BellaSugar

Product Review: St. Tropez Everyday

BellaSugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:01:33 -0800

Here in San Francisco, I typically feel like we're "in between" seasons. It's too cool for tanks, but too warm for puffy jackets. So, on those indecisive mornings when I'm getting dressed, I'm often faced with the choice: tights or no tights? No tights? Sure, but first my pasty white stems need some help. Enter St. Tropaz Everyday ($30) in Fair to Medium (also available in Medium to Dark).

This self-tanner is marketed as a moisturizer that just happens to have subtle tanning properties. Subtle, for sure - but in the highest of compliments. Seeing that I'm typically the queen of orange knees and blotchy ankles with regular tanners, I was quite impressed by the foolproof nature of this one. Plus, being able to customize the amount of intensity is always a plus in my book.

Other bonuses? A non-nasty smell sans greasiness. Although the aroma is somewhat chemical-y, there's no typical "something's burning" kind of odor - you know that odor, right? The product also claims to improve firmness and elasticity of the skin. The jury is out on that one for me, but my neighbor did say I was looking rather toned one evening as I walked in from work, although I think that was more Winsor Pilates than tanning cream.

Guess Who? A Sassy Singer's Favorite Self-Tanner

BellaSugar — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 08:59:43 -0700

This luxury-loving singer is fair-skinned, but you wouldn't know it by looking at her. That's because she's a fan of St. Tropez self-tanning products. TeamSugar members, guess correctly and earn 25 points!

New Product Alert: St. Tropez Self-Tan Remover Packets

BellaSugar — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:16:37 -0700

All right! Finally, there's a product out that allows us to get rid of icky self-tanner streaks and spots! St. Tropez, which is renowned for its amazingly smooth self-tanner, has recently released these innovative Self-Tan Remover Packets ($6.50 for 10 individually wrapped packets).

This invention is a lifesaver for those of you who have ever been caught embarrassed and orange-handed. Each of the packets comes drenched in a soap-like gel, which removes all self-tanner blotches with just a teensy bit of elbow grease. It's a super quick and travel friendly way to even out your self-tanning bloopers.

Beauty Marked! An Unbeatable Body Bronzer

BellaSugar — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 17:02:22 -0700

Last week I asked you guys to come beauty marking with me to help me find a new self tanner for my body. I bought this Ban De Soleil Streakguard Self Tanning Creme, $9, but I am not in love with it. It's not awful, but it streaks a bit and I'm not crazy about the color on my skin tone. Your mission was to help find me something that would turn me into a gorgeous golden color as opposed to an icky orange one. To see all of the beauty marks for a self tanner for the body, click here. You guys all had great picks so thanks very much for participating!

Beauty Mark #1 found by foreverdizzy is called Decleor Aroma Sun Express Hydrating Self-Tan Spray, $36. Within one to two hours, this light, non-oily spray turns into a deep and natural looking tan. There is no sunscreen in this product though - so you can not wear it at the beach, but it's a great after sun lotion because it keeps your skin supple, glowing and hydrated!

To see the rest, read more

Beauty Mark #2 found by atripp is called GlowFusion Micro-Nutrient Face & Body Natural Protein Tan, $58, is a self-tanning technology lotion that starts off light and can be layered until you reach the level of tan you desire.

This mist form allows for smooth application, there is no odor, no streaking and it won't stain. The formula contains vitamins, antioxidants and a special ingredient simply known as sugarcane which has been proven to work well with the natural keratin already in your skin. Available in light and medium shades.

Beauty Mark #3 found by missixty02 is called St. Tropez Tinted Self Tanning Lotion - Step 3, $37.50, is an aloe vera based lotion that isn't oily and is fast drying. It says that it smells great too, which is awesome because most self tanners smell terrible.

It's funny how you all found these products at Sephora. I have never tried this one but I am very anxious to - this brand has a great reputation! Available in one universal shade.

Reader Review of the Day: St. Tropez Self Tan Remover Sachets

BellaSugar — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 09:00:49 -0700

The benefits of self tanners are plentiful. Still, nobody likes to have orange or brown splotches left on the hands after applying them. Frequent reviewer Stef42678 really likes St. Tropez Self Tan Remover Sachets to avoid said problem, and here's why:

This is a great invention for all of those self tanners that leave your hands streaked or colored. These pads are so easy to use because you just rub them beetween your palms and they come clean. Be careful using near your tanned skin because it will rub off there too. I like that the pads don't feel greasy and leave your hands moisturized and color free.

If you would like to give us your opinion on beauty items from curling irons to night cream, I've got the perfect place for you to go. It's our Product Reviews website. Just submit your reviews and perhaps you'll be the next person featured on this daily post!

How-To: Remove Self-Tanner Streaks

BellaSugar — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:30:23 -0700

Over the weekend, I had an unfortunate encounter with a spray-on tanner. Even though I followed the many steps very carefully, I ended looking up less sex kitten, more striped kitty. I've been up to my blotchy knees in research for tips on how to make the patchwork look a little less obvious. We're going (un)streaking! For my findings, just read more.

