Summer Skin - A Focus On Self-Tanners (Body Edition)

What a delight it has been to hear from one of my readers, Kyle, on his opinion about the Jergens self-tanners. It is even better that I get to share the information with all of you! Here is the second segment of "Summer Skin - A Focus On Self-Tanners" - Body Edition.

Jergens Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer (Medium)
- as experienced by Kyle -

Kyle expertly made sure that he had prepped his skin before the application of this self-tanner. He wanted to get it right! The first 2 days of application went smoothly and he seemed pleased with the results. However, the morning after his 3rd application, he awoke to something that he could not have imagined! With his new orange-d skin, he had to resort to covering up in long pants and a hoodie!

Intensity - full intensity reached after the 3rd application but the color was rather undesirable.

Application - seemed easy enough!

SPF - none

Smell - typical self-tanner.







St. Tropez Auto-Bronzant Lotion

Set in a gel of aloe vera, the color of the liquid can only be described as a hybrid between dark brown and green. Oddly enough, that combination creates the perfect hue and leaves behind the desirable 'St. Tropez' tan with no carrot.

Intensity - this reaches a good intensity after the second application. If you only want a glow, stop after the first application or better yet, opt for a body lotion with gradual self-tanner instead!

Application - the liquid is light and with good slip so it is easy to apply. It is best applied on pre-moisturized skin; especially if there are dry patches of skin. Apply twice a week to maintain color.

SPF - none

Smell - chemical but not offensive


L'Oreal Sublime Glow Daily Moisturiser + Skin Tone Enhancer (Medium)

This is by far the best for that "I've just been touched by the sun" glow. The color is buildable and the lotion has fine shimmers in it which gives the skin a perfecting glow.

Intensity - great buildable color that reaches its peak after the fourth application.

Application - I find this completely fool-proof as you apply it like a body lotion. The texture of this lotion feels just as nourishing as The Body Shop body butters, but not as heavy. For just a touch of color, alternate this lotion every other day with your usual body lotion.

SPF - none

Smell - by far the most tolerable. Actually it smells like mango butter; a scent I have come to really appreciate!

Neutrogena Build-a-tan

Neutrogena has been around since the early days of self-tanning. The orange packaging stands out amongst all of the other self-tanners in the drugstore isle.

Intensity - quite intense for me after the first application. The color that it gives is not what I would normally prefer.

Application - its thin texture makes blending difficult and resulted in some streaks for me.

SPF - none

Smell - not my cup of tea!






Estee Lauder Fast Tan Quick-Dry Sunless Spray SPF 15

Estee Lauder was one of the first companies who came out with a spray-on self-tanner. I remember when it was such a revolution, because it promised streak-free color and ease of application.

Intensity - good color but....

Application - I don't think I am made for spray tanners. I have tried several and I just cannot seem to learn the right technique. There were patches of uneven color after my first application (even when I blended), which I thought would be fixed by the second. It did not and only emphasized the patchiness even more.

SPF - boasts a protection factor of 15

Smell - like self-tanner!





Credits: Grayburn, Kyle Kyle (audiboy2006<@>aim.com ) has kindly offered his contact email for those wanting more information on the Jergens self-tanner.

Summer Skin - A Focus On Self-Tanners (Face Edition)

Being blessed with light-medium skin tone, I have had many opportunities to test a bunch of self-tanners on the market. My ballroom dancing days took my self-tanning adventure to a deep hue of burnt leather, but now with dance competitions out of my system, I prefer what is referred to as a 'glow' instead of copper.

There seems to be a backlash recently against self-tanners because they may encourage sun tanning. Beauties such as Dita von Teese, however, have shown us how beautiful it is to be pale and to be wearing an SPF of 50 at all times. Perhaps it is not the hue of the skin that matters but rather the method we choose to achieve it. All in all, I believe that self-tanners are a blessing for those who have skin pigmentation issues as the color helps to even out the skin tone. Either way, here is my take on some of the self-tanners I have tried. I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce you to Kyle, a wonderful reader of mine, who has volunteered information on his experience on Jergen's self-tanners for this post. Since Kyle and I have different skin types and tones, it is invaluable to have his input.

Jergens Natural Glow Face (medium skin tones)
- as experienced by Kyle -

Voted as the best drugstore self-tanner for the face by the Allure magazine, this little number is said to have transformed Kyle's pale complexion into what he described as "wonderfully natural glow", by the fourth application.

Intensity - medium. The color that this developed into helped to "lessen the noticeability of the redness" that Kyle has in his skin.

