Tag: self-tanner

La Prairie Cellular Mineral Body Exfoliator

La Prairie Cellular Mineral Body Exfoliator // Belle Belle Beauty

I’ve got the perfect thing to pick up during Neiman Marcus Beauty Event… I just tried out the new La Prairie Cellular Mineral Body Exfoliator. Not only is it precisely what the doctor ordered to pre-game before summer, but it is just enough to score the gift with purchase tote full of samples!

Off the bat, this gel is truly incandescent – a little surreal beauty for your shower. The exfoliating beads are accompanied by Pure Diamond Powder, Amethyst Powder and Smithsonite Mineral Extract. Because it is so densely packed, the exfoliating action is even. Beyond exfoliating, the formula also is enriched with Olivine Oil, Rose Hips Oil and Camelia Oil to cleanse and soften while the The La Prairie Cellular Complex works against aging.

While the granuals don’t initially melt away, the exfoliation action is very gentle. The scent is very subtle. But the effect is not. My skin was unusually soft, hydrated but not greasy. It was the perfect canvas for a little self tanner. The formula is gentle enough to use a couple times a week, but I’d shy away from every day.

Also, don’t forget to snap some Instagrams of your Neiman Marcus Beauty Event haul. Tag your shot with #NMBeauty for your chance to with a NM Beauty Bundle valued at $2,500.
La Prairie Cellular Mineral Body Exfoliator is also available at shoplaprairie.com.

Self-Tanning Winners (Lotions, Sprays and Mousses)

A few weeks ago, I reviewed my favorite Self-tanning Towelettes. Towelettes are my new favorite way to tan because they give an easy, even color and are great for travelling. But I understand that towelettes aren’t for everyone. Many of you were skeptical about streaking. For those who want a lotion or spray, here are my favorites:

  1. Beautisol Summer Glow™: This stuff is a blogger favorite. The creamy lotion blends beautifully and gives a natural bronze color. It is tinted (which I prefer), so you know where you stand as far as blending and coverage. Also, it works great if you need some immediate color. And I literally cannot detect a scent with their Innovative Pure Scent odor eliminating fragrance technology. The pump bottle makes managing application and breeze. And the detailed application guide is tremendously helpful – it directs you how much product to use for each body part.
  2. Victoria’s Secret Beach Sexy Tinted Self-tan Body Spray: As much as it reminds me of being 14 years old, Victoria’s Secret Bath and Body products have come a long way. Spray dispensers are fabulous for getting to those hard to reach places. And this formula gives deep, rich color. Achieving even application with spray product is easier, but I still highly highly suggest blending with gloved hands (see tip below) after spraying on the body.
  3. Xen-Tan Deep Bronzer Luxe: Okay, I know I sound like a broken record because I am ALWAYS talking about Xen-tan, but it really is a fabulous product. You can use this on the face and body. It has a instant color so you can see where you have blended and applied. The final tan is natural looking and olive-based. And the vanilla scent is yummy. The formula hydrates and smooths with shea butter, Vitamin E, green tea and antioxidants.
  4. St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse: If you are looking for something long-lasting, I think this might be the ticket. Plus, there are loads of benefits to a mousse. The lightweight formula makes it easy to get even, streak-free color. And it dries immediately. I haven’t had any issues with transfer. The scent is slightly more detectable than the other products I’ve mentioned, but it still doesn’t bother me. The color is a lighter, bronzy glow that looks incredibly natural.

And a new tip that basically changed my self-tanning world. Why didn’t I think of this earlier? I have to credit the beautiful Sinead Norenius, founder of Beautisol. She suggested latex gloves for application. This allows you to blend thoroughly and layer without fear of yellow hands. You can also use a mitt (this one by Xen-tan), but I prefer gloved hands as they can get in between toes and underarms easier. When you are finished, just wipe the back of your hands as you remove your gloves and toss!

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.