Tag: self-tanner

Vita Liberata Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual Lotion with Marula Oil

Vita Liberata Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual Lotion with Marula Oil on Belle Belle Beauty

I know we are entering the shorter days of summer. But if you are like me, this is my favorite time of summer to plan parties and trips. They are somewhat sweeter when they come savored late. Plus, things are less crowded now that school is firing up. So forgive me if I am daydreaming about a voyage to the beach. I am headed to Southern California in a couple weeks and cannot wait. To get help with a glow, I turn to Vita Liberata and their Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual Lotion with Marula Oil is my new favorite formula.

This self-tanner acts just like a moisturizer and would be great for dry and sensitive skin. The texture is light-weight but packs a hydration punch. The subtle glow can be built deeper with repeated applications. I can detect no scent at all thanks to the company’s Odour Remove™ technology. I like to exfoliate first but I would not say it is mandatory. I get the most even application using the tan mitt and highly recommend splurging for one. Wait to shower for eight hours after application.

Available at Sephora and Nordstrom.

Vita Liberata Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual

Vita Liberata Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual on Belle Belle Beauty

I decided to take today off from work to be with my two puppies (sidenote: they are almost six years old but will always be my puppies). They had their annual teeth cleaning yesterday – which I know might sound ridiculous to some of you. But my rescues genetically ended up with terrible teeth and gums so we have to go in every year to pull teeth and clean things up. Anyway, the anesthesia makes them super snoozy and they have to be on pain killers. So, yes… I am that crazy dog momma that stayed home with her fur kids today.

I used the day off to extend my “clean-out by using up old products” I mentioned yesterday. Today’s project was in the kitchen. I used some odds and ends to pull together a darn good dinner. And threw out items that were … um … past their prime.

Anyway, the day off also provided me with the chance to try out some new beauty products. I have sadly recognized my summer glow fading so I first reached for some self-tanner. Vita Liberata has always been a favorite brand so I was excited to try out some of their newer products. The Vita Liberata Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual was just what the doctor ordered – gentle, subtle, great smelling and nourishing.

The formula is relatively thin and applies clear – something I prefer for nighttime application. My dry skin soaks up the hydration provided by aloe vera and Hyaluronic Acid. Grape Seed Extract also improves the appearance of skin. The glow can be deepened with repeated use. So far, I haven’t found that sometimes “dirty” look that can sometimes have repeated self-tanner application. But I do suggest a light exfoliation before use. The lack of that annoying self-tanner scent is thanks to Vita Liberata’s Odour Remove™ – I truly cannot detect a fragrance or odor at all. Granted, I am not super sensitive to it, but this is one of the least offensive self-tanners I have tried.

Does not contain triclosan, GMOs, fragrance, or alcohol. Available at Sephora.

PR SAMPLES AND AFFILIATE LINKS MAY BE INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE POST

Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self Tanning Oil

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I seriously hate to post about something that is sold out, but consider this a sort of PSA. If anyone sees this on shelves, snag immediately. And I have been told by the Josie Maran team that they are working on restocking the Argan Liquid Gold Self Tanning Oil so get that credit card ready.

I have been a bit ambivalent about self-tanner this summer (just sticking with my tried and true Kate Somerville which is fabulous but hardly new to the routine). That was until this oil came across my desk. I am one to fall hard for an oil and this one is no different. Just happens to be this version is a self-tanning version.

First and foremost, my readers tend to focus in on the scent. I can’t smell a single thing except for argan oil goodness, vanilla and apricot. But those with a more sensitive nose will be glad to hear that in consumer studies, 88% agree the product left no after-scent. So score one for Josie.

The formula is a quick-absorbing and nourishing pure argan oil. The finish isn’t greasy but I do get a golden finish. I applied this rather quickly the first time around, but with the mitt I didn’t need to worry about streaking. The soft and plush fabric actually calms my skin and gives an immediate but natural-looking bronze. The formula also contains coconut water and aloe to smooth and revitalize skin.

I am already well through my bottle of this liquid gold. So I will be sure to let you know as soon as I spot a replenishment for myself. I will be keeping my eye on Sephora.

pr samples and affiliate links may be included in the above post

 

Caudalie Gradual Self-Tanner For The Face

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Caudalie Gradual Self-Tanner For The Face on Belle Belle Beauty

I had the most low-key, sleep-filled weekend and it was glorious. I was actually happy to turn the calendar page, put the holidays behind us and brave 2015. Which I know has so much good in store. It just called for a bit of rest, relaxation and reading. Speaking of reading, I just set a goal of 50 books in 2015. I have already finished two (fine I cheated a little because I started both in December). If you are on Goodreads, pop over and check out my reading list here.

In between my bouts of cooking warm soups, reading and naps, I was reevaluating my skin care routine. I have been sensing a look of sallowness in my complexion, which is odd because I tend toward redness. This prompted me to break out my Caudalie Gradual Self-Tanner For The Face.

I absolutely adore the radiance that sets in after about 12 hours. It made a world of difference. While this is gradual, take care. I did overdo it slightly. But that “little to bronze” glow abated by this morning. The formula also delivers antioxidants – something the Caudalie line is known for, adding in a youthfulness. There is negligible scent, no stickiness and the effect is gradual enough that you don’t have to worry about your normal makeup routine having to be altered.

