Body

Self-Tan Update

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When I lived in NYC, there was a joke about the first warm day of the year and all of the New Yorkers baring their pasty white legs for the first time since the previous summer. Today it’s about 70 degrees in Boston, and in an effort to prevent being one of those jokes, I broke out the self-tan.

I’ve done a post on my favorite formulas before, but like most women, when it comes to cosmetics and body and skincare I’m always on the lookout for something better. When it comes to self-tan, you want something “foolproof”. To me, that means easy to apply, a natural looking color, and unlikely to stain your clothes or sheets. As far as scent goes, I actually like the fake tan smell (Matt likens it to chocolate chip cookies!), so that doesn’t bother me.

Here’s my latest routine:

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At night:

I’ll dampen the beautyblender body sponge as you would the usual beautyblender. It’ll grow to 1.5-2x it’s normal size and become super soft. I prefer the sponge to a mitt since it’s easier to hold and doesn’t have any edges. It also lasts way longer (as it should since it’s about 4 times more expensive) and since it’s black doesn’t look as dirty.

I’ll use the sponge to apply the James Read Sleep Mask Tan Body. I usually take two pumps each for my chest/shoulders/neck, arms, top leg, bottom leg, and however much of my back I can reach. I’m not usually going to the beach, so I’m not too precious about making sure I cover my whole body, just the bits that would show if I were wearing shorts and a tank. This self-tan formula is clear, meaning it’s a little tough to make sure you’re getting an even coverage, but it won’t stain your sheets/furniture/clothes etc. It also dries very quickly and leaves skin soft!

Then I’ll apply one pump of the James Read Sleep Mask Tan Face to a clean face, making sure to blend into my hairline, jawline, down my neck a bit, and my ears. Again, usually my face will be evened out with makeup, so you don’t need to be extra cautious here, just do your best. The formula is clear and works as a pretty good night serum as well, so I don’t feel like I’m completely neglecting my nighttime skincare routine!

Then make sure you wash your hands!

In the morning:

So I don’t spend a fortune on buying multiple foundation shades to match my various degrees of self-tan, I’ll mix a little bit of liquid bronzer into my usual foundation. Lately, I’ve been going for Benefit’s new Dew The Hoola, but mine has a defective pump so I think I’ll have to return or exchange it. The formula is soft and light and the color is just dark enough to add a little bit more color to my foundation without changing the coverage too much or adding any shimmer or glitter.

If I’ve missed a few spots on my body or certain areas didn’t take to the tan so well, I’ll use the Vita Liberata Body Blur. Usually, the backs of my hands and the fronts of my legs don’t darken as evenly, so it’s usually just there where I’ll need to apply. If I’m going out at night sometimes I’ll use this on my arms since the glisten looks so lovely! This dries pretty quickly and won’t stain your clothes once it does, but you should only need to apply it on exposed skin and it blends in really nicely so it shouldn’t be a problem. It will also help minimize the appearance of bruises or other imperfections. It’s essentially a sheer wash of color in a silicone formula with the finest amount of shimmer you can imagine. It’s gorgeous.

And that’s it! A bit of a project but so worth it to look like you just got back from a weekend at the beach! Now if only I could go spend a weekend at the beach for real…

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November Birchbox 2015 Unboxing

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I feel like I JUST got my October box, but none-the-less, my November Birchbox has arrived.

I’ll say it now – I’m THRILLED with this box.

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November’s theme is “Feeling Fancy” and I  definitely am with this box. I love the cool floral pattern and the metallic copper logo is gorgeous. This is one of my favorite box designs so far this year (after the Rifle Paper Co box of course)!

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On to the samples!

The first thing I noticed was the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo. This might be my holy grail dry shampoo. At least of the spray on variety. The scent is the same as most Living Proof products that I’ve tried (it’s gorgeous) and this stuff actually WORKS. It will look white/powdery when you first apply, but the trick is to let it set for 30 seconds and then massage it in to absorb oil. My hair feels actually clean and not full of product when I use this. It takes a bit more work but it’s so worth it. I’m on Day 3 hair right now and you’d never know it thanks to this product. So obsessed. I’ll definitely be repurchasing the full size once this runs out.

Next up, the TempleSpa La La Lagoon Bath and Shower Gel. I actually haven’t tried this as a shower gel yet, but I don’t think I will because I’m really not into the scent. It’s a pretty product and a great sized sample but I don’t think it’s for me. Here’s the thing though, I love getting samples in my Birchbox of products that I dislike. It gives a lot of clarity to what will work for me and what won’t, so I feel better informed when I’m shopping. For example, I’m not in love with the scent of this shower gel. The Birchbox website says it has “Thyme, Aloe Vera, Bitter Orange, Basil, Peppermint, Guaiac, Coriander, Nutmeg”. Therefore, I know which scent combinations don’t work for me. The point of paying for a service like Birchbox isn’t to just get products every month for $10, it’s also to discover what does and doesn’t work for you. The dry shampoo did, and this shower gel didn’t. You’re paying for the opportunity to try new things.

