St. Tropez Review

I fully intended to write a post at least every 2 weeks. Obviously that didn't work out as planned! My entire life just went through a total change and I am ECSTATIC! Though my life isn't settling down anytime soon, I do have a ton of reviews I need to get posted so instead of trying to cram everything into one, they're just going to have to come one product at a time. 

If you've ever read my blog or have been around me for any length of time, you know I'm big on experimenting with sunless tanning lotion. I've been blessed with porcelain skin that I've had to learn to love- HOWEVER....in the summer time I enjoy not reflecting the sunlight. My last review on tanner, I bragged about Sephora which is still one of my favorites. It's definitely easy to apply and not too terribly expensive. 

I finally got to try St. Tropez bronzing mousse.

I love the fact it has a deep tint in the actual mousse. I can see where I've applied it, where I need to apply more, where I could possibly streak, AND it gives me instant gratification. The color develops into a gorgeous natural looking golden tan as opposed to the typical orange tone. The scent is actually REALLY appealing. I'd use it as a fragrance for everyday! The only downside I'm seeing so far, it doesn't hang on very long and it costs $32 for a 4 oz bottle. Mine was a sample I got in a New Beauty Test Tube. (Thanks Kristen!!!)

As a reminder, here's my tips on faking your tan:

1) Shave prior to applying.

2) Exfoliate especially your legs and rough spots (see tip 3 for spots).

3) Apply a thin layer of lotion to elbows, hands, knees, ankles, toes. Let dry.

4) I recommend using a Buffing Mitt, however, it can be done without. 

5) Start from bottom to top (because otherwise bending at the waist will cause lines to form on your stomach).

6) Apply in a circular motion and DON'T go heavy with it. Try to be as light as you can.

7) Remember to go (extra lightly) in between fingers and toes, around ankles, knees, elbows, and wrists. Do not avoid the tops of your hands otherwise, you look like you have a tan sweater on....with white gloves.

8) Don't forget behind your neck and behind your ears (because you'll remember once you're wearing a ponytail).

9) Let it dry before putting on your spandex (actually here's a tip...don't wear spandex).

10) Smile...it's your best accessory ;)

So...will I actually BUY this? Maybe. If I have the extra money and time to keep applying it...I probably will. Honestly though, the Sephora brand lasts longer and I got it cheaper. If you have any questions/comments/concerns/tips- feel free to post below. 

XO-

A

Happy Birthday!

'Twas the night before my birthday and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a ...wait, what was that?!?

I got an email 2 weeks ago from Ulta wishing me a Happy Birthday and I was pretty excited to see that they were giving me a FULL sized CK One mascara (no purchase necessary- valued at $18). My girlfriend Kristen and I made a trip to Charlottesville so I could get my mascara and of course I ended up spending a ton of money! The mascara though is AMAZING. The wand turns so the comb expands and contracts! That honestly could amuse me for about an hour. No clumping, full lashes, no stickyness...I give it a 10/10.

This got me to thinking...

How many of you know where to sign up to get the free stuff for you birthday?!? I thought I might try to lend a hand and give you the scoop!

Birthday present: CK One full size mascara

How to get it: Create an online account or go in store to sign up to become an ULTA member. It's free and you can gain points on all purchases you can redeem for more fun stuff throughout the year. 

Website: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/rewards/home.jsp

Birthday present: Free mini Make Up For Ever's best selling Rouge Artist natural lipstick and Smoke Extravagant mascara.

How to get it: Sign up in stores or online. Here's the catch... You have to BUY something to retrieve your gift. The upside to that though is if you buy something, you also get your gift and then you pick which other samples you would like to receive. Last year, I got the tanning lotion I reviewed, plus the birthday gift, plus FIVE samples...all for $5.00.

Website: https://www.sephora.com/profile/beautyInsider/?tab=bi

Birthday present: A complimentary Personal Blends, Pure-Fume Spirit or body care product valued at $25

How to get it: Sign up online or in stores! You receive a voucher within 28 days of your birthday that you can bring into the store to redeem. No purchases are necessary and if you get 5 friends to sign up for the birthday program you can get a coupon for a travel sized body lotion. P.S, sign up through my facebook link so I can get one and review it for you guys!

Website: http://invati.aveda.com/signup

Birthday present: Based on availability and changes frequently. I just signed up so I am not sure what the current offer is. Who cares? Smashbox...hello!?!?

