Guerlain Terracotta Skin Healthy Glow Foundation

I received an interesting sample with my last Sephora order, Guerlain Terracotta Healthy Glow Foundation. We all know that Guerlain's Terracotta Bronzer is absolutely amazing, but I have never actually tried any of their foundations. I looked it up on Sephora's website and noticed the foundation only comes in two colors: Blondes 01 or Brunettes 02. Terracotta Skin Foundation is described as "a matte foundation with a velvety powder finish.

On me, the Brunettes 02, was a perfect shade to match my summer tan.

Terracotta Skin Healthy Glow Foundation, is more of a bronzing tinted moisturizer. It has a whipped-mousse consistency, and a perfume scent. If you have a sensitive nose, you may find the fragrance overwhelming at first. The coverage is very sheer. If you have great skin, it perfects & bronzes. I like it for days when I'm rushing out the door, and just want a natural look. The staying power is fair, as good as any other tinted moisturizer--needs powder touch-ups during the day. Recap: This is not a foundation, it's a nice tinted moisturizer-that also let's you skip the Bronzer. But, for $49 a tube, I can definitely live without it.

Waterproof Wonders 1: Hourglass Superficial Waterproof Bronzer

As promised, months ago, I will be doing a series of posts called "Waterproof Wonders." These are my favorite waterproof/water-resistant products, without which I could never survive summer!

For my first post, I have chosen a miraculous new discovery, Hourglass Superficial Waterproof Bronzer.

Let me start with a backstory, I have melasma on my face, which only shows up after sun exposure. So, although I get very tan in the summer, my face does not. I keep sunscreen on it at all times. This results in a very dark tan body, and a face that is much lighter. To the rescue, is the Waterproof Bronzer by Hourglass. This is a powder bronzer, that is a nice matte, warm tan. I apply it with Sephora Collection Professional Bronzer Brush #44. It takes a little practice to blend well, but is easiest with this brush. Once on, this stuff is exactly as it says, WATERPROOF!!! I put it on this weekend, and was at the pool all day, in the 98 degree weather. I reapplied sunscreen over it, swam, was splashed repeatedly by my 6 year old, and wiped my face multiple times----it was still there! It was so natural looking, and didn't come off until I cleaned my face that night. If it's not already obvious, I'm in love ;) This is my new HG bronzer!!!!! It might be pricey ($45), but so worth every cent.

**Item purchased by me.

XEN-TAN Deep Bronze Luxe Premium Sunless Tan

Forever on the quest for a better sunless tanning lotion (i.e. no funky smell, long lasting color, natural tan shade), I decided to check out a new brand at ULTA. Xen-Tan is actually not a new brand, but was not available in any stores in my area until recently. Xen-Tan's Deep Bronze Luxe Premium Sunless Tan promises a "long wearing tan with olive undertones" (yea!), "streak free color", "fresh vanilla scent for face and body".



It sounds perfect, and guess what...............it is!!!! My new self-tan HG! This lotion gave me the most beautiful golden-brown tan, so natural that my husband said I looked I had been at the beach, and was also thrilled that I didn't stink after putting it on (as most self tanning products do). In his defense, he has witnessed me trying a lot of self tanning lotions, sprays, etc., over the years. Xen-Tan really did have a light vanilla smell, and the color was the exact shade that my olive complexion gets in the sun. No orange, and better yet, no streaks. The lotion is tinted, so you can see exactly where you have applied. I applied the lotion following my tips listed here, and got a streak-free golden brown tan, that lasted a full 4 days! Perfect for medium skin tones. And if you are fair Xen-Tan and E! have partnered on a customizable Perfect Blend formula.


The Xen-Tan products start at $30, but I used a 20% off ULTA coupon on mine. Keep you eyes open for future ULTA coupons, it really helps the price point.


This product was purchased by me.

The Perfect Self Tan for Spring!

The birds are chirping, the days are longer, the weather is getting warmer---Spring is near! Don't panic, I have tips and products to give you a beautiful, natural (did you go for a weekend trip to the beach?) faux tan. So relax, get a pedi, follow these tips, and you're ready to go!!!

