It’s been cooling down in Kansas City this week and the weather has been pleasant. My kids go back to school this week, and I am trying to squeeze the last bits of summer that I can!
This week I am loving a hair removal device, a fresh fragrance oil and a self-tanner with natural ingredients:
Me Chic Compact Permanent Hair Reduction Device
Me Chic Compact Permanent Hair Reduction Device ($199.00 USD) — The chic Compact Permanent Hair Reduction Device uses patented technology clinically proven to be safe and effective on all skin tones, even dark, and the widest range of hair colors, even blonde – something no other at-home hair removal technology can claim.
Compact, professional, at-home hair removal technology in the palm of your hand. Small and lightweight, the chic is convenient to use both at home and away – treat targeted areas in just minutes. With dermatologist recommended technology, the chic Compact Permanent Hair Reduction Device uses the only FDA-cleared technology that targets and permanently disables the hair follicle to stop hair growth on small areas, like the face, underarm, or bikini area, for permanent results.
What I think: This is an easy to use, and fairly affordable, hair removal device. I haven’t tried it yet, but am hoping to test it soon. I think it is amazing that it can be used on any skin tone and hair color!
Soap & Paper Factory Green Tea Perfume Oil ($16 USD) — Crafted in small batches, the rollerball Perfume Oils stimulate your mind, body and spirit. Great for personal fragrance, and for maximum benefits use the rollerballs on temples and pressure points such as your crown chakra, bottoms of your feet and solar plexus and when put in the fridge, the stainless steel applicator will revive your senses!! Citrus, Tea Leaves and a hint of Anise will leave you feeling refreshed and happy.
What I think: Fragrance oils are fun because they last longer in the oil form on the skin. Just a few swipes of this fresh scent and it last all day. I love the Green Tea scent, but it also comes in Lavender, Gardenia and Jasmine.
Skinny Tan Pre-Tan Primer ($24.95 USD) –The perfect way to prep your skin before you tan. Remove any dry or dead skin cells with this crushed walnut shell primer. Help achieve a perfect finish to your tan. Note you should always prime a few hours before you tan, not immediately before.
Skinny Tan Gradual Tanner ($29.95 USD) — A beautiful white body butter cream with lower levels of Natural tanning active so you can layer up each day until you reach the perfect depth of tan. Combined with the natural cellulite active Guarana.
What I think: This natural duo can really produce a nice warm tan. The primer is the perfect first step, it readies the skin for the tanner. The gradual tanner is the perfect way to build a smooth, deep tan.
I love to use self tanning products in the summer. I have very light skin and I try not to spend too much time in the sun. A good self tanner is essential to a great glow in the summer time!
Million Dollar Tan recently sent me some products for my honest review. I really enjoyed how easy they are to use. Here are my faves:
Mermaid Mousse Extreme Face and Body Dark Sunless Tanning Mousse
Mermaid Mousse Extreme Face and Body Dark Sunless Tanning Mousse ($74.00 for the pair, or purchase them separately) — Mermaid Mousse Extreme is a more intense, yet just as fabulous, version of our whipped tanning mousse. Still ultra-light and effortless to apply, it has an extra boost of color for those with darker skin tones or anyone wishing to be ultra-bronzed. Don’t let the word “extreme” scare you off—like all of our products, this mousse provides a gradual, buildable color that always looks natural. It’s also packed with vitamins and seriously hydrating moisturizers for enviably smooth, soft skin. Use it with our extreme face mousse for the rich all-over color you crave!
Mermaid Mousse Extreme Face is a deeper, richer, more intense version of our luxurious whipped face mousse. It’s perfect for anyone wishing to be ultra-tanned! We’ve added our revolutionary new FaceFirmTM Age Defense Super Pack, clinically proven to dramatically lift, firm and tone skin. This fabulously light formula won’t clog pores and is effortless to apply; you’ll have a stunningly irresistible glow in no time! Put your best face forward every day with this dazzling, multi-tasking mousse!
What I think: This dynamic duo has really given me a great summer glow! This is a buildable color, so the first time I used it, I got a fair to medium tan. But using it every day or every other day increased the color to a beautiful deep tan. It is a creamy mousse that blends so well!
