sweet tarte

For some reason, the East Coast got the memo that summer was here while here on the West Coast we’ve had some serious June gloom. But even if the sun was melting the sidewalks, I’d be using bronzers and tanners to get a faux summer glow. Which is why I was so excited when tarte sent me their newest bronzer - part of the Amazonian clay collection. More eco-fabulousness from tarte? Yep, there's more.

I’m a big fan of their hotel heiress bronzing powder, but the Amazonian clay blushes are so fabulous (who knew powder blush could be so un-powdery?), I couldn’t wait to try more of the line.

Here’s the awesome thing about Amazonian clay: it absorbs oil (perfect for oily/combo skin) but it also hydrates and helps with flakiness (perfect for dry skin). It’s no wonder tarte calls it “nature’s most perfect ingredient.” 

 

The smooth operator micronized finishing powder ($28) works for all skin tones and the packaging is absolutely brilliant. Loose powders can be a mess. But the container has a flexi plastic cover with a small hole. If you press gently on the plastic, it releases enough powder for one application. For those who want more coverage, layer as desired. (A special edition bronzer with bamboo brush can be found at QVC for $42.)

I am also loving the waterproof Amazonian clay liners – in both pencils and pots. Once again, the clay works its magic. I didn’t need eye primer – the powders set quickly and they do not budge. And after playing with a few colors, and having to wash my face more than once, there wasn’t any redness or irritation. I think that has a lot to do with the tarte’s ingredients. Not a petrochemical, paraben, synthetic fragrance, or dye to be found.

The waterproof liner pencils come in great jewel tones and a seriously dramatic black (black, brown, and plum in stores now, but navy, turquoise, plum, bronze and green in the coming months). They’re a great texture for a smudged eye or dramatic line. They’re available exclusively through QVC, here. (For a super precise line, I highly recommend the emphasEYES™ natural eyeliner.) 

While the pencils are convenient, I really love the potted liners. Especially the bronze. Using plant waxes to create a waterproof finish, they come with super simple tips for creating various looks (much appreciated) – for creating everything from a subtle line to a seriously smoky eye. I settled for something in between.

As my friend Erin has taught me well, great brushes make all the difference. And tarte has put together this incredible kit with a double-sided brush (one side for lining, the other with a domed design perfect for the shape of the eyelid). For $22, you get the set – a $45 value.

The Amazonian bronzer and potted liners are available at tarte, Sephora online and in stores, as well as beauty.com, Henri Bendel, ulta.com, and boutiques nationwide. Enjoy!  xo a.

SHOW SOME LEG

Most of the year I stay out of the sun and don’t mind my pale complexion one bit. If Anne Hathaway can do it, why can't I? And if I should feel paler than pale I use self tanner to give myself a bit of color. A few years ago, I was faced with a dilemma when I had a red carpet event to attend in rainy February and while I didn’t want to self tan, my legs needed something. Megan, my genius of a sister, handed me what looked like deodorant and said, “just try it.” Like I said, she’s a genius.

Michael Kors Leg Shine is really a clever concept. It isn’t a bronzer but instead a subtly tinted moisturizing bar that glides over legs, knees and ankles with ease (that deodorant shape makes application a breeze). My legs looked healthier, with a bit of shine that made them look longer and more toned. Thanks, Mae! The Leg Shine comes in three shades: Classic, Shimmer and Bronze, but none are actually bronzers. For that, I’d probably go with tarte’s Glam Gams or LORAC’s Tantalizer, which Sarah raved about here.

I’ve also found that in a pinch, it helps even out color if tanner streaks in a spot if you're out the door. Personally, I've found that giving it a good 20 minutes to dry means no worry about stains on light colored fabrics or the car seat. It has great staying power but it washes off pretty easily. Overall, I am impressed.

