My Winter Skin Care Routine with BIOTIQUE

Hello everyone,

I hope you all are doing well. Today I am going to share with you my current winter skin care routine with products I am using - all from BIOTIQUE. Since the weather has changed and the atmosphere has become cooler my skin turned dry overnight which otherwise isn't common for me as I do have oily to combination skin. As the season changes it is also necessary to change one's skincare routine and use products which are best suited for the current skin condition. Since my skin turned relatively dry with dry patches around my mouth I was looking for a good moisturizer and other products in totality which form a proper skincare regime for winters.

My Winter Skin Care Routine with BIOTIQUE

The products I have been using and I still am are from BIOTIQUE and I will sharing the product details and my skincare regime steps in this post.Please keep on reading to know more.....

I use these products everyday for best and effective results listed below:

Bio Honey Gel Face Wash

PRICE:  Rs. 119/- for 100ML  and Rs. 179/-  for 150ML

This fresh-foaming, 100% soap-free gel face wash is blended with pure honey and extracts from the bark of the arjun tree, euphorbia plant and wild turmeric. It dissolves makeup and impurities, softens skin and helps lighten the complexion.

Biotique Bio Honey Gel Face Wash

Biotique Bio Honey Gel Face Wash

The face wash comes in a squeeze tube with a green flip cap to dispense the right amount of product.However since the consistency of the face wash is liquidy you may end up squeezing more product hence one needs to be careful.The Face wash has a liquid gel like consistency and smells nice and floral which is the typical scent in most of Biotique products.You just need a drop every time as it foams very well. It takes off all dirt from your face and cleanses the pores as well.I felt the face wash is hydrating but can also make your skin a bit dry and hence using a good moisturizer is a must which I am going to tell you about as well.Overall I would say this face wash does a good job and in my opinion is best suited for oily to combination skin throughout the year.

Bio Berberry Hydrating Cleanser

PRICE:  Rs. 175/- for 120ML

This product is a refreshing, non-foaming makeup remover and  is blended with berberry, red sandalwood, fenugreek, lodhra bark and almond oil to dissolve makeup and grime and leaves the  skin feeling soft and smooth.

Biotique Bio Berberry Hydrating Cleanser 

Biotique Bio Berberry Hydrating Cleanser

If you are like me and you apply makeup then this step is a must. The cleanser comes in a plastic bottle with a screw cap lid and has a small opening which dispenses the required amount of product.I use a cotton round or you can use a makeup remover pad and squirt some cleanser onto it. I use it on my eyelids first to take off my eye makeup and it does a decent job. Make sure you do not let it go in your eyes or it may sting like the case with most cleansers.I then use it all over my face and wipe it off with cotton. It effectively removes all my makeup without any irritation and I have not faced any discomfort using it.It has a pleasant smell and does a good job overall in cleansing the face. Now if you are someone who does not use makeup, you can still use it as it cleanses the skin of any dirt,grime and pollution.

Bio Morning Nectar face Lotion

PRICE: Rs.199/- for 120ML 

This is a nourishing and brightening lotion is blended with pure honey, wheatgerm and seaweed. It replaces natural oils and replenishes lost moisture. Softens and brightens skin for a noticeably fairer complexion. Protects skin with SPF 30 UVA / UVB sunscreen.

Biotique Bio Morning Nectar face Lotion

Biotique Bio Morning Nectar face Lotion

This face lotion is nothing but a moisturizer which can be used after you use a face wash.It is essential to always moisturize your face whether it is winter or summer. I generally use Aloe vera gel otherwise but now that my skin is dry I needed something which is hydrating and nourishing. I am happy as I found this product and it suits my skin the best. It has a lovely floral scent and absorbs well into the skin keeping it soft and moisturized. I feel this moisturizer is best suited for winter skin.

Bio Winter Cherry Body Nourisher

PRICE: Rs. 180/- for 190ML

This nourishing lotion is a blend of pure winter cherry, sunflower, safflower, musk root and almond oil, to supply moisture and nutrients crucial to body health and vitality. Soothes, softens and revitalizes even weather-roughened body skin, as it promotes elasticity, suppleness and moisture balance.

Biotique Bio Winter Cherry Body Nourisher

The body lotion comes in a plastic bottle packaging with a screw lid and the opening dispenses the right amount of product.It has a unique cherry cum floral combination of scent.The lotion is pink in color and does a great job of moisturizing the body. I use it before I sleep on my hands and especially legs which are dry most part of the year. It does seep well into the skin when massaged and leaves a moisture layer keeping it soft and shiny. The best time to use it is post bath when the body is a bit damp that way it will absorb well into the skin.Overall I love this body nourisher and recommend it to everyone.

BIO ALMOND Therapy Lip Balm

PRICE: Rs.149/- for 5gm stick 

This soothing balm deeply nourishes and fortifies lips. Tone, texture and firmness are unproved overnight.

