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How To: The Ultimate Guide To Self-Tanning

Phyllis — Wed, 23 May 2012 04:37:58 +0000

Want a faux glow for the summer? Just follow these steps and you will be on your way to being a bronze goddess in no time!

Step 1. Exfoliate.
Self-tanners work by darkening the top layer of skin so exfoliation is a must for an even tan. You can use a body scrub, loofah or simply make your own by mixing sugar with yogurt. Make sure to pay extra attention to ankles, elbows and knees where skin tends to be driest.

Step 2. Shave/Wax/Epilate.
I normally shave my legs once a week during the summer but ever since I was sent Philips Satin Perfect Deluxe Epilator (one of Alessandra Ambrosio’s beauty must-haves), I can now push this tedious yet inevitable chore back to once every 2-3 weeks.

The epilator uses textured ceramic disks to pull the hair out and can be used on your legs, arms, underarms and even bikini line. It fits very nicely along the curve of my skin and there are two speed settings with different attachments, accessories and even an opti-light to get each and single unwanted hair out of sight.

Plus the pain is nothing compared to waxing and the hair grows back finer and smoother. You can also get up to 40 minutes of hair removal with just one hour charge so you can literally bring it with you wherever you go.

Step 3. Moisturize.
While some insist moisturizers will affect the chemical reaction between the self-tanner and your skin, I always moisturize before I self-tan. The key is to use a light, oil-free moisturizer as oil can act as a barrier between them.

Step 4. Apply The Self-Tanner.
“Start from the bottom of your body and work your way up so that you don’t crease the color when you bend over” says Meredith Baraf, the guru behind Victoria’s Secret Angels’ gorgeous glow. If you are using a spray, make sure to “always keep the bottle and wrist moving”.

I have used quite a number of self-tanners in the past but my newly discovered Victoria’s Secret Beach Sexy Tinted Self-tan Lotion is handsdown the best for body. Not only does it come in a generous tube of 6 fl oz. for just $12, the self-tanner is a light golden bronze color so you can see exactly where you are applying. Compared to other self-tanners I have used, the smell is much more tolerable, almost coconutty. It also dries fairly fast and you will see color in just a few hours. But the best part is how natural-looking and streak-free the results are. Perfect for beginners and pros!

Philips Satin Perfect Deluxe Epilator + Victoria’s Secret Beach Sexy Tinted Self-tan Lotion

More Tips
* Always self-tan at night, preferably a few hours before you go to bed. Leave the self-tanner untouched for as long as possible so it has enough time to work its magic. Rinse in the morning if necessary.

* To avoid orange palms, wear vinyl or latex gloves.

* If you layer on too much product all at once, you can end up looking orange. Wait until the color has developed and apply more if necessary.

* For a more long-lasting tan, moisturize as often as you can.

Get Katy Perry’s Makeup at 2012 Billboard Music Awards

Phyllis — Mon, 21 May 2012 02:30:04 +0000

To go with her lavender Blumarine dress, Misaki silver bangles and purple hair, Katy Perry took a break from her usual bright colors and winged eyeliner and donned a glamorous 90′s goth look with defined eyes, groomed brows and bold, wine-colored lips. See what celebrity makeup artist Todd Delano used on Katy after the jump!

Products Used On Katy

* Lancome Blush Subtil Palette in Nectar Lace (available August 2012)
* Lancome Color Design 5 Pan Palette in Taupe Craze
* Lancome Liner Design Gel EyeLiner in Black Fishnets
* Lancome Hypnôse Custom Volume Mascara in Black
* Lancome Le Lipstique LipColouring Stick in Portelle
* Lancome Rouge in Love Lipcolor in Fiery Attitude

See who else is rocking the vampy lip!

Celebrity Makeup Breakdown: Fan Bing Bing at 2012 Cannes Film Festival

Phyllis — Mon, 21 May 2012 00:30:31 +0000

At the 65th Cannes International Film Festival, Chinese actress Fan Bing Bing showed us how a vibrant orange lip paired with black eyeliner and mascara can be simple yet so elegant. Keep reading to see a breakdown of the look and some of Bing Bing’s red carpet must-have!

Products Used To Create The Look

* L’oreal Base Magique (Bing Bing’s must-have)
* L’oreal Infallible Liquid Foundation
* L’oreal Instant Impact Felt Liner
* L’Oreal Curl Impact Collagene Mascara (Bing Bing’s must-have)
* L’oreal True Match Blush in Rosy Cheeks
* L’oreal Color Riche Lipstick in Burning Sunset (Bing Bing’s must-have)

And here’s a clip of Bing Bing with her stylist Christopher Bu talking about some of her favorite products.

OPI Launches Pure Lacquer Nail Apps Polish Strips!

Phyllis — Sun, 20 May 2012 23:15:06 +0000

Nail appliqués have become quite a hit in the last couple of years and this summer, OPI finally launches their very own version, Pure Lacquer Nail Apps!

Available in 14 gorgeous styles in both cream and shimmer finishes, the Pure Lacquer Nail Apps are made of 100% real nail lacquer and can be used on finger and toe nails. They work just like the Sally Hansen, Minx and Incoco polish strips I have used in the past and can be removed easily with regular polish remover. Each pack also comes with 16 strips to fit different nail sizes and allow plenty of room for errors. Can’t wait to try them!

OPI Pure Lacquer Nail Apps Polish are now available at http://www.ulta.com/ for $11.95 each.

Kanebo Sensai Prime Solution Review

Phyllis — Sun, 20 May 2012 21:13:30 +0000

Besides switching to a lighter foundation, the warmer weather also calls for a lightweight, no-fuss moisturizer. And lately, my dehydrated combo skin is really loving Kanebo Sensai Prime Solution. Read on to find out why!

Packaged in a white ribbed glass bottle designed by renowned French architect Gwenael Nicolas (the mastermind behind the Louis Vuitton store in Omotesando, Tokyo), the sculptural design of the Prime Solution resembles a silk cocoon with deep ocean waves cascading down its length.

The product should be used after cleansing and before any treatment so the skin is hydrated and in its prime condition to better absorb anything that follows. Key ingredients include Kanebo Sensai’s signature Koishimaru Silk along with Sanzashi Extract to increase cellular receptivity, collagen and hyaluronic acid metabolism. There is also a light floral scent composed of gardenia, jasmine and lily of the valley.

The fluid, serum-like texture feels incredibly lightweight and sinks into the skin easily without any greasiness. My skin is left feeling hydrated, soft and supple and no additional moisturizer is needed. I also love that it creates a smooth canvas for foundation and concealer, making it a great makeup primer as well.

Overall, a very nice product for the summer that is suitable for any skin type!

Kanebo Sensai Prime Solution is now available at Bergdorf Goodman and NeimanMarcus.com for $170.

Disclosure: The product in this entry was provided by the manufacturer for consideration only. Please see my Disclaimer for more information on my posting policy.

Image: Bergdorf Goodman.