The only potential downside is the scent. It is infused with Michael Kors signature fragrance MICHAEL, a heady note of tuberose blended with some spicier and muskier fragrances. Some love tuberose but it isn’t for everyone. Because I only wear it on my legs (some make it an arm and upper body shine, too), I find the scent dissipates pretty quickly. In a perfect world they’d have a fragrance free version. But for now the fact it's it’s paraben free and not tested on animals makes me happy.

If you’re curious but not ready to commit, try the Sephora exclusive Michael Kors Leg Shine to Go, a small version of the Classic formula for $10. I keep one in my toiletry bag as it’s perfect for travel. xo a.

The Liquid Bronzer

As the weather starts to warm up, my first thought is: sunshine! Although I love a good tan as much as the next girl, I'm all too aware of the side effects of the sun. I'll lay out because I like the feel of the sun on my body (I'm sadly afflicted with seasonal depression), but I know better than to let those deadly rays hit my face. I spread SPF 70 all over my face and make sure to cover up with a giant straw hat. When I want to fake a golden glow, I turn to bronzers and self-tanners to do the trick.

This season, I'm all about the liquid/ gel bronzer for the mug. That's not to say I won't be sprinkling on the powder, but I've become totally infatuated with the natural, sheer color and liquid-like consistency of these gel bronzers. In my opinion, you can control the color more effectively when you use a gel. Just add a dollop to your foundation OR moisturizer, mix together in hands and lightly pat onto face. You can also use the liquid/ gels as highlighters or blushes - apply anywhere on your face for an added sunkissed hue.

The deciding factor for the right gel/ liquid bronzer is that the color DOESN'T give you that orange, fake and bake hue.

A good gel bronzer will offer a natural hue that you can build upon, depending on your preference. But like all gel bronzers, the best part is that it's only a one day (or night) commitment. Unlike self-tanners or buildable color moisturizers, this tan washes off with soap and water.

One color suits all, so this is a great choice for women of fair complexions - you can build a very sheer tan and if you mess up, wash it off and try again.

Here are my picks (click on the name for more info) to get you started:

Dr. Hauschka's Translucent Bronze Concentrate $39.95


Organic Wear by Physician's Formula 100% Natural Origin Liquid Bronzer; $10.99


Clinique True Bronze Bronzing Gel For Face; $18.50


Bonne Bell Gel Bronzer Golden Tan; $4.95
(I've personally never tried but heard rave reviews - click here to read)



Cargo Multi Mix Bronzer; $28.00



Have a favorite gel or liquid bronzer? Please let us know in the comment section below!

Beauty Qestions Answered... How to Bronze Fair Skin

One of our beauty-full readers, Phyrra, wrote in with a great question:

"I'm a girl who can't tan, ever. I burn. I don't ever have that golden, sunkissed look. How does someone like me apply bronzer without looking ridiculous? Or is there no way?"

Of course there is a way, Phyrra!

My first suggestion would be to apply a very light buildable color moisturizer for a base. Try Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer for Fair Skin Tones. You get to control how dark or light the bronze is - apply a few times for a light sun kissed hue. Apply daily for a more golden color. This is a great product, very well-received, people love it (Allure even gave it their coveted Beauty Award). It's NOT a self-tanner so it doesn't streak or turn orange, but there is a bit of color built into the moisturizer.

Next, I would use a powder one shade DARKER than your skin tone. Again, this will create a base from which to build. This should not be a bronzer, just an everyday powder. Make sure to get in the hairline, ears and neck so that you don't look two-toned!


Finally, find a bronzer made specifically for light skin. Physician's Formula makes amazing, affordable, natural-looking bronzers. Try the Organic wear 100% Natural Origin Bronzer - it has 2 shades that you can blend together to create the perfect sun-kissed hue. It's also buildable color, meant for fair skin so you will get a very natural, even bronze. **VERY IMPORTANT: Only use bronzer on areas that would actually catch the sun's rays. A bronzer should NEVER be used everywhere on the face! A bit on the forehead, chin, cheeks, a couple dusts on the neck and chest, will give you that natural hue.**

It's really all about trial and error. Go to Sephora and raid their bronzer section - try as many as you can get your hands on... just make sure to apply sparingly! And don't EVER use a bronzer intended for darker skin tones. This will most definitely make you look "made-up."

