The Best Self Tanners Ever
These are the best self tanners, regardless of price. As always, there are two lists here: the first is my personal picks, and the second is based on the results of a poll of over 1000 beauty-savvy women. Enjoy, and let me know whether your favorite made the list! The Beauty Insider's PicksI cheated in this category. Since my skin is naturally olive and tanned, I used my husband as a guinea pig for some of these products. The other recommendations came about through friends. Tip: In case you haven’t already heard, before applying self-tanner, exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. And go easy on naturally darker parts, like knees and elbows. 1. Clarins Gelee Auto-Bronzante Express Self Tanning Instant Gel: Clarins makes some of the best self-tanners on the market. This product dries quickly, so you can get dressed right away, and leaves no telltale scent behind. It gives light, natural color to the fair skinned, without looking orangey or streaky. Brilliant. $28 2. Savage Bronze Sunless Tanning Mousse: For natural, golden color that is not too dark, this fast-drying self-tanner is a popular pick. The mitt makes it easy to apply. It’s affordable, and the chocolatey smell is a definite bonus. $13.95 3. Bare Escentuals Faux Tan: This almond-smelling lotion has a dark color, so you can see where you’re applying it—no surprises. Plus it goes on smoothly, dries quickly, and leaves a natural, light golden tan behind. $22 4. Fake Bake Sunless Self-Tanning Lotion: This is perhaps the most foolproof self tanner on the market. Simply smooth on (don’t rub, as it won’t blend in) and wait for a natural, streakless tan that lasts for days and fades away naturally. Once you get the desired effect, a weekly application will maintain your glorious color. A friend told me that this looks better than her natural tan. $22.95 5. Au Courant Bronze Face Gel: This light, sweet smelling gel applies easily, won’t streak, and delivers a startlingly realistic tan. And it won’t cause breakouts in acne-prone skin. $19.95 6. Tan Towels: This may be the convenient self-tanner on the market—even my husband likes it. One of the smaller towelettes covers face, neck, and chest. (They’re also available in bigger, full-body sizes). There’s no fuss, no mess—just wipe on natural color with a light citrus scent that fades in a few minutes. $20/10 towelettes 7. Coppertone Oil-Free Sunless Tanning Lotion Medium/Dark: This tinted lotion lets you see where it’s going, and it delivers a natural, golden tan with minimal odor. It doesn’t streak, absorbs quickly, is oil-free, lasts for days, and fades away gradually. And did I mention that it’s cheap? $7 (approx.) 8. Lancome Flash Bronzer Medium Colour Self-Tanning Body Spray with SPF and Pure Vitamin E: This easy-to-use spray massages in easily, dries quickly and leaves an incredibly natural tan that never streaks or looks orange. $27.50 9. Bath & Body Works Tan-Do Attitude Sunless Bronzer: The only thing orangey about this is the fragrance. This tinted product is great for the beginner, because it doesn’t dry too quickly, giving you plenty of time to rub it in. It delivers subtle, realistic color on paler skin, and it’s never muddy or streaky. $10 10. Avon Sun Self Tanning Lotion Medium/Dark: This clear gel is easy to apply and delivers a gorgeous brown color with reddish undertones, without any orangey hues or streaking. The bottle is huge and inexpensive, and the smell is nice and light. $9.99 The Popular Vote1. Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel, $28 2. Banana Boat Sunless Tanning Cream, $7.50 (approx.) 3. Bain de Soleil Streakguarde Self-Tanning Cream, $9 (approx.) 4. Neutrogena Instant Bronze Sunless Tanner & Bronzer in One, $10 (approx.) 5. Savage Bronze Sunless Tanning Mousse, $14 (approx.) 6. Alba Botanica Advanced Sunless Tanning Lotion with SPF 15, $9 (approx.) 7. Bath & Body Works Tan-Do Attitude Sunless Bronzer, $10 8. Au Courant Clear Spray Tan, $29.99 9. Avon Sun Self-Tanning Lotion, $9.99 10. Bare Escentuals Faux Tan Self-Tanner, $22
The Best Sunscreens Ever
These are the best sunscreens I've found, regardless of price. THis list is actually comprised of 2 lists: my picks, and The Popular Vote, which is the result of a survey of over 1000 beauty-obsessed women. Has your favorite made the list? The Beauty Insider's Picks I’ve stuck to mostly facial sunscreens on my list, since sunscreens for the body are plentiful and easy to find in any price range. The key thing, of course, is to look for broad or full spectrum protection, and don’t trust the marketing: if it doesn’t say titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or Parsol 1789 on the active ingredient list, then it doesn’t shield you from UVB rays and should be avoided. (UVA rays protect against skin cancer; UVB rays protect against aging and the hyperpigmentation and wrinkles that accompany it.) Tip: Sunscreen should be the first product you apply after cleansing and toning. Give it a few moments to sink in before continuing your skincare routine. 1. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 55 PA+++: A salesperson at Sephora told me that he’s tried every sunscreen on the market, and this is the best. I was pleased to see that his raves were justified. It’s non-oily, leaves a matte finish, smells gorgeous (but not strong), and dries quickly. A pleasure to use. $36 2. June Jacobs Spa Collection Oil-Free Sunscreen Mist SPF 15: This stuff is amazing. A mist of weightless, oil-free sunscreen hydrates and feels as refreshing as water. Skin-soothing ingredients blend with powerful sunscreens to make this a perfect, everyday, under-your-makeup pick. $32 3. Ocean Potion Anti-Aging Sunblock SPF 50: Ocean Potion has been a surfer’s staple for years, but it’s just now reaching cult status among more landlocked types. Antioxidants and a full-spectrum sunblock with Parsol 1789 shield skin from the most damaging rays. It’s affordable, water-resistant, oil-free, and smells like a creamsicle. $7 4. Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protection SPF 30 Waterproof: This is not just oil-free, it’s oil-absorbing. The “microscopic sponge encapsulation” technology traps and soaks up oils and other unwanted skin destroyers. It’s not greasy or heavy, and it keeps skin matte yet hydrated all day long. The amazingly elegant formula glides on effortlessly with no stickiness, whiteness, or gumminess. A soft, light scent, a waterproof formula and broad spectrum sunscreen make this perfect for everyday use. $40 5. Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion SPF 30: This is skincare that happens to contain sunscreen. It’s oil-free, fragrance-free, and chock full of good-for-your-skin ingredients like ceramides, antioxidants, and gingko biloba. Put this on in the morning and you need nothing else. $37 6. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 45: What’s not to love about this sunscreen? It leaves skin matte and fresh all day long, has a light pleasant scent, and offers full spectrum protection. Plus, it blends in easily without feeling heavy or leaving a white cast. And it’s affordable, so you’ll never skimp. $10 (approx.) 7. La Roche Posay Anthelios W Gel SPF 40: I tried this on the recommendation of a prominent dermatologist and, at the time, it was only available in Europe and Canada. I ordered it from a Canadian pharmacy online, and it was worth every penny. It’s still only available on the internet in the United States. This product offers more advanced sun protection than any domestic product, because it’s made with a newer, more advanced sunscreen ingredient not yet approved by the FDA. The gel is sheer, non-greasy, and invisible on skin. (Stock up when you’re in Europe—it’s much less expensive overseas). $48 8. SkinCeuticals Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30: This product was recommended to me by a dermatologist, and, when I tried it, I immediately knew why. This is so gentle it won’t lead to breakouts or irritate the most sensitive skin. It’s light and never greasy, so skin stays matte and free of the dreaded white mask. $34 9. La Mer The SPF 18 Fluid: I don’t buy the gibberish about gemstones capturing light energy and transforming it, but I do know that this luxurious, pricey sunscreen is one of the most elegant on the market. It’s weightless and water-based , hydrating without ever being heavy or greasy, and has spheres that can help diffuse light and draw attention away from flaws. $6510. Hawaiian Tropic Sunblock SPF 15 Plus: This coconut-scented cream is moisturizing, full of skin-saving antioxidants, and provides broad-spectrum protection. The best part? It’s the most affordable sunscreen on the list, so you can use it with abandon. $9 (approx.) The Popular Vote 1. Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock, $10 (approx.) 2. Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25, $15.50 3. Banana Boat Ultra Sunblock Lotion SPF 30, $8 (approx.) 4. Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 Fragrance-Free, $11 (approx.) 5. Coppertone Sport Sunblock Gel SPF 30, $10 (approx.) 6. Olay Complete UV Protective Moisture Lotion SPF 15, $7 (approx.) 7. Shiseido Sun Care Anessa Town Use Sunscreen SPF 30, $36 8. Aubrey Organics Sun Shade Ultra 15, $7.75 9. Avene Eau Thermale High Protection Sunscreen Milk, $17 (approx.) 10. Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus SPF 30, $10
Observations from a Mom's Life
The last few days have been challenging, beauty-wise. Yesterday I decided to take my 21 month old to playgroup and leave our 8 week old behind with the au pair. I am lucky. I have help. But even though I have an amazing French au pair and someone who cleans the house once a week, I can barely keep up with my two girls. Forget about making myself presentable. So we are almost out the door when I remember that I hadn't even washed my face yet that morning. I am standing in the kitchen with the makeup case that I happened to bring downstairs with me, so I glance in the microwave - the only reflective surface around - and proceed to do some damage control. I swipe some hand lotion from the pump by the kitchen sink and use it to tame the frizz from my hair. Then, using the microwave as a mirror, I apply a little concealer to the remains of a massive pimple that appeared last week (the first of its kind in a couple of years - I thought breakouts were behind me), a little powder, and some blush. All without the benefit of an actual mirror. In the car on the way to playgroup, I added some lipstick and a spritz of Flowerbomb, which can make me feel glamorous no matter what the circumstances. Yikes. Not an ideal way to start the day. So last night I resolved to get back on track, and I went on Oprah.com and printed out Dr. Oz's 14-day anti-aging program. I plan to start on Sunday, and I will write about my efforts here. In addition to the program, I intent to take a yoga class once a week, do some exercises with my babies when I can, and make an appointment with the dermatologist for a skin peel. (I had to cancel one when I found out I was pregnant, so it's a long time coming.) I want to set a good example for my daughters, so I need to take care of myself. I want them to see me as happy, healthy, even a little glamorous, because I know that they will model themselves after me, whether they want to or not. That's why motherhood is the toughest job in the world. Everything, even taking care of yourself, becomes about your children.
