Category: bath and body

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.

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.

Recover from a self-tan job gone wrong: Laura Mercier Body Bronzing Makeup

Recently I was prepping for a very big event. My selected outfit was a dress… meaning my winter white legs were going to be on display. Naturally it was self-tanner to the rescue. The next morning, I woke to discover I was a little hasty with my self-tanner application and had some spots where I was not quite so tan.

Enter Laura Mercier Body Bronzing Makeup. This instant bronzer evened out my skin tone in a snap. It also made my skin look more healthy with light-reflective particles disguising imperfections. I adore the scent: almond coconut milk. It didn’t come off on my clothes, but I probably wouldn’t use this if I were wearing white or yellow. Pick it up while you can – this stuff is limited edition.

NEST Fragrances

Two main reasons why I appreciate Laura Slatkin (other than her outstanding home fragrances). First, she’s a Wall Street girl turned luxury goods expert. I too have some Wall Street years under my belt, so I know how hard it can to be to transition out of that world. Secondly, she’s bringing her award winning home fragrances to our skin. Yep, NEST is rolling out the personal care products. Since this brand is far and away one of my favorites in the space, I wanted to share a few of my favorites with you.

  1. You already know how much I love when fashion and beauty meet (hello, Guerlain and Pucci). Same goes for home fragrance and fashion. Jason Wu launched his first fragrance, Orchid Rain, in scented candle form in March. Inspired by florals, Wu included crisp freshness of rare orchid and Asian pear. And the porcelain vessel can be reused (currently home to my makeup brushes).
  2. My favorite size of candle is the single wick. They last about 50 hours and are easy to maintain. The grapefruit is perfect for a clean, “pick me up” scent. Pink pomelo grapefruit and watery green nuances are blended with Lily of the Valley and Coriander Blossom.
  3. I usually don’t like uber-floral candles, but springtime sometimes calls for Peony Blanche Candle. Peony blossoms and watery nuances are accented by a white floral bouquet of jasmine, magnolia, and lily.
  4. I’m new to the diffuser scene and already hooked. It is a persistant and low-maintenance way to freshen a room. I keep my Blue Garden in the bathroom – never having to fret about leaving it unattended.
  5. Here is where the beauty blogger in me REALLY gets excited. Hand soaps are the newest launch and just the beginning of what I hope to be a large personal care line. The soaps are not drying and housed in the most beautiful vessel. Moss and Mint is great for the kitchen and Bamboo (green citrus and white florals) is perfect for the guest bath.
  6. My favorite of all NEST scents is Moroccan Amber – just a hint masculine and so cozy for an evening spent in.

Keep an eye out for the Beach line hitting counters soon – sparkling turquoise water and lush coconut are married with juicy melon and a luminous base of lotus flower and sensual woods. 

SIRCUIT® Skin Lavish™ | multi-use therapeutic dry oil GIVEAWAY!

I’ve always been a fan of using oil after a shower for hydrated and soft skin. I’ve used everything from good ole baby oil to almond oil from Whole Foods. But I was recently introduced to Lavish™ | multi-use therapeutic dry oil from SIRCUIT® Skin that took everything to a whole new level.

First, a little about SIRCUIT® Skin if you aren’t familiar. They are a decade old company based out of Los Angeles, committed to being green, fresh and using only the best ingredients. Their products are paraben, sulfate and cruelty free always. And they never use fillers, artificial colors, artificial preservatives or artificial fragrances. Everything is produced in small batches and this boutique approach translates into exceptional customer care.

I’ve been hooked on their cleanser and lip treatment for about a year so I’m not surprised another one of their products made it into my regular lineup. Unlike the baby oil and almond oil I have used before, Lavish™ | multi-use therapeutic dry oil is incredibly lightweight and absorbs quickly into my skin. I’m not left greasy, but glowing. Nine oils help heal my skin, improving the appearance of scars.

  1. Grape Seed Oil – Rich in linoleic acid, acts as an emollient and lubricant, antioxidant.
  2. Aleurites Moluccana Seed Oil (aka Kukui Nut Oil) – excellent source of gamma linoleic acid, smoothes skin while moisturizing and protecting, used to treat dry, chapped, and irritated skin.
  3. Organic Borage Oil – high concentration of Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), an Omega 6 Essential Fatty Acid (EFA), anti-irritant, soothing.
  4. Arctic Cranberry Oil – provides essential fatty acids and tocotrienols, for nourishing, moisturizing, and protecting skin.
  5. Cloudberry Oil – unique combination of energy and nutrition, rich in skin essential linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, and UV protecting carotenoids, as well as membrane strengthening phytosterols, antioxidant rich.
  6. Bitter Almond Oil – high levels of oleic acid, unsaturated triglycerides provide moisture, easily absorbed in skin.
  7. Macadamia Nut Oil (Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil) – high in essential fatty acids, its natural affinity to human sebum makes it an excellent skin care ingredient. Is often used to improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
  8. Calophyllum Inophyllum Oil – stimulant for collagen synthesis for use in anti-wrinkle and anti-stretch mark products.
  9. Neem Oil – For thousands of years Ayurvedic medicine has used Neem for skin care and to treat skin disorders, Moisturizing, rich in fatty acids and glycerides, promotes healing, antiseptic.

I’ve been slathering it on my legs and arms but you can also use this on your face and hair and even add it to a bath.