Biotique BIO ALMOND Therapy Lip Balm

Biotique BIO ALMOND Therapy Lip Balm

I cannot tell you how many lip balms I have used in my lifetime especially after blogging since last 5 years  and there are a handful I can trust and will reach out to. As you may know if you have been reading and following my blogs that I do like clear lip balms any day to tinted ones.I always look for one which is moisturizing and feels smooth on my lips.This lip balm instantly became my favourite it is neither too thick nor thin but perfect on the lips and feels smooth when you rub your lips together which is a sign of a good nourishing & moisturizing lip balm. Almond is the best when it comes to lip moisturization and is a key ingredient in this lip balm. My lips are soft & chap free ever since I started using it and there are no complaints whatsoever. This is one of the best I have tried and a perfect lip balm for winters, do try it right away I highly recommend.

All the Biotique products are exclusively available at www.biotique.com

Now that I have shared about my skincare routine I am sure you may be convinced that these Biotique products are amazing & worth trying for sure. The products are 100% vegan and ayurvedic and hence there is no chance of side/ill effects on the skin. I have used Biotique products in the past as well and they fared well for me.If you are looking for a new winter skincare routine/products to try out for your skin this winter, this is the brand you should opt for and you won't be disappointed also they are budget and pocket friendly.

You can read my other reviews on Biotique products HERE

I hope this post was informative and useful to all those reading. Comment below with your views I would love to hear your thoughts about your winter skincare routine as well.

Until next time... Take care xoxo

P.S: This is not a sponsored post.The products were sent to me for consideration but that does not change my opinion about them.

Hiphop Men Deep Cleansing Nose Strips Review & Demo

Hi everyone,

I am posting after many days simply because I did not feel like and also YouTube keeps me busy now a days.Starting a YouTube channel in 2017 is challenging because almost everybody is there on that platform but then you must do what you do & believe in what you do and enjoy the process, which in the bargain will teach you so many new things which you may not explored before. I started it because I always wanted to and be more creative and upgrade myself .

Writing and maintaining a blog since 4.5 years is no joke.Everyday is a new day and what I have realized over the years that unless you review something recently launched you don't get the views. But then again I started my blog to tell you about inexpensive and budget friendly options and have crossed 1 million page views in spite of having a simple blog. So unlike before I just don't blog for the views they come anyway. The ones who admire you come no matter what and the others are just silent spectators and some haters too who dislike my videos ;) I hope you have watched some of my videos if you haven't do visit my channel HERE and do subscribe if you would like to support me in my YouTube journey just like you may have done on my blog, I will really be greatful for that.

Coming to today's review is another amazing find which I discovered 2 months ago and fell in love with. I am sure if you have been following me here I have talked about the brand Hiphop Skin care and some of their products which I have mostly loved using. So if you read my review on their Nose Strips before you would know I was very disappointed. So a fellow blogger friend recommended me to try the Hiphop Men Deep Cleansing Nose Strips which yes says for Men but anybody could use it, trust me. So I have all good things to say about it. Keep on reading to know my views on the same..

Hiphop Men Deep Cleansing Nose Strips Review & Demo

Price: Rs.129/- for 5 pieces/Strips. You can easily buy it online HERE and this brand is available at Beauty Centre/Shop in Mumbai as well.

Brand claims/Ingredients: (click)

Packaging:

The strips do come in a cardboard box which is white and black in color and a picture of a man using the strip.At the back you will get all the information you want including ingredients and how to use. These are perfect for travel as well in my opinion.

Hiphop Men Deep Cleansing Nose Strips Review & Demo 

Hiphop Men Deep Cleansing Nose Strips Review & Demo

Since quite sometime I have had blackhead issues and you will always have them unless you are Kim Kardashian.. Lol !! who cares about her face all the time. So regular exfoliation is a must but lazy me I have ten thousand things to do and remember which makes me exhausted at the end of the day so I often skip exfoliating my nose. So the result is enormous amount of black and whiteheads on the nose.So I was looking for a nose strip which was inexpensive and found this one and ordered it from Nykaa - the best decision ever I tell you..Lol

So what you need to do is use a warm cloth and rub on the area around the nose and this will open the pores.Then wet that area and apply the strip. Make sure you do that properly focusing on the tip of the nose as well.Then press it well, in no time it will stick to the skin and become firm. Keep it for good 20  to 30 minutes. Now you can peel off by going from side to centre from both sides at the same time or try to peel the edges first slowly  because it is painful and your eyes will start watering. What I do is I rip it with force from right to left in one go that way it pains less.After use you can apply the After treatment soothing gel on the nose which is nice. So the first time I tried I was like OMG!!!! because I knew there were many sitting on my nose as my nose used to itch often. So like they say it does takes off oil,dirt and also black & whiteheads which is true however you may need to use it at least once in 10 days to keep the area blackhead free which I think is not an issue. Overall I really love these and may buy more soon unless I find something more cheaper and effective. Go ahead and try this.I think it says what it does so it is an amazing product in my opinion.

MLWM Rating: 4.8/5

Hiphop Men Deep Cleansing Nose Strips  is one of the best inexpensive blackhead nose strip available in the market and works very well. Have you tried this yet or you are planning to?? Comment below in the comments section and let me know.

