Beauty Blog

The Good and the Bad Tan: Elizabeth Hurley and Donatella Versace
Photo: Taken from best-spray-tanguide.com

With every star worth his/her salt embracing the tanned look, it has become an undeniable summer requirement.  And now that we are all aware of the inherent dangers of sun tanning, self tanners are more popular than ever.  All self-tanners are not created equal.  There is that dreaded orange hue that some leave behind.  Some have positively made women swear off them due to their nasty smell.  Some are messy to apply…the list is long.

We have compiled here a list of some of the most popular self tanners in today’s beauty market to address the needs of different women:

1) Bare Escentuals Faux Tan: $22 - The Bare Escentuals Faux Tan has been a top performer the past few years and has accumulated quite a number of dedicated fans.  Women love it as it is hydrating and does not clog pores.  Best of all, its built in color lets you see where the product goes to avoid mess ups.

2) Liz Earle Sun Shade Botanical Self Tan Spray: $31 - This British product is great for girls who crave for more natural products without harsh chemicals.  It has been receiving rave reviews from many editors in the business.

3) Peter Thomas Roth Natural Looking Self Tanner: $28 - As the name suggests, it delivers a streak free natural looking glow which is completely fragrance free and enriched with botanicals and moisturizers.

4) Neutrogena Sun Fresh Sunless Foam: $9.99 - For a lady on the go, this fast absorbing foam that promises to dry in 5 minutes might just do the trick.  Has a pleasant grape fruit and nectarine scent.

5) Clarins Delicious Self Tanning Cream: $42 -If you are a girly girl and love the luxury of rich chocolate pudding like texture and scent on your skin, you will like this.Its caramel color makes it mistake proof while delivering an even honey glow.

6)  Dove Energy Glow Body Lotion: $15.19 - For women who don’t want to transition overnight into dark brown from pale white, Dove’s gradual tanning is the answer.  For subtle results and a natural gradation, this is the way to go.  Some ladies who want more intense results mix in the Dove lotion with their regular tanner for in between maintenance.

7)  L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes: $ 8.99 - Perfect for summer travel. Quick, convenient and best of all no mess!

8)  St. Tropez Whipped Bronze Mousse: $34.99 - This instant 60 second self tanning mousse is an all time favorite for its great color and staying power.  This is also a good idea for men due to its neutral herbal scent and non sticky application that makes for easier application over body hair.

Of course for the greatest of self-tanners to work, be sure to adhere to all the self tanning wisdom like:

1)  Set aside enough time. Rushing could lead to goof ups.
2)  Shower and shave before hand.
3)  The most important rule of self tanning remains exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate before application.
4)  Don’t forget to wear snug gloves to avoid tell tale orange palms.  At the end, take it off to apply product to back of hand and wash off the palms quickly.
5)  A wet cotton ball could be very handy to wipe out excess product that tends to build up near hairline and eyebrows.
6)  Wait 4-6 hours before swimming or showering and wear loose fitting dark colored clothing for the rest of the day to prevent any color transfer.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more tanning supplies.

Summer’s almost here!  Have you trashed your last year’s sunscreen bottles yet?  If not it is time to check the expiration dates on your old tubes.  Experts say that sunscreens have a shelf life of about a year and tend to become less stable over time.  Lately sunscreens have become so sophisticated in their technology and application that fortunately we women don’t have to worry about goopy white residues that make our makeup look kinda funny.  Dermatologists feel that effective sunscreens should have the following minimum characteristics:

1)  Should definitely be broad or full spectrum, that is protect our skin from both UVA and UVB rays that cause skin cancer and premature aging.

2)  Should at least have 4-5% of zincoxide or titanium oxide.

3)  Should at least be SPF 15 though SPF 30 is recommended by most doctors.

Today’s sunscreens are formulated to deliver much more than the above specifications.  Many multitask as moisturizers, anti-aging creams, primers, serums and foundations in addition to offering sun protection saving us both time and money.  They are also designed to go under makeup unlike the sunscreens of our grandmother’ times.  Though SPFs from individual makeup components do not add up directly to give a higher SPF number, they do add up in quantity to give more sun coverage.  When it comes to sunscreen generous amounts and constant reapplications never hurt.

Here are some top performing smart sunscreens that perform more than one role:

1) Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 45 Daily Moisturizer: $23.90

In addition to UVA and UVB protection, this moisturizer has an exclusive antioxidant blend with pure Vitamin E, which helps prevent environmental damage.  Moreover it is very non-greasy and light.

2) Kate Somerville Serum Sunscreen SPF 55: $45

This antioxidant rich serum that is paraben and oil free provides UVA/UVB protection and is also water resistant.  So great one for swimmers.

3) Peter Thomas Roth Uber-Dry Sunscreen SPF 30: $22

This is a non-oily and quick absorbing sunscreen that is formulated to leave a shine free finish.  In addition, it is enriched with Vitamins A, C and E to help fight against free radical damage.
4) La Roche Posay - Anthelios XL Tinted Creme SPF 50+: $25.60

This French tinted sun screen offers one of the best protection against UVA/UVB rays and is the top choice for many dermatologists. It contains Mexoryl SX and XL filters which are supposed to be one of the most effective FDA-approved organic filters designed to protect against short UVA rays with high photostability, which is important as it will not degrade as quickly as other sunscreens in the market with sun exposure.  It is also extremely resistant to water and sweat even during excessive outdoor activities and water sports.  Probably one of the more expensive choices out there at around $ 40 for a 50 ml. tube.  But sometimes you get what you pay for.

5)  Eucerin Extra Protective Moisture Lotion SPF 30: $9.00

This oil free, non-irritating gently face and neck 24 hour moisturizer with SPF 30 is one of the best values.  It contains microfine zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that provide broad physical block against UV induced skin damage.
7)  MAC Prep and Prime Face Protect SPF 50: $28

A skin primer with broad spectrum SPF 50 is oil free and light and is specially formulated with oil-absorbing powder to prevent oil breakthrough and give a matte finish.  Also helps guard the skin against discoloration, premature aging and dryness due to sun exposure.  I can personally say that makeup glides beautifully on it.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more sunscreen.
Discounts on Neutrogena sunscreen and La Roche Posay sunscreen.