BellaSugar

Would You Ever Paint on Fake Abs?

BellaSugar — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:00:46 -0700

I've been known to use self-tanner to give myself a little extra definition now and again, but the number of instructional YouTube videos about using bronzer to give yourself a six pack is pretty astonishing. I can understand this if you were, say, going as P!nk for Halloween. But more people seem inclined to paint them on when headed to the beach or pool, and that makes me a little confused. Going to the water is a waste of time for me if I can't take a dip, and I think the fake abs would only make me more self-conscious. What do you think? Would you ever use - or have you ever used - your bronzer brush for a Baywatch tummy?
Photo by macinate

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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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!

Beauty Byte: Lindsay Lohan's Self-Tanner Coming Soon

BellaSugar — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:00:30 -0700

Most of you said you won't be buying Lindsay Lohan's self-tanner, but soon we'll see if other people agree. WWD reports on the tanner, called Sevin Nyne ($35). The new mist self-tanner, named after Lindsay's favorite numbers, will be available April 15 on Sephora.com, then May 1 at Sephora stores for six months exclusively.

While Sevin Nyne does not have SPF, it is formulated with the standard DHA to darken the skin, using caramel, in lieu of artificial colors, for deeper results. "We have taken a more environmental approach so we use caramels for color and chardonnay extracts and goji berry for the skin," said Kristi Kaylor, the marketing person for the product. It takes two to five hours to develop, and the results are said to last for four to five days. Are you intrigued now, or is this still a no-go for you?

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Women Are Stabbing and Jabbing For a Tan

BellaSugar — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 07:00:06 -0800

You know the saying, "The only safe tan is a fake tan"? Time to add a caveat to the otherwise truthful phrase. Some women have been injecting themselves with Melanotan, an illegal drug that stimulates melanin production, therefore creating a darker skin tone.

Doctors worry that the ingredients activate potentially cancerous skin cells, which could increase the likelihood of skin cancer. In the short term, side effects aren't so cool. After accidentally using 20 units in one go, 36-year-old beautician Caroline Scott became bedridden, but that didn't stop her from trying again:

"I did feel a bit nauseous again, but that soon passed and a week later I developed an even, golden tan. But although I was pleased with the results, I noticed that my moles looked a bit darker and more pronounced. . . I realized that I had no idea what the long-term effects were, and the changes in my moles worried me because that can be a sign of skin cancer. I’ve since decided to place my health above vanity."

While scientists investigate the safety of the drug, women are still buying it on the black market. (In the UK, it's illegal to sell Melanotan, but buying it is legal.) I think it should go without saying, but ladies: Do not inject yourselves with unknown substances to get a tan! If you absolutely have to have a golden glow, fake it with self-tanner. With so many options available, there's simply no reason to jab yourself with a potentially shady medicine.

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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.

Does Self Tanner Clog Your Pores?

BellaSugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 08:00:37 -0800

A friend of mine just fessed up to a recent bout of facials. I say "fessed up" not only because she is not making a dent in her student loans, but because she needs these facials to combat a problem she herself has caused. Apparently, some facial self tanners congest pores and are almost impossible to get out. If you've spent a Summer slathering it on only to find yourself breaking out now, this may be why. A sunless summer is the best option for your skin long-term, but a summer of self-tanning can also take a toll on your skin.

"Self tanners themselves do not clog pores however they can be put into formulations that can clog pores," explains Dr. Doris J. Day, a Manhattan dermatologist. "You should exfoliate before applying to make sure the skin is smooth and the product penetrates evenly, and look for products that say non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic on the label. This means they have been tested to not clog pores. Generally this would be gels, lotions, or wipes. "

The best way to remedy the aftermath at home? Once you're close to your normal skin color (because you don't want to end up streaked) try a peel, like Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Facial Peel ($25.99), to encourage skin cell turnover.