Million Dollar Tan Summer Sun
Summer Sun ($42 USD) has it all—it’s everything you need for gorgeous, summer-ready skin in one bottle! Based on our best-selling line of Mermaid Mousses, this amazingly light and airy mousse will give you an even, all-over tan that’s even darker and more luminous than our Extreme formulas. With rich, ultra-bronze tones and a natural sheen, you’ll have a perfect tan that will leave you wondering how you ever got through the summer without this product. SUMMER SUN also contains our exclusive TANlock technology, a proprietary blend of botanicals designed to make your tan last longer, stay more radiant and fade more evenly. And because no one wants to smell like sunless tanner, we’ve added Deoplex, a natural odor neutralizer that keeps tanning a totally fresh and revitalizing experience for all of your senses. Like all of our formulas, SUMMER SUN is completely natural and made with raw, organic DHA, so use it as often as you like for the best tan (and summer!) you’ve ever had!
What I think: Another easy to blend mousse, this one is perfect for those who want a darker tan that what you get with Mermaid Mousse Extreme. This is Million Dollar Tan’s newest mousse and it is as easy to use as their other products. It’s just the thing when you need a darker tan quickly, instead of using a gradual tanner.
Million Dollar Tan All That Shimmers Dry Oil Shimmer
All That Shimmers Dry Oil Shimmer ($32 USD) — This amazing dry oil shimmer adds an extra bit of bronze sheen to your sunless tan, or use it on its own for just a touch of color and subtle luminosity. Hydrating botanicals pack a powerful, skin smoothing punch—even dull, dry skin becomes instantly refreshed and radiant. Perfectly shimmery and never glittery, it’s party-ready sheen that’s actually good for your skin! With a hint of bronzer and a bit of shimmer, you’ll dazzle in the sunlight or the limelight.
What I think: I usually don’t use a lot of shimmer on my body, but this is a very nice product. It is easy to blend to add color and shimmer. I like to apply it to legs, shoulders and décolletage. It is nice for going out because it adds a glow to the skin.
Blend Friend Tanning Mitt Set
Blend Friend Tanning Mitt Set ($24 USD) — Made with a one-of-a-kind micro-soft sponge material, this face and body mitt set is ultra soft and makes it easy to apply any sunless tanner, even in difficult or hard to reach areas. The special stretchy fabric and unique design allow you to comfortably place your hand inside the mitt for superior control over where and how much tanner you apply. The inner lining ensures that tanning product does not find it’s way to your hands, protecting your palms from becoming too tan. With separate mitts for the face and body, these are the only accessories you’ll need to have an even, smooth and perfectly blended sunless tan every time.
What I think: I love these mitts! They are easy to use, are so soft and blend like a dream! The only thing is that if you use a lot of mousse with them, it does soak through a little. But I just wash my hands afterwards and it doesn’t stain.
Today was the hottest day of the week in Kansas City. I think it’s got up to 97, but with humidity, it felt much hotter!
Keeping my skin and hair fresh is not easy on a day like today. Fortunately, I have been sent some amazing products for my honest review that help me beat the heat and stay going!
KORRES Pomegranate Cleansing & Make Up Removing Wipes
KORRES Pomegranate Cleansing & Make Up Removing Wipes ($15 USD) — These oil-free face wipes remove eye and face make-up, dirt and oil while also providing skin with mattifying, toning, pore-minimizing and moisturizing benefits. Infused with Pomegranate extract and the softening, moisturizing properties of vitamin E, these facial cleansing wipes will remove even the most stubborn face and eye make-up, including waterproof mascara making them the perfect make-up removing wipes. Perfect for on-the-go cleansing.
What I think: These smell so good, fresh and fruity! They work well in removing makeup at night, but I also like to use them in the morning to freshen my skin. Also works well after a workout or hot day to freshen the body.
Available at Sephora and Sephora.com
DDF Micro-Derma Crystals Polishing Gel
DDF Micro-Derma Crystals Polishing Gel ($50 USD) — Helps to improve the appearance of pores, minimize fine lines & wrinkles and resurface skin for a smooth even complexion. Micro-Derma Crystals exfoliate to provide a more even skin tone, promote skin clarity and brightness for a healthy glow. Routine exfoliation enables skincare products to be absorbed more easily into the skin for maximum anti-aging benefits. Vitamin B3 (Niacinimide) helps to nourish the skin with antioxidant protection and vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) re-conditions skin for a healthy youthful look. Just a touch of vitamin C is added to provide clarity.
What I think: This is such a nice exfoliator! The formulation is gentle enough for my sensitive skin, but it still makes such a difference in my skin. I use it once or twice a week and have noticed that my skin is clear, glowing and smooth.