Ok, rant over.

Next: Birchbox’s newest launch, LOC One-and-Done Shadow Stick in Impress Me. This was my sample choice pick. It’s a great product. I don’t know exactly how unique it is, but It’s definitely wearable and versatile and easy to apply. I’ll be testing it out for wear time and creasing and all of that good stuff soon. It’s interesting to see Birchbox launch their own line of products, and very smart in my opinion. Birchbox knows exactly where the gaps in the market are because they get so much feed back from customers every month, so they can really deliver a product that people are interested in. They have a great opportunity here to do some fun things with the LOC line. I’m excited to see what comes next!

I also received MAKE Face Gloss. I’ve actually trie this product before and really like it. It’s a multipurpose glossy balm that can be applied to get that glossy eye look that’s so trendy right now, or to add a cheek highlight without a single speck of shimmer, or to make lips look fuller and poutier. You can even sweep it through brows to make the hairs look a bit glossier and fuller. It’s a really interesting product and a great sized sample since you only need a tiny bit. If you’re after a glowy or dewy look, this is your product.

And finally, Liz Earle Superskin Moisturizer. Liz Earle’s cleanse and polish has been a best seller since it launched in the Birchbox shop and has set them up as a staple for great skin care. This moisturizer is pretty heavier, so it’ll make a great night cream for the winter months, but might be a bit heavy to wear every day or under makeup, at least for my combination-oily skin. The quality of the packaging and the size of the sample are really impressive though. It really feels like a luxury product.

Really happy with the contents of this month’s box! I think the assortment and quality of the products is perfect and this is the second month in a row where I’ve really felt great about everything. Keep it up, Birchbox! You’re making me proud! Want to sign up for Birchbox? Get $5 off your first box here.

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How I’m Changing My Beauty Routine for Fall

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As the weather gets colder and suntans fade, you’re going to want to make some changes to your routine. Here are a few updates I’m making:

 

The other day, it was pretty clear that it’s no longer acceptable to go outside with wet hair. You could catch a cold (or freeze and damage your tresses)! So I’m pulling out the blowdryer more often, and shampooing as infrequently as possible to make those blowouts last. You hair will adjust to more sparse washing schedule over time, but until then you may find it gets greasy along the roots or dry among the ends. To combat this (and prolong my blowout) I make sure to use a heat protectant spray, a hair serum or oil, and plenty of dry shampoo. Since blow drying applies heat to the hair, I’ll also cut back on other hot tool styling so as not to fry my poor strands too much.

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I still want glowing skin in the summer, but my skin tone is a growing paler every day and a more matte finish is starting to appeal to me more and more. I’ve been mixing about 5-6 drops of the Armani Maestro Fusion Foundation in shade 5 and 2 drops of the Bare Minerals Bare Skin Serum Foundation in Bare Latte. I put both on the back of my hand, blend them together and apply in sections with the Real Techniques Buffing Brush. These formulas are both so lightweight and together I can make the perfect shade with a natural satin finish. I’ll finish up with the Armani Maestro Eraser concealer under the eyes, using the same brush.

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Colder weather can dry out skin, so I’m reaching for heavier eye and lip and skin creams, and being careful with my cleansers so as not to strip or dry out skin. I use the original Bioderma formula to remove all traces of makeup while keeping my skins moisture balance intact. Another product I’ve been relying on night and day is the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream. I love this for lips, cuticles, anywhere you’ve got dry skin really. Also the Nuxe Multi Use Dry Oil has been a lifesaver for arms and legs. My go-to cold skin eye cream is the Kiehl’s Rosa Arctica Eye. The thick formula is super moisturizing.

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Desk Essentials

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What’s on my desk?

Here’s a peek at the essentials I like to keep on hand at work.

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Hand cream – Industrial, generic, anti-bacterial office bathroom soap is a dry hand nightmare, especially in the winter. I keep Aerin Rose Hand and Body Cream at my desk. I got a sample of this cream and loved it so much I went out and bought the full size. The scent is light but lovely, and the cream itself is thick and luxe, so a little bit goes a long way and the $40 tube lasts a long time. The packaging also is so pretty it’s nice to keep on display! I also have a travel size of my trusty Creme de Corps when I want something unscented, but mostly I reach for the Aerin.

