Victoria's Secret Beach Sexy Tanners

Hey Ladies!!  I have to apologize for the lack of posts because I'm actually on holidays at the moment.  I am, unfortunately, not vacationing anywhere glamorous, as Allan and I decided to have a stay-at-home holiday (tons of home repairs to do) but we're having such a fantastic time anyway.  Hence the sporadic posts.....Anyway, on to more important things....

My friend (and co-worker) recommended the Victoria's Secret Beach Sexy Bronzers and Self-Tanners to me during one of our in-depth convos regarding our oh-so pastey skin color.  (Yes, she is a pale girl like me).  We were ranting and raving about how gross smelling the majority of the self-tanners are on the market these days and wondering why companies couldn't design better smelling products.  After we got the negative comments out of the way, I recommended the Sephora Spray Tanner and she suggested I try out the Victoria's Secret line.  I immediately placed an online-order....

I trust Rheanna's recommendations quite a bit so when I placed the order, I got two of the items I knew I'd like.  From left to right: 2 of the Tan Enhance Shimmer Lotion With Tint, Keep Glowing Tan Extend Body Moisturizer, and 2 Custom Tan Adjustable Self-Tan Lotion With Shimmer. 

The Tan Extend Moisturizer is perhaps the easiest one to decipher.  Use after your tan has appeared to prevent peeling and prolong the life of your golden glow.  The Custom Adjustable Self-Tan is not something I've used yet (since I just received the items two days ago) but can not WAIT to try it out.  Rheanna says this one is neat since it doesn't smell like a self-tan (BONUS) and you can actually customize the color you want (lighter or deeper) depending on what setting you've placed the dial at.

I saved the best for last because this is my absolute favorite: the Tan Enhance Shimmer Lotion.  I LOVE products like this because you can give yourself a great looking tan and then wash it off in the shower the next day.  Plus, since the lotion is colored, you never have to worry about streaks and it always looks natural.  (This last comment is a bonus for anyone who's quite fair.  The last thing you want is a orange glow....) 

And here it is, all rubbed in on my arm.  Pretty good color hey?  I will also say that VS has been selling out of the Tan Enhancer so if you can get your hands on a bottle, I highly recommend spending the $12 (yes, that's all it costs) and nabbing it.

What are your thoughts?  Have you tried these products out before? 

XO

Despicable Kate but Lovely Rimmel

For the first time in about five plus years I purchased a drug store bronzer.

I can hear you all yelling SNOB but honestly, I just happened to find something I preferred more than the poor colored, yellow-tinged, pimple causing drug store products. ( I am now eating my words...)

It all happened when I was in Prince George. Now, as everyone can attest to, forgetting to pack something when going on vacation happens, so I wasn't surprised when my blush brush wasn't in my bag. (Yes, I know it was only one brush BUT when you're used to including it as part of your morning ritual, you're whole morning can be thrown off....ha.) Needless to say, my best friend, Renate, kindly offered me hers since we were staying with her. So, in the morning, I pulled out her brush and was about to swirl it around my loose Youngblood bronzer when I decided to be nosy.

So, I was digging through her make-up bag and found a GINORMOUS bronzer palette. Instead of using my bronzer, I, of course, used this one instead. And I am super glad I did. The brand was Rimmel London and inside this huge compact was shimmery goodness. I used it the entire time I stayed with her and even went to London Drugs while in PG and purchased my own. The one I bought was SunShimmer Bronzing Compact in Sun Queen and have been using it faithfully since my return home.

Oh and another thing, I also thought I'd try their lipstick. (It was on sale for $4.99 and I needed a new fall color.) I purchased the Moisture Renew Lipstick in Berry Queen (#400) and can absolutely not live without it. Since berry and wine colors are making a comeback this fall, I thought it time to put away the fire engine red colors and try something more classic. It's vibrant, but not too flashy, and virtually goes with every color. Remember, wine and burgandy colors are big on the runways for fall so I highly suggest checking out the Rimmel London's lipsticks and adding some to your wardrobe. YAY for cheap cosmetics!!!....

If only Kate Moss wasn't their model....well, here's to wishful thinking...

Beauty Tip #2: Even MORE Bronzer Tips for my Pasty Friends

Summer + Skin = MAJOR need for bronzer.

A friend of mine, also a pasty sister, really likes my posts about bronzing products and tips about "faking" a tan so, Lori, this is for you. Oh AND I thought it was time to share a smashing bronzer tip, one that I've been using since my dance days. (This, also, doesn't involve shelling out money for products providing you have a big powder brush and a great loose bronzer.)

I'm sure you already know what I'm about to say BUT brushing on a tan gives you ultimate control (so you can apply as much, or as little, as you want) PLUS there's no streaking. Dip your brush in the bronzer and, seriously, go nuts. (I like to use a loose bronzer that has a shimmer. I find that a matte bronzer can look a bit too fake, if you know what I mean.) When applying, make sure you're twisting the brush into your skin using circular motions instead of just brushing it on. We want to make sure the powder stays on your skin and not on other things, like clothes....ha.

Using this technique is great for creating cleavage when wearing low shirts AND is also nice on legs when wearing skirts or shorts. Plus, if you have a bronzer that you love for your face why not stay with the same color on your body.

*Remember - When using this technique don't brush the bronzer on slick limbs. Trust me, you'll have little pieces of bristle everywhere. (My boyfriend, Allan, has picked off soo many of these "whiskers"....ha.) Just make sure your skin is dry prior to application.

Exciting Bronzer News for My Chalky Sisters....

I was wandering through my neighborhood Sephora yesterday afternoon, just minding my own business, and you will never believe what jumped out at me? This (look left) amazing gift box filled with bronze shimmery goodness. Now, I am not one to actually put a tester on my skin, but I am so glad I did this time! I tested the Melted Beach Body Butter and as soon as I put it onto my Plastic Wrap arm, it was instantly transformed into a nice bronze color. In the gift set was also the Beach Glow Spray Oil (dry) that once rubbed in, creates a shimmery bronze color as well. Anyways, I love the Au Courant Liquid Bronzer, as you know, but give this set a try. It's only $33 for the set and they are going fassstttttt.....

To Tan or Not To Tan....?

I have been tanned only once in my life and that was when I was 7.

Every summer, my sister and I spent in Camano Island with our grandparents. It was here that we, usually the Plastic Wrap Sisters, developed our glowing tans and sun-bleached tresses. That summer went down in history, for me, as being the last, and only, time I tanned. From that point on, I become the human lobster. Every time I was in the sun, even for a short time, I burned. And I mean BURNED. And the worst part is, that the burn doesn`t even turn into a tan, I get red, peel and go back to being pasty white.....nooootttttt fair

As you now know, I am obviously in need of some type of `fake tan`. And, after trying hundreds of products, I have found the winner: Au Courant Platinum Metallic Bronzing Glow. Let me tell you, this has been my life saver. It goes on like a moisturer and stays on all day. Once you shower, off it comes. No muss, no fuss. It is an amazing product and I highly recommend it to anyone that doesn`t like the odd smell of tanning moisturizers or the harmful rays of tanning beds.

You can buy the Metallic Bronzer, online, from the Au Courant website at www.aucourant.com but, if you are not a fan of paying for shipping like me, you can buy it from any of the Absolute Spa locations.

And, as always, let me know your thoughts and, in particular, what tanning product you adore!!