PopSugar

Would You Ever Paint on Fake Abs?

BellaSugar — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:00:46 -0700

I've been known to use self-tanner to give myself a little extra definition now and again, but the number of instructional YouTube videos about using bronzer to give yourself a six pack is pretty astonishing. I can understand this if you were, say, going as P!nk for Halloween. But more people seem inclined to paint them on when headed to the beach or pool, and that makes me a little confused. Going to the water is a waste of time for me if I can't take a dip, and I think the fake abs would only make me more self-conscious. What do you think? Would you ever use - or have you ever used - your bronzer brush for a Baywatch tummy?
Photo by macinate

Test Your Pregnancy Sun Exposure Knowledge

LilSugar — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 07:00:23 -0700

That pregnancy glow may be under your control. Expectant mamas know that their skin can undergo changes in the nine months, but how does the sun affect it? Take this quiz to test your knowledge about how the sun's rays can help and hurt a mother-to-be.

Take the quiz

BellaSugarUK's Top Picks: Best Self Tanning Body Lotions

BellaSugarUK — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:30:00 -0700

I'm pretty picky when it comes to self tanners. I like to make it look as though I'm glowing from within and have a light bronzey tone my skin tone as opposed to pasty, white and lifeless. This means that if a tanning product even remotely streaks or makes me look yellow or orange, it gets binned immediately. I tend to go for products for fair to light skin tones that build to a natural looking tan. My favourites (along with a little input from my buddy FabSugar UK) are listed below. The two of us have been switching off between these body bronzers for the past few weeks and are finally ready to share our reviews with you!

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer (£7.49) goes on smooth and doesn't streak. A little goes a long way too, so the tube will last you a good part of the summer. It comes in three shades fair, medium and medium/tan and has a sweet, non-offensive scent.
Dove Energy Glow Beauty Body Lotion with Self Tanner (£7.38) is heavenly to apply due to its rich consistency. The smell is one of the best as it's light and floral. Also, because it produces a natural looking tan so gradually, it's difficult to mess it up!

For my thoughts on the last three self tanning body lotions in the bunch, read more.

Lancôme Flash Bronzer Anti-Age Golden (£22.50) gives you a gorgeous looking glow, plus an even tan. The formula also includes firming and anti-ageing properties to keep your skin soft, nourished and hydrated while you tan safely without the sun.
Johnson and Johnson Holiday Skin Medium Tan Body Lotion (£6.50) generates a gradual, gentle-looking tan, when applied evenly. The only drawback is the harsh scent, so I tend only to save this one for nighttime when I'm in the privacy of my own home.
Avon Skin So Soft Ultimate Body Moisturiser Soft and Glow SPF15 (£5) is what I decided to stick with even after I finished my testing period. I adore the subtle shimmer that it leaves on my skin, and a subtle light brown colour appears after three days of use. Also, it claims to tone and firm (I haven't really noticed that), however since it also has SPF 15 in the formula, I love how it saves me one extra prep step!

Do You Spray Tan All Year Round?

BellaSugarUK — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 04:00:00 -0700

I'm a big fan on the spray tan, no matter the season. It's safer on your skin than the sun and it's a great way to look instantly savage before going on holiday. Apparently Victoria Beckham is also a fan of the year-round fake bake. According to the Daily News, she's hired a personal spray-on tan artist to help her tan appear more natural.

Jimmy Coco (aka Mr. Spray Tan) said, "When we met, she had the worst fake tan ever."

Now, however, she's orange no more thanks to her bi-monthly visits to Jimmy where he turns her the perfect shade of brown with a spray gun whilst she wears only white paper thong! Do you spray tan throughout the year? If so, do you go to a booth or do you have a specially appointed person that you trust to do the job?

Did You Use Self-Tanner While Pregnant?

babysugar — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:00:58 -0700

Vain mamas-to-be maintain their appearances during their nine months by keeping up their hair color, exercise routines, manicures and pedicures. When it comes to their complexions, some expectant ladies shield themselves from the sun as the skin becomes more sensitive and prone to burn. Self-tanning cream can accelerate the motherly glow for those women. While some may question the dangers of applying such lotions or sprays while carrying a child, others deem them safe. What's your take on self-tanning lotions during pregnancy?

Product Review: Clarins Intense Bronze Self Tanning Tint

BellaSugarUK — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Before I left for my tropical holiday, I wanted to pick up a good self tanner to help wipe away some of the obvious pasty UK colour of my skin. My goal was to find something that wouldn't blotch, streak, make me look orange, or smell funky. Since I absolutely adore my Clarins Radiance-Plus Self Tanning Cream-Gel I thought I'd make it easy on myself and pick up some more (admittedly, my free sample ran out).

I expected the errand to be quick, however the woman behind the counter was making a hard sell for me to try a two-in-one tinted moisturizer and self tanning product called Clarins Intense Bronze Self Tanning Tint (£15.17).

At first I wasn't really into it. It's pretty groww looking (picture runny, brown water), and because the consistency is so thin, you need to apply it with a cotton ball or it will just slip through your fingers. However, once I looked at myself under the typically horrid fluorescent lights, I liked what I saw. Looking back at me in the mirror was a bronzed goddess.

