Super light, with a nice golden glow! This is my go-to lotion in the summer. It gives just the right amount of shimmer and bronze effect to the skin without looking orange. Best of all it’s vegan,  paraben free, with no mineal oil and 100% cruelty free! It doesn’t get better than this!

This product creates the effect of a golden tan. Quite simply, it shows where it goes.
A gentle lotion with Aloe and Grapeseed oil with a hint of tint.

How to use: For best results, exfoliate first and smooth evenly over skin.
Wash hands with soap and water after application.
*Wait 10 minutes dry-time before allowing contact with clothing.

Tinted Lotion by Glory Boon

It’s been awhile since I’ve donned a smelly streaky tandoori hued chemical slick. Thankfully, it seems alot has changed in the last 4+ years I’ve been pregnant and/ or breastfeeding.

Paula’s fave wash off bronzers (image: LifeStyled)

Editor extraordinaire, Paula Joye recently post about her fave fakes on LifeStyled, and covers it all… from professional spray tans, to self applied fakes, to wash off bronzers.

Check it out and get your glow on Glamour Mamas!

What are your fave tanning products?

Kate xx

(feature image: Brazen Beauty Blog)

]]> http://elfcosmeticsblog.co.uk/2012/12/08/20-days-glitz-glam-for-the-party-season/ Sat, 08 Dec 2012 09:30:28 +0000 elfcosmeticsuk http://elfcosmeticsblog.co.uk/2012/12/08/20-days-glitz-glam-for-the-party-season/ http://local-lux.com/2012/11/21/thespaboutique/ Wed, 21 Nov 2012 20:32:09 +0000 locallux http://local-lux.com/2012/11/21/thespaboutique/ Is there anything more relaxing than being snuggled on a couch beside the glow of a fire, in a velvety robe with fuzzy slippers, a blanket, and a hot cup of peppermint tea? What if you were about partake in a deliciously aromatic body glow and facial? I do not know about you – but to me, this is not just relaxing, it is pure bliss. And this blissful space – The Spa Boutique – I found in one of the most unsuspecting of places …

I drive the QEW everyday to and from work. During my drive, seeing the Casablanca Winery Inn in Grimsby lets me know I am half way home and can call the house without being charged long distance. Other than that, I have always considered the exterior to be in need of an update. But, when I learned that a spa had recently opened inside, I had to give it a try.

The lobby is quaint and impressive with a large wooden staircase to greet you when you enter. The foyer is warmly decorated with a lot of character and I received a polite and cheery welcome at the reception desk (which I cannot say happens too often anymore). At first, taking the elevator to the lower level with the housekeeping lady felt a little odd. But, it was all forgotten once l walked through the hallway door into pure bliss. There, tucked in the lower level of the Casablanca Winery Inn is The Spa Boutique .

Nothing less than warm, relaxing and inviting, The Spa Boutique is one of Niagara’s hidden gems!

The spa reception is spacious and comfortable with couches and candles to keep you company. Chances are you will be greeted – as I was – by Spa Director, Laura Montgomery – who will help you settle in and offer you something to drink.

After some quick paperwork, we … *pause* – now would be the perfect opportunity to mention that I was in the company of one of my close friends – Julie Karanfilis – mom and Arbonne District Manager extraordinaire. Ok, where was I …

After some quick paperwork, we were whisked away to the tastefully decorated change room to make cozy in robes and slippers provided by the spa. Separate from the washrooms, I was very impressed they have a shower in the change room to accommodate people on any schedule.

Once nested in our cozies we were encouraged to rest, relax and chat with our tea in a divine space with more couches, blankets and a fireplace (candles too!). Our treatments had not even started and already l felt like a queen. After just the right amount of time at our leisure we were introduced to Julie and Laurie – our “spa fairies” as Julie called them.

The couple’s treatment room is glorious! It is warmly painted, dimly lit, has a large soaker tub and is 100% calming. The quiet piano piping through the spa tickled me pink. Having played the piano since I was four years old, it is my absolute favourite instrument.