Hope that helps!

xoxo,

Beauty Banter

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE!

Alas, it's the end of yet another week. More parties to attend, more holiday gifts to buy, more eggnog to chug!

With all of the gorgeous Christmas tree and decorations, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sparkle envy! It may be winter, but that's no excuse to leave skin pale and placid. Enter Lorac's TANtalizer: A body sparkler that quenches my desire for some serious skin bling and leaves you looking smoking even when it's freezing outside. Part moisture, part color, TANtalizer gives your skin that bronzed glow with added sheen. Unlike self-tanners, or even fake and bake salons, TANtalizer is only a one night commitment. Wear it, own the new (and bronzer) you, then simply wash it off. And you're back to you're pale self!

TANtalizer leaves you shimmering like gold tinsel without the streaking of self-tanners. It dries relatively fast, but I'd give yourself at least twenty minutes before stepping into that sexy dress (I have the misfortune to stain a cute winter white outfit - but rest assured, the drycleaners removed the spot!).

My favorite part about this bronzing luminizer is that it really does add a certain highlight effect to your body. In essence, it slims you! Apply everywhere you want light to illuminate - shoulders, chest, torso, legs, even your neck - and sparkle on!

PRICE TAG: $30.00 for 5.7 oz.

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE!

The end of Summer is near.... sadness! But that doesn't mean you have to look all pale and placid come Fall.

Lorac's blush/ bronzer duo in Hot Flash is one of our favorite Summer compacts. The bronzer is out of this world. Such a gorgeous sun-kissed color with a barely-there sparkle. It competes with my long-time favorite bronzer, Tarte's Hotel Heiress, as most realistic and glowing tan! And the pink blush is sheer(at least on my olive skin - I actually combine it with a swipe of Smashbox's Blush Rush in Crush) yet bold. It's a pale baby pink with a hint of shimmer that makes the apples of your cheeks appear soooo sun-kissed! And when you use both the blush and bronzer, it's as though you've just stepped off of the beach - sans the wrinkles and skin damage - healthy, radiant, and au natural!

Love, love, love this product!!! It doesn't irritate my skin or cause break-outs (and I'm extremely sensitive and break-out prone).

Summer may very well be over, but this compact is here to stay (I always keep my mug a little tan - the pale look just seems so sickly).

PRICE TAG: $28.50

Duo also comes in Hot and Spicy which is a bit more mauve and understated.

MAC'S SKINFINISH DUO REVIEW

Ever since posting about MAC's launch of NEW VIEW, our inbox has been flooded with one, singular question regarding the new Skinfinish Duo - do we likey???

Well, my fellow beauties, the verdict is in: WE LOVE IT!!!

And here's why - it's flawless... literally. Skinfinish has long been a popular MAC staple.... and now they've combined the two products in one convenient compact! Not only does this duo produce a flawless look on your skin, it also feels like silk. Natural and gentle, with a light shimmer if you so incline. I'm using a shade slightly darker then my natural skin color because while the rest of my body is golden and tan, my face is not (I use SPF 70 on my mug!). And it's a tad embarrassing when the color on my face and body don't exactly "match up." Thus, I opted for the Medium Dark/ Natural and Shimmer hue. I apply the matte to my entire face and the shimmer to my cheekbones (to highlight the area).

The powder duo creates the perfect mixture of sun streaked gold with a healthy dose of iridescent light. I swear, I think I may even forgo the entire "bronzing" aspect of my makeup application - this duo provides amazing coverage AND color... who needs bronzer?!