Until next time.. Take care xoxo

P.S: This is not a sponsored post** I have purchased the product myself

E.L.F. Studio Lip Exfoliator Review!

E.L.F. Studio Lip Exfoliator

E.L.F. Studio Lip Exfoliator ($3) is a stick made up of sugar, vitamin E, shea butter, avocado, grape, jojoba oil and waxes that together work to remove dry and chapped skin as well as smooth and condition the lips.

Directions: Apply to clean, damp lips and massage the lips in circular motions. Use a moistened cotton pad with water to gently wipe away the scrub (or just simply rinse with water). *It's important that the lips are damp so the skin will remove easier.

As a part of my morning routine after I brush my teeth, I always use the E.L.F. Studio Lip Exfoliator.

What I love most of all is the convenience of this product. I have very dry lips 24/7 and I need a good daily scrub for my lips, but I rarely ever do it. Between managing my crazy hair, plucking the hairs on my face till my hands cramp up, exfoliating, cleaning and moisturizing my face - I try to get away with the least steps possible. Most often my lips are neglected.

The stick takes a few uses before it reaches the grit, and because there are some large pieces of grit it can sometimes feel a little scratchy, but overall it feels really good. What surprises me every time is how soft and supple my lips feel right after. I apply some lip balm on my lips to keep them from drying out, and I'm done in less than a minute. It's not at all messy so I can use it without disturbing the makeup around my lips if I'm using it mid-day or on my way out the door.

This product is so effective, and so cheap! It's only $3 on the E.L.F. website, and they often have 50% off Studio products, so I only paid $1.50. The code I used last month still works for 50% all studio products. Use code: ECD2.

If you suffer from dry lips and want a way to simplify for routine, check this product out!

Ingredients: Sugar, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Ceresin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Tocopherol, Aspartame, Fragrance.

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Convenient - quick with no mess
• Removes dry skin 
• Makes lips feel soft and full
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• None!

Price: $3, E.L.F. 

A Few Tips on How to Avoid Razor Burn when Shaving your Legs.

How to Avoid Razor Burn when Shaving your Legs

Why does razor burn happen in the first place? Well, razor burn is simply a sign of irritation. Many just deem it as having sensitive skin, but there are many factors that can cause you to experience "the burn".

Think about it for a second. A razor doesn't have a brain, and it doesn't have the smart technology to avoid the skin and only slice the hairs. Each time you run your razor across your skin, you are shaving your skin along with it. More on this later.

I've had a problem with razor burn ever since the beginning of time. I have sensitive skin and my hair is coarse and grows quick. It's the recipe for disaster with a razor. It wasn't until recently I started pinpointing things that could be linked with my frequent irritation.

Here's the story of my life - Day 1 of shaving is baby smooth. Still running pretty good on day 2. Then BAM. Irritation and fine grit sandpaper on day 3. Time to shave again! But wait!? Can't do it, because my skin is inflamed. After waiting for the irritation to subside after a couple of days, I'm left with prickly legs that are in dire need of a shave. All for the vicious circle to start up again.

Now let me go over some of the common mistakes and the solutions.

Your Water Is Too HOT

I bet this is one you've never thought of. I like my water to be as hot as I can tolerate before it burns. But guess what that does? It causes your skin to become sensitive (temporarily) so before you even start shaving, your skin is already red and irritated. Hot water softens the skin, making it easy to slouch off all of the dead skin cells, exposing your new, fresh and sensitive skin cells that lie underneath. It also opens up the pores, which some believe will give them a closer shave. Since we've already established that a razor not only shaves your hair, but your uppermost layer of skin - it all makes sense that using hot water isn't the best when shaving. Another important factor is that hot water actually strips the moisture from your skin, causing your skin to be dry, which will lead to itch and further irritation.

The solution: Use lukewarm water. You want to be comfortable, but you don't want the water to be cold (shaving goosebumps won't get you anywhere either).

Exfoliation

We all love exfoliation. Exfoliating the legs with a good scrub or sponge will expose all of those stubborn in-growns/trapped hair follicles and will make your skin feel smooth. But since exfoliation removes the dead skin cells, you are left with squeaky clean skin and fresh, sensitive cells that are lacking the protective barrier you just removed. Your skin is very sensitive and shaving over it will only cause irritation. 

The solution: If you are known to have issues with razor burn, keep your exfoliation to the days you are not shaving.

5-Blade Razors

I thought these were genius until I bought a Schick Hyrdro 5 and had the worst razor burn ever. Depending on your skin, many of you can tolerate using five blades but for those of you with sensitive skin, you want to stay far, far away. If in fact, you want to use a razor with four or five blades, here is a piece of advice. Go over each area once, and do not press hard. I can't tell you how many times I went over my legs with a 5-blade razor to ensure the smoothest legs ever. I probably went over each area three times. Multiply that by the blades, that would technically be braising the skin with a blade 15 times. If you're one to one to shave using short, sweeping motions rather long strokes for a close shave -  do the math. That is 25 times minimum. Ouch!

