Engagement Party Prep: Tips on Achieving the Perfect Glow

Wedding bells are ringing and Joe and I have our first wedding event this Saturday, our engagement party!  With our venue booked and the date set, we're beyond excited to celebrate with our families and close friends.  Of course, I'm prepping for the day in a big way from my golden glow to the decor and can't wait to share photos with you.  After finding the perfect outfit, my skin was begging for some color.  That's when I turned to the pros from St. Tropez to customize a blend and spritz me golden. I stripped down and worked with St. Tropez's Skin Finishing Expert, Sophie Evans who created a custom blend to give my pasty skin a natural glow.  She's perhaps the most talented person to ever make me glow (and I've gotten a lot of spray tans).  When she gave an extra dark shot to my eye lids I knew exactly what she was doing and deemed her the queen of contouring.

Of course pre tanning, you have to follow the rules.  Here are Evans's tips:

*         All hair removal should be done the night before *         Exfoliate the night before *         Remove all fragrances, lotions, and deodorant before your tan *         Wear/bring loose fitting clothing for after your tan

Before a big event I always get a spray tan (or self tan) two to three days prior.  In this case it was on Wednesday and my party is on Saturday.  Post tan you're encouraged not to shower until the next morning and even then just to do a rinse.  Waiting until your second shower to use a body wash is best.  On Friday night before my big day I plan on using the St. Tropez Self Tanning Bronzing Lotion for Face, which doesn't clog your pores and if I feel my legs and arms need an extra boost I'm going to also use the St. Tropez Gradual Tan Everyday Body Moisturizer just to keep it fresh.

I'm excited to share more wedding prep with you as the events develop!  Stay tuned!

Instant Holiday Party Prep Fixes

So far this month I've been feeling like I don't have a second to breathe, but it's not a bad thing as my schedule is full of holiday parties and I'm sure yours is too.  With that being said, I've been changing up my look for each one depending on the scene, but some of my prep has stayed consistent and because of my personality and lack of time, it all revolves around instant gratification.  I want results and I want them now!  Check out my favorite quick fixes.Daily, I use the Crest 3D White toothpaste and mouthwash to keep up my pearly whites, but I just did the 2 Hour Express White Strips again.  In all honesty, the two hour commitment is perfect for my schedule because I do it in one shot and not have to worry about dedicating a ton of time to something that I obviously don't have. Having an appropriate tan this time of year is respected.  I'm not talking really tan, but a nice luminous glow compliments every outfit.  I've been taking mine up a notch by using Model Co.'s One Night Tan on certain nights.  After I shower I rub the mousse in all over my body (except my face) and within seconds it dries and gives me a natural bronze.  I like the look because it makes my arms and legs look more toned, plus I don't sweat it off the next morning in the gym because it all comes off with my next shower.  There's nothing worse than wiping your face with a white towel and having it turn brown thanks to self tanner.  Talk about embarrassing!

When it comes to my face I rely on Dr. Dennis Gross' Alpha Beta Glow Pads.  One word: Amazing.  I use them in the morning about once a week or the day I have a big party or event after I cleanse and before I put moisturizer on.  My dull, winter skin turns radiant within an hour or so and as a bonus, it also has anti-aging ingredients in it like Vitamin D.  Warning – the more times you swipe the pad across your face, the darker the glow.  I normally swipe it two to three times.  Don't swipe over your eyebrows and avoid your hairline.