Application - with ease. Kyle mentioned that he would definitely buy this particular product again!

SPF - none

Smell - slight self-tanner smell diluted by the scent of cocoa butter.

(Kyle's account of the version for the body coming next post!)

L'Oreal Nutri Bronze Face (light to medium skin)

This is a gradual self-tanning daily moisturizing lotion containing Aquamine and self-tanning agent. It claims to provide 12 hours of hydration as it is meant to be used as a daily moisturizer.

Intensity - medium. Full color after 3 applications. I find that the color comes out slightly orange on my skin.

Application - moisturizing, but does not glide as easily for me. As it does not blend as easily as I would like, the color became slightly patchy.

SPF - none

Smell - flowers and self-tanner

Clarins Radiance-Plus Self Tanning Cream-Gel

Substitute this every 2-3 days into your daytime moisturizing regimen. This one is completely fool-proof and feels light yet moisturizing.

Intensity - medium. This is meant to give a natural-looking boost of radiant color to the skin and not as a 'bronzer'. It does just that with no orange or lobster.

Application - elegant application that glides on and absorbs quickly, while manages to moisturize.

SPF - none

Smell - its elegant application and the natural glow it gives makes me forget that it has a slight self-tanner smell.


Chanel Précision Soleil Identité (Soleil Doré/Golden)

Leave it up to Chanel to create another product that is such a pleasure to use. Yes, self-tanning can be an enjoyable experience. As with all Chanel's products, the experience starts from admiring it's packaging (it's monographic look and the way it feels in your hands). This comes in 2 shades; golden or bronze. It is meant to give us that 'just-back-from-vacation glow'.

Intensity - medium. Reaches it's full intensity by the 3rd application. The color is similar to Clarins' but slightly warmer.

Application - A pleasure; creamy and with enough slip for ease of blend.

SPF - provides a protection factor of 8

Smell - Amazing! Extract of White lily and something else which gives it an irresistible flower & cookie scent. Never thought that I would say this about a self-tanner.



Credits: Grayburn , Kyle (audiboy2006<@>aim.com ) who supplied information about the Jergens self-tanner has kindly offered his contact email for those wanting more information on the it.

Revlon ColorStay 12 Hour Eye Shadow Quad - Lavender Meadow

A Revlon quad compact of 3 Gorgeous shades in lilac and lavender, with one subtle complimenting shade of moss. This eyeshadow quad will be perfect for this summer's new smoky eyes.

As with most of Revlon's 12 hour eye shadows, this one packs good pigment and endurance. The shadow is also easy to blend, so it will keep the tugging at the skin around the eyes to a minimum.

Project: Celebrity Junk Drawers by Jason Mecier

An exhibit fit for us beauty junkies; Jason Mecier uncovers the junk in Celebrities' drawers and created portraits of celebrities out of the items waiting to be tossed. This is an interesting way of looking into celebrities' cabinets, to see what products (not only beauty items) they personally like and use up. Thank you Mr. Mecier for satisfying our curiosity!

I personally like these 3 out of many he has done. Pay special attention to Barbi Benton's hair made up of Chanel & Revlon items, and Morgan Fairchild's blue swimsuit made out of Christian Dior products. I can see that Parker Posey likes her MAC products as much as we do!



Credits: jasonmecier.com

I have just arrived back in Europe and feel terribly jet lagged. It seems like I have been so far away and it looks like much has changed around here.

Whilst on the plane, I watched Ms. Minelli in Cabaret. I must say that I adore the nail polish in the shade of emeralds that she wore during her "Mein Herr" number. That was probably the first time anyone had worn such an unusual shade (it was a shade called Divine Decadence).

I am curious what shade for nails you might find particularly unusual? And, if any of you know of a similar shade to Divine Decadence, please do share!

Beauty Tools: Fix "Disorderly Lashes"!

There never seems to be a shortage of gadgets claiming to enhance our quality of life or make life easier; especially when it comes to beauty products. I have a room full of many sensationalized gadgets that I am ashamed to admit I own.


My first reaction was of course, intrigue, when I saw the Spinlash. Like with most beauty products that I encounter, I develop almost an obsession with studying and starring at there every aspect.

This particular gadget claims to "revolve around you", as it applies mascara to your lashes. It works by rotating 360 degrees in both directions (for using on upper and lower lashes) to "declump" our "disorderly lashes". I have come across claims that this little wand has solved many clumping and separating issues commonly associated with applying mascaras. On the other hand, I also read that it is time-consuming and that the buttons 'stick' on the wand. The wand can also be used with your own brand of mascara, but it does come with a choice of black of brown mascara.