So, my tip, if you're like me and you're saving your face from years of skin damage, buy a color one shade darker then your natural skin tone. This way, it'll act as powder, bronzer AND highlighter! Three products for the price of one.... we love bargain shopping!!!

PRICE TAG: $26.50

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE!

Here's a cool spin on things: a bronzing POWDER with SPF... yes, I know it's been around for some time but it's a current obsession of mine, and due to the heat, I felt it was quite timely.

Pre-summer, PTR launched their Instant Mineral Powder SPF's... I didn't really care for this product. I really wanted to love it, but I just couldn't. It was messy and the powder either exploded from the brush or barely came out at all. And I could never get the darn top back on without blugeoning the bristles! Needless to say, I wasn't a fan (and I usually love all things PTR!).

(sadly, no go)

But then on a recent jaunt to Sephora I discovered Stila's Sun Bronzing Powder with SPF 15. It's actually a near-perfect "natural" colored tan that also offers sun protection. Two products for the price of one... we love it! (Although, as always, you should be using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 45 with both UVA and UVB screening filters... but this is a great addition to your everyday sunscreen.)

(the bomb!)

The powder is pressed - which means no messes! - and it comes in two shades - shade 1 (sheer golden matte bronze) and shade 2 (sheer warm matte bronze). I use shade 2 because I have naturally darker skin. Even without the spf (although this is a great summer beach bag must-have) this bronzer would still be amazing and worth the purchase! After all, it is Stila's "best-selling bronzing powder formula." How can you go wrong?!

PRICE TAG: $28.00 (click HERE to purchase)

Summer Face 2008

We all know how AWFUL the sun is for our faces, so make a vow to yourself... THIS SUMMER, I WILL NOT ALLOW THE SUN TO PENETRATE THROUGH MY FRAGILE FACE. I will take precautions when tanning (use SPF that protects against UVA AND UVB rays), and I will treat my skin with the love and care that it deserves...
So, please, I BEG YOU, use an alternative... bronzer, mystic tan (although I despise the orange hue), buildable color moisturizer, or tinted moisturizer.

Here are a few of our favorites:


Benefit's You Rebel gives good summer face. It's a tinted moisturizer with SPF 15 and it adds just the right amount of gold (without looking super fake) to your skin. **TIP** Try mixing it with a touch of foundation for an even, flawless, bronzed complexion with added coverage!


Chanel's Soleil Lame Tinted Bronzing Gel is lightweight and basic. It's a gel (which I love... doesn't cake) that glides onto the skin to produce an even tan sans the sun. The color is natural and the gel absorbs without the shine of tinted moisturizers. Great for oily complexions!

Tarte Hotel Heiress is a long time favorite. It's a powder bronzer (mineral) and I swear, it gives off the best damn sun-kissed effect. I've tried many a bronzers and this one continues to be an everyday must-have. It doesn't give off that sparkle, fake tan look... this bronzer is way more matte and truly au natural.

Glow Fusion is another favorite from last year. It's the closest thing to a mystic tan (that I've found) AND you can do it yourself... at home! BONUS: It doesn't give you that nasty, orange spray-tan look! The color is actually amazingly bronze! And if you follow the directions, it really does give you even, precise color.


Physicians Formula Pearls of Perfection Multi-Colored Bronzer is fantastic for those porcelain skinned folks out there. It has a pink undertone to offset the gold so it doesn't appear too fake (instead it gives off a "warm" finish). I love the consistency - it's soft and smooth - and it really leaves skin glowing. The pearls are also incredibly fun to play around with... it's like a combination of loose powder (very potent) and pressed powder (matte, and not as messy). And you can't beat the price: $11.95.

Bobbi Brown Bronze Shimmer Brick Compact is shimmery and glittery and full of iridescent fun! Personally, I don't like loads of shimmer in my bronzer, but for those of you who do, this is the bronzer to get. It has five shades, all ranging in golden hues, and it mixes together quite brilliantly to produce a healthy, vibrant, glowing face. I do, however, love this product as an added highlighter atop my matte bronzing powder. It really does create a gorgeous, golden dimension to the skin.

