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Summer, Summer, Summertime!

Welcome June! I am so happy to see you.  My pasty white skin can’t take hiding any longer.  But oh the woes of blinding everyone in sight with this nearly translucent skin.  What’s a gal to do?

First up: SELF TANNING!
Anyone that knows me knows that I love some Clarins sun care!  I am a loyal customer of their sunscreens, tanning sprays, and sunless tanning products (as well as ALL of their body products).  I have been using their Intense Bronze Self Tanning Tint for years.  Now it comes in newer packaging and I believe more oz per bottle.  It’s the stuff of legends!  My absolute favorite feature of this self tanner is that it is a tint, so it gives you an immediate bronze color on the skin which my impatient side loves.  We are a generation of instant gratification lovers!  Also, because it can be applied to the skin with a cotton round/pad (it comes out as a lightweight liquid) in a bronze color, there are no mistakes, streaks or missed areas.  I love a fool-proof self tanner!
Up next: Tan Extenders
Also pictured above is a smaller Clarins product called Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster.  This product was brand new to me.  When I stumbled upon it as I was replenishing my self tanner I was so (probably too much) excited!  I used to use the Radiance-Plus moisturizer for face back in the day but disliked the smell so I stopped.  This product is genius.  You simply add just 3 drops to YOUR OWN moisturizer and it gives you a natural glow.  You can use it everyday to build on the color and then spread out applications to maintain.  I’m a bit of a junkie so I like to use it daily right now because I’m not out in the sun very often.
Let us know what sunless tanning products are your favorites!  I’d also love to hear your reviews of these two if you’ve tried either of them.  Let us know in the comments section below, on Facebook or Twitter.  We also love your feedback and photos on Instagram.  Don’t forget to tag us +Makeup for Your Day if Google+ is your thing!

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The Pros and Cons of Different Self Tanner Formulas


People love that “glow” and the way their skin looks in the summer, and there is a healthy way to get that look without exposing yourself to harmful UVA and UVB rays. Self tanners can seem scary if you have never tried them before – there are so many to choose from! Here is a breakdown of a few formulas on the market and their pros and cons.

Creams and Gels

Creams and gels generally take longer to dry than other formulas. This can be a plus for anyone trying self tanning for the first time because it allows for more time to rub in the product. The key to applying creams and gels is to exfoliate well beforehand. If you are inexperienced with applying self tanner pick a cream or a gel that gives a gradual tan. Once you get more experience you can buy a quicker developing formula.

Sprays

Sprays can give a great, even tan – but the spray formulas tend to dry really quickly. Another drawback is that it is really difficult to spray your own body evenly (and to get everywhere.) If you have someone to help you out, you can try a spray – but we still suggest to start with a cream until you feel comfortable.

Foams

Foams are a sort of cream and spray hybrid with a very unique texture. Many people are drawn to this formula because the foam is visual, which makes it easier to apply. Foams dry quicker than creams and gels, but because it is easier to apply, for people with a little more experience this isn’t a problem.

Towlettes

Towlettes are a great products for touch-ups. Due to the fact they tend to have less product per towlette and can dry out quickly they are hard to apply your whole tan with a towlette. Also, if it is a clear formula, sometimes it is hard to tell where you have already applied which could lead to over-application in certain areas and would prevent an even, natural-looking tan.

What products or formulas do you love – let us know via Facebook, Twitter or the comments box below!

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Summer Bikini-Body Ready

Are any of you out there freaking out about having to get in a bathing suit in the next few weeks?! I am! Jeremy and I have our 1 year anniversary (so soon, right?!) creeping up on us the weekend of Memorial Day. We have planned a short trip out of town to celebrate (the rest of the moolah is going to housing stuff, yay!!) and of course, we will be by a pool at some point. So…aside from the obvious need to self tan so that I don’t scare all the little children by the pool with my ghastly coloring I need a little help with the leg and thigh department! 🙂 So, I have enlisted the troops!

I am currently using Clarins High Definition Body Lift from ankles to waist to help with circulation and tightening up the thigh area. I have found over the years that this product also helps to reduce the look of spider veins, too. It by no means gets rid of them…just helps to make them look less pronounced. This product is awesome if you’re going out in a skirt or shorts and need that immediate tightening effect, too!

In addition to the Clarins product I am seriously contemplating giving Bliss a go at my “problem spots”. I have seen these items in stores like Sephora, Nordstrom and Ulta for years but never ventured out to try them. What do you all think? Has anyone out there given them a whirl and are they worth the money? I’ll be so happy to hear from you! Here they are:

Fat Girl Slim and Fat Girl Sleep