Available in UTLA stores
Burt’s Bees BB Cream
Burt’s Bees BB Cream ($15 USD) — Somewhere between a lightweight foundation and a super-hydrating lotion, our BB Cream with Noni Extract offers 9 clinically shown benefits in 3 mineral-rich shades.
• 98.9% natural
• SPF 15 protection
• Firms, conceals, smoothes, perfects, and illuminates skin
• Evens skin tone and visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
What I think: This is my perfect summer foundation! The lightest color is light/medium, which is too dark for me usually, but in the summer it’s the perfect color when I get a bit of a tan. It also covers so well and blends nicely.
Alterna Haircare CC Cream Extra Hold ($25 USD) Altera’s best-selling CC cream is now available in a formula updated for thicker hair types, or for those who need extra hold. The leave-in cream provides hair with ten benefits– moisture, shine, smoothness, softness, anti-breakage, heat-protection, hold, UV protection, manageability and strength. Proprietary Enzymetherapy®, Seasilk® and Color-Hold® formulas give the hair omega fatty acids and antioxidants to infuse it with vital nutrients, rebalance moisture levels, and provide superior protection from UV protection rays and other light sources.
Alterna Haircare Caviar Miracle Multiplying Volume Mist ($28 USD) — This multi-tasking spray is both a treatment and a styler that nourishes stressed strands while adding twice the volume. Clinically proven to instantly plump strands as well as build body overtime, this mist boasts a Marine Plumping Complex that works to lift hair off of the scalp, restore natural thickness and strengthen strands. Spray throughout clean, towel-dried hair for voluminous yet touchable strands.
Alterna Haircare Caviar Repair Multi-Vitamin Heat Protection Spray ($30 USD) —
A deep side part starts with healthy, protected hair that’s free of flyaways and frizz. This lightweight, nourishing multi-vitamin spray protects hair from heat styling up to 450°F* while restoring hydration and strength and boosting hair’s immunity to outside aggressors and heat. By infusing the hair with caviar extract and vitamin C, it also restores vibrancy and elasticity. Color Hold® technology locks in hair color brightness while an exclusive blend of enzymes and minerals help essential nutrients adhere to hair. A mixture of marine botanicals delivers moisture and help repair damage, resulting in hydrated, perfectly smooth strands.
What I think: I love using Alterna products because they work so well in my hair. These products in particular are amazing for the summer because they condition, volumize and protect my hair. The CC Cream is a popular product and I can see why, it has transformed my hair. It’s made it so soft and bouncy! I spray the volume mist at the roots of my hair when it’s damp, dry it and I have so much volume. Plus the heat protection spray is a must with hair dryers and straighteners.
Available in April at Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, and AlternaHaircare.com
John Frieda Sleek Finish Flat Iron
John Frieda Sleek Finish Flat Iron ($54.99 USD) — Advanced ionic conditioning enhances manageability and transforms dull, lifeless hair into smooth, sleek strands.
This premium straightening iron features extra-long plates with advanced ionic technology, for up to 50% more ions than ions created from natural sources, and high heat up to 455°F/235°C. True ceramic technology delivers even heat and protects against damage. 11 professional digital settings provide the perfect results on all hair types.
What I think: I freshen up my frizzy hair with this effective and affordable flat iron. I love how it has so many different settings. After use, my hair is shiny and looks wonderful!
Summer is still going strong in Kansas City. I love using products that are good for my skin during the hot months. I love natural products with moisturizing ingredients.
My faves this week include lovely lavender products, a wild rose facial peel, a creamy body scrub and a hydrating foot mask:
L’Occitane Lavender Relaxing Candle
L’Occitane Lavender Hand Cream
L’Occitane Lavender Relaxing Candle ($25 USD 3.5 oz) — Imagine the fragrant atmosphere of a relaxing break in the shade of a Provençal farmhouse, surrounded by fields of lavender…This scented candle will give your interior a Provencal atmosphere for up to 23 hours.
L’Occitane Lavender Hand Cream ($22 USD 2.6 oz) — Enriched with shea butter and lavender essential oil from Haute-Provence, this smooth, light-textured cream gently helps to nourish the hands leaving them softly perfumed.
What I think: I love the clean, lavender scent of these. L’Occitane’s hand creams are my favorites. They are so moisturizing, but not greasy at all, which is so important for a hand cream. The candle smells amazing and burns really clean. Love!