The solution: Less blades are better for skin. I use BIC Silky Touch Twin Disposable Razors and go over each area once, and if I must.. twice. 

Dull/Old Razors

This one should be a no brainer. With dull razors, we have a tendency to press harder on our skin and go over the area many more times than with a new razor. Need I say more?

The solution: Have extra razors on hand. Buy a new pack even before you need one so you'll never use an old razor. Like I mentioned previously, I like buying disposable razors and tossing them after every couple of uses. 

Pressing too Hard & Shaving Too Fast

We aren't trying to slice butter folks, so be gentle. Apply as little pressure as you can while still remaining to achieve a clean shave. It takes a little bit of practice, but it's something many of us don't pay attention to when shaving. Also, I don't know why anyone would think running sharp blades across their skin as fast as they can is a good idea. If you're in a rush, please rush a different step of your getting ready process.

The solution: Pay attention to the pressure you're applying when you're shaving. The razor should just be laying on top of the skin, it shouldn't be pressed into the skin. And, try not to rush!

Fragrance in Shave Creams

Although all of the different brands of Skintimate Shave Gels smell great, and they are readily available everywhere - Fragrance in skincare products can irritate sensitive skin, especially if you already suffer with dryness, eczema and other skin issues. It's also good to avoid common irritants such as alcohols, menthol and dyes. You want to look for moisturizing ingredients such as Shea Butter, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E and B5. So flip your products over and examine the labels!

The solution: Skip fragrance all together and try something like Kiss my Face Moisture Shave or Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel. This goes for your shower gel and lotion too! I like using St. Ives Oatmeal and Shea Butter Body Wash. 

So, let's go over a bad bath scenario and a good one -

Bad Bath Scenario: Turn the water on to the hottest you can tolerate. Let the whole bathroom steam up and enjoy the hot water hitting your body while you wash your body with a fragrance shower gel and abrasive bath sponge, making sure to scrub hard to soften your skin to get the closest shave possible. Then, wash your hair as the hot water continues to shower your body. 20 minutes later, lather up your legs with a fruity shower gel and with your boyfriend's 5-blade razor, shave your legs in short sweeping motions, going over areas numerous times until you don't feel any more stubble. Then, get a couple extra minutes of the smoothing hot water and turn the water off. Rub your body vigorously with your towel and you're good to go! (I feel bad for you in a couple of days.)

Good Bath Scenario: Turn your water on to lukewarm - you want it to be right in the middle. Since lukewarm water doesn't feel as soothing on your body as hot water, this is going to be a quick shower! Let the water hit your body while you wash your hair. Then wash your body (and any shampoo/conditioner residue left behind that can irritate your skin) with your non-fragrance, moisturizing shower gel and non-abrasive wash cloth making sure not to scrub too hard (only exfoliate where you are not shaving). Around five minutes should have passed, giving the hair enough time to soften. Lather up your legs in a non-fragrance shave gel and with your women's 2-blade disposable razor and light pressure, shave the legs in long strokes. Rinse your body with cool water to close your pores and pat your body dry with a towel. Apply a non-fragrance, moisturizing body lotion.

Bottom line is treat the skin on your body the same way you would treat your face, and don't use products on your skin that you wouldn't use on your new-born baby.

If all else fails, you may want to try this wonderful product called Tendskin. It's basically a mixture of alcohol and aspirin, so it will heal/soothe inflammation as well as disinfect the area so you won't get folliculitis or irritation. Aloe Vera also works wonders!

Happy Bathing!

Glam Beauty Board Box Fall 2012!

I'm super excited to be a part of the Glam Beauty Board this fall, and have a wonderful opportunity to try some really amazing products that I can't wait to share with all of you. Some of which I was already familiar with, and some of which are completely new to me. I've been loyally testing out these products all month, and amidst all of the great products, I happily discovered some favorites!

I will be going more in depth about these products in future reviews, but in this post I've included brief summaries of each product (swatches at the end).

Lately I've been enjoying this bright pink gem in a little holographic box called Benefit Bella Bamba ($28). It's a vivid warm, watermelon pink with with fine golden shimmer. It looks a lot like the cult-favorite Nars Orgasm Blush, but it's pinker (less peach) in tone. It's a lovely shade that I can see both cool and skin tones enjoying all year round. The consistency is silky smooth and it's very pigmented. Included with the blush is a soft, flat brush that actually works really well. It's a bit fluffier than my brush from Benefit Hoola and applies the product evenly.

Don't you love 2-in-1 products? The Lorac Tantalizer Highlighter & Matte Bronzer Duo ($32) is a warm matte bronzer and champagne-pink highligher all in one convenient compact. I've been on the lookout for my perfect matte bronzer that isn't too cool toned (they have a tendency to look dirty/ashy on my skin) or too orange (have enough of those). The bronzer in here is a perfect golden bronze and is easily my current top pick for a matte bronzer. It works great as a contour, as well as all over the face for added warmth. The illuminator is sheer (no shimmer-bombs here) and incredibly soft. I like applying it across the highest points of my cheeks for added dimension and glow. It reminds me a bit of MAC Hush Cream Colour Base in powder form.

