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L’Oreal’s Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Airbrush Self Tanning Mist

 Pretty much what I expected, I must admit the color of the bottle is probably the worst I can imagine for a self tanner.  There isn’t a woman alive who’s got her wits about her that wants to be orange.  Just seeing the bottle is scary, seriously.

The product has a great 360 degree continuous spray nozzle that is excellent.  You don’t have to rub and it dries quickly.  You do have to remain naked while it dries, so keep that in mind.  

The product should be layered on freshly exfoliated skin daily until you get to your desired color.  Just like spray paint you want to keep a nice distance to avoid streaks.  I’ve often thought these tanners should come with a guidestick that you could attach to the bottle that would remind the user to keep their distance.  If you have the option of having someone help you spray that also works well.

I would vigorously recommend this product for the ease of use and overall bronze result, it took me about 5 times to get the deep color I’m looking for on my legs.  The problem is I can’t not mention the AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) that can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.  To L’Oreal’s credit it is clearly labeled on the back under “warning”.  People will have to make a personal decision if it’s worth it.

Please head on over to Total Beauty to see all the other reviews on L’Oreal’s Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist

L’Oreal’s Website

Panic… that was the scene in my bedroom 8 nights ago. I was packing and thinking, and worrying.  My legs were a pasty shade of day-glow and I was headed to the land of beautiful people, otherwise known as Far Far Away.  Suddenly I thought about the self-tanning cream I’ve been dying to try.  If only I could pack it with me I could take my time and make sure I applied it well, but no, then I’d have to check my bag, blasted airport security.  I HAD to apply right then and there, one coat only and I’d live with the consequences.

I don’t suggest anyone else try it this way but I have to tell you I was thrilled with the results.  I stayed up about an hour after application and then I crawled into bed only to awaken to a beautiful tan the next morning.  It goes on white and seems just like a lotion, the scent is light and heavenly floral. Possibly from the organic rose water extract in it.

Lavera’s self tanner came to my attention while reading Gorgeously Green.  I love that it is organic, paraben free, and most importantly it works just like it’s supposed to, delivering a perfect and safe tan.  Lavera is a German company and meets all of the stringent German pharmaceutical guidelines. Love love love that I can get a tan that is safe and natural!!  Find Lavera products online or at Bed, Bath & Beyond stores as well as Health & Drug stores around the world.     

ooh pretty palette, one of my latest yearnings has been for this very adorable item from pop beauty! 

Rose Belle has 8 scrumptious colors to help turn your skin into a bronzy, glowy vision of gorgeousness!  Especially good if you want to look natural, designed to give your skin a glow with a “no-makeup” finish. 

Use them together or alone for a no-fuss pretty pop of beauty.

Kristen Bell says, “I Glow Safely”

Kristen Bell spent a lot of times outdoors shooting her new film, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and while some may hate the character Sarah Marshall, there’s lots to love about Kristen Bell.  Especially her new awareness building campagaign about the sun’s rays.  The sun can cause damage to your skin, make it look older and potentially lead to skin cancer, so take the extra step that will keep your skin looking younger and most importantly will keep you glowing safely!  Kristen has teamed up with The Skin Cancer Foundation and Jergens to create an awesome opportunity for self care - Glow Safely and be sure to take the pledge!

Check out Kristen Bell on YouTube

 Sephora: The Ultimate Guide to Makeup, Skin, and Hair from the Beauty Authority (Hardcover) by Melissa Schweiger

I got my copy of SEPHORA yesterday and I have got to tell you it is an amazing resource for all beauty chasers.  Wether you’re a makeup junkie, a skincare lover or just like to know what’s in the stuff you’re putting on your face, you’ll find valuable info presented in a compelling format.

I haven’t loved a beauty book like this since Cindy Crawford’s Basic Face back in 199x.  I carried it around with me and flipped back and forth, my husband was completely annoyed but oh well.  If I went, so did the book, I had an especially long commute from Tokyo to the burbs and Japanese women on the train looked over my shoulder and sometimes even asked me about it.

Basic Face was a how to apply makeup guide without mention of specific products which was fab since I had little access to designer brands back then!  SEPHORA takes it a step further by recommending specific products to get the effects shown.  I’ll be referencing SEPHORA in posts to come for a very long time.  I’m especially crazy about the quotes, beauty company founders, and secret ingredients sections of the book. 

It also takes into account different preferences and conditions you may be facing, no ‘one XX fits all’ mentality here.  SEPHORA is full of visuals that will stop you in your tracks but at the same time chock full of insider secrets and tips.  The back cover proclaims “It will make you want to be as beautiful as beautiful as you can be - and Sephora makes it easy!”  You know what?! I do, I do, I do!

You won’t have to wait much longer, SEPHORA will be released in a few days.  Pre-Order available through Amazon

It’s the dead of winter, few months to go ’til spring.  I’ve been spending way to much time inside, I need to get a mental trip. 

So what do Brazil ’s Carnaval and Fresh Sugar Lemon have in common?  they both make me think of summer! There’s no better way to do that than with music and fragrance! 

Winter is a great time to listen to tropical music like samba.  There are tons of samba compilation cds available to get you in the mood for Carnaval in Brazil (February 2 - 5, 2008). I wish American tv would play Carnaval, I watched it a few years ago on Brazilian tv and it seems very tame compared to when I was growing up. 

I never really thought about it but I’m sure I can find somewhere on the web to watch… hmmm…   Fragrance is another way you can bring that tropical feel to your wintry abode.  I’ve been using Fresh Sugar Lemon Eau de Parfum and it’s been taking me down memory lane. 

Summers in Brazil, getting fresh orange juice, churascaria’s with lemon juice on the table and of course fresh sugar-y lemonade. 

Summer just wouldn’t be summer without lemonade wherever you are.  Sugar Lemon has notes of Italian Bergamot, Yuzu, Mandarin, Lychee Flower, Orange Blossom, Ginger Flower, Oak Moss, Caramel, White Santal.  It is refreshing and invigorating and a must for any fragrance lover.  Not to mention a lot cheaper than going to Brazil!

Photo Credits: Sephora and People’s Daily