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE

For all those in search of their Spring bronzer, look no further... Smashbox's Fusion Body Lights Bronzing Powder in The Strip is the must-have, convenient bronzer and highlighter for a faux tanned complexion. It's meant as an all over body bronzer but I use it on my face as well.

At this year's L.A. Fashion Week, the kind people over at Smashbox decided to give the guests a bronzer and applicator in the gift bag! How amazing?!

I love the color that this product gives... it's the perfect tan.... not a fake and bake hue, but not pale either. It's a trio of colors that comes in a massive circular compact. One brush of your applicator over the three colors and you're good to go.

The one thing that I don't like, but many others do, is the scent. I get it... it's supposed to be "tropical." But it's SO perfumed I find it overwhelming. And since I have very sensitive skin, I do try to stay away from products that contain fragrance. But so far, the bronzer hasn't irritated my skin. And the color is SO hot... I'm willing to sacrifice the fragrant scent for a little healthy color!

So, stock up on your new must-have bronzer... Sun free, streak free tan! Amen!

$54.00 (comes with nub brush!)

MAC ATTACK... AGAIN!

Here it is: MAC's 2 new, limited edition Summer Color lines --- Flashtronic & Rushmetal!

Here are the Stats:

Flashtronic:

"Colour and light fused to perfection with the pearlized shimmer of Mineralize Skinfinish, complemented by 6 new marbled shades of Mineralize Eye Shadow and our 4 new Tinted Lipglass."

Lipglass (all creams)
"A unique lip gloss available in a wide variety of colours that can create a high gloss, glass-like finish or a subtle sheen. Designed to be worn on its own, over Lip Pencil or Lipstick."
Perfectly Pink: Creamy mid-tone pink
Flashtronic: Caramel bronze with subtle gold pearl
Young Spark: Neutral pink with subtle gold pearl
Electro-Lush: Creamy blue pink

Mineralize Eye Shadow (all frosts)
"A sheer, pearled, mineralized powder Eye Shadow with up to four shades baked together in one pan. Superfine, lightweight: provides a softly tinted, reflective shimmer on the skin with a delicate sense of dimension. Subtly builds colour and shine. Can be worn on face, eyes or body."


By Jupiter: Light taupe with beige and deep brown veining
Tectonic: Yellow gold with lime green, warm brown and black veining
Ether: Deep aqua with silver, black and gold veining
Mercurial: Yellow gold with lilac and chestnut veining
Lovestone: Raspberry with wine and copper veining
Quarry: Sky blue with olive, coral and beige veining

Mineralize Skinfinish
"A luxurious velvet-soft powder with high-frost metallic finish. Smoothes on: adds buffed-up highlights to cheeks and brows, or an overall ultra-deluxe polish to the face."
Norhtern Light: Mid-tone pink with rust and grey brown veining
Gold Spill: Pink Peach with warm brown and cream pearl
Global Glow: Mid-tone brown with gold pearl

Rushmetal:

"The alchemy of gold transformed as 8 new Pigments radiate the power of this key element. With 4 Lipsticks toned and finished to complement each gold-tinged Pigment, this is metal as it should be worn."

Lipstick
Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street.
Thrills: Rosy copper with gold pearl (frost)
Frenzy: Soft muted pinky-peach beige with golden shimmer (frost)
Soft Lust: Tan with white pearl (lustre)
Fast Lane: Mauve with silver pearl (lustre)

Pigment
Pigment is a highly concentrated loose colour powder that contains ingredients to help it adhere to the skin. Use to create a subtle wash of colour or an intense effect. Pigment does not streak or cake, is easy to blend and long-lasting.