For a quick statement lip, try Mark Make it Rich Lip Color Crayon in the shade Peony ($11). It's a vivid, shimmery fuchsia - and because precision is a cinch with this crayon, lip liner isn't necessary! It's long-lasting on my lips, and even after most of it is gone, it leaves a pretty pink stain behind.

Transform your tired eyes with Almay Wake Up Eyeshadow + Primer ($8) in the shade Revive. This little pocket-palette contains a super creamy peach primer, glistening pastel green, shimmery gold and a soft, warm brown that is a perfect combination for the daytime.

Add a bit more to the look by adding Almay Wake Up Eyeliner + Highlighter ($8) to the eyes. Simply line the top and bottom lashline and use the highlighter to highlight the corners of the eyes and brow bone. I'm in love with the highlight. It's such a gorgeous shimmery pale gold - I don't own anything like it!

Almay Wake Up Liquid Makeup ($12) is Almay's newest foundation. It's a creamy and lightweight foundation with a natural luminous finish. It's fairly sheer, but buildable for those whose main focus is evening out the skintone.

Toss all of your goodies in your Modella Makeup Bag ($3) and you're good to go! I love the Modella makeup bags. They are cheap (so they can be replaced frequently) and often come in cute patterns!

LaFace is a brand I'm not familiar with, but I was super excited to try the LaFace Laboratories PUR Purifying Facial Wash ($48). It's a gentle, foaming cleanser that thoroughly cleanses the skin, leaving the face feeling moisturized and refreshed. I can't argue with that - I've been using it in the shower daily to remove my makeup, and it works great! It even takes off my hard to remove mascara without burning my eyes.

I've given Ojon Super Sleek Restorative Blowout Perfector ($25) a try and apply a small amount in my palms and work it though my hair before blow-drying for a smoother, less frizzy do. It's actually heat-activated, making the hair feel softer and more manageable.

Fall is in the air with Orly Smolder Nail Lacquer ($5) in the shade Smolder. Smolder is one of the (6) shades launched in Orly's Fired Up Fall 2012 Collection. It's a beautiful deep cranberry-wine shimmer, that screams Autumn is almost here! Are you fired up yet?

I may not have wrinkles but I sure love a good moisturizer. Dr. Lewinn by Kinerase Wrinkle Repair Day & Night Cream ($24.97) is a more budget-friendly line of Kinerase products available at your local Walmart. Fabulous for dry skin, this super light and emollient cream blends like butter into my skin and leaves my skin feeling supple and baby soft. It also works great as a primer as it's light and doesn't leave a greasy residue behind.

I can't help but think of some seriously decadent chocolate cake when I'm applying Juara Invigorating Coffee Scrub ($37) to my body. Aside from it's delectable smell, it's uber fun to apply. It's very grainy, so expect to have some seriously soft skin afterward. I like applying this all over my body, rubbing in circular motions. It's fantastic to pop those stubborn ingrown hairs, remove an old faux tan, and to rid your body of lifeless dull skin. I even like using it on my face (not rubbing hard) and I can't help but touch my face for the rest of the night. Hands down my favorite scrub ever. It's currently for sale on Hautelook.

My Mom and I both are already big fans of Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Body Lotion ($11) for the past several months and I use it daily on my arms to keep them silky smooth. I'm just about through with my bottle, so I'm thrilled to have another! Really good stuff. (Click here for $1 off coupon)

Lastly, I've been using Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner ($5 each) contain natural almond and coconut oils to replenish the essential nutrients in your hair. I'm especially loving the conditioner, as it makes my hair so much softer. I like to work it through my hair with a wide-tooth comb, let it sit for a few minutes and rinse with cool water. I'm left with soft, shiny hair.

Swathes from left to right: Benefit Bella Bamba, Lorac Tantalizer Highlighter and Matte Bronzer Duo, Almay Wake Up Eyeliner and Highlighter, Almay #010 Revive Wake Up Eyeshadow + Primer in and Mark Peony Make it Rich Lip Color Crayon.

Have you tried any of these products? 

Would you like separate reviews for any of these products?

Let me know in the comments! :)

Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tanning Liquid Review!

Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tanning Liquid

Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tanning Liquid ($25) is a fast-drying, fast-absorbing, dark self tanning liquid that is designed to be applied with the application mitt provided for a quick and easy tan. It's also transfer-resistant, so it won't stain your sheets or transfer onto your clothing if you decide to apply it in the morning and go about your day. It also doesn't have that nasty self-tanning, chemical scent - it is lightly fragranced with a tropical scent.

•No Artificial Preservatives •Paraben Free •Suitable for all skin types

I think just about every single one of us self-tanning addicts ran out and bought this stuff after Steph, SMLx0 on YouTube mentioned that it is her favorite self tanner. You can view her video review and application demo by clicking here.