Headphones – These Frends Layla Headphones were a splurge, but I was working at Birchbox when they were in stock, so I got them for a steal using a combination of holiday promotions, employee discounts, and points. They’re so stylish and unique and comfortable. I used to reach for earbuds, but after a couple of hours they get almost unbearable. Plus when you wear on- or over-ear headphones, as opposed to in-ear, it’s really obvious when you have them on, so people make sure they get your attention before trying to talk to you. I wish I had a dollar for every time a combination of long hair and earbuds led to an awkwardly one sided conversation.

Notebook – Mine is from Rifle Paper Co. In our digital age, it can be tempting to forgo written notes and reminders and try to do everything with your computer, phone, or tablet. But there’s something to be said for being able to jot something down or draw something out quickly and with little to no restriction. Also how gorgeous is the cover?

Water bottle – I could go into the benefits of making sure you’re consuming enough H2O, but this post would go on for ages. Part of the trick to drinking more water, for me at least, is to have a really pretty cup or bottle. I don’t know why it helps, but it does. I think the half liter bkr bottle is both functional and beautiful, and the ideal size. I’ve tried the 1 liter bottle and it’s just slightly too wide and too heavy (when full) for me to use comfortably. I try to aim to drink 2-3 of these bottles a day while at work and then as much as I can when I’m home.

Candle – Don’t light it! I’m obsessed with the Noisetier scent from Diptyque. It’s so earthy and warm (noisetier translates to ‘hazel’ in English). Most office spaces frown upon open flames, but even unlit the Diptyque candles throw scent in a small radius. It’s enough to be calming and peaceful, which is helpful when things get stressful.

 

Not pictured: This morning’s coffee cup with a half inch of cold coffee left in it, 300 or so cables and chargers, and about a dozen different lip products that got thrown in my bag in the morning, taken out for a touch up, and promptly left on my desk. (It’s either that or they get lost in my handbag for all eternity. Real talk.)

What do you keep on your desk? Any essentials I’m missing?

 

 

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Beach Weekend Essentials

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I spent the long Labor Day weekend saying so long to summer in Cape Cod. We had a super fun girls weekend (#girlstrip!) drinking Bud Light Limes and frozen mudslides, eating lobster, and enjoying the last bit of summer. Spending a lot of time out in the sun and consuming a heavier than usual amount of alcohol can be really taxing on your body, so here are the steps I took to make sure I made it out of the weekend in one non sunburnt piece.

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Before

Since, as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and we were planning on going out at least two out of the three nights, I did a deep conditioning hair treatment before I left. Sun isn’t just damaging for your skin, it can also really dry out your hair. Especially in combination with salt water. Especially if you’ve dyed the crap out of it like I have. Lately I’ve been using the Redken All Soft Heavy Cream. I used the All Soft line years and years ago but recently just picked this up again and it gets the job done. It’s also relatively affordable, which is great because I have lots of thick, dry, damaged hair and go through conditioners like water. (Please excuse the security tag, at least you know I haven’t stolen it!)

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Along the same lines, prep your skin by exfoliating and moisturizing. I’ll use Lush’s Ocean Salt scrub before shaving and then follow up with generous layer of moisturizer. I like the St Tropez Gradual Tan Firming Lotion since it’s an easy way to get a little bit of a tint and a lift for your skin before baring it all (or most of it)! It’s also really hydrating and softening, so it’s great for preparing for a few days in the sun.

Just a note though: self tanners DO NOT protect you from the sun! Not at all! You may look more tan, but you’ll still burn in the sun.

 

During

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Obviously, wear sunscreen: something for your body, your face, and your hair. For body, Matt and I have both been using the La Roche Posay Melt-In Milk since it’s easy to apply. We usually aim for an SPF around 50. I used to think that aerosol spray sunscreens were the bomb since they’re so easy, but they waste so much and always get in your eyes and mouth, and it’s also a lot harder to make sure you haven’t missed any spots. So now I tend to grab traditional lotion formulas. For face, the Clarins UV Plus Day Screen High Protection Tint formula (I wear medium) is a great alternative to foundation. It gives a slight tint with a matte finish that protects from the sun and evens skintone. If you want to go tint free, I like the Supergoop City Sunscreen Serum because it’s light and absorbs quickly. I finish up with a spritz of Supergoop Defense Refresh Setting Mist which is incredibly refreshing and light and leaves a matte finish. It’s not pictured here since I couldn’t find it for the photo… guess that’s an indication of a successful girls weekend? I don’t think I’d manage to get through a whole bottle of this for just my face, so I also mist it on my chest and shoulders too when I feel like I need to top up. I also used it in my hair for this trip!

In between beach excursions, try to add the moisture lost to sun and sea back into your skin. I like the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream for whenever I’m spending more time outdoors than usual. It really keeps skin hydrated and helps with any irritation.

