Category: bath and body

Vita Liberata Self-Tanners

There is a new self-tanner in town, and I am in love. Vita Liberata recently showed up at Sephora and I was hearing rave reviews. The sophisticated and simple packaging evoke the company mission of brilliant chemistry working to create the best tan while still being a a joy to use.

I’ve been using pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse in Medium and Untinted Self Tan Lotion For Body in Warm. The Tan Mousse comes in Light, Medium and Dark, while the Untinted Self Tan comes in Warm, Deep and Deeper Deep. I’ve found both shades I am using work for my light-medium skin tone.

The pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse in Medium is featherweight and has some serious long-term staying power. Using pHenO2 technology, this formula gives an immediate and odorless color. (Yep, I really promise these have no odor) The drying time was impressive and I wasn’t concerned with wearing (mostly dark) clothing shortly after application. Marine and organic botanical extracts work to allow the tan to last up to four times longer than regular tans. I’m still going strong midway through week two of this tan.

Untinted Self Tan Lotion For Body in Warm also is odorless and dries in a jiff. Since this is untinted, I had no fear throwing on even the lightest colored clothing. This formula is nourishing but not overly thick, working as a moisturizer. In about four hours, I had developed a glowing bronze. I think this self-tanner has given me the most natural looking tan out of the dozens I have tried. It also contains marine and organic botanicals to condition skin.

I’ve had great luck applying both of these formulas with a tanning mitt. I am a big believer these are worth investing in. They protect the palms and allow for the most beautiful, streak-free blending of self-tanner. And it should be noted that Vita Liberata products are dermatologically tested, and gluten- and cruelty-free.

And a little side note: don’t miss one of my favorite site’s huge sale that started today. Get up at 50% off a Net-A-Porter.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

L’Oréal Paris Sublime Sun Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil GIVEAWAY

Ever since I tried out the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Suncreen last summer, I have been singing its praises. I love the scent and sheen it gives my skin while still packing a super powered protection. This summer, they have introduced a new form of sunscreen, the high SPF oil sprays. Gone are the days where a sunscreen oil only provided at max a SPF 4.

This oil version features the same photostable UV filter system and powerful antioxidants as the original Sublime Sun lotions. But contains nourishing argan oil, shea oil, grapeseed oil and sunflower oil. It comes in SPF 15, 30 and a whopping 50+. I’ve been wearing the 50+ at the pool lately and love the beachy scent and hydration it provides for my skin. The formulas also offer a patent-pending polymer technology for improved water resistance.

I’m not the only one bonkers over Sublime. Ashley Tisdale was spotted using L’Oréal Paris Sublime Sun Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil while laying out by the pool this week in Laguna Beach, CA.

And a note… a look good/feel good moment: L’Oréal Paris has partnered with the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) on a three year research grant and will also be donating $1 for every SPF product sold to the MRA throughout the summer.

Now for the juicy part! I’ve teamed up with L’Oreal to give away Sublime Sun Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil to three lucky winners. Enter using the widget below. (US Only) Sublime Sun Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil SPF 15 ($9.99), SPF 30 & 50+ ($10.99) is available here.

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Lustful Luxury Friday: Joya Âmes Sœurs Solid Perfume

Welcome to the first of a new series on Belle Belle! Every Friday, I will be featuring a truly luxury item that is lust worthy. Today, I am shopping at my newest favorite beauty mecca, Net-a-Porter, where so many of these cult items can be found. Today’s is a solid perfume that will have you swooning.

A touch mysterious, this vintage-style solid perfume is poured into a porcelain cast and topped with a 24-karat gold lid. Sold yet? Scent Âmes Sœurs (of Soul Mates in French) is made from Natural Jojoba Oil and Carnauba wax fragrance and hand-poured at the Joya Studio in New York City. The notes of Orange Blossom, Incense, Smoke and Musk are decidedly sensual yet masculine.

Seriously limited edition, this fragrance is limited to 15 units. Get yours here.

Brand Spotlight For The Guys: JĀSÖN Natural Cosmetics

Not to say you ladies won’t want to steal these goodies, but I think Jason Natural Cosmetics is right up a guy’s alley. The natural, but effective products are a look good/feel good kind of situation. And the packaging is largely clean and masculine.

JĀSÖN, meaning healer in Greek, was started in California in 1959. The founders’ mission was to create products without the prevalent harsh chemicals while still preserving efficacy. Some of their core products were:

shampoo fueled by Apricot Oil and Wheat Protein for a naturally aromatic and gentle clean
body lotion with natural Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to soothe and smooth skin
and a whitening toothpaste powered by peppermint oil and bamboo powders.

I had my male testing team try out a couple products and they were universally pleased. First up was the Jason Natural Cosmetics Natural & Organic Satin Shower Body Wash, Tea Tree Melaleuca. First, a word of caution: don’t go in expecting this to work as or smell strongly of Tea Tree. It is more defined by its nourishing ingredients, Vitamin E & Pro-Vitamin B5. The tea tree oil and Aloe Vera subtly purifies and balances skin. I particularly love the giant containers (30oz) this body wash is available in – perfect for families.