How to get it: Sign up online. You also receive offers each Tuesday and Thursday on other special items!

Website: https://www.smashbox.com/account/loyalty/join.tmpl

Birthday present: The website doesn't specify WHAT it is, but it's a $10 value.

How to get it: You have to become a member and pay their $10 fee. (Boo) You do get special rewards and invitations though. (Yay)

Website: http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/services/love-your-body-club.aspx

In my opinion- your best bet is Ulta. They are the only company that is giving away a FULL size product for free. (Certainly you can sign up at ALL places...like I did!)

So, it's officially my birthday now (took me awhile to finish this!) What other free things can I look for today (food, drinks, etc?) 

Cheers!

A

Snow day!

Finally we have a little bit of snow in the area!! I know a bunch of children (and adults) are happy to get time off! I love to look at the snow falling and especially the next morning when it's a clean blanket across everything. It's the only thing that makes Winter worthwhile!

I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas and New Years! I've been so behind on blogging, but that will have to change!! I received a TON of E.L.F makeup for Christmas from my Mom and Stepfather. I'll go through all of that on a separate post.

Since we have SNOW on the ground, I thought I might bring up the dreaded dry skin issues we suffer this time of year. We're lacking any humidity in the air (at least in the Virginia area!), we have our heat on full blast, we're going from inside heat to outside bitter cold and back inside to heat all day, we have our showers on hot water drying us out, etc. If you're like me, you can't wait for Springtime to roll around just so your skin feels normal again! Here's a couple of my go-to products to beat the Winter dryness!

Let's start with the hair! If you are blow drying, air drying, flat ironing, whatever- it needs some love. 

A friend of mine (and fellow blogger!) introduced me to this back in 2007. I adore the scent of this stuff. It definitely makes you feel "So Sexy"! It's not too greasy as long as you know how to apply it. (Stay away from your roots!) I squirt a tiny bit of serum into my palm, rub my hands together, and then rub the ends of my hair between my palms. It's enough to keep your hair smelling fresh and less frizzed out! I've had the same bottle for years and only paid about $14.00 for it. It's cheaper than a lot of other products I've reviewed!!

Next on the list is the Avon Dew Kiss chapstick.

 This is a product I (and many other ladies) have used since I was a child! I can remember my Grandmother putting this in my stocking for Christmas. The scent is nostalgic now! I like that it's a neutral scent though, and nothing overpowering or "seasonal". I really don't care to use Gingerbread chapstick in July! It's light, very moisturizing, and cheap! (Um...hello! Under a dollar!)

Smooth skin in the winter time doesn't come from only putting lotion on. You have to erase the problems!! 

I started using this after Alyssa Hood recommended it on her YouTube channel (check her stuff out!) I use this every night to exfoliate, especially in the wintertime! This particular formula is made for acne clearing. Honestly, I don't see where that does anything. It smells like grapefruit though and does an excellent job of taking off makeup and buffing the skin. This is only about $4-5. 

The body lotion!!!

If you haven't already learned about me...I'm a total girly girl with my scents and fragrances. I make an exception in the winter for this lotion. Bye bye Bath and Body Works until about...April-ish. I love this stuff because a- it's cheap ($3!!!) and b- it has cocoa butter AND shea in it. Slather this stuff on IMMEDIATELY after getting out of the shower to seal in that moisture. The smell isn't bad per se, it's just not fruity patooty like I prefer. This also does a number on stretch marks f.y.i.

Last, but not least....my most favorite of them all....

I don't care if you are a boy, girl, teenager, adult, acne, no acne, white, black, blue, green-- this stuff works! I started using this over 10 years ago and there is a reason I continue to use it today. It has a slight menthol feel and smell as soon as you put it on (not a burning sensation though). It's enough to feel fresh and cool. It's light, soaks in quickly, and honestly does help out acne issues. This is also cheap at about $5. 

So, what do you think??!! For an estimated cost of $28.00 for the entire winter (plus some!), you can be thoroughly moisturized. Take those savings you would have spent on more expensive products and go get some Hot Chocolate and cute Infinity Scarves!! Do you have any go to products you'd like to share with us?? Feel free to comment on the post, share on Facebook, Google +, or Twitter. Stay warm my friends!

XO-

A