Until The Spa Boutique I had never experienced a body glow and now it seems a shame I waited this long. I have quite a few to catch up on, as do you I suspect.

The body glow started with the freshest and most delicious pink grapefruit body scrub. It feels like coarse sand and smells the way I suspect heaven might. After using the scrub, it is delicately removed using hot towels. The combination of the cooling scrub and the heated towels leaves your skin feeling fresh and clean and fantastic. Finally, after the scrub and towels, a massage with a passion-fruit moisturizer. Laurie started on my back, moved to my legs and then arms. By the end of it l glowed like a ray of sunshine and smelled like a summers day – very whimsical I know.

And then, feeling wonderful already, Laurie started on my facial. It was about here that my body, mind and spirit settled into the much needed quiet and tranquility we hope to experience at the spa. The music and the candles took over as my spa fairy’s fingers danced over my face.

Something I learned during my time at The Spa Boutique is that they use a 100% organic line for all treatments called Eminence. The company has been leading the way in organic skin care since the late 1950′s and you will not find any parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate or other harsh chemicals. The line is handmade in Hungary and is committed to being cruelty-free and green (they use sustainable farming in the production of their products). But do not take my word for it – these great products speak for themselves. They are like nothing I have ever felt during a spa experience.

What was only an hour by felt like a full morning and I was sad to have it end, although we were encouraged to relax by the fire if we so desired before we left. The Spa Boutique truly is a hidden gem in Niagara – but not for long. As more and more people discover this treasure their appointment books are filling quicker and quicker. If you’re looking for some relaxation before the holidays or know you need a mani/ pedi before that Christmas party, I would encourage you to head to The Spa Boutique. I would have never guessed that when I headed down that elevator I would turn the corner into bliss – you will be surprised to!

To experience The Spa Boutique for yourself you can call 905-945-9628, or book your appointment online at www.casablancaspaboutique.com .

Or you can visit them on December 6th from 5pm – 10pm for the Casablanca’s Christmas Shopping Night. Admission is free to this marketplace of local vendors and 100% of the event donations will be donated to the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation. See you there!

Wanted to share a little recipe that I made for a delicious and amazingly effective way to get a smooth and glowing skin. This time of year I often get REALLY dry skin (as if my skin is not dry enough already) and my feet feel more like tree bark than feet. Gross, I know. A couple of years back in college, I made a scrub similar to this one for some friends and got good results. BUT NOW…here comes the new and improved version for that soft, glow-y and firm skin you want.

Here are the ingredients you will need: 

olive oil

sugar

raw shea butter

warmish brewed coffee

And that’s it!

Check out my first YouTube video on how to make it: http://youtu.be/kft-zFnPph8

Its a chilly day here in VA…hoping for good wedding weather in two weeks!

What are your favorite products?

Summer is coming up here in the southern hemisphere. When I am in a bad mood, which is not that often, I think about the stinking hot, humid days when the unforgiving, blinding sun beats down on you like a super trouper, your makeup runs and you have sweat stains all over your pretty Acne tops made for a gentle Nordic summer. When I am more positive, it is those velvet, tropical, fragrant summer nights that keep popping up in my head, those nights when I hope to sit around the verandah table dining alfresco with my family and friends, sipping on pinacoladas.

But then there is the beach, and with the beach comes the weight hysteria.

I used to be one of those bastards who can eat whatever they want and not get fat. When I was a teenager, I drank cream because I thought it would make my boobs grow. Chocolate was my second name. This all came to an abrupt ending after the birth of my little cuties in 2010. Now, I have to starve myself and run every day to lose a gram. I am really trying, I have cut down on fat, carbs and wine like you wouldn’t believe. And I have actually managed to lose a kilo. Only, like, 6 to go. Here’s my motivation:

I have done it before, AFTER the twins were born.