 

After

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My post sun recovery is actually a lot similar to my post indulgence one. I opted for a cleansing conditioner for my hair since it was already so stripped from the sun but felt a bit grimy from the sand. I LOVE the Macadamia Oil Flawless Cleansing Conditioner. It smells amazing and leaves my hair so soft and light! I can do another post on cleansing conditioner d0s and don’ts. This is my favorite one by far.

You’ll also want to prolong your glow (whether it’s from the sun or from a bottle) with a lot of moisture. I use a body oil right out of the shower, like the Caudalie Divine Oil which smells INCREDIBLE, and then a heavier cream, like Kiehl’s Creme de Corps, before bed. I like the lighter oil for when I’m headed out so I don’t feel like I’m slimy or slick, but the heavier body cream when it can soak in overnight.

Finally, I admit, most nights I just settled for a makeup removing wipe in lieu of properly washing my face. Terrible, I know. I really wanted a deep clean, so I went for my trusty Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleaners to feel like myself again. This gently exfoliates since the sugar crystals dissolve over time and produces a lovely thick foam. It also smells (okay, and tastes) like sugared lemons. Such a gorgeous scrub.

It sounds like a lot of work but it’s worth it to take care of yourself! What’s your beach weekend routine?

 

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Self Tan Rundown

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It’s that time of year, when the temperature surges above 50 degrees and the bare legs are set free.

Except most of those bare legs haven’t seen the sun in literally months and are looking a bit sickly pale.

I never really got into the whole self tanner thing until recently, but now I consider myself fairly well versed in the application, formulation, and other aspects of becoming sunlessly bronzed.

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I’ve only tried a handful of tanners over the past few years, mostly because I didn’t really know what I was doing at first and also because I use it so sparingly that I manage to last a while between replens. The first I tried was the Clarins Delicious Self Tanning Cream. I picked it out at first because it has a bronze tint to it, so it works as a bit of a guide when you apply, and it’s not so scary as something green or purple. I also thought a cream would easy to work with, since that’s what I’m used to applying to my body, and it has the word “delicious” in the title. It smells like chocolate (well, it smells like chocolate scented self tan) and is moisturizing and pretty non threatening. A pretty solid gateway tanner.

From there I branched out to the St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse. Some people swear by this foam, which is why I originally picked it up. I found the greenish tint to be terrifying, but once applied it works out okay. It does leave you with a very natural glow and I found the mousse to be super easy to work with. It’s a lot easier to spread across the skin that a cream and dries much faster, so if you like to tan in the morning before heading out then this could work well for you! I find you really need an applicator mitt to apply it evenly since the foam is even more likely to seep in between your fingers than a lotion or cream, giving you telltale bronze finger webs. Is that what they’re called? You know what I mean.

Another St. Tropez product I’ve given a go is the Self Tan Luxe Dry Oil, which I was drawn to since oils have been so popular lately. What I really wanted out of this product was good moisturization with a dry finish and a nice even glow. I’d say that it delivered fairly well on my expectations. It’s not super moisturizing, but it helps, and it does dry quickly. It smells a little too tropical fruity for my tastes, and it can be difficult to apply because the formula is so thin, but I haven’t seen anything else on the market like it and the it does give skin a really beautiful natural looking tint. It does last a long time too! I think maybe because the oil sinks in deeper? I’m not a scientist though so take that with a grain of salt.

Finally, my most recent foray into tanning has been the Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse. This mousse has more of a purple tint than a green one, and I feel like the tan itself is a bit more yellow? In certain lightings it doesn’t look as great, but in natural sunlight it looks totally fine. This one is supposed to allow you to build up the tan over three applications. I only had a sample size so I only got two layers out of the bottle, but I definitely saw results after each. I think I like the scent of this tanner the best, but having to apply and shower and apply and shower is kind of annoying. I also have a sample of the Rapid Tan Mousse, which you apply and allow to develop, and when it reaches the level of tan you want, you shower to stop the tanning, but that seems like a lot of effort. I’ll give it a shot though!

For face, there are two Clarins products I’ve found effective but fool proof. The first is the Instant Smooth Golden Glow which works as both a primer and a self tan in one. It’s nice under makeup or in the morning on no makeup days just to even out and bronze skin slightly. The results are very subtle which is good, because you don’t want to look in the mirror halfway through the day and realized that your face is a streaky tanned mess. What a nightmare! The other product is the Golden Glow Booster, highly concentrated drops that you can add to your moisturizer to create a custom self tan. So smart! I love incorporating this into my “foundation” mixes or into my SPF in the morning just for a slight boost of color. I find that since I cleanse and exfoliate my face more often than my body, I tend to apply tanner on a more daily basis face in order to keep up the bronze, and these products are great for that (and last forever)!

What tanning products do you like the best? I have my eyes on the James Read Sleep Mask Tan to try next!

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