Rushmetal: Rich copper sparkle
Revved-up: Icy rose with reflects
Gold Mode: Tan gold
Mauvement: Cool taupe with gold pearl
Off The Radar: Warm orange with gold sparkle
Copperized: Olive green with gold pearl
Quick frost: Creamy white with soft green pearl
Cocomotion: Dirty gold with olive undertone and gold sparkle

***I am obsessed with golds... obsessed! So, these latest color lines are truly incredible for me. I've spent the past couple of days playing with all of the make-up and I've gotta say, MAC scored yet again! Everything works well together, layered, the colors are rich and intense, the lines carry a common theme so the lipstick and lipglass fit perfectly with the eye shadow and pigment. The mineralize skinfinish leaves the skin sparkling and bronzed like I've never seen. (My friend Kim Stewart and I were playing with the make-up before she left for London to shoot her new show, and she tried taking the entire line from me! She did, however, get away with taking the GLOBAL GLOW MINERALIZE SKINFINISH!)

The lipsticks seem very bold to the eye, but they look so amazing on the lips - I layered all four of them together and the outcome was purely kissable-licious!

P.S. Check back later for pictures of different colors that I played around with...***

MUST-HAVES SUMMER 2007!

I've been a little M.I.A. resting and editing my film... but I am back today, better then ever, with a post that will make you race (or type) to your local beauty supply store, like, a-sap!

It's finally summer! Hot days that lend themselves to hotter nights. Ocean, sand, sun, fresh faces, less make-up ... you get the point.

Here are a couple of our favorite summer 2007 must-have products!

Cargo's Beach Blush - Sunset Beach (no, not the damn reality show!) We don't mention Cargo a lot on this site and I'm not sure why (oh wait... yes, I am... they never send us samples!). But this brand new summer blush is absolutely delicious! With four shades that blend together to create the near-perfect glow of a summer tan (with added "reflective shimmer particles" that soften the appearance of lines and wrinkles!) We
tried the blush on a recent jaunt to Sephora and our cheeks fell in love...

Clinique's Up-Lighting Liquid Illuminator gives skin the ultimate "I just fell in love on the beach in Marbella" look. This oil-free illuminator highlights cheeks and brows and adds a beautiful dewiness (is that even a word?!) to the entire face. Summer is all about the no-make-up make-up look and adding just a bit of this liquid illuminator to your moisturizer or foundation really helps your face to pop!

DuWop's Duet Eyeshadow in Chai is light and airy with a golden bronze and a soft gold shimmer. Use the gold shimmer on the base of the eye then highlight the crease with the golden bronze. It looks natural enough on all skin tones! Pair the shadow with a bold black mascara (we're really loving Dior's new Diorshow Black Out Mascara, the limited edition blacker then black mascara) and you're good to go!
NOTE TO SELF: It's very important not to overdo your eyes during summer... over made-up eyes tend to look tres clownish/ drag queen-inspired when paired with tanned skin.

Bourjois Eau De Gloss in Rose a L'eau 13 is the perfect pink to paint your pout. It's sheer and moisturizing with 14% water for 4 full hours of hydration. The sun can kill your lips by drying them out and making them ultra chapped so a strong moisture-based lippy is key. We like this pink one because it adds a bit of a rose hue with long-lasting hydration (damn, we sound like a f*&$ing advertisement!) The tube's pretty awesome too!

Decleor's Aroma Sun SPF 8 Protective Satiny Oil Body & Hair is a key item for this summer's beach bag. I wouldn't recommend an SPF 8 for the skin as I am a firm believer that SPF 30 is a necessity for shielding the skin from the harsh effects of the sun, but for the hair... SPF 8 does the job! So, we all know how the sun can lighten your hair just as quickly as it darkens your skin. And, I, at least, am a victim of highlights... thus, the sun is really bad for my million dollar mane! Not to mention that the sun dries my hair to the point of frying it.... protecting hair against the sun is vital. A deep conditioner will help, but this oil spray moisturizes and protects! It's love at first spritz!!!

Happy summer to you!