Definition: Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)

BellaSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 07:00:11 -0700

Simply put, dihydroxyacetone is the active ingredient used to make self-tanners work. Discovered to have skin darkening properties in the 1920s by a German scientist, DHA is typically derived from plant sources, such as beets or sugar cane.

DHA works by interacting with the amino acids of your dead skin cells, resulting in a brownish-tan hue. The color sticks around for about three to ten days, depending on how long it takes for your skin cells to shed.

The first commercial self-tanning product was released in 1960 from Coppertone, called Quick Tan or QT. The biggest problem with early formulations? Orange, streaky results. Nowadays you can get your own dose of DHA in many sun-free ways: creams, sprays, wipes, and even mousses - streak and orange free.

How-To: Carmen Electra's Luminous Summertime Tan

BellaSugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:00:02 -0700

This week, at the Disaster Movie party in Cabo San Lucas, actress, model, and fitness buff Carmen Electra played on the beach looking gorgeous and glowing with her quintessential summertime tan.

Besides her electrifying eyes (I wonder how many times she's heard that one), her skin oozed an undeniable radiance. We know that she's been hanging out at the DKNY House soaking up the rays, but something tells me that she's being careful with SPF, because her wrinkles are minimal. Are you interested in learning how to create this luminous look at home? If so, read more.

FACE: Begin with moisturized skin. Then, apply a dollop of sheer foundation to the back of your hand along with an equal part of luminizing bronzer. Mix with a foundation brush and apply to your face and to you neck. Then, add some concealer and some eye brightener, and blend using the same brush.
CHEEKS: Apply a touch of translucent powder everywhere except to the apples of your cheeks, because you're going to add a touch of bronzer there. Tip: You don't want the bronzer to be too dark, so be gentle with your application. I suggest trying a color such as Juicy Couture's Beachy Bronzer, which contains shimmer and looks great on all skin tones. Next, add a touch of peach blush like The Balm's Hot Mama to your cheekbones. Blend well using a large, fluffy brush, and if your face feels unbalanced, add a little bit of bronzer to your temples, nose, and chin.
EYES:This is one of the easiest eye makeup looks to pull off, so novice players, don't shy away! Simply smear a pale gold cream shadow all over your lid and add a touch of shimmery white or champagne eye shadow just under your brow bone. Next, apply black eyeliner to your upper eye rims, and gently line your lower rims with a deep purple liner. Top the look off with two coats of black mascara and apply a touch of shimmer (the same color as your highlighter) to your inner v.
LIPS: No lip liner or lipstick is required to achieve this sex-kitten lip look. Just apply a thick coat of a pale pink gloss such as Nars Lip Gloss in Turkish Delight to your pout and you're ready to go!

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Product Review: Michael Kors Classic Leg Shine

BellaSugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:00:22 -0700

From first glance, what appears to look like a stick of designer deodorant, is actually a body bronzer. Underneath the rubbery beige cap of Michael Kors Leg Shine - Classic ($32) lies a smooth (almost oily), deep-amber bronzer that contains flecks of gold. Not only will it create a glowing tan on your legs, knees, arms, and chest, but it also has another function: Leg shine contains a captivating floral smell (Michael Kors Eau de Toilette) that takes the place of having to wear actual perfume.

At first I was scared that it would streak and rub off on my clothes, on my chair, and anything else that my stems came in contact with, but actually it proved to stay put once it dried. Also, it washes off with soapy water and a little bit of elbow grease in the shower.

Easy to apply and easy to remove are pretty rare qualities when it comes to self-tanners, and it's why I like this product so much. The only suggestion I would make is to apply it about a half hour before you go out to give the color and oily texture ample time to set.

This travel-friendly (thanks to the secure cap), scented bronzer is a fun way to achieve a temporary sun-kissed radiance with a sultry scent for special occasions. It's available in: classic, shimmer, and bronze to suit most skin tones.

For a peek at what's under the cap, read more.

See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!

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