Green Goddess

In honor of Earth Day and eco-chic women everywhere, I've been trying out green skin care for the past several weeks. While my skin is rebelling a bit, I'm pleasantly surprised at how much I'm enjoying many of the products. And it's always fun to realize that the ingredients read like my grocery list! So, I think it's fair to say that I'm a bit tipsy about the whole thing, especially the coconut products. Honestly, nothing makes me happier than a hit of tropical goodness! 

Gotta run...

t 

Beauty and Taxes Aren't a Good Match!

I'd love to tell you I haven't posted because I've been on holiday lounging around in Hawaii somewhere. In reality, the closest I've come to the tropics is the Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner I used today. Sadly I've been lost in a sea of numbers, forced to face my organization challenges for the good of my accountant and the government I suppose. The shame of the situation hit me when I realized I've been sporting glasses, lounge pants, a ponytail, and hoodie for more days than I'd like to admit. Bottomline - beauty and taxes just aren't a good mix. Although I can see how there might be a tie to boosting the anti-aging market! On an up-note, I should be in good standing with the IRS, so now I can get back to beauty.

Chat soon!

t

Chanel-quality Tan

I think most of us expect the Chanel brand to deliver on quality and their Beaute Initiale Healthy Glow is no exception. A gradual self-tanning product and facial moisturizer that stands above its competitors with the addition of SPF15 and amazingly none of that nasty self-tanning smell. This last point is HUGE for me! A lot of products make this claim, but until now I've never found one that was truly sans smell. 

It has a silky feel on the skin, provides enough hydration to be used as a facial moisturizer, and builds a gradually beautiful bronze color. Two beauty tipsy bits to keep in mind:

Tipsy 1 - Before it's time to strut your summer wardrobe, apply an all-over self-tanning product so it doesn't look like you sunned only your face on holiday.

Tipsy 2 - Check your foundation shade as the color of your tan develops. This is important and can sneak up on you. Trust me, I should know this and it still hit me like a bad April Fool's Day trick! I applied my fave Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, and headed out to meet a friend only to find that in the light of day my face look absolutely appalling. I guess my "healthy glow" had kicked in and I've been such a spaz rushing around that I didn't even notice. Oops!  No worries though, I was able to cover up my misstep with the help of a mineral powder and a long scarf (See April's In Style p. 270 for this accessory everyone should own).

And while we're on the topic of In Style,  I was thrilled to see that Chanel's Healthy Glow also made it on the Best in Beauty List.  It's not considered a new product but it's nice to see it getting the recognition it deserves! 

Cheers,

t

Still a California Girl

Overall, I still think that the convenience of Tan Towels and the exfoliating towelettes can't be beat for on-the-go color.  But after taking  a closer look at my results, I'm a little disappointed. The color isn't very dark (which in this case is a great thing) and I have some definite streakage going on my arms. Not pretty! 

Granted I did my application fairly quickly but I'm pretty conscious of application in the arm area. For one, it's easy to reach. And two, no one wants the line only self-tanning or a t-shirt can give you, going from the palest pale to sudden tan. Luckily it's still sweater season in the midwest. 

I guess when it comes to tanning I'm a paint-by-numbers kind of girl. I like to have some guide to help ensure I get an even application . So, when my goal is bronze goddess, I'll still be reaching for California Tan at this point. The color was deeper, I had a bit of instant grat. with the tinted mousse application, and I was sans streaking. Go Cali! Let's see if Xen-Tan is any type of competitor.

Sunny days,

t

Tan Towel

Sorry for the delay in posting. I have to say that I'm still pretty pleased with my first self-tanning product, but Tan Towels may make me a believer too. I tried both the X-foliator and the Tan Towel, and I'm patiently awaiting my results! I really like the convenience of both products. The single-use packets are perf for traveling and very easy to use. 

The X-foliator offers up 3-in-1 benefits that I would recommend to anyone. One side of the towelette has a rough texture to exfoliate the skin. You can tell it's working but it's not too harsh, which is fabulous! Then you flip the towelette over and use the other side to both buff and moisturize the skin. Voila! You're skin is perfectly prepped for a tanning product. 

Tan Towel was equally easy to use, but I did like the fact that California Tan goes on with a little color so you know you've got every inch covered. I'm hoping that three hours from now I'll be beautifully bronzed for a night on the town with friends!

Cheers,

t

Cali Continued

I kind of feel like California Tan and I are so tight that I can call it Cali! I was a little concerned how the final tan would turn out but it looks great. All the spots I thought might be uneven somehow balanced out and I don't have ANY lines or streaks. It's pretty amazing. My only complaint (I'm pretty sure this applies to all self-tanning products) is that the color does come off on your clothes when you workout or while the product is drying. Hopefully it will come out of my clothes. All-in-all, I'm thrilled with the results. Next up - the tanning towelettes. 

Happy tanning,

t

First Up is California Tan

After collecting a plethora of tanning products, I decided to take the plunge. Yes, fear of orange streaked skin was holding me back a bit but it's done. And rather than taking the easy way out with Jergens, which I know will give a very gradual tan, I decided to go full-throttle with the California Tanning Foam. 

I took all the precautions I could, applying Vaseline to my nails and toes and thoroughly moisturizing my elbows, knees, and all the dry skin areas that can quickly turn to self-tanning tragedy. My first impression is pretty good! The mousse application is tinted so it's easy to see where color has been applied but it does dry rather quickly. I'm hoping that my diligent attempt to blend, blend, blend will pay off. I'll let you know later today! On the upside, the weather is still a bit cool so covering up won't look out of the ordinary but wearing a face mask might...

Cheers,

t