Tanning 2007

Here it is! The big, fun filled tanning 2007 guide to beautiful, sun-kissed skin sans UVA and UVB rays (basically, tanned skin without the sun!)

I have tried a plethora of products in my quest for the best! Here, in no particular order, are a couple of tanning products that I just can't live without...

GlowFusion Micro-Nutrient Face & Body Natural Protein Tan: The absolute best spray tan that you can do yourself! Like a mystic tan, just at home. It applies evenly and leaves skin bronzed within seconds. I have very sensitive skin and I use this product on my face without fear of break-outs!!! It rocks!!! PRICE: $58.00 (and well worth every last cent!)


Dove Energy Glow Daily Moisturizer with Subtle Self Tanners, For Medium Skin Tones: It also comes in light, but I use medium because I want a quick, rich tan asap. This is a lotion that you use EVERY day after the shower... it works by gradually enhancing your NATURAL skin color, thus the more you use it, the darker you become. It smells fresh, not like a self-tanner, it doesn't stain clothes AND it actually moisturizes. I tried many tanning moisturizers and what I found is that most don't actually moisturize. This one does it all! PRICE: $7.99


NARS Blush & Bronzer Duo – Orgasm & Laguna: The perfect Summer compact: Two of my favorite colors side by side. Laguna is a rich, golden bronzer, while Orgasm is a subtle pinky-peach shimmer blush. Used together, it makes you look like you just left the beach! All sun-kissed and fresh-faced! PRICE: $36.00


L'Oreal Sunless Sublime Glow Daily Moisturizer, Fair Skin Tones: Like the Dove moisturizing lotion, this too enhances your natural skin tone, but it also adds a hint of sparkle every time you use it! I like to wear this lotion when I'm going out at night because the shimmer accentuates the tan and also makes my skin look dewy. Available in medium too! PRICE: ON SALE for $8.99


Jergens Natural Glow Face Moisturizer, Fair: This oil-free, non-comedogenic face lotion with SPF 20 is ideal for sensitive, acne prone skin types. Not only does it enhance your skin's natural color (building a "tan" the more times you use it), but it is perfect for evening out blothcy, or scarred skin. I love this product and have actually started using it as my primary facial moisturizer! PRICE: ON SALE for $5.78


Tarte Celebutante Dry Oil Shimmer Spray: Most people love the Nars body shimmer but I've gotta say, it's so greasy and always gets all over my clothes. That's when I found this dry oil product. Essentially, it does the same thing: spray on your body and you have a dewy, bronzed glow. But this one is not greasy AND it dries much faster then Nars (it also smells like coconut... yummy!). It's not as deep of a tan as Nars, more of a champagne color, but I'll sacrifice so long as my clothes stay fake-tan free! PRICE: $28.00


Physicians Formula Summer Eclipse Bronzing & Shimmery Face Powder: This bi-colored bronzer provides both a light tan and a golden shimmer! Physicians Formula rules the market in bronzing products - they sent me 23 different bronzers to test! Although I haven't had a chance to use all of them, this specific bronzer worked really well for my skin because it gave a natural glow and provided that dewy look that I love. Plus, it's hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, oil free, non-comedogenic AND dermatologist approved! WOW! PRICE: $11.95


I just can't write this post without once again discussing my all-time favorite face product, Laura Mercier's Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer in Sand with SPF 20: I use this product EVER day and it completely evens out my blothcy skin-tone PLUS it adds color to my face! The sun is so bad for your skin, not to mention what it does to scars and brown spots, so by using this product, I look tan, I'm saving my face AND I producing a "perfect palette;" even skin tone! I kid you not, when I wear this product, people tell me that I have fabulous skin! Can oyu imagine?! PRICE: $40.00



Have a favorite faux-tan product?! Let us know by emailing the beauty whore at beautybanter@gmail.com!!!

Tan away, fellow beauty whores!!!