I'm pretty much the self-tanning queen around here (well, I use to be anyway..) and I always use SUN Labs as my go-to self-tanner. I'd typically purchase a couple large (professional use) bottles, and it'd last me the full year with regular use. I venture out sometimes and try new ones, but I've always been pretty satisfied with SUN, so I didn't really care to look elsewhere.

Well I've gone on a self-tanning break for pretty much most of 2012 (the biggest break in 10 years!) and recently I've been slowly but surely getting back into the routine. 


I've been using Fake Bake Flawless now at least once a week for the past 3-4 months, and it's all I've been using.

It's a very dark brown liquid, which is great because you are able to see where it's been applied so you won't miss any areas.

Secondly, it doesn't smell like chemicals. It actually smells like coconut oil (which I happen to love) and is a huge plus in my book.

It's really simple to apply - packed with the self-tanner, you get a pair of gloves and a mitt. I never apply self tanner without a mitt, so I was really happy about not having to purchase one separately. For reference, I've purchased my mitts from Ulta for years (here) and they work great.

This particular mitt is not lined with plastic (like the Ulta mitts) so you'll have to wear the plastic gloves so the tanner won't bleed through the mitt onto your hands. The mitt is also ultra soft (like a plush cloth) rather than a sponge, so it does soak the product up a little bit. To avoid soaking up too much product, I like running the mitt under water and squeezing the excess water out, so it's the slightest bit damp. Then, I'll squirt the self-tanner on my skin and with circular motions, blend it with the sponge. I notice that dampening the mitt also helps the product move better across the skin. When it's dry, the product doesn't go very far.

For my face, I sometimes use the mitt, or I'll use a synthetic kabuki brush, and squirt one spray onto the brush and buff the product on my face.

I always apply self tanner to my hands and feet last, and I'll just lightly wipe the tops of my hands and feet with the sponge and then take a small squirt of lotion and work it into my hands and feet to make sure I get an even application that isn't too harsh. Then, I'll wipe in between my fingers and palms with a towel, as well as my feet.

I find that the product dries very quickly, and I can go to bed right away without having to wait forever for it to dry.

By the morning, I'm left with a bronzed-brown tan that doesn't at all look like it came from a bottle! I then hop in the bath and run water all over my body to rinse off the color guide. I'm left with a light tan that looks very natural. It gives off a hint of red-brown to my skin, which makes it look like I've actually been in the sun.

To achieve my desired darkness, I like applying the spray 2-3 times a week. It doesn't get me as dark as SUN, but regardless, I've really been enjoying the natural color and the overall performance of the product.

What I love the most about this product is the way that it fades. It's not difficult to remove, and it will not fade patchy. It fades like a real tan would.

I highly recommend this self tanner and will re-purchase when mine runs out!

Sorry, not a good photo, but here is what I'd look like after one application (around MAC NC30, naturally a NC15). 

What's your favorite self-tanner?

Ingredients list:  Water (Aqua), SD Alcohol 40-B, Dihydroxyacetone, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Polysorbate 80, Erythrulose, Tetrasodiuim EDTA, Fragrance (Parfum), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 40 (Ci 16035), Coumarin.

The Round-Up

Pros:

• No chemical smell - the smell is very pleasant, like coconuts!
• Brown color guide, so you won't miss any areas of your body
• Dries quickly
• Fades evenly - no patchiness
• Isn't difficult to remove with exfoliation
• Doesn't look unnatural, and doesn't give me "self tanner hands"
• Good value, as it contains a pair of gloves and great quality-mitt

Cons:

• The bottle leaks and application can be a little messy (product usually not only mists my skin, but also my sink and floor) I like decanting a small amount in a travel bottle which works better.
• I wish so much color didn't come off in the shower - it takes a couple applications until I'm satisfied with the darkness.

Price: $25, ULTA.

Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tanning Liquid Review!

Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tanning Liquid

Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tanning Liquid ($25) is a fast-drying, fast-absorbing, dark self tanning liquid that is designed to be applied with the application mitt provided for a quick and easy tan. It's also transfer-resistant, so it won't stain your sheets or transfer onto your clothing if you decide to apply it in the morning and go about your day. It also doesn't have that nasty self-tanning, chemical scent - it is lightly fragranced with a tropical scent.

�No Artificial Preservatives �Paraben Free �Suitable for all skin types

I think just about every single one of us self-tanning addicts ran out and bought this stuff after Steph, SMLx0 on YouTube mentioned that it is her favorite self tanner. You can view her video review and application demo by clicking here.

I'm pretty much the self-tanning queen around here (well, I use to be anyway..) and I always use SUN Labs as my go-to self-tanner. I'd typically purchase a couple large (professional use) bottles, and it'd last me the full year with regular use. I venture out sometimes and try new ones, but I've always been pretty satisfied with SUN, so I didn't really care to look elsewhere.

Well I've gone on a self-tanning break for pretty much most of 2012 (the biggest break in 10 years!) and recently I've been slowly but surely getting back into the routine. 


I've been using Fake Bake Flawless now at least once a week for the past 3-4 months, and it's all I've been using.

It's a very dark brown liquid, which is great because you are able to see where it's been applied so you won't miss any areas.