Purchase at usa.loccitane.com
KORRES Wild Rose Vitamin C Petal Peel
KORRES Wild Rose Vitamin C Petal Peel ($64 USD) — A powerful two-step peel made with wild rose oil and other natural active ingredients to reveal radiant, petal soft skin in under 10 minutes. A powerful natural alternative to chemical peels, this advanced vitamin C brightening system supports natural cell renewal, helps smooth the appearance of fine lines and discolorations, and gives skin an instant boost of radiance.
What I think: This set is so easy to use. Apply the gel for 30 seconds, then apply the mask over it. Leave that on for 3-10 minutes, depending on how sensitive your skin is. I left it on for 5 minutes. I washed it off and notices smoother, clearer skin. This is great to use about once a week.
Lavanila Laboratories Healthy Vanilla Bean Cream Body Scrub
Lavanila Laboratories Healthy Vanilla Bean Cream Body Scrub ($40 USD) — Crushed Madagascar vanilla beans blend with whipped shea butter and five nourishing essential oils for an ultra creamy, luxurious exfoliator that gently reveals smooth, glowing skin.
What I think: This smells amazing! A very rich vanilla scent. The crushed vanilla beans exfoliate so well while the oils and shea butter leave my skin smooth and ready for anything (self tanning)! I love that this is a natural product and that it leaves my skin smelling amazing.
PediSpa Intensive Moisturizing Foot Mask ($9.99 USD for two pairs) — PediSpa Intensive Moisturizing Foot Mask noticeably smoothes, softens and repairs dry, crack, calloused feet and heels, significantly improving the look and feel of even the driest feet. SMOOTHES. SOFTENS. REPAIRS. Contains: Shea Butter, Apple Extract & Peppermint.
What I think: I have tried all sorts of face masks, but never a foot mask! I think this is a really smart idea. I really try to keep my feet soft in the summer, but it’s hard in the weather, wearing sandals, etc. I left these on for about a half an hour and rubbed in the excess serum. My feet were smooth and soft!
I was recently sent wonderful products from PRAI Beauty for my honest review. Their claim is that they challenge the norm and redefine beauty, offering luxurious, yet accessible products for all women. With a team gathered from the industry’s top companies, you will find expertise behind every product. All PRAI products are proudly made in the USA. They are Leaping Bunny certified – their products are NEVER tested on animals! They believe in Real Women, Real Aging & Real Results!
That is an amazing claim, and I was really excited to try these products:
PRAI Beauty Pure Collagen Spray
PRAI Beauty Pure Collagen Spray ($40 USD) — This novel collagen treatment has been designed to help reduce the visible signs of aging. Ideal for all skin types. Imparts replenishing, rejuvenating and revitalizing benefits to the skin. Features:
Plant Collagen*, an amino acid complex derived from plant protein of Rice embryo, Soybeans, Carrots, Quinoa and Red Ginseng, provides multiple anti-aging benefits
Apple Stem Cells help rejuvenate and protect the skin’s stem cells to help delay the visible signs of aging
Natural Moisturizing Factors of Glycerin,Sodium PCA and Lecithin help support the skin’s moisture balance
What I think: I have been using this spray after cleanser and before serums. It feels so refreshing on, and really softens my skin. It is an easy extra step in my skincare to keep my skin youthful.
Aloe Vera is an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and irritant soother
Glycerin enhances skin’s lipid barrier, creating a moisture reserve
Daisy Flower Extract helps soften and eliminate age spots, as it brightens skin
Precious PRAI Oil imparts smoothness and suppleness to the skin
What I think: I love the scent of this cleanser! It is softly floral. I apply it to a cotton pad and it removes all of my makeup. Plus, it leaves my skin clean and smooth.
Vitamin B5 enhances the skins moisture levels and elasticity
Aloe Vera is an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and irritant soother
Glycerin enhances skin’s lipid barrier, creating a moisture reserve
Grapeseed Oil brighten and diminish discoloration and age spots
Vitamin C helps protect skin from free radicals that contribute to premature signs of aging
Vitamin E reverses and protects skin from photo-aging, strengthens skins resistance to
Green Tea Extract is an antioxidant and anti-irritant
Precious PRAI Oil imparts smoothness and suppleness to the skin
What I think: This is a really fun product, I am a fan of oxygen treatments! I smooth this on and it instantly bubbles. I then rinse it off and my skin is so smooth and soft! The instructions say that you can just wipe it off, but it leaves a soapy residue, so I wash it off.
