Author: Lindsay

Self Tanning Towelette Winners

The best way I’ve found to tan streak-free and on the go this summer is using the self-tanner towelettes. Two brands have become my favorite and they are ever so slightly different. But I will definitely be keeping both of em close by over the summer. That and loads of SPF.

Kate Somerville Somerville360°Tanning Towelettes and Somerville360° Face Tanning are champions at a quick and even tan. They have a lighter, natural looking glow that appears in about 2-4 hours. You can go deeper in color with another application. But their subtlety makes them perfect for those on the fairer side. They are so simple to use. I wear latex gloves when handling the towelette to keep my hands from being overly tanned. Just swipe the back of hands right as you finish application. Give yourself 10 minutes to let the product soak in and then you are ready to go. The paraben-free formula contains:

  • Anti-bacterial Melaleuca Alternigolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
  • Calming Cucumber Fruit Extract
  • Soothing Vitamin C and E antioxidants

The face tanning pads are just as easy to use. Place two fingers in the sleeve of the self tanning pad. Peel off the seal to expose product. Using circular motions, gently apply to clean, dry face and neck. The effect is also natural and just sun-kissed. The formula works with your skin’s own proteins to cater a perfect color. It also has anti-aging properties (peptides that can diminish fine lines). I’ve found that the color is on the lighter side, again ideal for the fairer complexions. You can deepen the color with a second application.

Exfoliation always improves self-tanning results. Try ExfoliKate for the body and face before using the Somerville 360.

Now, at Neiman Marcus you can receive Two 360 Tanning Towelettes and ExfoliKate, 0.5oz with any $150 Kate Somerville purchase.

I’m equally smitten with Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Glow Pads and Glow Pads For Body With Active Vitamin D. These pads deliver slightly more color than Somerville 360. I use the same application technique with latex gloves. Both the body and face pads contain Active Vitamin D, which helps in absorption of other anti-aging and anti-oxidant ingredients. The pads exfoliate with Alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, tightening pores, eliminating blackheads, and fading existing sunspots. Microencapsulated DHA and soy proteins deliver color deep into the skin to prevent fading. And believe it or not, these pads contain Capislo™ which can reduce the need to shave by minimizing hair texture, length, and growth. The final result is a deeper and very even tan.

This product is gentle enough for all skin types, vegan, and cruelty-free. And slightly more affordable of the two options.

Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line Reducing Concentrate Results

The stars aligned a couple weeks ago and my new skin care addiction was born. I had just left a dermotologists appointment armed with new information that I should be using a Vitamin C product every day. That afternoon, I was introduced to Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line Reducing Concentrate (containing 10.5% Pure Vitamin C). Shame on me – I was just now finding out about Kiehl’s best-selling product!

Vitamin C, one of our key tools in the fight against aging, has been shown to have many positive effects on the skin. Kiehl’s found a way to stabilize Pure Vitamin C at high levels for maximum impact. The formula was literally put to the test in a dermatologist-controlled study. They found that, over time, the formula had a “significant and progressive effect on “marionette lines” around the mouth, “crow’s feet” and sub-orbital wrinkles in the eye area as well as other facial lines and wrinkles. In addition, skin shows an improvement in texture, tone, and sallowness.”

You don’t have to tell me twice. I’m sold. With a couple weeks of use, I have experienced zero sensitivity. Along with other skin care efforts, my skin does appear more even and plumper. Plus, I love the feel of this formula. It is silky and soothing and performs great under SPF and makeup.

Le Métier de Beauté ‘Kaleidoscope’ Blush Kit

If you are a blush junkie (or a Le Métier de Beauté fanatic), heads up on their newest Kaleidoscope. Somehow, the LMdB team, pulled together a set of universally flattering and fully satisfying blushes. While the other Kaleidoscopes have encouraged layering all the colors, I think this set works better using one or two shades on their own.

The shades from top to bottom: a matte apricot orange, a matte vibrant rose, a shimmering gold, and a frosty pink. Layers two and three together quickly became my favorite. The gold tempers the vibrant rose and adds a bit of highlight. The gold also makes for a beautiful eyeshadow. The powder is very finely milled so there is no caking or dusky look.

The advantage of the kit is any look you desire is immediately at your fingertips! I tend to get quite a bit of pigment with these shades, but they blend beautifully into a sheer color. This is now part of Le Métier de Beauté permanent collection.

Urban Decay NAKED Palette GIVEAWAY

I’m guessing most of you have heard of the NAKED palette from Urban Decay. If not, then here is a little recap: 12 tremendously flattering, neutral eyeshadows that are brilliantly crafted to be blendable and long-wearing. It is packaged with a professional-quality, cruelty-free Good Karma Eyeshadow Brush, plus a travel-size Eyeshadow Primer Potion in original formula.

