<p>I left the salon last week with samples of some Dermalogica products that I really like. The Barrier Repair is very calming and smoothing and seems similar to the Smashbox Primer.</p>
<p>Thanks to all who recommended Smashbox! I was very, very pleased with Smashbox lipsticks. However, read the labels carefully before you buy Smashbox products - some of them are now made in China.</p>
<p>Resurrecting this thread to ask for advice on tanning products. I’d like the kind of thing that one can use to gradually achieve a very light tan look on one’s legs. Preferably something that doesn’t smell icky. I had one several years ago that worked well and was also a moisturizer, but I don’t recall which brand it was.</p>
<p>I like Ocean Potion - they have a moisturizer called Ever Glow, and a regular moisturizer. I like it because it is subtle and smells orangey-vanilla, and doesn’t streak. It isn’t super expensive and the results don’t look fake.</p>
<p>I got it at Walmart or Rite Aid - can’t remember which one.</p>
<p>Consolation- try the Nivea self tanner. Nivea Sun Kissed Beautiful Legs. It works nicely and doesn’t have that icky smell. I can’t stand the smell of the Jergen’s self tanner.</p>
<p>I’ve read very good things about Glow Fusion and Sevin Nyne (I think Sephora sells both) but haven’t tried either one myself. St. Tropez works well and fast and with no bad smell, but I found it hard to apply evenly and without streaking.</p>
<p>I just tried bare minerals faux tan and like it very much. First of all, I didn’t detect an odor - and I detest the usual smell of tanners. Second, you apply the liquid with a kabuki brush and it helps to eliminate streaking or messy hands. The first application was not very dark, but that suits me - I am fair and I can add more color gradually.</p>
<p>I like L’Oreal- and Jergens isn’t bad- they have changed the formulation- it used to get too runny after you put it on.</p>
<p>The gradual ones are much better- especially if you don’t get color, as it is pretty hard to put it on evenly even if you buff.exfoliate and moisturize first.
Spray ones ( I think I have used neutrogena) work ok too.</p>
<p>I always wash my hands & use cotton ball to dab at places that lotion collects- between toes etc.</p>
<p>I have used self tanners for decades because as a redhead who lives in Seattle, I just don’t get enough rays to tan. Lots of advantages besides the not subjecting yourself to sunburn. It looks much more even, than a " natural" tan and you don’t have to lay in the sun for hours- plus you can really annoy your mother in law who uses the fact that the * tops of your feet* are tan- as evidence that you are a bad wife who just lays around all the time.
Pretty funny- I didn’t correct her.</p>
<p>EK4, just tell her that if she spent all day barefoot, hanging wash on the line, the tops of her feet would be tan, too! ;)</p>
<p>EK4, just tell her that if she spent all day barefoot, hanging wash on the line, the tops of her feet would be tan, too! ;)</p>
<p>Realized I’ve been using a product for years now and every time I buy more of it the lady at the Estee Lauder counter says it has a large devoted fellowing - “Spotlight”. It’s a very light cream in a tube that you just dab on and it sort of makes your skin glow. I mix it with base and then use a really nice thick brush to daub it where needed. Can’t quite describe what it does - just makes makeup look more natural and skin dewey. Also makes throat and shoulders look nice. Spotlight. Get’s my seal of approval.</p>
<p>For flat-ironed hair, I use a product called “It’s a 10” - it’s at some salons, and also at our Beauty Brands and at our grocery store. It’s not too heavy/greasy. My college-age daughter borrowed some when she was home on break and I had to buy her a bottle too.</p>
<p>Reporting back on self-tanners</p>
<p>I am continuing to use the Bare Minerals faux tan - I put it on for about 2 - 3 hours then hop in the shower. It takes a little planning, but since I do a lot of work from home it really isn’t much of a problem. I have a friend who loves the Clarins product, but I gave her a kabuki brush as part of her birthday present and she said it is now a permanent part of her tanning regime. The brush really helps on the feet and hands where you just want a touch of color. </p>
<p>She is as fair as I am (with fewer freckles, so a much prettier complexion) and was at a dinner the other night and two women asked her if she had been to the beach. She told them we had been walking later in the morning and she was surprised how tan she was. (We ARE walking later, 15 minutes to be exact, but we are both slathered with #30). </p>
<p>As a back-up, I have Laura Geller’s body bronze handy if I happen to miss a spot. As a splurge, I bought Guerlain’s spray face bronzer. </p>
