While Sarah spends some time on the Atlantic, I’m planning a staycation this summer in LA. June totally snuck up on me (wasn't it just February?) and though I’m ready to pull out the skirts and dresses that get me through triple digit weather, my skin isn’t so sure.
Most of the year I live by the mantra that “pale is the new tan.” While I wear SPF daily, my skin has a yellow undertone and given the chance will turn freckly and tan. I like a bit of color when the temperatures rise but I prefer mine in a bottle. I love, love, love Lancome’s Flash Bronzer Instant Colour Self-Tanning Leg Gel, which is a favorite amongst many, including Lucky Mag beauty editor Jean Godfrey-June who often raves about it. Why so great? First off, it’s tinted with a subtle shimmer, making it possible for me to actually get a faux tan without streaks or missed spots (is it possible, you ask? it is.). Second, it dries fast and develops a golden color that looks sunkissed not Sunkist. Even on the fairest of skin.
I always prep by exfoliating, then add a dab of Alba Un-Petroleum Jelly on knees, elbows, heels and cuticles. To maintain the color, I moisturize daily with Korres Yoghurt Body Butter. The result is a week of great summer color without the sun damage. Then it’s back to the bottle. The icing on the cake? Unlike many tanners this one is paraben free and scored pretty well for its eco-responsibility at The Good Guide (if you don’t know this site already, I suggest bookmarking it now). What’s not to love? xo alex.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
ALEX‘S SUMMER STAYCATION TIP no 1. GET A TAN
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7 comments:
Oh yay! This is so great! I'm struggling to change my sun-obsessed ways and learning how to get a natural glow without doing (further) damage is just what I needed. Are there any products you would recommend w/out the shimmer though? And anything for the face or do you prefer something like a bronzer powder? I feel like I always end up looking like a disco ball if it's shimmery.
The shimmer only lasts during application and w/ one shower is gone. I find L'Oreal's Sublime Glow Towlettes are convenient and pretty consistent in coverage (great for travel, too). While there's no tint to watch for missed spots, the towlette keeps application even and working in circular motions it's virtually goof proof. They make a separate face towlette but I've done arms and legs first and then used the much less saturated towel on my face in a pinch.
I prefer gels to powders when it comes to bronzers. My favorite is Dr. Hauschka's. Sarah wrote about a few great ones recently, incl. Dr. H: http://www.beautybanter.com/2009/04/gel-bronzer.html
Love this information thank you Alex. I will have to add my favorite thing in the world is City Block Sheer by Clinique. It has a skin colored tint, oil-free, SPF 25 and keeps make-up in place very well or even just enough coverage to wear alone. Clinique offers tint color and SPF coverage choices for the perfect fit. Honestly it makes my skin glow. Protection is so important on a daily basis, happy safe skin summer to everyone.
Love this information thank you Alex. I will have to add my favorite thing in the world is City Block Sheer by Clinique. It has a skin colored tint, oil-free, SPF 25 and keeps make-up in place very well or even just enough coverage to wear alone. Clinique offers tint color and SPF coverage choices for the perfect fit. Honestly it makes my skin glow. Protection is so important on a daily basis, happy safe skin summer to everyone.
I forgot all about the Lancome leg gel. Got in in a sample and it is fabulous! (PS. and not too shimmery, Anonomyous!) What is the un petroleum you speak of? Does this help keep it even? Thank you for the great "UnTan-Tan" tips, Alex!
The shimmer washes away, so if you can stand it for a few hours you're, um...golden.
I put my self tanner on about an hour before bed, that way when I wake in the morning I get a nice little surprise!
ItsAHeartThing,
I tend to go organic when possible and Un-Petroleum is basically eco-Vaseline. Vaseline is a petroleum product (petrol=oil). Un-Petro won't clog pores, is better for the environment and has as many uses as the old fashioned jar. You can find it at Whole Foods and other beauty supplies with natural products (it's made by Alba/Avalon Organics). Check out the site I link to in the post for more details. And one tube lasts for ages.
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