Secondly, it doesn't smell like chemicals. It actually smells like coconut oil (which I happen to love) and is a huge plus in my book.

It's really simple to apply - packed with the self-tanner, you get a pair of gloves and a mitt. I never apply self tanner without a mitt, so I was really happy about not having to purchase one separately. For reference, I've purchased my mitts from Ulta for years (here) and they work great.

This particular mitt is not lined with plastic (like the Ulta mitts) so you'll have to wear the plastic gloves so the tanner won't bleed through the mitt onto your hands. The mitt is also ultra soft (like a plush cloth) rather than a sponge, so it does soak the product up a little bit. To avoid soaking up too much product, I like running the mitt under water and squeezing the excess water out, so it's the slightest bit damp. Then, I'll squirt the self-tanner on my skin and with circular motions, blend it with the sponge. I notice that dampening the mitt also helps the product move better across the skin. When it's dry, the product doesn't go very far.

For my face, I sometimes use the mitt, or I'll use a synthetic kabuki brush, and squirt one spray onto the brush and buff the product on my face.

I always apply self tanner to my hands and feet last, and I'll just lightly wipe the tops of my hands and feet with the sponge and then take a small squirt of lotion and work it into my hands and feet to make sure I get an even application that isn't too harsh. Then, I'll wipe in between my fingers and palms with a towel, as well as my feet.

I find that the product dries very quickly, and I can go to bed right away without having to wait forever for it to dry.

By the morning, I'm left with a bronzed-brown tan that doesn't at all look like it came from a bottle! I then hop in the bath and run water all over my body to rinse off the color guide. I'm left with a light tan that looks very natural. It gives off a hint of red-brown to my skin, which makes it look like I've actually been in the sun.

To achieve my desired darkness, I like applying the spray 2-3 times a week. It doesn't get me as dark as SUN, but regardless, I've really been enjoying the natural color and the overall performance of the product.

What I love the most about this product is the way that it fades. It's not difficult to remove, and it will not fade patchy. It fades like a real tan would.

I highly recommend this self tanner and will re-purchase when mine runs out!

Sorry, not a good photo, but here is what I'd look like after one application (around MAC NC30, naturally a NC15). 

What's your favorite self-tanner?

Ingredients list:  Water (Aqua), SD Alcohol 40-B, Dihydroxyacetone, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Polysorbate 80, Erythrulose, Tetrasodiuim EDTA, Fragrance (Parfum), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 40 (Ci 16035), Coumarin.

The Round-Up

Pros:

• No chemical smell - the smell is very pleasant, like coconuts!
• Brown color guide, so you won't miss any areas of your body
• Dries quickly
• Fades evenly - no patchiness
• Isn't difficult to remove with exfoliation
• Doesn't look unnatural, and doesn't give me "self tanner hands"
• Good value, as it contains a pair of gloves and great quality-mitt

Cons:

• The bottle leaks and application can be a little messy (product usually not only mists my skin, but also my sink and floor) I like decanting a small amount in a travel bottle which works better.
• I wish so much color didn't come off in the shower - it takes a couple applications until I'm satisfied with the darkness.

Price: $25, ULTA.

My secret weapon for silky, smooth skin - The Salux Cloth!

This review is going to be fairly brief, because it's just one of those things you can't really say much about. It's a cloth. It's awesome. If you don't already have silky smooth skin, you need it.

So, sometimes my boredom brings me to Makeupalley with my pen and paper in hand. I like browsing the highest rated products with a significant number of reviews and jotting them all down on my "to-try" list. With a 96% re-purchase rate based on over 300 reviews, I've had the Salux Cloth on my list for some time now.

Although I do have fairly sensitive skin, I also am very prone to in-growns and have mild Keratosis Pilaris (trapped hair follicles) on my arms and thighs. I love scrubs, I love exfoliation gloves - I love anything abrasive, because it helps pop those little suckers (the in-growns) and keep the underside of my forearms and knees looking smooth, rather than goose bumpy. Needless to say, I wasn't impressed with any of the bath products I've been using.. that is, until the Salux Cloth!

Alright, I'm really not trying to beef up this little piece of cloth, but it has honestly changed the texture of my skin. I always use Amlactin on my body to help with in-growns and trapped hair follicles, but it was never really that effective until I combined the Salux Cloth and Amlactin. I've never felt my skin smoother.

The Salux Cloth is a fairly large piece of cloth, and your first instinct will probably be wondering what in the world you're going to do with it. I like to simply scrunch it up in my hand like a mesh bath sponge, wet it and squeeze my shower gel over it. The fabric doesn't really allow it to lather up too much, so rinsing it will only rinse the soap away, rather than creating lots of suds. I scrub my whole body, concentrating on the areas that are prone to trapped hair follicles (under forearms near my elbows, knees, etc).

It's completely tolerable for me, as I'm use to abrasive scrubs and sponges. It's made up of 60% Nylon and 40% Polyester. It's maybe a step up from your average exfoliating sponge (which is typically 100% Nylon), so if you use those already (esp. my self-tanning girls!) you'll do fine with these.