<p>Now, as I type this, I realize what a ridiculous amount of money I have spent on tanning. And believe me, I am still a very light tan. It is so nice, however, to have tan arms and legs in the summer. Shorts and sleeveless blouses look much better. Oh, well, we all have our indulgences!!</p>
<p>Where do you get the Bare Minerals?</p>
<p>We have a Bare Minerals store here and Sephora carries Bare Minerals, but I don’t know about the tanner. It is also carried by QVC. </p>
<p>I like it as a tanner, if you read reviews on QVC some people seem to think the lotion you put on is the tan and expect the lotion to stay on. It doesn’t. It dries to some extent, but I wouldn’t out on a blouse and think it would transfer. </p>
<p>For example this morning I put it on, did some work and goofed off on CC, and will shower after it has been on for 2 1/2 hours. I like the tanner, but what I really like is the brush. Any self tanner would work better using the brush.</p>
<p>For those who recommended Laura Mercier products earlier, I’d like to ask your experience with her oil-free foundation vs tinted moisturizer. The oil-free Clinique foundation I’ve worn for the past several years has been discontinued. I have sensitive, breakout-prone skin-- dry cheeks, oily t-zone. I picked up a sample of her oil-free foundation at Bloomie’s last week and wore it for a day. Before purchasing it, however, I wonder what kind of coverage the tinted moisturizers provide and which type you use. If you use multiple products from this line, would you please tell me which and in which sequence? Thanks.</p>
<p>No recs for Laura Mercier? Which foundation do others use who have temperamental skin and need medium coverage?</p>
<p>I use Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer; I love it–have used it for a number of years. This is the product I use. I have oily skin and this works well for me. </p>
<p>ttp://<a href=“http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P109936&om_mmc=esv103264-GG&om_kwpur=332161908&ppc_crid=5575697177&sbanner=us_search&esvcid=S1306179447_ADOGOE_AGI3733689_CRE5575697177_TID332161908_RFDd3d3Lmdvb2dsZS5jb20%3D_RAWbGF1cmElMjBtZXJjaWVyJTIwdGludGVkJTIwbW9pc3R1cml6ZXI%3D”>www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P109936&om_mmc=esv103264-GG&om_kwpur=332161908&ppc_crid=5575697177&sbanner=us_search&esvcid=S1306179447_ADOGOE_AGI3733689_CRE5575697177_TID332161908_RFDd3d3Lmdvb2dsZS5jb20%3d_RAWbGF1cmElMjBtZXJjaWVyJTIwdGludGVkJTIwbW9pc3R1cml6ZXI%3d</a></p>
<p>I have rosacea and one of the only things that works for me is Bare Escentuals. The only other products I have used recently that I really liked were the Primer and tinted moisturizer from Smashbox.</p>
<p>I use Elizabeth Arden ceramide cream make-up with 15 spf full spectrum sunscreen. I first put on a layer of spf30 moisurizer on your face every morning underneath it. I have worn 30 spf on my face and 15 spf on entire body every morning since I was 21 year old. I apply the make up sparingly, then follow with brown mascara (also blonde hair), a little powder with a brush, and lip gloss (also with spf15).</p>
<p>I think there are products that can make a significant difference in skin tone and Retin A in particular has been proven to heal aging or sun damaged skin. It increases cell turn over rates, so it’s best to use it at night when our body is in that “mode”. Retinols are the same ingredient, but in over-the-counter strength. Your dermatologist can prescribe Retin A and in a strength right for your skin (it can be drying, so they need to get the right strength). </p>
<p>Exfoliating! Another BIG factor in your skin’s cell turn over rate. It is very important to exfoliate a couple times a week. I personally love Dr. Wexler’s exfoliating cleanser.</p>
<p>For eye creams, Serums (with vitamin C, which is helpful for replenishing moisture to skin), and moisturizers, I prefer either Skinceuticals brand, or Kinerase (I order on Skinstore.com). I have also been happy with some of the Aveda, but the first two seem to work better for me. </p>
<p>Otherwise, I eat extremely well (mostly vegetarian, low sugar, low inflammatory diet, take fish oil supplements), exercise every single day, drink lots of water with Emergen-C added. I am 43 years old and have four kids. I am always happy when people look at me in shock when I tell them I have an 18 year old and say that they thought I was about 34 yrs. old. I have no problems with aging, but I figure it’s a good idea to at least do what I can to look younger. What’s the down side, right? We’re all going to be grannies one day, but hey, I’m hoping that when I’m 90 people think I’m ONLY 80, lol!</p>