My bottle of Nars Body Glow that just arrived in the mail.

golden, bronzy, summery accessories like this bracelet I made recently for my shop Oak Mountain Jewellery

My lovely, sheer pink dress from My Sunday Feeling

I can do it!!! Welcome, summer! I’ll meet you like a bronzed, glittery goddess with defined calf muscles! (You have to reach for the stars to get to the treetops……)

Images courtesy of makeupandbeautyblog.com

This first product is perfect for people with dryer and/or darker skin, Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter. This is the lighter version of their legendary Creme de Corps body lotion, and is truly delectable. In fact, the product looks, feels, and behaves just like it says, a “whipped butter.” Spooning it out of the tub with your fingers is like dipping your digits into a tub of heavy southern whipped cream, and as you smooth it into your skin you simply feel happiness. It smells so naturally delicious without being sweet that I literally have had trouble not licking my fingers afterwards. I’m being totally serious. It absorbs pretty well, however it does leave a slight gleam which acts as a subtle body polish–great for tan and dark skin tones.

All in all, it’s a little heavy for someone with as touchy skin as mine, however for a diva with dry skin, or for one who likes a golden gleam in the sun, this is a tried and true must-have. At $36.00-$48.00 (depending on size) per tub, it’s not your storebrand lotion, but trust me, it won’t feel like it either. Get it at Kiehls.com or anywhere else Kiehls is sold.
PS: Another great option for summer lotions for this skin type is LUSH’s Dreamcream. Mimi did a review on it a while ago, check it out!

Adoro praia, piscina ou qualquer coisa que envolva água! Amo atividades aquáticas, e usualmente quando estou exposta ao sol é por esse motivo! Vale a pena lembrar também a importância do uso do protetor solar diariamente, e a importância de estar sempre de olho nos horários recomendados para a exposição ao sol!

Nós que moramos do lado de cá, acabamos ficando sempre muito pálidas todo final de inverno! Não dá pra se jogar naquele vestidinho lindo se a sua perna estiver toda branca e feia né? rs… Por isso fiquei super feliz quando encontrei esse produto da Victoria’s Secrets. O preço é super acessível e o cheirinho delicioso, além de ser super fácil de aplicar também! O melhor de tudo é que ele sai facilmente com água! Um outro fator importante, é que depois de seco ele não mancha a roupa. Confiram o antes e depois abaixo…

Estou adorando esse produto, ele deixa uma cor bem bonita na pele! Aquela cor assim bem dourada e saudável sabe? Ah, antes que eu me esqueça, essa loção pode ser aplicada em todo o corpo também! Afinal, é um “Bronze Glow Body Lotion” como o próprio nome já diz!  Com certeza, sempre terei essa maravilha comigo de agora em diante!

Espero que tenham gostado da dica!

Xoxo

Monoï Body Glow II by Nars

This Tahitian oil is one of my favorites because it gives your skin an amazing glow with a hint of fragrance.  Because of it’s natural derivation, the oil has to be warm before application.  You can easily warm the oil by putting a quarter sized drop in your hands and briskly rubbing your hands together before you apply.  Product may solidify if you store in a cool/cold place so try and keep this product at room temperature.

RCK Body Glow

If you are looking for shimmer with a hint of shade, this is the perfect product!  I love it because it feels lightweight when applied and gives your skin a sun-kissed look.  It comes in three different shades.

Gleam Body Radiance

This light-reflecting lotion brings attention to your natural skin tone while giving it a beautiful shimmer.  The natural oils and botanicals used in Gleam provide your skin with much needed hydration!

If you are on a budget but still want skin that shimmers,  here is a little household secret:

Olive Oil & Sugar

Mix 1/2 cup of olive oil with 1 cup of sugar.  In the shower, exfoliate the areas you wish to accentuate.  After you use the scrub, lightly wash the exfoliated areas with a mild soap.  Dry off without using a moisturizer.  You will notice a healthy glimmer and are now ready to go!