PRAI Beauty AGELESS CHIN UP Sculpt Serum
PRAI Beauty AGELESS CHIN UP Sculpt Serum ($34.95 USD) — This unmatched serum is truly a face lift in a bottle – with tightening and sculpting technology that targets and corrects visible sagging and drooping under the chin, along the jawline and on the sides of the cheeks. Features:
Antioxidants diminishes fine lines and wrinkles for smoother, younger skin
Retinol aids in the skin’s renewal by igniting cell turnover
Uplevity™ peptide counteracts the force of gravity
Precious PRAI Oil imparts smoothness and suppleness to the skin
What I think: I have been using this serum on my chin, jawline and neck. I really think it helps firm, as I have seen a change in my jawline! Love it and will keep using it!
I am really loving this brand! I think it’s really affordable for the quality ingredients in these products. I am looking forward in trying more from this brand.
Have you tried PRAI Beauty? Leave a comment and let me know.
Maybelline New York has recently launched some great new products! The collection is inspired by the latest makeup trends and runway looks. The new products include fun looks for eyes, lips and highlighting/contouring.
I was sent some samples for my honest review:
Maybelline Mascara Colossal Spider Glam
Maybelline Mascara Colossal Spider Glam ($7.77 USD) –The exclusive asymmetrical spider brush features cone-shaped bristles that grab and group lashes together; delivering volume at the base and sculpting lashes to a point with extreme length. The result: A bold, star-worthy look that’s all about drama. Available in 2 shades.
What I think: The description of this mascara says that it clumps lashes together. That is not a look that I go for. Luckily, when I use this, my lashes are separated and are soooo long! I love it! My lashes are so short, but you wouldn’t know it with this mascara. I think because I take my time with it, making sure my lashes separate, it doesn’t clump. But, if you want it to, I would say follow directions on the package.
Maybelline Contouring Face Studio Master Contour Stick Light
Maybelline Contouring Face Studio Master Contour Stick Light ($10.99 USD) — This easy-to-use, split-sided duo features a dark contour shade on one side to add structure to the hallows of the cheeks and a light highlight shade on the other to enhance the cheekbones. Just swipe along the angles of the cheeks for an instant transformation to a V-shaped face. Available in 3 shades.
What I think: This is a really nice contouring stick. I like that it has the contour and highlight in one stick. It’s very creamy and easy to blend. I think it’s interesting that the highlight isn’t shimmery. It helps lighten the area without making it shiny. The only thing I have to watch is the colors bleeding together on the stick. I have had to wipe the dark shade off of the light one.
Maybelline Contouring Face Studio Master Strobe Medium Nude Glow
Maybelline Contouring Face Studio Master Strobe Medium Nude Glow ($11.99 USD) This creamy formula, infused with micro fine pearls, easily glides on skin leaving behind a luxurious light-reflecting sheen.The stick format provides the easiest way to achieve targeted results to beautifully define bone structure. Available in 2 shades.
What I think: This is definitely a shimmery strobe stick. The nude one above is so pretty with a tan, or to add a bit of color with the shimmer. The lighter strobe is really pretty as well. This is gorgeous on the cheekbones!
Maybelline Color Sensational Loaded Bold Midnight Blue
Maybelline Color Sensational The Loaded Bolds ($7.49 USD) High-intensity pay-off that’s truer and crisper on every skin tone. With 2D show-stopping shades covering the entire spectrum from light to dark that includes pops of vibrant pinks, modern browns and dynamic blues, you’re guaranteed a vivacious focal point to finish off any outfit. Available in 20 shades.
What I think: These lipsticks are so fun! Really well-pigmented! I tried the Midnight Blue above, and it is fun to wear! I also received a nude, bright pinks, an orange, bright red and a dark red. They all are so moisturizing. And if you want a matte look, blot your lips a bit and it’s gorgeously matte! For the price, grab a bunch!
Maybelline Lip Gloss Lip Studio Color Jolt Never Bare
Maybelline Lip Gloss Lip Studio Color Jolt Never Bare ($9.99 USD) — Lip Studio Color Jolt brings an explosive pop of intensity with eight times more pigment in every drop. The flocked tip provides for precise, clean application. Available in 8 shades.
