tan

TanOrganic – The safe and Healthy Self-Tanner – review

May 23, 2013January 6, 2015by My Lucite Dreams10 Comments

We have repeatedly been warned about the dangerous effects that the sun has on our skin. Baking in the sun is a no-no! Using a self-tanning product is the safer option, but perhaps not the healthiest. Self-tanners are loaded with chemicals, not to mention the offensive smell. I’m a bit of a self-tanning buff, I feel just a bit more confident with a tan. I will utilize a self-tanner two times a week all summer long. So, when TanOrganic sent me over some products for review I was nothing less than thrilled to discover this all natural and organic alternative for a healthy tan.

TanOrganic is the first Eco-Certified Self-Tanning Brand. This award-winning Aloe Vera based tanner is created without synthetic colors, preservatives or parabens. It has a delightful lemon scent and dries completely odorless. The formula moisturizes as it develops while delivering anti-aging benefits. TanOrganic’s formula easily stands against the more popular self-tanning brands.

TanOrganic’s aloe based formula is a light liquid that quickly absorbs into skin. The liquid is slightly tinted which helps to guide you. Application is incredibly easy and pretty foolproof when using the self-tanning mitt, which is a must. TanOrganic feels lightweight and doesn’t leave a tacky feel behind. The Tanner takes about eight hours to develop and I recommend doing it overnight. It leaves you with a very natural and believable tan which is also great for lighter skin tones. For a darker tan I recommend back to back applications.

Tanning Mitt – This mitt is a must-have. It protects hands while providing ease of application and a seemless tan. It also helps you to utilize less product. (here)
Tan-Erase – This exfoliating glove is perfect for pre and post application. Use it all over the body, concentrating on areas that need extra attention. I love the way the mitt fits over your hand, it’s very easy to use and not too abrasive. (here)
OilArganic – A multi-use dry oil that contains eight oils to moisturize skin, hair, nails, and to improve overall appearance of stretch marks or scars. This oil dries quickly without leaving any residue behind and smells of the Orange Peel Oil it contains. I like to apply the oil pre-tan to extra dry areas to protect against patching. The oil alone isn’t moisturizing enough for my extra dry skin, but is great for pre-tanning. (here)

A little before and after: My right leg shows my natural skin tone. TanOrganic has been applied to my left leg and left on to fully develop.

You can find further information on TanOrganic on their website TanOrganic.com as well as an instructional video.

*Disclosure – This posts contains products sent to My Lucite Dreams for consideration of review. I do not receive compensation for my reviews. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and based on my personal experience. All links in post are there strictly available for your convenience.

Uncategorized

Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base

October 23, 2012by My Lucite Dreams17 Comments

I would like to introduce you to what I have deemed “the ultimate bronzer”. Leave it to Chanel to knock it out of the park in the bronzing category. Soleil Tan De Chanel makeup base has taken the place of all my previous bronzers. This “base” is a cream/gel formula that is buttery smooth and glides on skin with perfection. The look is a natural sun-kissed glow, in part due to the cream formula. The color is universal and just works. You get a hefty 1 oz amount of product for $48 US price tag which is quite reasonable, especially for a Chanel. This jar will last you some amount of time.

The consistency is was makes this product truly unique, it is hard not to fall in love. When pulling product it is not dissimilar to dipping your fingertips into a vat of butter. The formula remains creamy as you blend for a flawless and radiant finish. I suggest starting slow and building your color, although it is incredibly user-friendly. This base can be used over or under makeup. I prefer to use it on top of my foundation and under any powder products. The base works well applied to the area’s of the face where the sun would naturally hit. It also works well as a contour. I prefer to apply this product to the skin using a foundation brush then blending it in with a medium-sized buffing brush. Your finger’s as well as a sponge will give you nothing less than an utterly seamless application.

Product in image above is heavily swatched and true to color. There is the slightest amount of shimmer in this bronzer that is hardly noticeable. I would certainly refer to this as a sheer and matte bronzer. While the formula is creamy it does not really provide an amount of moisture to skin. I think that those with oily complexions need not fear this cream formulation. There is a fruity scent to this, as well as clay scent, familiar to Chanel makeup and quick to fade.

wearing Soleil Tan de Chanel

(also wearing YSL Teint Radiance in 07 and TheBalm Time Balm Concealer in light/medium on face)

Have you tried Chanel’s Makeup Base? Any thoughts?

Makeup, Skincare

Self-Tanning Essentials

May 30, 2012May 31, 2012by My Lucite Dreams5 Comments

The only two products you need to keep you tan all summer long. No Fancy tanner’s or scrubs needed, these are my favorite’s.

Jergens Natural Glow Express is an excellent self-tanner that give you a believable tan in 4 hours. It come’s in two shades light and medium. Here.

Bath and Shower gloves for exfoliating skin. Available at drug stores.

How-to & Tips:

– Before you tan, exfoliate in the shower with bath and shower gloves concentrating on extra dry areas, such as tops of feet, elbows and knees. Use a moisturizing soap or shower gel free of oils.

– Towel dry skin and apply Jergens Natural Glow Express evenly from head to toe including face. Apply a lighter application on areas of body prone to dryness.

– To help dry areas of body to have seemless application I apply a heavy moisturizer immediately afterwards to tops of feet, elbows, knees, and area behind the knees.

– Reapply tanning moisturizer daily until you have reached your desired intensity.

– Avoid getting on clothing. Wait till moisturizer is fairly dry before dressing. I choose to do this in the evenings.

– Wash hands after application. To tan hands I apply a heavy moisturizer to skin before applying the self-tanner. With a damp towel wipe nail beds as the tanner can accumulate there leaving the skin around your nails dirty looking.

– Avoid contact with water until tanner is completely dry! A droplet of water will leave a visible mark on the skin. No sweating!

– Repeat every 5-7 days.

I hope this has helped you. I have been self-tanning for over 13 years (wow) and have developed this perfected method. If you havent gotten on the self-tanning boat it’s time to get on board. Don’t be afraid, try a lighter shade at first if your are fearful. Save your skin by self-tanning now and try to avoid sun bathing. Always use an SPF, you will thank yourself years from now. I stopped sun-bathing at 18 and am thankful that I have chosen to do so. I can see a remarkable difference between my skin and other women my age who were sun worshipers and lathered themselves in oils. I love the beach, but I make sure to use the highest SPF available and remember to reapply often. Trust me it’s not worth it.

Be safe now and stay beautiful! Please leave any thoughts or questions.

Makeup

Winter/Summer Foundation Swap

May 17, 2012May 28, 2012by My Lucite DreamsLeave a Comment

As the warmer months approach it’s time to take a good look at your current makeup routine and consider how it will translate into your summer routine. Now is the time to swap out our current foundations for lighter formulations and warmer color choices. I swatched my winter and summer foundations below to give you an idea of how much they can vary. My winter foundation, as you can see, is probably about two shades lighter than the winter. It is also a more moisturizing formulation than my summer choice. You will notice in the way it feels on your skin whether or not your foundation is to heavy for the summer months. If you are aware that you are wearing foundation it is probably to heavy for you. In transition I to mix the two, adding more of the darker foundation as my skin becomes tanner.

While I do know some people who avoid the sun’s rays at all costs and stay the same color year round. I don’t think it is necessary for them to change their color foundation if the formulation is working for their skin. I do however think that everyone can gain something from warming up their skin tone. It just makes us glow and look healthier. I recommend adding a bit of bronzing gel to your foundation, Clarin’s makes some good ones. You can control the color by mixing it with your foundation. It is also more natural looking than powder bronzer.

Do you switch up your foundation for summer and winter?