And here’s the good news! Belle Belle and SIRCUIT® Skin are giving away one full size Lavish™ | multi-use therapeutic dry oil to a lucky reader. Just use the widget below to enter to win! You can earn up to seven entries until 12:01AM on Monday May 7th. The winner will be announced on Monday May 7th.


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3floz.com

One of my all time favorite websites is 3floz.com. When I first discovered it years ago, it was a “why didn’t I think of that?” moment. Everything beauty related is made travel friendly. They have an amazing selection of products that are perfect to pick up for a trip or try out at home. But to get a real sense of the all-stars, I asked the heavy hitters for their favorites. Founders, Alexi and Kate, share their top picks and Stacy Small, traveler and agent extrodinaire shares her “must haves” for her many days on the road. I also threw in my favorite items for good measure. Enjoy and be sure to check out the pins of the items on my Makeup Makeup Makeup Pinterest Board.

Alexi:

  • Yes to Cucumber Towelettes – I have these in every bag and my medicine cabinet. They are perfect for taking make up off, especially the eyes – they don’t burn like most Towelettes. I use them as hand sanitizers, cool down after the gym, after a long ride in the car/plane/subway. Basically, you can use them for anything.
  • Archipelago Dubai Travel Tin –  You never know what your hotel room is going to smell like so I like to be prepared. Dubai is blended with Amber, Mandarin and Musk.
  • BlowPro Beach Blow Texturizing Mist – I love my hair after a day at the beach…. The texturing mist gives my hair a day at the beach look!
  • Philip B Lavender Body Wash – Hot man smell in a bottle
  • David Kirsch Wellness Vitamin Juice Packets (Raspberry flavor) – I am pretty forgetful about taking vitamins every day! With the DK vitamins I pour a pouch into my water bottle in the morning while at my desk and drink my vitamins.
  • Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peels – I use these daily on my skin. They peel off the dead skin and leave my face feeling fresh and wrinkle free, or so I tell myself!

Kate:

  • Jonathan Create Volume Thickening Foam – Better than mousse!!  Use on the ends and sparingly on your roots for noticeably fuller hair.
  • Serge Norman Metasilk Shampoo and Conditioner – Luxurious is the only word to describe this combo.  I was a afraid my hair was going to be weighed down by these ultra lush products but that was just not the case and now I am a convert.  Moisture rich shampoo and conditioner that still gives me volume-AMAZING!
  • Blow Faux Dry Shampoo – This product is life changing.  The reason the BFD is my fav is because it really soaks up the oils and works on all hair.  My hair is dark and so I apply it over the crown of my head, massage it in-you need to massage it in like you would shampoo-and use my blow dryer to get rid of the extra powder.  I can extend my blow out a least 2 days longer than I should with this product.
  • Dr. Dennis Gross Glow Pads – these wipes have saved my skin!  Since I met these wipes tanning has never crossed my mind.  They work with your own skins Vitamin D so the color is perfect and they exfoliate the skin leaving a healthy glow.
  • Supergoop City Serum SPF 30+ – First serum I have ever found that does not irritate my skin and doesn’t like that dry film.  I include a few drops in with my daily face moisturize and apply it directly to my neck and décolletage.

Stacy:

  • Air Repair Complexion Quenching Facial Mist – The aloe leaf juice, hyaluronic acid and sodium PCA makes this stuff a champion at fighting the drying effects of flying. It actually soothes irritated skin and leaves me radiant upon arrival.
  • Ole Henriksen See the Difference Serum with African Red Tea – As a frequent traveler, I am constantly on the look-out for products that will hydrate my skin without clogging my pores. The Ole Henricksen Red Tea serum is like a magic potion that does just this…especially on the plane and when traveling in colder climates than I am accustomed to.
  • David Kirsch Wellness B-12 Spray – The B12 Wellness spray is a fantastic way to get my needed energy boost when jet lag hits.
  • Murad Energizing Pomegranate Lip Protector – I love the Murad pomegranate lip protector year-round; have tried so many different lip balms and glosses and this one is soothing and shiny without being greasy.
  • Phytovolume Actif Volumizer Spray – My naturally straight hair loves the Phyto volumizer as it adds just enough volume without that awful product residue of many sprays and volumizers.
  • Murad Essential-C Eye Cream SPF 15 – Vitamin C can work against those stubborn dark eye circles and I love the SPF is already included.

Me:

  • Herban Essentials essential oil towelettes – I love their mixed bag of towelettes because I use different scents for different things. On an overnight flight, the lavender is a perfect way to remove germs while unwinding. The mint refreshes in the AM. And citrus is perfect after a rush through an airport or a workout.
  • Yes to Cucumber Towelettes – Like Alexi, I stash these everywhere. They are perfect if you are just too tired to do the whole routine in the evening. Just wipe your makeup off and fall into bed.
  • Blow Faux Dry Shampoo – Kate introduced me to this stuff. Thank goodness, because it is the best dry shampoo I have tried. I love how you squeeze the bottle to dispense. It leaves hair fresh and clean.
  • Jack Black Intense Lip Therapy SPF 25 with Natural Mint & Shea Butter – Actually designed for men, I can’t quit this lip balm. It is super conditioning and thick, but also with a hefty does of SPF. The mint is really refreshing.
  • Dr. Hauschka Birch Arnica Body Oil – You know how you can get kinda sore after being cooped up in an airplane? I love throwing this stuff in a bath upon arrival. It supports muscle flexibility and soothes sore joints and muscles.