I apply a thin layer. Proceed with moisturizer. Don’t forget to wash your hands. I think a little natural glow is the perfect way to welcome the first full week of 2015. Available at us.caudalie.com or your Caudalie boutique.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Best Bronze Sunless Tan Self-Tanning and Illuminate Spray & a GIVEAWAY

Best Bronze Sunless Tan Self-Tanning and Illuminate Spray on Belle Belle Beauty

They may have suffered a loss yesterday, but Brazil is still a winner in my book when it comes to being bronze. So leave it up to our bronzed friends to come up with my new favorite self-tanner. A favorite among Brazilian models and celebrities, Best Bronze is landing on shelves here in the US this month.

Best Bronze Sunless Tan Self-Tanning and Illuminate Spray on Belle Belle Beauty

First and foremost, I love the way this self-tanner is dispensed. The micro-fine spray evenly covers skin with very little mess. Just hold the nozzle eight inches away from skin and have at it. I used plastic gloves to rub product in to ensure evenness. My first application was a pretty light layer of product and I was left with a light-to-medium tan. I am a huge fan of buildable self-tanner, so I liked the option of repeating a couple days in a row until I achieved my desired color (note: two days in a row is the perfect shade for me).

Now for the color: don’t expect any unnatural orange here. The shade is truly bronze and natural looking. And it appears within three hours. I applied before a dinner and saw the tan appear before my appetizer was served. And I didn’t get any product or stains on my black and white dress.

The directions indicated this can be used on your face as well. I don’t foresee a problem – the formula is non-irritating, without any detectible smell and leaves little detectable residue. Right now, I am working on my hyper-pigmentation so self-tanner on the face is kind of pointless.

The tan lasts about a week on me which is what I expect of a luxe self-tanner. I love the way it disguises cellulite and bruises. But that’s not all these guys do well. I have also fallen for their Illuminate, a spray that hydrates and adds a golden glow with Kukui Oil. Kukui nourishes skin while delivering anti-aging ingredients. I love spraying down my shins and on my collarbones. And it also looks great on hair for a shine.

I am really excited to partner with the brand to share one set of Best Bronze and Illuminate with one lucky reader (value $100!). This giveaway is open to those in the US. Enter using the widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

is a quick and easy application that enhances and hydrates both the skin and hair. It provides the skin with an elegant golden glow and is ideal to use after the Best Bronze Sunless Tan Self-Tanning Spray. It also adds a beautiful shine to hair.  Its formula contains Kukui oil, an anti-inflammatory oil from Hawaii, which provides nourishing and anti-aging affects.  It will leave your skin soft and smooth, while drying quickly. – See more at: http://bestbronze.com/luminate-3-5-fl-oz-luminizer-for-the-hair-and-body-with-kukui-oil.html#sthash.TrTLlM68.dpuf
is a quick and easy application that enhances and hydrates both the skin and hair. It provides the skin with an elegant golden glow and is ideal to use after the Best Bronze Sunless Tan Self-Tanning Spray. It also adds a beautiful shine to hair.  Its formula contains Kukui oil, an anti-inflammatory oil from Hawaii, which provides nourishing and anti-aging affects.  It will leave your skin soft and smooth, while drying quickly. – See more at: http://bestbronze.com/luminate-3-5-fl-oz-luminizer-for-the-hair-and-body-with-kukui-oil.html#sthash.TrTLlM68.dpuf

Available at BestBronze.com and Ricky’s NYC.

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AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Self Tanning With Victoria’s Secret

Self Tanning With Victoria's Secret on Belle Belle Beauty

It seems as if every spring, I fall for a different self-tanner. I chalk this up to the fact that they just seem to get better and better across the board. New technology makes these once hard-to-use products a breeze. This year, a trio from Victoria’s Secret of all places seems to be pulling away with the lead. First, what I look for in a self-tanner: pleasant smell, natural looking color and lasting power. Using all three of the below products gives me precisely that.

First up, in the shower I slather on Beach Sexy Body Prep Smoothing Scrub. Despite the somewhat silly name, this foaming exfoliator smells sophisticated and understated. I avoid any redness with the relatively gentle formula – the pure sugar crystals manage to even away rough and dry spots while still infusing skin with a clean softness. Acai might be why my skin looks even more healthy than usual. And don’t be fooled – exfoliation before tanning is crucial for an even glow.

I prepped myself for the usual stinky lotion when I popped open Beach Sexy Self-Tanning Tinted Lotion but was thrilled to encounter a bronzey, basically unscented potion. I prefer tinted self-tanner so I can see where I am going during application. Not to mention you get an immediate gratification glow. (Belle Belle tip: use disposable latex gloves and throughouly rub in any lotion for a streak free and even tan). I gave the lotion a smell test last Friday and had a group of (honest) friends tell me if they could detect any self-tanner scent. The verdict? A surprising and emphatic “no!”.

But that wasn’t the end of it. With shorts and skirt weather finally here, I’ve been turning to a bronzing stick to add even more glow and blur imperfections. Beach Sexy All-Over Bronzing Stick is a gel-formula housed in an easy to apply thick tube. While it doesn’t have loads of pigment, the mica and sheer bronze is buildable and adds just a bit of radiance. I like applying down my shins and on my décolleté.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.