~Contact me with any questions at cassia.rivera@makeupebook.com~

www.makeupebook.com

Gilt City is offering a great deal on NARS cosmetics, redeemable online and in stores!  Basically, get $80 worth of NARS product for $50 … such a great deal.

http://www.giltcity.com/newyork/narsnovember

Some products I highly recommend:

NARS Body Glow:  This body oil gives your skin a silky golden sheen that makes you look absolutely luminous!  It smells subtle but delicious and it doesn’t get your clothes greasy like other body oils.  Looks especially great on tan/caramel Asian skin!

http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/multi-use/~/body-glow

NARS Orgasm Illuminator:  This highlighter makes your face look dewy and radiant.  It’s perfect to enhance cheekbones, jawlines, and collarbones.  I love this stuff because it doesn’t feel like putting anything on your face and the color works particularly well for yellow-based Asian skin tones.

http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/multi-use/illuminator/orgasm

NARS Lip Gloss – Wonder:  I am so in love with this color!  The coral is perfect on both tan and pale skin and really compliments dark/black hair.  The color is just the right blend of orange and pink and goes on sheer so it’s noticeable but not overly dramatic.  Oh, and it doesn’t dry out your lips, nor is it sticky or tacky.  As a girl who swears by Chanel lip gloss, I have been happy to deviate from my usual for this NARS lip gloss!

http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/lips/lip-gloss/lip-gloss/wonder

If you don’t know , I am going to tell you that I am a sun addict , well not exactly … I do enjoy getting some good ol’ fashion vitamin D with my SPF of 40 ( gotta protect ) , although I do love my bronzed glowy sunless tanning products . And you like many , are wondering , well what products can I use that will be good for my skin and skin tone . Well , then I am going to tell you !

One of my favorite Beauty Lines is NARS , and NARS makes some seriously amazing products.  I have used them on my clients who range in a variety of complexions and tones I , myself who is of Colombian decent , I have the natural olive complexion that some products don’t look good on me at all but this particular product look amazing on everyone !

 NARS Body Glow 4oz. Priced @ $59.00 !

( A tad pricey but in my professional opinion , it’s so worth it )

I tried this product last year around this time , it was a gift and I have to say , I instantly fell in Love ! It’s now a summer staple for me , well all year round for that matter.

The NARS Body Glow is simply perfection. It is not a self tanner nor does it have an SPF  , it just gives your skin this luxurious silky smooth luminous bronze glow with the sweet scent of  gardenia-scented oil .

What is it you ask ? It’s a Moisturizing Bronzing Oil . Ingredients : Monoï de Tahiti oil (Polynesian coconut extract mixed with tiare flower, to moisturize and impart give a bronze shimmer)

What I LaLA-Love about it , it gives you that , just came off the beaches summer sun look , the sheerness of it feels like your skin , not like you are wearing makeup , major + ! And to add to the BONUS it is super moisturizing .

Although this product is oil-based, it does not leave an oily film, yet absorbs beautifully, leaving your skin softened and lightly moisturized.

FYI : As fantastic as it is , due be sure to allow it to completely dry because it can stain your clothes. The Body Glow naturally solidifys at 72 °F, just warm it in your hands or run it under a hot tap .Other than that , it looks fabulous on any complexion ( No Excuse why you cannot try this Fantabulous Product )  for a subtle bronzy glow !

Application : After a shower or a bath, make sure your skin is  dry , shake the bottle , making all the elements of this liquid meld together . Generously apply the liquid to the parts of your body that you want aglow , and make sure you blend or massage it  in well, the key to anything involving beauty is BLENDING !

An MsMMC Tip : Want to enhance your curves , try rubbing  a little body oil to highlight the curves of your breasts or Give your legs that long luminous sheen , massage onto your legs right down to your toes . Gives them a Lil Oooomfa

Hope you try this Extraordinary Product !

Much Love and Happy Bronzing !

Ms.MMC

My first issue with this self-tanner was that doesn’t do the best job of soaking into skin. Hours after application, skin will feel the way your feet do after you slather them with a shea butter lotion at night, which doesn’t make this the best option for day.

