Tag: Victoria’s Secret

September’s Favorite Things

1. I can’t quit reaching for my summer bronzer – I am just not quite ready to give up that sun-kissed glow. This bronzer by the Balm has just enough umph and a balance between pink and brown. It also looks great on the lids. (available at Nordstrom)

2. This Victoria’s Secret eye kohl fits perfectly across my lids. I close my eyes around the crayon and drag it outward. This gives a thin, yet intense, jet-black line for a more smoldering eye. I can’t find it online, but it is worth checking out if they have it in the store.

3. BareMinerals Well-Rested Face & Eye Brightener is similar to the YSL Touche Eclat, but has a balanced mineral infusion of radiance. It truly energizes and awakens the eye area. It is sheer so it works on all skin tones. (available at Sephora)

4. As far as BB Creams go, 3LAB is my go-to. I love the coverage, consistency and match to my skin tone. It is on the heavier side but I find if I apply it with the included roller contraption, it goes on super even and natural looking. (available at Nordstrom)

5. I am definitely feeling the spicy, cozy scents for the fall. And this Amber is a clear, clean incarnation that has a hint of musk. (available at Amazon)

6. These hair ties are basically ingrained in my life. They are everywhere: car, bedside tables, purse, bathroom, kitchen. I love they don’t tear or break long strands and they hold up like a champ. I think I have some that around 3 or 4 years old. They even hold my long hair in a top knot (twistbands are available at Birchbox)

7. And for my NYFW “best find”: Clarins Beauty-Flash Balm. This mask/treatment is ideal for a busy day or big event. After not enough sleep, I slapped this on before a big brunch and found my skin looked hydrated, glowy and not the least bit tired. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then apply makeup. Your look will have an extra radiance. (available at Neiman Marcus)

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!