This reminds me of the rotating hair brush that we used to see on tv. I don't actually own one of those because I think it may be damaging to our hair. If any of you own one and like it though, please do share with us.

What is your opinion? Do you think that this tool will help make mascara-application easier?

E.L.F. Glow & Nars Orgasm

Nars Orgasm
A blush with a huge cult following and number of reviews almost at 2,500 on MUA, Nars' Orgasm has established itself as an all around crowd pleaser. A walk through any makeup store such as Sephora and you will notice that many other companies carry a suspiciously similar color.

I noticed some raves on E.L.F's version (named Glow). I bought mine online for 2.30 eur (it is sold in the US for $1). Who doesn't love a bargain right? Both are meant to impart a certain 'lit from within' quality on your skin, but E.L.F.'s may be more age-appropriate, considering that most of its fans' ages run a little lower.

E.L.F. Glow
The two blushes are no doubt equally gorgeous colors. However, I suspect that the copycat version will get used up very quickly. It's pigments are not pressed firmly enough so the slightest touch with a blush brush picks up a lot of pigment. Also, the blush being so soft leads to a high risk of the blush cracking (very messy if it cracks in a quad and gets onto the other colors). Not to mention, you get about a-third as much in the pan.

My Nars on the other hand, has endurance, class and dependability. It goes with me easily wherever I go and I know that its understated chic packaging will not embarrass me in public. At 10x the price, it's the least I could expect.


Credits: Grayburn

On Board Beauty

I have arrived in Toronto! My readers are so smart - Kyle and The seeker have both guessed my destination correctly!

The flight went pretty smooth and I enjoyed catching up on a few movies and tv shows. The thing that I love most about traveling is not only that I get to experience a new and different environment/culture, but that I get to pack. Something about packing my luggage really soothes me. I love getting everything organized and planning out all the beauty/cosmetics/outfits I will be needing. There is also an immense sense of satisfaction at the end of the trip, when everything went according to plan.

I believe that even if I am just sitting on a plane, I should still pamper myself. The skin lotions that they provide in flight always smell like dated perfume and are not at all moisturizing. With the dry cabin air, one really needs to bring good quality products and they all have to fit inside a little plastic zip-lock bag and be under 100ml, if they are liquids or gels. Now these are the kinds of challenges that I like!

Here's a list of the simple yet effective products that I packed with me:

In the Zip-lock bag -
1. L'Occitane Visage Eau Essentielle Immortelle Biologique (30 ml) - spray the face frequently to refresh, hydrate and indulge in the scent.

2. Tears Naturale II (15ml) - eye drops to ease dry eyes.

3. L'Occitane Elixir A L'huile Essentielle D'immortelle Biologique (5ml) - patted on my skin after I've sprayed my skin with #1, as soon as we are in the air.

4. Labello SOS lip balm (10nl) - really softens and hydrates. It stays on until I wipe it off before a meal.

5. Decleor Aromessence Baume De Nuit Rose D'Orient (2.5ml) - Extra care when I want more nourishment and protection from cabin air.

6. L'Occitane Creme Ultra Riche (8ml) - It has a comforting scent and the cream is thick yet non-greasy to treat my hands.

7. Cargo Lip Gloss Duo in Kan Kan - A huge tin containing beautifully coordinated colors for adding a natural-looking gloss to the lips. The one I brought with me has a beautiful shimmery brown with gold specks and a beige/pink with silver specks. I apply the darker shade on my top lips and the lighter shade to the bottom. I know that Cargo's glosses are faved by Madonna!

In my makeup bag -
1. Versace Powder Compact - This comes with a real hair brush that fits in the bottom compartment of the compact and the brush is wide enough to cover the face.

2. Shiseido Paper Powder sheets - Absorbs oilies and prepares my face for makeup which I apply before landing.

3. MAC Eye Kohl in Powersurge - With a great consistency and a great shade for a natural look but with a slight twist!

4. Shiseido Majolica Majorca Brow Customize Sword Cut - I cannot express how much I love this brow crayon. It's portable, it has a texture that glides and the angle-cut gives great precision for my brows.

5, 6, 7.... Hair brush, toothbrush, mints, gummy bears, Blax Snag-free elastics in transparent etc.....

I'm really interested to hear what you bring with you when you fly. Feel free to share with us.


Credits: style.com

Flying

I'm flying today! I haven't really told you where I'm going, but I think a few of you may already know. I'm going quite far from Europe this time. Here's a clue:



Credit: youtube