is reminicent of the beach. Available in medium, dark, and deep dark.

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Read the article on About.com >>

Kaboom Ultra Scrub

Breaks Through Really Tough Cleaning Problems In Seconds!

Kaboom Ultra Scrub is a thick cream formula that clings to and penetrates grime to remove stubborn stains.

You will love the power and effectiveness. Easy to use, with a no-mess cap, Kaboom Ultra Scrub tackles the toughest jobs.

Buy online for $5.99 >>

Removes:

• Hard water build-up
• Soap scum
• Dirt
• Stubborn spots
• Grease
• Calcium
• Lime stains
• Rust stains

My Review:
I used to be hooked on Soft Scrub. Well, not anymore! After I tried Kaboom Ultra Scrub, I tucked my Soft Scrub in the back of the closet. Ultra Scrub is amazing and it smells SO GOOD!! You wouldn’t usually think of a cleaning product having a nice scent, but this stuff smells amazing. It has this light orange aroma that leaves your room smelling clean.

I use it all the time now. On the stainless steel kitchen sink, on the porcelain sink in the bathroom, the shower, and more. It’s works quickly and effortlessly. The thick creamy formula sticks to the sink instead of sliding down the drain like most similar products do. There really is no comparison. This is THE best cleaning product I have ever used. I am so glad I found it! I highly recommend Kaboom Ultra Scrub to every housewife! I know you will thank me later. Promise!

Celebrity Fashion – Paris Hilton

Have you ever wished you could look like a celebrity without spending all your rent money or even worse, your kid’s college funds?! Well I’m here to help you learn how.

This week, I decided to show you an outfit that Paris Hilton recently wore prior to her Radio One appearance. I really fell in love with this outfit and thought that you might too! (Photo from: A Socialite’s Life)


She started off with a great pair of dark wash skinny jeans, a must for every girl. I’m not sure what brand her jeans are, but whatever they are, I’m sure they are wicked expensive! No fear, I found a simliar pair from Old Navy for only $34.50. You can purchase them here >>


Her white shirt is gorgeous. Again, I don’t know the brand so I can’t compare prices for you. I searched high and low, but couldn’t find one with side splits and the high empire waist. However this little white Sleeveless Knit Top from Forever 21 for only $17.80 is quite similar! You can purchase it here >>

Next, she accessorized with a wide black belt. This was a little more difficult to match. I’m sure if you look around in thrift stores you could find a very similar one, but for now, you can try this cute laced pull-through belt from Metro 7. Right now it’s on sale for only $7.00, so you can go wrong! You can purchase it online here >>

She layered with a great little gray vest. It took me HOURS to find anything that looked even remotely close. Needless to say, that didn’t happen. For some reason, vests are not popular enough yet. Meanwhile, search on eBay for the off chance that you might find one. I found this little linen vest on eBay with a current bid of $2.70. Check it out here >>


I love her shoes! They are a gorgeous black peep-toe wedge. I found a gorgeous pair on LoveMyShoes.com that look just like her’s, but they are a whopping $47.99! If you can afford them, get them here >>

If you can’t, consider this adorable pair of peep-toe, cork wedge slingbacks for only $14.98 from Burlington Coat Factory. Much more affordable for the same kind of look. You can purchase them here >>

She topped off her fabulous outfit by layering several chunky nautical-style chain necklaces. This is a very easy look to imitate. Try shopping at your local thrift store for different chains to mix together. If you don’t have time for that, pick up this great crystal and pearl necklace duo at Wal Mart for only $5.92. Take a peek >>

I love Paris’s handbag. It’s a little black quilted purse with gold accents and embelishment. Very cute! I found a much cheaper version on eBay, that is just as cute! This little black oval purse can be found on eBay for only $7.99! Start bidding now >>

And we all know that no outfit would be complete without a fabulous pair of sunglasses! I don’t really care for the pair that Paris is sporting in the picture above, so I found a smaller, more classy pair and they are only $8.99! Go buy them from Celeb Shades >>

Now you see that? You can look just like a celebrity on YOUR budget! All those pieces cost less than $100! I’m sure Paris Hilton’s belt alone cost that much… I hope you learned something today. Happy shopping!

Shoe Fund

Save up for your new shoes in style with this cute little jar!

It is 4 1/4″ tall and 4 1/2″ wide. The slot is on the top of the shoe box. There is a stopper in the bottom.

It’s on eBay for only $3.00!!

Click here to see >>

Update: Sorry, the other jar sold very quickly, so I decided to put up another one!

Raisin Oatmeal Cookies

This is a fantastic recipe for Raisin Oatmeal Cookies, which by the way is my favorite type of cookie! Try this recipe some time and let me know what you think.

INGREDIENTS:

* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
* 1 egg
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup raisins

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

2. Sift the flour together with the soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in the oats. Combine the other ingredients and add them to the flour mixture, stirring thoroughly.

3. Drop by tablespoonful onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 15 to 18 minutes. Remove to wire rack to cool.

Hands & Feet



While there are many manicure kits on the market, none contain the same complete set of tools routinely used by professionals at nail salons. And buying each tool separately can be costly and inconvenient. CUTIEKIT was designed so that you don’t have to share tools with the thousands of others who frequent nail salons.

For only $34.99 you will have all the tools you need for a perfect manicure!

Purchase now >>



For those of you that want to do your own manicures and pedicures, check out Glam.com for pointers by Deborah Lippmann, who manicures stars like Sarah Jessica Parker.

Go read the article now >>

What Not To Wear

Allright, I want to know who got together and decided to start this hideous, awful trend?! Garden Clogs are for the garden ONLY people!! I can’t tell you how many people I saw wearing these in church on Sunday. Yes, IN CHURCH!! Instead of listening to the sermon, I was counting ugly garden clogs in the pews. I lost count at 11 pairs…

What is wrong with the world?? Who told you that garden clogs were cool to wear?? Let me help you out… Don’t wear them! PLEASE!! I beg of you. It’s for your own good… You have no idea how many people are making fun of you behind your back for wearing those things in public.

They are called “Garden Clogs”. Does that tell you ANYTHING?!?! THEY ARE FOR THE GARDEN!!! Don’t wear them out in public. Don’t wear them to the grocery store. Don’t wear them to church. Wear them in the garden, or don’t wear them at all!!!

I know they are at Payless and Wal Mart and I love both those stores, but just because they sell it, doesn’t mean it’s in style!!

This is a huge example of What Not To Wear! Just don’t purchase these and don’t wear them either. If you have a pair, please wear them in your garden ONLY. If you don’t have a garden, throw them away!! Don’t donate them, because then some other poor soul will think they’ve found a treasure the next time they go thrift store shopping.

Do us all a favor and discard of your Garden Clogs!