Would you rather watch a product review or read about it? Well, guess who's turning to YouTube? Thanks to you guys, I'm now using the video channel to do some product reviews. I've noticed some of the videos I've posted on my channel throughout my career have gotten a ton of hits (almost two million views in total!), so here's a quick video review of my favorite self tanners of the moment. Because it's fall and we're pale. Hope you enjoy it!
Confess Your Self Tanner Mishap & Win Jergens Natural Glow
We've all had self tanner nightmares... streaky legs, white hands, and I've definitely seen my fair share of Oompa Loompa's running around. The good thing is, self tanners have come a long way and not only have the shades and formulas improved, but so have the scents. Last week at an event I even smelled an odorless self tanner from Jergens. Truth. Watch the video above as I confess one of my self tanner mishaps and how I fixed it. Comment below with your self tanner mishaps for a chance to win a non-smelly Jergens Natural Glow prize pack!
Dear Jeannine... How do you find a dermatologist and self tanner?
I can't even begin to tell you how many questions I receive daily from women and men (yes, men too) about beauty and grooming. So many that it encouraged me to start a "Dear Jeannine" column. They come in from all angles: Facebook messages, emails, Twitter DM's and even Linked In. I'm honored and humbled and love answering them! If you have a question, the best way to submit is to go through BeautySweetSpot's Facebook Fan page. From now on I'll be answering them all and occasionally publish Q&A's on the site. Here's the first one:
Hi Jeannine!
I just read your article about tanning beds and I have to admit, I not only love them, I have one. In my house. Yeah, I know. I might as well smoke a pack of cigarettes a day! BUT, I recently had a moment where I felt the desire to embrace my fairness! I have not gone in a month and am feeling exactly as you described. Ugly, fat and unattractive. I am fighting the urge to hop back in. I wanted to try a couple of things you mentioned - a dermatologist and a self tanner. How did you find a good dermatologist? What self tanner do you recommend?
Thanks in advance for sharing. Your articles are fun reads!
-L
Dear L,
Thanks for writing and for reading my Confessions of A Former Tanning Bed Addict post. I had a feeling people would be able to relate to my experience. First of all, I'm so proud of you for not tanning this month. Not only is it unhealthy, but tanned skin isn't even attractive any longer... it's the glow you seek. Get rid of that tanning bed asap (think of the new shoes you can purchase by selling it)! Try St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse for body and Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads for Face (he has body ones too that are equally as awesome).
To find a dermatologist in your area, check the Academy of Dermatology's website. You can also find free skin cancer screenings in your area there. Hope this helps!
xo,
Jeannine
It's Fall and My Skin's Been See Through... Until Now
As soon as September turned into October I began noticing that I was so pale I was actually unhealthily see through. Yes, that's my natural skin tone. You could see the blue veins in my hands creeping up into my arms and it wasn't attractive. It was sickly looking. Everyday for the past two weeks I've been using one of those gradual self tanning body moisturizers that not only changed all that, but also my outlook on gradual self tanners.
Once a day when I step out of the shower I've been applying Nature's Gate Glow Lotion, $12.99 all over. Made with shea butter and Vitamin E, it's super hydrating so unlike other gradual self tanners I've tried in the past, I'm comfortable replacing my moisturizer with it. When I pump it out of the tube it has a slight scent of cinnamon and I'm not sure why. Turned off at first, the scent doesn't last once you rub it in so it's safe to say it's odorless on the body.
For some reason after two weeks now I haven't noticed any blochiness of the the glow wearing off. In the past when using these types of products I would notice that the self tan would wear off in certain spots quicker than others. I think it's because this "tan" is more of a radiant glow than a tan. It's perfect.
Spray Yourself Tan This Fall
Summer may be over, but your tan doesn’t have to leave with it. I got a few easy tips from Cindy Barshop, owner of Completely Bare Salons, on how to get a great DIY spray tan.
First of all, the Completely Bare spray tan is no joke. Not only have they mastered the spray tan, but you can even get a "sculpted tan," which can hide any imperfection you may have, or “sculpt” thinner thighs or abs. What girl wouldn’t want that? For at-home, I recommend trying to get an even, all around glow. Leave the sculpting to the pros!
Rule Number One: Preperation
Before you even open the self-tanner bottle, make sure that you shave your legs, and exfoliate your entire body and don't moisturize. Cindy also recommends using Earth Therapeutic Hydro Gloves in Jade to prevent the tanner from getting on your hands.
Rule Number Two: Spray Away, Carefully
Next, use a self tan like Completely Bare Model Tan on your body, (not your face) and spray it in a circular motion. The circular motion will give your tan a more natural look.
Rule Number Three: Take Time on Delicate Areas
Save your knees and elbows for last. To make those areas look natural add a tiny drop of moisturizer to your self-tanner and make sure your knees and elbows are bent when applying. This will bring down the level of intensity for the tan and give an overall natural look. On your face Cindy recommends using Jergens Natural Glow for Face. Make sure to apply up to your hair line and down to your neck.
Rule Number Four: Post Spray Care
Use a hair dryer on cold to avoid humanity which makes you sweat and your tan fade, and to make sure you're completely dry. Avoid wearing tight clothing and don't shower for about 12 hours.
Latest Self Tanner Obsession
I'm a huge self tanner snob. Having tried almost all of them, liking a handful, but loving only a very select few I have to dish about my latest fave: Lancome Flash Bronzer Tinted Anti-Age Self-Tanning Face Lotion SPF 15.
I've always been a fan of Lancome self tanners because they're tinted so you can see where you're applying them and they leave you with a natural looking tan that develops in less than a half hour. It's not a gradual self tanner (like Jergens that you apply every day as your moisturizer), but it is buildable so after three days you can self tan again to get darker. The color also fades gracefully.
So why is this new Lancome tanner different? It contains anti-aging ingredients in it so it works to prevent aging while making you a bronze goddess. You can even put it on in the morning and use it as your moisturizer because it has SPF of 15 in it. Pretty sweet deal.