What I think: I love these lip glosses, too! They are full coverage glosses. My favorites are the lighter colors, like Never Bare above. It is so pretty on. It is so glossy that I like to blot it a bit for a natural look when going out in the daytime, at night, more glossy the better!
Have you or are you going to try any of these products? They are really high quality and affordable at the same time! Leave a comment and let me know what you think!
It is the dog days of summer. I find that during the heat, a little makeup goes a long way.
A few, fun shimmery cosmetics can be used all over to give glow during those hot days and nights. Here are my current favorites:
No7 Shimmer Paletter
No7 Shimmer Brick Palette ($14.99 USD) — Get an all-year-round glow with No7 Shimmer Palette. The No7 Shimmer Palette is made up of flattering shades to give an extra lift to your complexion. Its spectrum of colors mean it can be used to enhance your summer tan or add warmth to winter skin.
What I think: This palette is so pretty! The colors are beautiful. I swirl a brush in it all over to apply to cheeks or use once of the lighter colors as a highlighter. I’ve even used it as eye shadow. It’s really versatile.
Studio 10 Youth Lift Glow-plexion ($40 USD) — The Youth Lift Glow-plexion’s lightweight multi-purpose formula works to give an instant radiant glow and can be applied to face and body to highlight and slim. Packed with key ingredients such as: anti-aging ingredients including Suberlift, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C & D, Studio 10’s Glow-plexion is an anti-aging, multi-tasking wonder.
What I think: I love how this gives me a glow and has amazing skincare benefits! I love this as a facial highlighter for cheekbones etch. It’s also nice on arms and legs to give a little glow.
Contour Powder ($4.99 USD) — Contouring is all the craze! Essence’s contour powder, complete with a highlighter and bronzer, gives you the complete look in just one compact. Sculpt your cheekbones and give your face a glow on the go!
Blush Up! ($3.99 USD) — Give your cheeks some color with a delicate pink sure to make you look fresh and rosey. A pretty glow will never go out of style.
All About…Eyeshadows ($5.49 USD) — Find the perfect tones and shades to accentuate your eyes. Vintage, Rose, Greys, Nudes and Bronzes can help create any type of look from day to night and natural to smokey.
What I think: Combined, these three products give a great summer look! The contour kit is so pretty. Both colors are soft and give a great glow! The matte bronzer contours well. The pink blush adds a bit of brightness to the look.
The bronze shadows are very shimmery and well pigmented. It’s very pretty for sparkly summer looks. Maybe combined with matte shadows will make it more versatile.
This week I have been trying lots of great products sent to me for my honest review. There is amazing skin care, hair care and body care out there right now and I love discovering new products!
My faves this week include a hydrating toner, conditioning shampoo, luxe body lotions and amazing face masks:
No7 Beautiful Skin Refreshing Toner for Normal Dry Skin
No7 Beautiful Skin Refreshing Toner for Normal/Dry Skin ($8.99 USD) — Looking for a refresher from the heat? This toner cleanses the skin to leave it feelings radiant and reinvigorated. The product is formulated with a blend of rosehip oil and contains a blend of multivitamin and minerals to hydrate the skin. Gently remove makeup and cleanse the skin to leave it looking clear and healthy.
What I think: I like to keep this in the fridge. It keeps it cool and it is so refreshing at morning or night! It helps cleanse my skin and keeps it soft and hydrated. And it’s really affordable as well.
Philip B. African Shea Butter Gentle & Conditioning Shampoo
Philip B. African Shea Butter Gentle & Conditioning Shampoo ($30 USD) — Mild cleanser drenches strands in light-weight moisture, protecting color and taking hair to a whole new level of softness and shine.
A perfect daily shampoo for the whole family: Gently lifts away oil and product build-up.
Active botanical agents (African Shea Butter, Hops, Nettle and Comfrey) condition and silkify without weighing hair down.
Panthenol (Vitamin B5) restores elasticity and bounce.
Paraben free; color & keratin-treatment safe
What I think: I like this shampoo a lot in the summer. It works as a shampoo and conditioner. My hair is soft and manageable and it looks great! I also love that it protects my color.
Molton Brown Blossoming Honeysuckle & White Tea Body Lotion
Molton Brown Coco & Sandalwood Body Lotion ($42 USD) — A comforting body lotion, blended with creamy coconut, jasmine and sandalwood for a relaxing, tropical aroma. The fragrance:
Top note: coconut.
