Tag: Summer

Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self Tanning Oil

I seriously hate to post about something that is sold out, but consider this a sort of PSA. If anyone sees this on shelves, snag immediately. And I have been told by the Josie Maran team that they are working on restocking the Argan Liquid Gold Self Tanning Oil so get that credit card ready.

I have been a bit ambivalent about self-tanner this summer (just sticking with my tried and true Kate Somerville which is fabulous but hardly new to the routine). That was until this oil came across my desk. I am one to fall hard for an oil and this one is no different. Just happens to be this version is a self-tanning version.

First and foremost, my readers tend to focus in on the scent. I can’t smell a single thing except for argan oil goodness, vanilla and apricot. But those with a more sensitive nose will be glad to hear that in consumer studies, 88% agree the product left no after-scent. So score one for Josie.

The formula is a quick-absorbing and nourishing pure argan oil. The finish isn’t greasy but I do get a golden finish. I applied this rather quickly the first time around, but with the mitt I didn’t need to worry about streaking. The soft and plush fabric actually calms my skin and gives an immediate but natural-looking bronze. The formula also contains coconut water and aloe to smooth and revitalize skin.

I am already well through my bottle of this liquid gold. So I will be sure to let you know as soon as I spot a replenishment for myself. I will be keeping my eye on Sephora.

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mark. Buenos Aires Vibe Eau de Toilette Spray

You guys know me… I love woody, amber-filled winter fragrances. But this isn’t one of them. And that’s because it is… in fact… summer. So I am embracing the triple digit weather and trading in for a summer scent. One preferably that can take me on a virtual vacation – anyone else have cabin fever right now?

Buenos Aires sounds pretty good and that is the city that inspired mark. in their latest collection. The annual summer release is always a treat and inspires me to push color boundaries. But this year encouraged me to embrace the something tropical, floral but still with those musky undertones.

Buenos Aires Vibe Eau de Toilette Spray has a fruity-floral escape filled with violet and passionfruit but layered over musk. This fragrance packs a punch but I like that it lasts all day. I like to spray and walk through the mist for a slightly muted effect. And this is a crowd-pleaser at the pool… just sayin’.

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Happy Fourth of July

Anyone else totally confused what day it is? I woke up so late and worried I needed to be in the office. Then remembered it was a holiday. I just know tomorrow I’ll wake up thinking it is Sunday. #longweekendproblems I am off to the pool shortly and excited to try out a load of new SPF from Kiehl’s, Hawaiian Tropic and Coola. This AM, I admit to spending time perusing the amazing sales going on in honor of ‘Merica. Here are some of my favorites:

ASOS: Take up to 50% off a ton of great items.

URBAN OUTFITTERS: Take an extra 30% off all sale items (discount applied at checkout.)

LULU & GEORGIA: Take 15% off of $250 with code SOSWEET15, 20% off of $500 with code SOSWEET20, and 25% off of $1,000 with code SOSWEET25, today through Sunday.

SHOPBOP: Some awesome new sale items just added.

JCREW: 40-60% off final sale items with code LONGWEEKEND.

BANANA REPUBLIC: Extra 50% off all sale items with code BRGOBIG.

CLUB MONACO: Extra 30% off sale styles and extra 40% off clearance with code THESALEONSALE.

LOFT: 60% off sale styles. My work wear favorite spot!

ALLSAINTS: End of season sale – further reductions up to 50% off.

NET-A-PORTER: Final clearance! Enter SALE20 at checkout for an additional 20% off selected items. And don’t miss my favorites from their beauty department here.

image via death to the stock photo

June Favorites

Hope you guys are having a happy “First Day of the Second Half of 2015”! This year – like every year it seems – is flying by. I am excited to spend a quiet weekend at the pool, take in a ballgame and hopefully keep the pups from freaking out from the firework noise. I forgot to share my June Favorites this AM so popping back in with my wishlist (and some items which I purchased “to me, from me” for my birthday last week.

image via death to the stock photo

Clarisonic Mia “Cocktail of Colors”

No secret I love my Clarisonic. It truly has transformed the way my skin looks. Using it every day keeps my skin clean and exfoliated – and my pores stay especially clear when I am on my game. Those who aren’t yet on board likely complain that Clarisonics are a big ticket item. Or that it causes redness. So let me address some concerns.

First, make sure not to press the brush head into skin. The sonic action works on its own. Ensure you have the correct brush head for your skin type. Wash barely touching the skin. Second, the Mia is my current favorite. I love the size for summer travel and it isn’t as painful of a price-tag.

Just in time for warmer months (and a little cheer for your bathroom), Clarisonic’s “Cocktail of Colors” is a trio of adorable, vibrantly-colored Mia 1 devices. Available in Mai Tai, Lime Margarita (exclusive to Sephora) and Blue Hawaiian (exclusive to Macy’s), these lively shades perfectly capture the carefree spirit of summer.

There is one speed which makes it straightforward and compact. And clinical results have shown reduced appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improved skin tone. The set includes a Clarisonic Mia 1, 1 oz. Refreshing Gel Cleanser, Sensitive Brush Head and charger for $99.

Available at Clarisonic.com (Mai Tai), Sephora (Lime Margarita), and Macy’s (Blue Hawaiian).

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Summer Legs

Summer clothes are far from my favorite. Regular readers will know that I love layers and cozy fabrics of fall best. But one thing I do welcome is retiring my black tights and baring my legs when the summer arrives. But that also comes with the issue of dry and pasty skin. To remedy that, I am sharing ome of my favorite items that have been on rotation the last month or so here:

Kate Somerville Somerville360° Tanning Towelettes – Hands down, the best self-tanner out there. The cloths are so easy to use (and travel with). I just wipe on my legs quickly when the towelette is fresh and then buff on the color over a minute or so each leg to ensure everything is even. The color is natural and says put for a week. Plus, it doesn’t mess up sheets or clothes and has a relatively pleasant scent.

Miracle Skin Transformer Tinted Body Lotion – Sometimes a faux tan can only take you so far. If you want to up your game, try a tinted lotion like this one. The ingredients help firm skin, including caffeine that works against cellulite. And the shimmer is more subtle than “over-the-top”.

mark. Naked Love Body Butter – My tans tend to last longer when I moisturize my skin at night. Since I prefer something without a tint and slightly richer in the PM, I reach for body butters. The newest from mark smells like a summer dream: apricot nectar, white peaches, velvet freesia and skin musk. It is perfectly rich but still melts into skin.

Alba Botanica Hawaiian, Kukui Nut Body Oil – You can’t beat the shower as a great time to hydrate. I like using oils right at the end of the shower to “seal” in moisture. My recent oil smells like a Hawaiian vacation – and as close as I will get to a Hula for the foreseeable future. Vegetarian and cruelty-free.

note: Honorable mention for PrttyPeaushun Skin Tight Body Lotion in Medium which is vegan, natural and gluten-free. It has slightly more shimmer than the Miracle Skin and can be used on the face and hair.

image here

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