My dear friend Biny has opted for a destination wedding. So in a few short weeks I will be jetting off to Mexico to frolic with the happy couple and a hundred or so of their nearest and dearest. Of course I needed to go shopping, heaven forbid I did not have proper tropical attire. I could not resist one of the new long maxi dresses in shades of blue. -Just how chic will that look while sipping cocktails on the beach?!- Metallic sandals, long dangling earrings, and I was already feeling slightly woozy.
Reality bit me good when I hit the 'Swimsuit Department'. Why is the ultimate staple of summer the hardest and most stressful things to shop for? Why does trying on bathing suits make almost every woman I know want to head for the nearest cocktail lounge? I remember my Mom telling me that when she tried on swimwear, she always left her pantyhose on so her legs looked firm and tan. A good idea, but who wears pantyhose anymore?
Even before I reach the dreaded dressing room with the horrible lighting and fully length mirrors, I am faced with a zillion choices: bikinis, tankinis, strapless, one pieces, solids, printed, pleated, skirted, and the list goes on and on. I have read every single article on how to match the perfect swimsuit to my less than perfect figure so I have some ideas. 'Plunging' ahead, I picked five suits that I thought might work for me. After trying on the first two suits, I began to calm down and actually thought I looked pretty good in a black and white printed tankini. I paid for it and moved on.
Remembering how pale and winter white I looked in my new tankini, I thought of how much better I would look once I was tanned. But why wait? With so many self-tanning choices available, why not hit the beach with a nice 'healthy' glow?
A number of my friends have raved about the results of the professional spray tanning done in spas and salons. While the results are often very good, it is expensive, ranging from $25 to $75 for a single application. While the do it yourself home versions are far less convenient, they are more affordable and that is what I opted for.
Self-tanners come in may forms -Lotions, gels, mousses, creams, sprays, and even towelettes. The most important thing in picking a tanner is to select a quality product. My favorite is 'Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel'. At about $33 it is expensive but worth it. It is easy to apply, not stick, and dries quickly to a streak free tan.
Next time I will share a few tips I have learned (the hard way) about using self-tanners. Exfoliating by dry brushing is top of the list. Check out some of my exfoliating body brushes on BathtubBuzz.com
Talk to you very soon!
xoxo -Bizzie Buzz-
Friday, May 20, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Glowing
There are many terms used to capture the essence of a bride as she comes down the aisle. The former Kate Middleton conjured up many of those adjectives last week as she married her Prince. Oh the dress was great and who doesn't love a tiara- even if it was a tiny one. For me, I cannot get past her amazing complexion. Glowing seems to be the word that suits it best. I have heard that the English climate is especially kind to the skin. All that moisture must be good for something.
Alas, those of us here in the states have to find other solutions to get that flawless look. Many dermatologists advise their clients to include a facial brush as part of their everyday beauty care. Long a staple of beauty regimes, it is a way to cleanse and exfoliate your face in one step.
Recently, I spent some time checking out the popular electronic complexion brushes. I hear raves about the results, soft clearer skin, but yikes are they expensive, about $200- and not in my budget. A quick check around town, and I have found a number of 'complexion brushes' that use no batteries and work just a well. I decided to try one and after five days I honestly notice a difference in the tone and appearance of my skin. It is softer and clearer.
Using a complexion brush is easy and inexpensive. Choose a complexion brush that is appropriate for your skin type. Generally the dryer your skin is the softer the brush needs to be. The idea is not to scrub your face until it is read and sore, but rather just enough to stimulate and exfoliate the top layer of dead skin. Done correctly it also feeds good, much like a relaxing massage for your face.
Once you have chosen the brush (you might want to speak to your dermatologist of esthetician for advice) pair it with your favorite facial cleanser. Softly and slowly scrub in circular motions beginning on your forehead moving down to your cheeks, nose and chin, and all the way back to your ears. Some people use it over the eyelids as well. Finally, rinse your face with cool water.
Be sure to rinse your brush thoroughly after each use and store it in a clean dry area. Tip: every week, mix one part vinegar with two parts water and dip your brush into the solution. Rinse thoroughly and your brush will stay clean and hygienic
I am sure you will become a fan of this method and I know you will see a difference; give it a week or two. Wish I could promise you a complexion like Kate, but I think that requires a home in England and a Prince too!
Check out our Complexion Brushes at Bathtub Buzz.com
Talk to you soon!
Bizzie Buzz
Alas, those of us here in the states have to find other solutions to get that flawless look. Many dermatologists advise their clients to include a facial brush as part of their everyday beauty care. Long a staple of beauty regimes, it is a way to cleanse and exfoliate your face in one step.
Recently, I spent some time checking out the popular electronic complexion brushes. I hear raves about the results, soft clearer skin, but yikes are they expensive, about $200- and not in my budget. A quick check around town, and I have found a number of 'complexion brushes' that use no batteries and work just a well. I decided to try one and after five days I honestly notice a difference in the tone and appearance of my skin. It is softer and clearer.
Using a complexion brush is easy and inexpensive. Choose a complexion brush that is appropriate for your skin type. Generally the dryer your skin is the softer the brush needs to be. The idea is not to scrub your face until it is read and sore, but rather just enough to stimulate and exfoliate the top layer of dead skin. Done correctly it also feeds good, much like a relaxing massage for your face.
Once you have chosen the brush (you might want to speak to your dermatologist of esthetician for advice) pair it with your favorite facial cleanser. Softly and slowly scrub in circular motions beginning on your forehead moving down to your cheeks, nose and chin, and all the way back to your ears. Some people use it over the eyelids as well. Finally, rinse your face with cool water.
Be sure to rinse your brush thoroughly after each use and store it in a clean dry area. Tip: every week, mix one part vinegar with two parts water and dip your brush into the solution. Rinse thoroughly and your brush will stay clean and hygienic
I am sure you will become a fan of this method and I know you will see a difference; give it a week or two. Wish I could promise you a complexion like Kate, but I think that requires a home in England and a Prince too!
Check out our Complexion Brushes at Bathtub Buzz.com
Talk to you soon!
Bizzie Buzz
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