Next, I found that this “glow” works best to keep up a dark self-tan created with something such as St. Tropez or Xen Tan. On its own, it takes about a week to build up anything noticeable. If you use it once, you will acquire no glow whatsoever. (It’s true. I used one leg and one arm as a control.) This formula is designed for light-medium skin tones, a category I fall into, but in my opinion, it’s not usable on its own. It does nicely maintain a previously applied faux tan, however.

The final issue I have with this is its smell. This does not smell like Cashmere Mist. It smells like self-tanner mixed with Cashmere Mist, which are two scents I’m less than crazy about. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Cashmere Mist, its notes include Moroccan jasmine, lily of the valley and bergamot. Bleh.

On donnakaranbeauty.com, this product comes free with a purchase of more than $50, which is the only way I can really recommend purchasing this product, but that’s only if you planned on spending that much on other Donna Karan products anyway. Otherwise, it’s a waste of about $35.

Monoï Body Glow II is a fragrant and luxurious body oil from NARS. NARS launched Monoï Body Glow II, to complement the original best selling Body Glow.  $59

How is it made?

Monoï de Tahiti oil is the result of macerating the Tiare (Tahitian Gardenia) flower in refined coconut extract for at least ten days, slowly infusing the oil with nutrients as well as a delicate, natural fragrance.

Benefits:

• Multi-purpose beauty oil
• Daily moisture
• Massage oil
• Lightweight
• Sheer
• Quickly absorbed

Where To Buy?

NARS

Humans glow, with light in the visible spectrum being emitted from the human body and face at 1,000 times less intense than the normal human eye is used to. That’s in a report by Charles Q. Choi, in a special to LiveScience. Japanese researchers confirmed this by training extremely sensitive cameras – capable of detecting single photon transmissions – for 20-minute exposures on bare-chested men in pitch darkness. They found that the face glows the most, and the intensity of the glow rises and falls throughout the day: you’re dimmest in the mid-morning  (despite your superficial perkiness from that triple-latté) and most radiant in late afternoon.

“If you can see the glimmer from the body’s surface, you could see the whole body condition,” said researcher Masaki Kobayashi, a biomedical photonics specialist at the Tohoku Institute of Technology in Sendai, Japan.

Read the full article here. Right about now, I see all the palmists, fortune-tellers and gypsy mystics rising for a great chorus of “Toldjaso.”

•••

*
“Sure.  The corollaries being that the ‘aura’ is:

If it means dissecting the concept and reducing it to something less obnoxious, I’m all for science proving the existence of auras.”

~ Erin Snyder

It’s that time again…
mini skirts…mini shorts and glowing legs….
I have tried and love my NARS Body Glow….
but I found that “so aglow” by Bath and Body Works does just the trick at a fraction of the cost.

Here’s the up and downs of the product…
Okay the bottle needs some help. Bath and Body gets points for throwing it a lightweight plastic bottle…great for on the go travel, pop it in your beach bag and splash some on after hitting the sand with a cute little dress and you’ll be ready to glow all night. They also put a small ball in the bottle to help mix the contents…kinda like a can of spray paint, so it doubles as a maraca
You get a nice 4 oz’s for $17 and with all the sales they run it can easily be found and stocked for less. BUT it does clog sometimes. Two of the bottles I had purchased in the past did this, one did not. I rinsed it in hot water and the problem was gone but if they could tweak this one little issue the packageing would be perfecto.

Scent….I personally am a huge fan of monoi oil and the scent of so aglow makes me feel like I’m on the beach..palms swaying, waves splashing. It’s summery, not overpowering at all.

The product…well the main ingredient is mineral oil, so those with sensitive skin might break out from it. Let me remind all that baby oil is mineral oil as well….so that can help you make a descision. I find that if I use it straight there is a little too much glow (and I’m tan year round) so easily enough I cut it into my lotion…except on my shins and calves…the glow looks incredible on them! It certainly leaves my skin silky and the oils are excellent moisturizers.

Where to use it…across your breast bone, shoulder and legs for sure…anywhere else you want to glow

Live it LUSH!
Ciao!