Mrs. McDreamy for Avon

Upon learning of make-up artist Jillian Dempsey's (and real-life wife of McDreamy, a.k.a. Patrick Dempsey) new color line, I just had to try it out (I have the hugest, platonic crush on McDreamy.... ahhhhh....). Jillian recently took on the role of Global Creative Color Director for our new favorite cosmetic giant, Avon. "Avon collaborate closely with her in a campaign to refresh its shade palettes, launch limited-edition seasonal color collections, as well as new product concepts, beginning in Spring 2007."
Alas, we reach the part of the story where I get to actually TRY a product. My girls over at The Silver Spoon happened to have Jillian Dempsey for Avon sheer glow all over face powder. Can you imagine my excitement?!
I took the beautiful floral-designed palette home, broke out my MAC 187 Duo Fibre Brush(right) ("A large full circular brush used for lightweight application and blending of face powder or pigments..." a must-have brush - can also be used to apply wet foundation!!!)and began applying the taupe and pink colors...
First on my cheeks like blush, then a little on my nose, chin and forehead... and let me tell you... I glowed. It was a tad more pink then brown, which I didn't mind, because it really gave me that Sun-kissed look. It's more sheer then a bronzer and more nude then a blush...
So try Jillian Dempsey for Avon All Over Face Powder in Sandy Corals and tell us what you think!
Also available in a lighter hue, Peach Champagne.

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE

Celebrity make-up artist Scott Barnes knows a thing or two about make-up (he's got an amazing color line to boot) and celebrities for that matter (he paints the skin of such A-listers like Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson and J.Lo). He is an industry favorite and now, he is a personal favorite too. I have just discovered (during New Years in Miami Beach) my most favorite body bronzer in all of the land:
Body Bling in Platinum.

This tinted body moisturizer saved me major skin damage due to sun exposure... I kid you not, it made my skin glow better then the real thing (the harsh Miami sun).
A word (or several...) from the company:
"The lotion feels luxuriously moisturizing and skin softening. This is a fun body makeup for people who want to show off their gorgeous bare skin. The difference is a noticeable radiance."
They call it the Hollywood glow... I call it the ultimate glow.
Tried and tested... I felt sexier, softer and bronzer... like a perfectly highlighted sun goddess!
Thanks Scott!

(above: Annie (left) and Sarah (right) on New Years Eve. The Delano. Miami Beach. Both soaked in Platinum Body Bling)

HOLIDAY FETE'S MUST-HAVES

With Christmas season among us, Holiday parties seem to be in the air. I don't like to do my whole "made-up" face for a cup of egg nog and some Christmas carols. Instead, I enjoy a lighter, fresher, more youthfull me! (I also think that if I look younger AND feel younger, I will BE younger... and then maybe, just MAYBE, Santa will come down my chimney this year!)

So this is my Holiday party beauty routine:

Natural, wavey hair thanks to John Frieda's Starlet Waves Wave Enhancing Spray (left). I literally spray on wet, just washed hair and leave to air dry.




A sun-kissed complexion from Guerlain's Terracotta 3(rich warm bronze). Note to Self: I used to only be able to buy this product when en route to some exotic locale at a duty free shop in a European airport... now, it's sold at Sephora!!! Love this product because it absorbs yucky surface oils and adds the perfect amount of color!



Eyebrow gel for my unruly brows (a MUST MUST MUST... I actually take it EVERYWHERE!) I prefer Cover Girl's Professional Natural Lash Mascara. It's meant for your lashes but does wonders for the brows... heavy duty stuff!

On my lips, my new must-have(thanks to my recent trip to Sephora) is Benefit's Color Plump in Love Ya'. It's a stick, but it goes on like a mixture between a gloss and matte lippy and it just so happens to actually plump your lips without making them super shiney (and we all know how much a beauty whore loves a plumper pecker!) It boasts the ideal amount of color leaving your lips natural and tres tres kissable!

what's YOUR beauty routine...