Here's what you will need:

• Nylon Gloves (the purple or blue ones from medical store, or the kind for hair coloring--beauty supply store)
• Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer in Fair to Medium or Medium to Tan (base the color on the color of your skin now, not the color you want to be--this is only your base coat)
• 2 cosmetic sponges (I like the round ones best)
• Self-Tanning Lotion (best for beginners), Mousse (intermediate), or Spray (wait until you've mastered the technique--these are the hardest to see where applied, and the least forgiving)

My favorites L to R: Lancome Flash Bronzer Anti-Age (face), Mystic Tan Sunless Tanning Spray, Mystic Tan Sunless Tanning Lotion, St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse, Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer in Medium to Tan, Glow Fusion Face and Body Spray, South Seas Tahitian Tan Solution (this is an airbrush solution that I use to customize my own lotion--see below), DuWop Revolution (wash off skin tint, great for correcting streaks), Jergens Natural Glow Face


Self tanning products work best when you apply them right after you shower. If you have time to exfoliate, that's great, if not, its OK. Towel drying is a light exfoliant. As soon as you dry off, put on your gloves, then apply the Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer. This step will moisturize any dry patches, and give you a base coat of a light color. (It's kind of like putting a coat of primer on the wall before you paint it!) I usually start with legs, then go arm, chest/neck, arm, back, stomach. Make sure to cover all surfaces (your arms actually have about 5 surfaces, this is the hardest body part to do properly, make sure you apply evenly all over. Make sure when doing underside of arm to cover wrist, stopping at palm of hand--do not apply on palm). Use sponge to apply a light coat to top of hands , and to blend on wrist and sides of thumb, down to wrist. (just pull gloves up a little, apply, then put glove back down) and to tops of feet. Wait about 2 minutes to dry.

Second, going in the same sequence as before, apply self tanning product of your choice. Make sure to rub in well, in circular motions. Apply to all body parts as mentioned above. Use sponge again for hands and feet. **Tinted tanning products are the easiest to use here, you can see them as you apply, its easier to catch any streaks and blend, when they are tinted.** Do not apply to face.

Third, using second cosmetic sponge, apply Facial self tanning lotion (I always use lotion for face, its just too risky to use the foam or spray here!), to entire face--blending down chin, into neck. Don't forget to blend into your hairline, and to apply self tanning lotion to ears also. This area is usually forgotten, which looks unnatural.

Fourth, wait about 5-10 minutes to dry (I usually only make it 5), then get dressed.

I find that this entire process works best at night. I shower, and self-tan right before bed. That way I can put on PJ's, which are OK if a little of the tint rubs off on. The tan can develop overnight, and I can shower in the morning, and check for streaks then. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS IF YOU HAVE WHITE SHEETS, IT WILL COME OFF ON THEM. *If you do notice streaks, after showering, rub the dark areas lightly with a washcloth, to buff away some of the color. After drying, apply another coat of the Jergens before getting dressed, to blend.

If you want to customize your own lotion colors, you can use a body moisturizer (Johnson's deep hydrating lotion, for example) and mix with an airbrush tanning solution. I buy a hair color mixing bottle from Sally's Beauty Supply, and mix them together in it. Mix 1 part solution to 3 parts lotion for a gradual tan, mix equal parts for a custom tanning lotion. You can also mix the solution with the Jergens Natural Glow. If you want really hardcore color, put the airbrush solution in a spray bottle (use one for fine mist--such as for hair products, and spray on after your base coat. This last tip is FOR ADVANCED SELF TANNERS, please :) I have been self tanning for 10 years, and this one is still a little tricky!

Hope this helps you have a tan and happy spring and summer!!

All of these products have been purchased by me.

TEMPTU Airbrush Makeup & Armani Lasting Silk - Reviews and Swatches

We recently received an e-mail requesting more posts about foundation. I know Laura tried a new one this past week, without much luck, so I thought I would share my foundation Holy Grails! I want to start by explaining that I have sensitive skin, which is light to medium olive in the winter and very tan in the summer. There are 2 foundations that I wear on a regular basis, 1 that I wear in summer, and that's it! (Sadly, these are all very pricey, as "drugstore" brands don't seem to understand that some of us have yellow undertones).

My absolute HG foundation is the TEMPTU Airbrush system. It gives flawless, professional airbrushed results, but at home! The AirPod foundation goes on the skin so perfectly, its virtually undetectable. This makeup makes me look like I have great, glowing skin (instead of great foundation). It looks like me, only better! This foundation sprays on, its water-resistant, and last all day and night. They make RETOUCH products, but I haven't tried them, because I never have to touch-up (I put it on at 7:00am, work an 8 hour day, then teach an hour of high-intensity Zumba, and its still on, until I wash it off). I know some of you are thinking that it sounds too good to be true, but beauty does come at a cost. The system is $225, and 2 refill pods are $55. Each pod last me about 2-3 months (or more). I know some of you think this is CRAZY, but it is truly worth the investment!! I recommend getting a demo at your local Sephora, and then begging for this as a birthday, anniversary, Christmas, Hanukkah, graduation, wedding, etc., gift. You're worth it!

I did not photo swatches of this, because you literally can't even see the foundation once sprayed on. It really does "disappear" into the skin. Below L to R: new AIR pod bronzer (amazing, warm tan--so lovely), blush #402 Soft Peach, AIR pod foundation in #6 in warm beige. Bronzer $35 and blush $30 . The bronzer is a must have!!