Another member of my team checked out the Jason Natural Cosmetics Shampoo and Conditioner, Thin-To-Thick Hair & Scalp Therapy. I too deal with scalp issues so I naturally had to give it a test run myself as well. We love the botanical scent. It approaches herbal but is totally pleasant. Both Shampoo and Conditioner add volume and strength hair with Biotin, Panthenol & Natural Proteins. The Shampoo has a rich later and the plant proteins add shine and bounce. The Conditioner weightlessly strengthens and fortifies with Vitamins A, C and E, preventing split ends.

Also, in the Thin-to-Thick product line, the guy tested out Jason Thin to Thick Scalp Energizing Elixer. Almost like a serum for the scalp, my tester enjoyed using this at night as it is ever so slightly oily. The elixir revitalizes with biotin while natural folic acid and lactic acid help stimulate hair growth and prevent future hair loss. He said his hair was unusually soft and manageable the next morning.

As a note, I have also been a long time fan of Jason Natural Cosmetics Pure Beauty Oil, 5,000 IU Vitamin E Oil (see original post here). When my skin or cuticles need a little extra care, I turn to this nourishing (albeit a little messy) oil containing Black Currant, Evening Primrose, Macadamia Nut and Borage essential oils. It is a truly intensive treatment if you need to heal skin quickly.

All JĀSÖN products are committed to their “Code of Honor”:

Select safe, wholesome, natural ingredients
Rigorously test every formula to ensure safety and efficacy
Never test on animals
Constantly innovate and improve

Kate Somerville ‘Somerville 360°’ Tan Maximizer

This time Kate has come up with something I never thought I needed, but now I’m not sure I could live without! You know that dreaded feeling when a little summer glow just disappears – poof – after a couple days? Well, Kate Somerville’s new Tan Maximizer can make it last longer whether it be a faux or real tan.

Just replace your usual lotion with the Tan Maximizer and a specialized peptide-and-lipid complex works to keep that bronze. Get a touch too much sun? Black snakeroot soothes skin, replenishing skin with moisture and preventing peeling. I love the beachy, fresh scent and can see myself reaching for this all year round.

Neutrogena Suncare Tips & a GIVEAWAY

There are loads of sunscreen tips and tricks floating around this time of year. But with the rise of skin cancers, particularly among younger women, I believe this is such a great message to be echoing. The fun part for me is so many of these sunscreens have become a pleasure to use. And you can’t go wrong with drugstore budget standout, Neutrogena.

Of particular interest for Neutrogena, the FDA now requires stipulation for a new test to be run in order to claim broad-spectrum protection on sunscreen products. Cathy Salerno, Vice President of R&D, Global Skin Care Product Development at Johnson & Johnson highlights that “Neutrogena spent years researching and developing and patenting a technology that provides photo stable protection over time.” Takeaway number one, you can count on Neutrogena for broad-specturm UVA and UVB thanks to their Helioplex technology.

So, what else do we need to know to play safe in the sun? Dr. Doris Day addresses three myths that I am embarrassed to hear repeated all too frequently:

Myth #1: 50 minutes a day of sunlight a day is necessary for vitamin D

“This is one of the biggest myths I have heard. Incidental sun exposure is plenty for most people. If you think you are vitamin D deficient, get a blood test. There are fat-soluble vitamins available, which you do not need to take every day. Thus, vitamin D is not an excuse to get a tan and certainly not an excuse to go to a tanning bed.”

Myth #2: A base tan is necessary before vacation, or spending a lot of time in the sun.

“Does anybody still believe this? There’s no such thing as a base tan, it’s just one more excuse to have a tan. If you don’t want to get sunburn on vacation, use your sun protection and be sun smart.”

Myth #3: Most of your sun damage has occurred by the age of 18.

“No matter your age or how much exposure you’ve had, every exposure you get at any age is cumulative and damaging to the skin. Your skin has the ability to repair no matter how old you are. If you start today just by using sunscreen alone, all of those other expensive products that we are spending so much money on will work so much better. It is never too late to start protecting your skin.”

I’ve been testing out the Neutrogena suncare line for a couple weeks… here are some thoughts:

Neutrogena Beach Defense™ Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 70 has everything that you could ask for in a “at the beach all day” sunscreen. Not to mention it smells like pina coladas – yum!
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Body Mist Sunscreen is a pleasure to use. The spray dries clear and without a hint of greasiness. I particularly love this for getting hard to reach areas. Just remember with sprays to totally coat the area you are protecting.
Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45+ might be designed with kids in mind, but I love this when you are in for a marathon swim session. It gets so hot here in the summer, we often spend the whole day in the lake or pool. Love this for quick reapplication even if you are wet.
Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 is perfect for those with acne-prone skin. Dr. Doris Day points out “sun exposure can actually make inflammation worse in people who are prone to acne. Thus, it is important to protect your sensitive skin with sunscreen.”
Neutrogena Age Shield™ Face Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum is for those of us chasing the dream of youthful skin. This formula works beautifully under makeup and provides extreme protection.
Neutrogena MicroMist® Airbrush Sunless Tan dries fast, gives great color and is a breeze to apply. I love the continuous spray for hard to reach areas and even application.

Also, take note: for any Neutrogena product with SPF purchased from May through July, the company will donate one to a family in need. More info here!

Want a chance to enter to win your own gift basket full of Neutrogena suncare products? Talk about stocking up for summer! Enter using the widget below. Good luck! (US Only)

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