Getting my back is always a pain, but it's a cinch with this cloth. Just twist the cloth, so it's a long braid, holding one end from over your head, and the other hand behind your back, moving it in back-and-forth scrubbing motions.

After my shower when my skin is dry, I love applying a body lotion (Amlactin or Eucerin) and my skin feels amazing! Areas that were never smooth feel smooth.

I'm never going to use anything else than a Salux Cloth in the shower, and I have Makeupalley to yet again thank!

Click here to read reviews on Makeupalley.

I purchased mine from Joie of SaluxShop. You can order directly from the website or from her eBay account joie4444.

Beware: Apparently there are counterfeits that claim to be "salux" cloths, but are not, and don't work the same. It's insane that people would counterfeit something that only costs a few dollars. Make sure to purchase from a reputable seller - I recommend Joie.

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Helps keep my Keratosis Pilaris to a minimum
• Helps minimize in-grown hairs 
• Exfoliates better than other bath sponges I've used
• Washes back well, which is difficult with other sponges
• Dries fast
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Might be too harsh for daily use - I only use it on rough areas daily, lightly (minimal to no pressure) on most of my body and give my body a good scrub at least once a week. I usually have to go lightly on my neck and decollete because if I scrub too hard, I actually break blood vessels. Whoopsie.
• You have to avoid the "fake" cloths 

Price: $5.98, Salux Shop. The price differs based on the retailer.

10 Beauty Products I'm Loving Right Now!

1)      L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Clear Self-Tanning Gel – As some of you may have noticed, I dropped my religious routine of fake baking (self-tanning) last October, but I felt like it was time for a little bit of color again. So, I recently purchased this and have been using it on my face, décolleté and arms, and I’ve really been enjoying it! Sure, it’s no St. Tropez, but for something quick and easy, it works well. And, it doesn’t stink, or break out my skin – yay!

2)     Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter – Can we say yum!? Blood Orange is one of my favorite scents, and if you are keen on orange, this body butter is a must-have. It’s fruity, it’s sweet, it’s spicy – it’s everything you could ask for.

3)      Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Penetrating Oil– I’ve had this for a while now, and am beginning to realize (when I don’t use it) how awesome it really is. When I use this, my hair feels softer and everyone around me seems to notice how good my hair smells – that alone will make me want to keep using it!

4)      It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in plus Keratin– I dyed my hair last week (one shade lighter, you can barely tell in photos) so I wanted a good leave-in treatment to keep my hair hydrated. I knew about this stuff for ages, but never purchased it because of the hefty price tag ($20/4oz). With the health of my hair in m best interest, I decided to take the plunge, and I’m punching myself in the arm for not buying it sooner. Best Leave-in I’ve tried, hands down. It leaves my hair so much more manageable and my hair looks and feels so much healthier.

5)      Reviva Labs Hyaluronic Acid Serum– One of my past favorites. I just got a hold of a new bottle and the sparks in my heart started flying once again. Applied under a moisturizer (or alone) this serum keeps my skin hydrated better than anything else. I never have a bad skin day when I’m using my Reviva Labs.

6)      Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer– Got a hold of this a couple weeks ago and I’ve been playing around with it here and there. I got it in a color that’s too dark for me now (which is why I haven’t reviewed it yet) but so far, I’ve been mixing it with some of my lighter foundations and wow, this little jar packs some intense coverage. If I ever need extra concealing, this is my new weapon.

7)      Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara– I’ve gotten tired of trying other mascaras only to look like a raccoon by the end of the day, so I resorted to an old favorite of mine. Covergirl Lash Blast is the only mascara that doesn’t smudge on me, and although I’ve grown bored from the big bulky tube and wand, it’s better than having to touch up my under-eyes every couple of hours. If you have problems with smudging, I highly recommend picking up a tube.

8)      Gucci Guilty Intense Eau de Parfum– I know that everyone has their own preference to scents, so this may not be one for everyone, but I cannot get enough of this perfume. This isn’t the first time I’ve mentioned it on my blog, but I always keep the bottle (it’s a deluxe sample – 0.16 oz) in my bag and dab it on my wrist and neck 1-2 times a day.  Periodically I’ll smell it in the air and it somehow brightens my day and soothes my senses.

9)     E.L.F. Nail Polish Remover Pads– Goodbye traditional nail polish remover, don’t let the door hit you on your rear on the way out.  These pads work very well, don’t stink like acetone, there is no leaky mess, and they’re convenient and easy for travel. 

10)   Chanel Glossimer Lipgloss– So I don’t normally pay close attention to the lasting power of my lipgloss, but lately I’ve been wearing Chanel Bagatelle every day, and aside from being beautiful all on its own (no lipstick companion necessary) noticed that it’s a little soldier in disguise. It stays on my lips fighting for hours of wear before needing a re-application. I’m sure the formula can possibly differ between shades, but this one in particular is an A+ in my book, and I’m tempted to try more.

I'll have reviews up for some of these products shortly.

What are you loving right now?