My second HG is Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation SPF 20. This was my all time fave, until the TEMPTU. Lasting Silk gives a lovely, natural-matte finish, light to medium coverage, and is very long lasting. It will hold up on a hot, humid day (wore it all day at Disney World in 90 degree weather, and didn't look like a hot mess in the photos!). I wear a mixture of#5.5 and #6.5 in the winter, but go as dark as #8 in the summer. Laura also wears this foundation, and is a #4. My mom and sister are both fair, with blond hair and blue eyes, and they wear #5. I have pretty much gotten everyone I know addicted to this stuff! It is so beautiful on, you'll wonder what you ever did without it!!! I still wear mine on the days I don't feel like airbrushing :) $59

Swatched L to R: #8, #7, #6.5, #5.5 - 


The last foundation I have to give a quick mention to is, Estee Lauder Double Wear Light. It has sheer, oil-controlling coverage, and last 16 hours. I don't want to give away too much, it will be featured in my Waterproof Wonders, still to come....






These items were all purchased by me.

Beauty on the Go - Spring/Summer 2011

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, travel size beauty products. I think its the cute, tiny packaging, and the ability to take it anywhere. No matter the reason, I jumped at the chance to pick up Sephora's Limited Edition Color Flip Palette!  These are perfect for spring/summer when on the go.

The cards are very similar to the old Trish McEvoy Beauty Emergency Card. About the same size, only a little thicker, because it has 3 levels. Dimensions are 2.75 in. x 1.75 in. x 0.5 in.

The first layer contains 8 beautiful eye shadows. Colors are shimmering white, bronze, aqua, bright purple, nude, plum, peacock, and matte brown. They are all very wearable, blend easily, and look great!

The second layer contains 8 lip glosses (cherry, hot pink, nude, peach, fuchsia, bubblegum pink, bronze, and clear) I usually don't use any of the lip glosses that come in any palette, but these are very sheer, and will look great for Spring.

The third layer contains a lovely brush and bronzer. The duo is similar to NARS Orgasm/Laguna, but a little lighter. So pretty. The bronzer is very golden, which I prefer for my olive skin. They are sheer, but can be layered for more color.

This is such a bargain at $15! It is perfect for busy women on the go (throw it in your pocket, gym bag, purse), or its great for those looking to get quality makeup, while on a budget. I think this set gives you the most for your money. It's sleek, portable, and a great deal! What more could a girl ask for?

This item was happily purchased by me!

e.l.f. Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder Review

The e.l.f. contouring blush and bronzing powder is a duplicate of NARS Highlighting/Bronzing Blush Duo in Orgasm/Laguna.  The e.l.f. duo retails for around $3, while the NARS duo retails for around $40.  (Love the price-tag on the e.l.f.!)

Swatches below: (Left picture is natural light, right picture is indoor light)

Overall, it is an ok duplicate to the NARS duo.  The brown was too dark for me and did not blend well.  Definitely have to use a light hand when applying to face.  The blush was pretty and blended well.  After one use there was A LOT of fallout onto the packaging, can be really messy!  Not a bad purchase for the low price, but really prefer the blush to the bronzer!

After one use

This product was purchased by me.

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Bronzer and Blush

I was asked to review a few "drugstore" brand items. Always happy for a reason to buy makeup, I picked up a few of the new things by Physicians Formula that I've been seeing in several magazines. I'm not sure about the "Mood Boosting" ingredients of the Physicians Formula bronzer and blush, but just looking at the cute little compacts made me happy :)

The Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Powder in Light Bronzer is a beautiful light golden brown. It has a luminescent finish-similar to MAC Mineralize Skinfinish. Very pretty! I really liked this one!

Swatches for comparison:

L to R: Benefit Hula, PF Happy Glow Light Bronze, PF Cashmere Wear Bronze, BE A Little Sun, BE Faux Tan, Giorgio Armani Sheer Bronzer

The Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Blush in Natural. This blush was actually quite a surprise. Same luminous finish, as the bronzer, very nice color. It actually gave both Laura and I, a very nice flushed look. I am usually not a fan of pink blushes on my skin, but this one looked so natural once it is on the face.

Swatches for comparison:

L to R: Benefit Dallas, PF Happy Booster Blush in Natural, Benefit Bella Bamba

Overall, we both highly recommend the Happy Booster Light Bronzer and Blush in Natural. These looked good on both of our skin tones, and are very similar to more expensive products, for a fraction of the cost. These items range from $10-$13 (I found a drugstore with BOGO, so the cost of each was appx. $8). I did use my own blush brush for application, as the ones in the compact are too small to be any use. The only drawback is that the compact is cheaply made, causing the clasp to fall out easily, and you have to "pop" it back in.

Has anyone else tried these yet? Any thoughts?