Heart note: jasmine.
Base note: sandalwood.
Extract: coconut fruit.
Molton Brown Blossoming Honeysuckle & White Tea Body Lotion ($42 USD) — A comforting and hydrating body lotion fragranced with intoxicating honeysuckle, white tea leaf and creamy heliotrope. The fragrance:
Top notes: bergamot and mandarin.
Heart notes: honeysuckle, white tea and jasmine.
Base notes: sandalwood, heliotrope and vanilla.
What I think: Both of these are such warm and clean scents. The texture of the lotion is creamy but not greasy. Perfect for summer hydration!
New face masks from Freeze 24-7 (8 masks for $60):
Anti-Gravity Lifting Face Mask – Active lifting ingredients help to strengthen skin elasticity and restore skin density for firmer, younger looking skin. Ingredients:
Adenosine: Improves appearance of wrinkles.
Serilesine: Adds density to skin tissues increasing skin elasticity. Relieves existing fine lines and wrinkles while preventing future ones.
Mushroom Complex extract with enriched β-glucan: Supplies moisturizing care and nutrition to the skin.
Radiance Brightening Face Mask –Brightening and skin tone improving ingredients work together to help skin regain luminosity and restore vitality; effectively alleviate dullness. Ingredients:
Diffuporine: accelerates the synthesis of water channel which helps supply abundant moisture to skin from inside & outside.
Amino Acid Complex: helps skin cell’s growth and cure, skin hydration and elasticity.
Intense Hydrating Face Mask –Moisturizing peptides penetrate deeply into the skin to give it a boost of instant hydration. Amino-acids reinforce the skin’s natural barrier to seal in moisture for a long-lasting hydrating effect. Ingredients:
White Power Telangyn™: brightens and evens skin tone while preventing redness and blemishes.
Brightening Complex: protects from harmful environments, making skin bright and healthy. It also helps moisturize and soften the skin to keep the skin ton radiant and stable.
What I think: These masks are pretty amazing! I am a big fan of gel masks and these are some of the bests I have tried. The Anti-Gravity Lifting Face Mask is my favorite because it left my skin very smooth and helped lessen the appearance of pores and wrinkles. The Radiance Brightening Face Mask made my skin glow and the Intense Hydrating Face Mask is wonderful for dry skin.
It is hot, hot, hot in Kansas City! I try to stay inside as much as possible, but I do have to go out to run errands.
Going out means trying to take care of my skin before and after I go out. Here are my current favorite products that are making a real difference in my skin this summer:
G.M. Collin Skincare
Two new sunscreen products by G.M. Collin:
G.M. Collin SPF 50+ Dry Touch Sun Protection Cream ($34 USD): This broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen helps prevent sunburn on both the face and body. Formulated with chemical filters to leave a light and dry finish without the white residue on the skin. Paraben-free and suitable for all skin types.
G.M. Collin SPF 60 Mineral Sunscreen Sun Protection Cream ($32 USD) This broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen helps prevent sunburn. Formulated with 100% mineral filters Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, it is designed for daily wear, alone or under makeup. Made for all skin types. And is water-resistant up to 40 minutes. Also suitable for sensitive skin conditions. Ideal for those who don’t like chemical filters.
What I think: Both of these sunscreens are perfect for everyday use! I especially love the Dry Touch one because it leaves skin soft and protected. The mineral sunscreen is great for sensitive skin like mine and it really doesn’t irritate.
Visit GMCollin.com for spa locations
Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light
Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light ($48 USD) — This legendary, lightweight oil, grown organically in Morocco, is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Use it as a fast absorbing daily moisturizer, or to heal and condition everything from cuticles to split ends. Perfect to use on dry skin and dry hair after being in the sun all day.
What I think: I love this version of Josie’s Argan Oil! I have both this and the original, and you can really tell that this one is lighter. It sinks right into my skin and leaves it so soft! I love it after a shower and at night before bed.
The Organic Pharmacy Tan Accelerator ($69 USD) — Develop a rich deep tan faster with Betacarotene and Kapi Kacchu extract with less sun exposure. The plant extracts stimulate melanin production with a long lasting, deep and natural tan. This light aloe infused formula will bring an instant sun kissed glow to face and body whilst the active plant ingredients activate and increase melanin production, this means less time in the sun to develop a deep golden tan.