This is such a comprehensive palette. I love Naked, a matte buff, as a base. Half-baked is a great shimmer. Sin makes a great highlighter. And the darker shades work as a pretty alternative to black eyeliner.

I just happen to have an extra one, and couldn’t resist sharing it with one of you. Open to anyone, anywhere! Enter to win using the widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Summer Hair Staples

1. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray – Okay, I know most of you have heard of this stuff already. It is basically cult status. But if not, pick up some for this summer. It is the only thing I can find that gives effortless beach waves. I spray this on the ends of day-old hair for body and a slight wave. It also works great on wet hair at night. After applying, braid and sleep. Wake with big, bouncy waves. Sure, you can make your own salt water to give volume and texture. But Bumble and Bumble have added in seaweed and kelp that keeps my hair much more hydrated than ocean water.

2. Kanebo Sensai Collection Sensai Intensive Hair Mask – Because I am addicted to buns and braids (especially in the hot summer), my hair is super long these days. I don’t have a problem keeping it free of split ends, but I have noticed a little dryness. This mask is technically recommended for severely damaged hair, but it also gives my relatively healthy hair a boost. The mask contains ten oriental herbal extracts to smooth and shine. It has a very subtle but pleasant floral fragrance. I apply to the bottom third of my strands after shampooing. I throw my hair in a bun in the shower and rinse out after about five minutes. I love that it doesn’t make my hair greasy, but bouncy and nourished.

3. Goody QUIK STYLE Paddle Brush – Did you know that towel drying hair can break strands and cause frizz? I skip towel drying and use the strangest looking brush you have ever seen to get out that initial moisture. It has super-absorbent microfiber bristles that soak up water as you brush your hair. I use a wide-tooth comb at the end of my shower to make sure there are no tangles. Generally, it isn’t good to brush wet hair, but this brush has widely placed bristles that glide through my strands. While it doesn’t get my long hair super dry, it seriously cuts down on dry time. And I’ve noticed my hair looks smoother since I gave up the towel. After use, the brush dries in a way that prevents any mildew or mold from forming on the micro-fiber.

4. Sedu Revolution Pro 6000i Hairdryer – The worst: making a huge effort drying your hair in the summer. And then proceeding outside, where your hair turns into a humid, sweaty mess. So my goal is to invest as little time as possible getting my hair presentable. That usually means a low bun or topknot (occasionally a braid). But some days you must have dry hair. The Sedu Revolution Pro 6000i Dryer has a high-performance motor that increases speed and air volume for faster, more efficient drying time. Their IONIC generator helps limit frizz. Literally, my hair drying time has been cut in half.

Becca Cosmetics Mineral Blush and Beach Tint

Becca Cosmetics is a company that focuses on natural, flawless skin for every complexion. I love that they offer 34 concealer and 30 foundation shades. They truly offer makeup to ALL women. You don’t hear too much about this line – it definitely flies under the radar. So I wanted to highlight their Beach Tint and Mineral Blush in anticipation of the summer months – both great products to get the sunkissed glow (safely and without sun damage!).

BECCA Beach Tint is a blendable 2-in-1 crème stain for cheeks and lips. The water-resistant formula makes it perfect for the hot summer months – throw it on a bare face before the pool or the beach. Unlike other stains, it doesn’t dry out lips at all. Its dermatologically tested formula makes it safe for acne-prone and sensitive skin. These are ever so slightly scented in a totally pleasant way. You can keep them in a hot car or beach bag without worrying about them melting everywhere.

Becca Beach Tints are available in seven shades: Strawberry (warm orange red), Watermelon (bright pink), Peach (warm orange pink), Raspberry (deep berry pink), Grapefruit (pale coral pink), Fig (tea rose pink) and Guava (bright coral pink). The pigment goes on pretty sheer. Just make sure to exfoliate your lips with a product like Bliss Fabulips Sugar Lip Scrub beforehand.

The Becca Mineral Blush is loaded with skin care benefits (Vitamin A, E and C). The mineral complex and conditioners give the appearance of smooth and even skin. There is something in the powder formula that allows the blush to blend like a cream. It never looks cakey on my dry skin and there is just a hint of highlight and illumination. It is truly a demi-matte finish. And the silver disk in the compact makes it surprisingly easy to find in a huge purse!

Becca Mineral Blush is available in five shades: Damselfy (coral), Flowerchild (peachy pink), Sweet Pea (rosy plum nude), Wild Honey (peachy nude) and Bolero (bronze).

These two products definitely go hand in hand. The Beach Tint can be layered under the Blush for added intensity. They are also free of parabens and preservatives. You can find Becca Cosmetics at Dermstore.com.