Think fast: I wish I had done this, but the faster you see the streaks developing, the easier they'll be to remove. Consider using a fast-developing self-tanner so you can see the "oops moments," or use a gradual tanner so that bad results are less obvious. I like the Jergens Glow Daily ($7.50 to $8.50) line of tanners for that reason.
Exfoliate: Since tanners dye your skin, try to get those pigments out by sloughing off skin cells through exfoliation. Whether you use a loofah, body scrub, or plain old baking soda on a washcloth, this method will help newer (untanned) skin cells to surface more rapidly.
Prepping power: To avoid streaking in the first place, exfoliate first and make sure your body is not damp when applying. Wear gloves as you work the tanner into your skin, and take a towel or paper towel to gently blend over all areas evenly, avoiding excess application to the ankles, in between the toes, the elbows, and knees.
Tan removers: Several companies offer tan remover pads or creams, like: Tanwise Exfoliating Self Tan Remover ($9); St. Tropez Self-Tan Remover Sachets ($13) for your palms (see the reader review here); or Flavours Freedom Self-Tan Remover ($10)
Go suck a lemon: Not literally, of course. Applying lemon juice to those splotches is a natural way to help exfoliate the skin. Use a cotton pad to apply, and scrub away.
Hit the bottle: Of rubbing alcohol. Dunk a cotton pad in rubbing alcohol and apply the spotty areas. It can be somewhat drying, so be sure to moisturize.

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A Quick Fix For a Self-Tanning Nightmare

BellaSugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:00:43 -0700

I was watching reruns of Bridezillas this weekend (don't ask), when something piqued my interest: a bride-to-be goes to a tanning salon, but despite her best efforts, it ends up turning streaky and orange. Her wedding planner's expert advice was to rub toothpaste all over her body to remove the color. I had never heard of this, but apparently it's an oft-repeated tip on bridal message boards. While it was unclear on the episode how well this trick actually works, something I have tried with success is St. Tropez Self-Tan Remover ($17). Have you tried this toothpaste trick?

Bellissima! Scott Barnes Glow Box

BellaSugar — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:00:18 -0800

This newish makeup set from Scott Barnes is such an awesome buy I had to make sure you were in the know. Inside of this beautiful brown Glow Box ($75) are seven different items to help you create a gorgeous, golden, sun-kissed look. I've long been a part of the lengthy list of Scott Barnes fans who include, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Lopez and SJP, because once you try his products, it's pretty hard not to fall in love. I swear that the creaminess of his foundation and lip slicks alone are enough to send me head over heels.

Scott Barnes is definitely more of an artist than a commercial brand, meaning that new products only come out when the timing is right as opposed to launching four or so different collections a year. So having a basic set like this enables you to create a timeless look. Here's a list of the products as well as the cost of what they sell for individually (I just love a great beauty bargain):

Super Luscious Lash Mascara in black ($20)
Pressed Powder Bronzer in St. Tropez ($33) - a deep, matte shade
Loose Powder in Diamond Dust ($28) - a shimmery setting powder
Three (super shiny) Flossy Glossies in Pretty Penny, Heavenly and Wishing ($22 each)
and five Hydrating masks ($35)

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Inside The Beauty Routines of The Very Young

BellaSugar — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 12:00:03 -0700

Do you think you're high-maintenance? Wait until you read the two-hour grooming routine of Bethany Conheeny:

After washing her naturally wavy hair, she spritzes, sprays and straightens it with £120 [around $240] designer ceramic straighteners. If there's so much as a kink left, she starts again. She's rigorous in her cleansing, toning and moisturing routine, and before leaving the house, applies a slick of lip-gloss. At the weekends, it takes longer. Bethany - who has £70 [around $140] worth of beauty treatments each week, including a spray tan, pedicure, manicure and eyebrow wax - applies St Tropez blusher, pink eye shadow and mascara.

The catch? Bethany is nine years old. To get my take on this situation, read more

Frankly, when I saw this mentioned on Jezebel, I was flabbergasted. Obviously, I love makeup, hair, spa treatments and the like-and lots of little girls are interested in playing dress-up. But this level of primping and maintenance seems unhealthy, particularly when these girls seem to be buying into the idea that they can't be pretty without spending two hours getting ready. Really, does any little girl need to have her eyebrows waxed? I can't imagine that even the prepubescent Frida Kahlo needed that!

Don't get me wrong: I think there are age-appropriate ways to enter the world of beauty, like painting toenails with Mom or wearing Bonne Bell lip balm. But some of these girls are getting leg waxes, tanning-booth sessions, and begging to wear Chanel foundation-all before they've turned 12 years old. It doesn't seem like healthy curiosity; instead, it seems like an obsession that breeds insecurity at a time when these girls need to believe they're smart, talented and pretty just as they are.

I know what you're thinking: Where are the parents? You'll be shocked-shocked!-to find out that many of them are actively encouraging these beauty routines. Catherine Conheeney, mom of high-maintenance Bethany, is hoping that her daughter's looks can help her become successful. "Bethany will need to be slim to be a model," she says. "But I'm working hard to explain that she needs the right balance of food to make sure she's healthy. I've just entered her for a modeling competition to find the next Kate Moss."

Like I said, I'm flabbergasted. Are you? Or is this merely a sign of the times?

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