GLOW-T AWARDS: Sunless Tanning FACE

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As you may have noticed from the sunless tanning BODY awards, I am privy to lotion and gel formulas. I believe this is the easiest and most natural way to apply these products, simply like you would any body lotion. Spray and mousse formulations make application messy and feel a bit drying on the skin – which leads to a splotchy tan.

Glow-T Awards – Self-Tanning Products BODY: (RECAP) Best Drugstore Self-Tanner;  Best Moisturizing Self-Tanner; Best Effortless Self-Tanner; Best of the Best

As for the face, I have mentioned in past posts that I am not a fan of using self-tanning products for the body on the face. Though the formula may permit, I cringe at the thought. In past experiences I have found these products to sink into pores, cause breakouts and never provide natural-looking results.

The following products not only produce a subtle natural-looking glow, but are beneficial to the skin in different ways:

Estee Lauder DayWear Sheer Tint Release Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Moisturizer SPF 15 is my go-to product when I need to put a little “life” back in my skin. It gives the perfect amount of color, radiance and health with antioxidant-packed power. See full review: HERE.

Kate Somerville 360 Face is an exfoliating self-tanner for the face. The gentle tanning formula has no parabens, sulfates, phthalates or synthetic dyes. Glycolic and lactic acids exfoliate the skin while soy proteins kick-start collagen production. Swirl a single easy-to-use pad over the face and within eight hours you will have healthy and glowing skin.

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads  are pre-soaked towelettes that provide anti-aging benefits as well as a glowing complexion. These pads exfoliate the skin, tighten pores, eliminate blackheads and help fade existing sun damage. One small pad reveals natural, radiant skin that provides long-lasting color. See full review: HERE.

Soap & Glory Glow Job is a two-in-one moisturizing lotion and temporary self-tanner. The formula is flourishing with micro bronzing beads that burst when massaged into the skin, revealing healthy, refreshed, and ever so slightly sun-kissed skin. The lotion delivers long-lasting hydration, conditioning and protection to the skin. Great for all-year round, it effectively evens-out skin tone which reduces the need for heavy foundations and concealers.

Tips & Tricks: Perfect Summer Glow

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I have spent the last couple months aggressively testing the best self-tanning products on the market. From sprays to mousse, wipes to lotions, I have discovered some great formulas and techniques. (Reviews to follow)

Along the way, I have picked up some tips and tricks to get the perfect summer glow:

PREP:

☀ Do a patch test: Skin may be sensitive to DHA (a sugar derivative) or other ingredients in the product.

☀ Wax 24 hours in advance. Shave 12 hours in advance.

☀ Exfoliate! To get the smoothest, streak-free color possible, apply self-tanner immediately after exfoliating. The outer layer of the epidermis, which is what the self-tanner interacts with, is composed of dead skin cells that last only 7 to 10 days before they shed. You want to make sure you have an even layer of dead skin cells so that they all tan and slough off together. If you don’t properly exfoliate some of the skin will begin peeling in a day or two, which can result in a splotchy tan job.

☀ Apply a light body lotion to dry areas such as knees, elbows and heels. Body lotion will prevent the tanner from saturating these areas.

☀ Choose your favorite self-tanning formula: Aerosols are easy to apply and dry very fast. Mousse has quick-drying power and gives you more control. Wipes are great for on-the-go. Lotions are the most hydrating and will generally last the longest.

APPLICATION:

☀ 99% of the time you will end up with a streaky or uneven tan because of lack of product. Always work with enough product so you are able to glide it over the skin freely. Your skin will only absorb a certain amount of product so it is better to follow the “more is better” rule.

☀ With many application methods to choose from: gloves, mitts, brushes… I believe the best device is your hands. To prevent tan-palms, do not wait until the end to wash your hands. Scrub hands after each section of the body is completed.

☀ Apply product section by section. Always start at the bottom, so you won’t crease the color as you bend over. Start with feet: Apply product to a cotton round and blend on the tops of feet, toes and ankle area. This is my biggest problem area and have found this technique to be the best.

☀ Continue to apply over the shin and calf of a leg. Then apply tanner to your thigh from front to back, using the excess to cover your knee. Repeat on your other leg. For the final step, apply tanner to your hips, stomach and torso, following with your shoulders and arms.

☀ For application to the back area – your best bet is have someone do it for you. Otherwise, use an aerosol formula for an easier reach.

☀ Hands – same technique as feet. After applying product to the body. Wash hands vigorously. Add product to a cotton round and smooth over the backs of hands and lightly on the fingers, blending down onto the wrist area.