What I think: This is a really interesting products. For it to work, apply it before going outside and it will stimulate melanin and give a darker tan faster! Less time in the sun is always a good idea, and I love leaving with a tan and minimal sun damage. And I always use an SPF!
emerginC citrus-kombucha body wash ($36 USD) — A gentle, deep cleaning, fresh-scented brightening body wash, with kombucha, aloe, grape stem cells, spirulina, pinebark extract and white and green teas. Improves skin tone, moisture and radiance.
What I think: This smells amazing, and is so perfect for after a day in the sun. The aloe combines with the other ingredients to sooth skin that has had too much sun and softens skin, too!
I love self-tanning in the summer. It is so hot here that I rarely go outside, unless it’s to a water park, where I proceed to get burned! Self-tanning is really the only way I can get some color on my pale skin!
I try many kinds and they can be tricky to use. Gradual tanners are nice, because it is easier to get an even coverage. Darker, one time tanners are great to give color in a day, but if you are not careful, they streak or (I) have patches without color or with too much!
One of my favorite self-tanning tips is to exfoliate before tanning. Plus, I apply lotion to my feet and knees kind of as a buffer between the color. That way they do not end up too dark.
Below are some of the ones I have been testing this summer (I will be reviewing more later!):
Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self Tanning Face Oil
Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self Tanning Face Oil ($42 USD) — Natural DHA provides a radiant bronzed glow while Josie Maran Blueberry Argan Extract, coconut water, black tea extract, aloe vera, and chicory root work together to nurture, hydrate, and soothe skin while improving clarity and skin barrier function. Apply 4-6 drops to clean, dry skin. Massage and blend evenly over face and neck. Wash hands after use and allow product to dry before applying makeup. This hydrating concentrate can be used in place of your traditional moisturizer. After 8 hours, your skin and soul will be glowing and golden.
What I think: I am using this right now, hoping it will develop well overnight! It has a nice scent, sweet and almost like vanilla or chocolate. The oil is dark and thin, but it only took a few drops to cover my face. I also applied it to my neck, chest and arms to see what it would do. It gives an instant glow and a bit of natural color. I love that it also has skincare benefits!
Hampton Sun’s Sunless Tanning Gel ($36 USD) — Using natural ingredients including Walnut Extract, Aloe Vera, and Chamomile, the gel leaves the skin incredibly smooth and moisturized, with no harsh chemical scent or sticky film. Want an even darker tan? Simply apply two coats to achieve a deeper glow. The long-lasting formula dries quickly and once tanned, the advanced formula fades down evenly. Hampton Sun’s Sunless Tanning Gel is oil-free, dermatologically tested and hypo-allergenic so it’s perfect for all skin types and is safe to apply to your face, as well. Apply two to three times a week to ensure that your tan is maintained.
What I think: This has a fresh, soft floral scent that is so nice when applying it! I love the light feel to it and it sinks in quickly. My skin is soft and not sticky after I apply it! It is clear, so I have to be careful to apply it evenly. It gave me a medium golden tan. I love the color! Next time I’m going to try two coats to get a darker shade.
Sally Hansen Airbrush Sun Instant Tanning Mousse ($13.99 USD) — New from the self-tanning experts at Sally Hansen: AIRBRUSH SUN® Instant Tanning Mousse, a light, velvety mousse that dries in a minute to deliver an immediate natural sun kissed look. Build to a tanned look in just one hour. The mousse, with fast-acting technology glides on smooth and quickly absorbs into skin providing an even, fast, and flawless color that develops in an hour into a tan that lasts up to seven days. Perfect for any season, Sally Hansen: AIRBRUSH SUN® Instant Tanning Mousse is formulated with exclusive coconut water extract and provides a seamless tan leaving the skin smooth. This mousse is transfer-resistant and streak-free without the self-tanner odor. Look flawless and get the perfect glow in minutes!
Sally Hansen AIRBRUSH SUN® Instant Tanning Mousse is available in 2 shades: 01 Medium & 02 Dark
What I think: I received a sample of the Dark to test. I applied it with an extra pair of latex hair coloring gloves I have. It’s a good way to apply when you don’t have a mitt. I applied a little at a time, but it doesn’t really spread around, so try to apply it quickly and rub it in. The mousse has color, so I could tell where I was applying and got an even application. My skin was pretty pale, so when it developed, it is a very dark color. It took a little to get used to it! This is affordable and really works! Maybe get medium if you are very pale!
Forty, Flirty & Fabulous 