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Best Bronzers

June 18, 2013

One of the most common reader questions we receive is about BRONZER. These days we are all more aware of the dangers of the sun so we are on the lookout for a fresh glow without the nasty side effects (goodbye, sunspots!).

Here’s the creme de la creme of bronzers:

Nars Laguna $36

MAC Give Me Sun $30 (C’s personal fave)

Benefit Hoola Bronzer $28

Rimmel London Natural Bronzer $4.99

NYC Bronzer in Sunny $2.79 (!!!)

When looking for bronzers, remember this:

1. Avoid anything that looks too orange. The trick is to look naturally sun kissed, not oompa loompa.

2. Use a fluffy brush to apply (I use MAC #187), and blend in circular motions. The less product you have on the brush, the better. You can always add more.

3. Don’t buy anything with too much shimmer (does the sun make your face sparkle? only if you’re Edward Cullen.)

4. When in doubt for a color, buy the lighter option.

5. If bronzers scare you, buy your favorite face powder in 2-3 shades darker than your natural skin tone and use that as bronzer. That way you’re guaranteed to not be orange  or too sparkly.

by Courtney

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Tiffany - Dying at #3. Thanks for the tips!

mara - perfect timing! i was just thinking as i got what little crumbs were left out of my bronzer this morning that i need to go buy a new one tonight. i’ll be picking one of these up to try for sure!

Neutrogena vs. Fake Bake

June 16, 2013

One of our very favorite products here at TBM is the Fake Bake Airbrush. This self tanner is easy to use and instantly tints skin for easier application and the convenience of not having to wait hours for the tan to develop. In fact, I often will give myself a once-over with the product right before I leave the house and still have a subtle glow that will still continue to develop all day.

A few weeks ago I saw a Neutrogena ad with my girl Hayden Panettiere (hello, Nashville!!) introducing their new airbrush tan product. Obviously I had to go buy it (both because I support sunless tans and Hayden). I am sorry to say that I was so disappointed!

I bought the product that was for a “medium” tan (2 shades darker than your natural skin tone). Although the spray went on very fine and even, it gave me NO color. I read the back of the bottle and it says that color will develop in 2-4 hours. So I waited (bummed out because I was leaving for my event right then and had no hint of a tan!) and by the end of the day my legs and face (where I used the product) were still the same pasty color as before! Boo. AND to make it worse, I smelled like the spray all day without the results.

Lesson learned: from now on I’m going to stick with what I know is effective!

by Courtney

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Connie - I’ll be forever in your debt for your recommendation of Fake Bake! When I saw the post title, I was thinking, “No way another sunless tanner comes close!” I love the instant gratification and the non smell is a bonus :)

Courtney - Connie, I know isn’t it the best?? So glad you love it as much as we do. xo

Kayla - I’m with Connie, I bought Fake Bake after you guys posted about it forever ago. I have also bought the original lotion in it too and I love it!! I work over 60 hours a week, so I never have time to be at the pool or get a nice glow, so fake bake is my GO TO! thank you again!

Mauri - Fake Bake is for sure on my list of products to try! Thankfully I’ve been on vacay a lot so I have a little color right now but come Fall/Winter I’ll def need this!

WW: Target Steal

June 13, 2013

 

My love for Target runs deep.  Found this little duo and love everything about it.  Grab it while it lasts:

Mossimo Junior V neck tee

I bought this in Moxie Peach.  So comfy and light.  It’s the epitome of the perfect summer tee! ($8)

 

Mossimo Midi Hi-Lo Skirt

Great print. Bought it in Fuchsia.  ($22.50)

 

 

 

 

 

I snapped a picture just before running out the door to work.  Sorry for the pixilated selfie but…you get the idea.

 

 

 

by Hillary

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Kacy Duke

June 12, 2013

We had the amazing opportunity to interview celebrity personal trainer and creator of Equinox fitness centers (i.e. where every single celebrity works out), Kacy Duke! She was so kind and knowledgable and we are excited to share her words of advice with our readers.

In addition to being a personal trainer to people like Mary J. Blige and Julianne Moore (!!!), Kacy also works with Simple Skin Care and takes a holistic approach to skin care that is coupled with overall heath of the body and mind. My favorite piece of advice that Kacy gave is “movement is a privelege.” I love this because we all complain about working out, but our health and ability to move is a gift!

Enjoy the video!

by Courtney

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Birchbox May

June 10, 2013

another great month from Birchbox.

It is the BEST way to discover high-end beauty products.  It’s amazing how much joy this little pink box brings me each month.  Start getting yours by clicking —-> here.

Here were some of the goodies inside my box:

 

 

Juice Beauty|  Green Apple Peel Sensitive

Birchbox says:  Until recently, sensitive-skinned girls had to steer clear of at-home peels for fear of ending up with red, angry complexions. All that changed when Juice Beauty released this version of their powerful Green Apple Peel. Suitable for even the most delicate skin types, it delivers visible smoothing results after just one use. We love how the mild tingle lets us know it’s really working.

H says: I love a good peel.  But both times I used it I broke out after!  So I have to put this in the no pile.  Sigh.

 

 

Kerastase|  Bain Chroma Captive

Birchbox says:  Stars (of the celestial variety, though the same could be said for Hollywood) lose their allure when their brilliance fades. Which is exactly the case with color-treated hair: Fading means dull, damaged, lifeless locks. This sulfate-free shampoo maintains your hair’s brilliance, preserving color depth for up to 40 days. Shine on.
H says:  Did this shampoo captivate my color?  You bet your bottom dollar it did.  It’s hard to find a sulfate-free shampoo that will actually lather up, and this one does.  I love the smell and the fact that my hair looked like it was freshly colored after using.  It had real shine.  I DON”T, however, like its $39 price tag.  Maybe when I make it into the next tax bracket…

 

 

Cargo Water Resistant Blush

Birchbox says:  Waterproof mascara is old news. But a blush that stands up to humidity and Nicholas Sparks movie marathons? We’re officially hooked. This long-lasting formula is sweat-, heat-, and tear-proof. Plus, it’s packed with subtle light-diffusing minerals that give skin an effortless glow.

H says:  A blush that stands its ground after watching the Notebook?  Count. Me. In.  I loved this blush.  Great summer-y shade and stayed put.  Thank you Birchbox!

 

COOLA|  Classic SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face

Birchbox says: This classic sunblock has everything we want in a daily SPF. The eco-friendly formula is made with 70 percent certified organic ingredients and protects from both UVA rays that lead to premature aging and UVB rays that cause painful burns. Plus, the refreshing cucumber scent gives us yet another reason to love the lightweight formula.

H says:  I love how light and airy this moisturizer is!  My favorite thing about it might have to be the smell.  Cucumber heaven.  That’s right people, heaven exists.  It’s in a little bottle of organic suncare.

by Hillary

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