☀ An easy way to soften or slow down the absorption of self-tanner on areas that tend to grab a lot of product such as the elbows, knees and heels is to use a dry wash cloth to gently buff these areas after application. It will pick up some of the excess self-tanner and prevent them from getting too dark.

☀ Ever notice that areas like sunspots, melasma or old scars tend to get darker and more noticeable when you’ve slathered on self-tanner? Once you apply self-tanner to the area, take a slightly damp Q-Tip and gently wipe off the self-tanner from the areas where the dark spots are most prevalent. If it still grabs to the spot – try dipping Q-Tip into some rubbing alcohol. This will minimize the chance of the area getting darker and create a more even tone to the skin.

☀ Wait at least 15 minutes before dressing.

EXTENDING YOUR TAN:

☀ Moisturize! Try to moisturize the skin a couple times a day.

☀ Try a gradual tanner. This will not only extend your tan but will even it out as well.

Glow-T Gift Guide: Bath & Body

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Glow-T’s Gift Guide continues with bath & body. Give the gift of relaxation with creamy, bubbly bath products. Pamper loved ones with luxurious holiday bath sets that aid in relaxation. From mood-changing natural oils to decadent bath bubbles and balms, here are a few gift ideas for an at-home spa experience.

Space NK ~ Rodial REHAB Bath & Body Gift Set: $60.00

BeautyHabit ~ Kai Bubbles & Light Gift Set: $49.00

BeautyBar ~ Elemental Herbology Botanical Bathing Infusions Gift Set: $42.00

Sephora ~ L’Occitane Best of L’Occitane Set: $75.00

Nordstrom ~ Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Body & Bath Trio: $60.00

Easy Exfoliating: Origins Ginger Body Scrub

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Origins Ginger Body Scrub

Want softer, healthy-looking skin…Exfoliate!

Your body is covered by a layer of dead skin cells. No matter how often you moisturize, these creams and lotions will not be able to penetrate the epidermis of the skin without sloughing away these dead skin cells.

A body scrub is made up of granulated particles that deeply clean the skin and unclog pores. These products single-handedly remove dead skin cells, dirt and oil. They also stimulate the skin and promote blood circulation which has been used to help with cellulite and even boost immunity.

Once you have removed the barrier of dead skin cells creams and lotions will be readily absorbed by the skin.

Origins Ginger Body Scrub is made with dead sea salts and ginger zest. This invigorating scrub smells delicious and removes all traces of roughness on the skin. It also contains moisterizing properties like Macadamia Oil, Soybean Oil, Jujui Nut Oil and Sweet Almond Oil.

When using a body scrub, gently rub all over body in circular motion and rinse off. The amount of pressure used is up to you. When having a scrub procedure done at a day-spa, they use an immense amount of pressure that can be slightly painful – but totally worth it. Don’t be afraid to work up a little sweat when applying. Make sure to moisturize immediately after to reveal your new skin, healthy and glowing.

Fragrance Tips: Chanel Coco Mademoiselle

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Coco Mademoiselle

When it comes to purchasing fragrances and/or perfumes, ever wonder how to make the aroma last longer?

Purchase perfumes in gift sets, where you receive lotions, bath gels even antiperspirants along with a bottle of perfume. To make your favorite fragrance last longer, layering is key.

Identify your pulse points, these are areas blood vessels are closest to the skin, giving off more heat; wrists, behind the ear, crook of the arm/knee and base of the throat. First, apply the body lotion to these areas, then spritz fragrance on top of the lotion. By using the body lotion as a base, when perfume evaporates off the skin, the lotion will still work to provide the scent.

Purchase your favorite fragrance in antiperspirant form. These products are created to work overtime with your body chemistry in which when you sweat, the fragrance is activated. When a perfume works with your body chemistry, the scent becomes stronger. Direct sunlight can unbalance the ingredients in a perfume, store in cool, dark areas. This will also keep fragrance from evaporating.

Fragrances are typically classified according to the strength of their scent. this is normally based on the concentration of scent, oils and levels of alcohol. “Parfum” or “Perfume” contains the highest concentration of these oils. Then come Eau de parfum, Eau de toilette, Eau de cologne and lastly body sprays and lotions.

I grew up with a mother who constantly wore Chanel No5. When I smell this perfume,  it instantly reminds me of her. Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle is my signature scent. It has the same notes of Chanel No5 but a much younger version. When I wear it, I instantly feel warm and comforted.