Because it's a tint, you get the instant gratification of a light coverage base. Even better is that gradually, the colour intensifies into a semi permanent shade that you can build on, depending how often it's applied.

The result is natural looking glow on well moisturised skin that stays with you before, during and after your holiday. So while the drawback is the messy ick factor (tip: make sure you blend it well), this product is nothing but happiness. I recommend it with two thumbs up! What's your favourite new product?

How-To: Remove Self-Tanner Streaks

BellaSugar — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:30:23 -0700

Over the weekend, I had an unfortunate encounter with a spray-on tanner. Even though I followed the many steps very carefully, I ended looking up less sex kitten, more striped kitty. I've been up to my blotchy knees in research for tips on how to make the patchwork look a little less obvious. We're going (un)streaking! For my findings, just read more.

Think fast: I wish I had done this, but the faster you see the streaks developing, the easier they'll be to remove. Consider using a fast-developing self-tanner so you can see the "oops moments," or use a gradual tanner so that bad results are less obvious. I like the Jergens Glow Daily ($7.50 to $8.50) line of tanners for that reason.
Exfoliate: Since tanners dye your skin, try to get those pigments out by sloughing off skin cells through exfoliation. Whether you use a loofah, body scrub, or plain old baking soda on a washcloth, this method will help newer (untanned) skin cells to surface more rapidly.
Prepping power: To avoid streaking in the first place, exfoliate first and make sure your body is not damp when applying. Wear gloves as you work the tanner into your skin, and take a towel or paper towel to gently blend over all areas evenly, avoiding excess application to the ankles, in between the toes, the elbows, and knees.
Tan removers: Several companies offer tan remover pads or creams, like: Tanwise Exfoliating Self Tan Remover ($9); St. Tropez Self-Tan Remover Sachets ($13) for your palms (see the reader review here); or Flavours Freedom Self-Tan Remover ($10)
Go suck a lemon: Not literally, of course. Applying lemon juice to those splotches is a natural way to help exfoliate the skin. Use a cotton pad to apply, and scrub away.
Hit the bottle: Of rubbing alcohol. Dunk a cotton pad in rubbing alcohol and apply the spotty areas. It can be somewhat drying, so be sure to moisturize.

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Reader Review of the Day: St. Tropez Self Tan Remover Sachets

BellaSugar — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 09:00:49 -0700

The benefits of self tanners are plentiful. Still, nobody likes to have orange or brown splotches left on the hands after applying them. Frequent reviewer Stef42678 really likes St. Tropez Self Tan Remover Sachets to avoid said problem, and here's why:

This is a great invention for all of those self tanners that leave your hands streaked or colored. These pads are so easy to use because you just rub them beetween your palms and they come clean. Be careful using near your tanned skin because it will rub off there too. I like that the pads don't feel greasy and leave your hands moisturized and color free.

If you would like to give us your opinion on beauty items from curling irons to night cream, I've got the perfect place for you to go. It's our Product Reviews website. Just submit your reviews and perhaps you'll be the next person featured on this daily post!

Do You Spray Tan?

BellaSugarUK — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 03:00:00 -0700

With Spring here and the weather getting slightly warmer, it's only natural to shed your layers and bear more skin. However, I wouldn't say that it's been hot enough to sun bathe and turn the pasty pale UK "glow" that we all have into anything savage.

This means that you can either go out au natural, or get a little help from self tanning gels, creams, at-home mists (such as Lindsay Lohan's newest Sevin Nyne product) or, visit your nearest spray tan booth.

Whilst, faux tans are easy to spot if not properly blended and low-quality salons can leave you looking more orange than browned, it's definitely a beauty risk that not everyone is willing to take. So cast your vote below and let me know if you spray tan!

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5 Ways to Prepare For Spring

DearSugar — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 09:00:00 -0700

Listen up everyone - Spring officially starts tomorrow, so if you're not yet ready for a season change, check out these easy ways to prepare yourself!

If you're stuck with pasty Winter skin, give yourself a vacation-looking glow instead. Exfoliate away the cold-weather dryness, lightly moisturize, and, if you'd like, invest in a good self-tanner.
Winter can do a number on your hair so treat yourself to a thick, rejuvenating conditioner, or head to the salon for a reconstructive treatment. If you're up for a new look, now would be the time to get some highlights to brighten up your face!

Click here if you want to read more

I'm sure you're all sick of your Winter clothes by now, but ease your way into Spring - just because the sun is shining, it doesn't mean you have to show everything! Layer tanks with cardigans or lightweight jackets and put your Winter boots back in storage. One thing to keep in mind is to let the temperature dictate your outfit, not necessarily the season.
I don't know about you, but a manicure/pedicure always makes me feel fresh and clean, and since there are so many new seasonal colors to chose from, swap out your dark shade of red for a more springlike shade of pink!
When you're ready to show your legs again, be sure they're cleanly shaven. Load up on shaving cream and new razors, and remember to moisturize!

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