The Best Home Fragrance Products, Ever
Room sprays used to bring to mind the powdery, cloying sweetness of Glade. Then, one day, I received a bottle of Annick Goutal Parfum d’Ambiance Spray in Eau d’Hadrien, and my world changed forever. How decadent! The quality and luxury of a fine French perfume designed for the home. The world of home fragrance opened up to me, and manufacturers were happy to indulge my obsession. From the ubiquitous candle to a decadent ball filled with amber perfume crystals, I’ve dabbled in the many luxurious ways to scent a home. Here are some of my favorite finds. Annick Goutal Parfum d’Ambiance Spray (Eau d’Hadrien): Arguably Goutal’s most famous scent, Eau d’Hadrien is a sparkly, bubbly, sophisticated blend of lemon, grapefruit, citron and cypress. One spritz of this hard-to-find room spray (in a gold-capped, frosted glass bottle worthy of Goutal) refreshes a room with a lingering scent. $60 Porthault Spray d’Ambiance (Madeleine): A sleek glass bottle holds one of seven sophisticated room scents. One spritz is enough to flood a room with a gorgeous fragrance. My favorite, Madeleine, is a feminine floral. $36 Eufora Atmosphere (Gentle Wind): This all-natural, essential oil spray gets rid of unpleasant odors like nothing else. I keep a bottle near my puppy’s litter box (yes, there is such a thing) to instantly zap odors before they permeate the room. $15 (approx.) L’Artisan Parfumeur Les Curiosites Parfumees: L’Artisan Parfumeur is the luxe French line behind cult classics like Mure et Musc and Mimosa Pour Moi, but I think the company is most impressive in its range of home fragrance items. Sophisticated sachets shaped like flowers and tassels join hanging objets parfumes to add whimsy, elegance, and fragrance to a home. Perhaps most notable is the Amber Ball, a terracotta sphere handmade by a French potter which is filled with perfumed amber crystals. The warm, exotic scent diffuses slowly into the air. Prices range from $15 (single flower sachet) to $200 (large Amber Ball) Archipelago Botanicals Candle Collection 60 Hour Candle (Cairo): Amber, orange blossom, myrrh and olibannum combine to produce an exotic, heady scent that transports you to faraway places. I love this so much that I included the votive version in the gift boxes for my wedding guests. Post-wedding, calls flooded in from friends inquiring about the addictive candle. $19 Diptyque Candle/Room Spray (Baies): Diptyque candles are loved by connoisseurs for their fabulous fragrances and sleek packaging. Baies is one of the most famous scents Diptyque produces, and rightfully so. It’s an enlivening fruity-floral composed of black currant leaves and Bulgarian rose. $45 (candle); $36 (room spray) Creed Homebody/Scented Candles: My mother is hooked on Creed’s spicy Pekin Imperiale scented candle. It’s one of the strongest-scented, longest-lasting candles on the market. But in my opinion, the most notable Creed home fragrance product is the Homebody Spray. This generous, elegantly-attired spray bottle is filled with a luscious fragrance (Pekin Imperiale, Les Floralies or Riviera Flowers) designed for use in the Home and on your Body (hence, the name). How inventive. Now you never have to worry about clashing with your home. $75 (candle); $98 (Homebody) Fresh Candles: The hip, minimalistic packaging and stunning scents of Fresh candles make them a perennial favorite. It’s hard to narrow them down, but my top picks are Palomino (a fruity, musky floral), Sugar (crisp citrus and warm caramel), and Sake (peach nectar and soft florals). $45 each Alora Ambiance Fragrance Diffuser: This elegant, innovative diffuser was featured in every magazine when it debuted in the U.S, and with good reason. A simple glass bottle holds the fragrance. Insert a bunch of long, scent-diffusing sticks into the bottle to add fragrance and atmosphere to a room. My favorite of the scents is Isola, a mixture of tuberose, gardenia and fig. $76 Esteban Potpourri (Ambre): This isn’t your grandmother’s potpourri. No dried leaves, here. Instead, Esteban uses porous ceramic in simple, decorative shapes to dispense fragrance slowly and steadily over time. A few drops of refresher oil weekly, and you have a home fragrance product that is as decorative as it is effective. A cousin gave me Ambre as a gift, and I am astonished by the heady, lingering scent of amber, bergamot and lemon. Esteban also makes incense, candles, room sprays, even vacuum powder and furniture polish. $38 (potpourri); $13.50 (refresher oil)
Best Home Fragrance Products, Ever
Room sprays used to bring to mind the powdery, cloying sweetness of Glade. Then, one day, I received a bottle of Annick Goutal Parfum d’Ambiance Spray in Eau d’Hadrien, and my world changed forever. How decadent! The quality and luxury of a fine French perfume designed for the home. The world of home fragrance opened up to me, and manufacturers were happy to indulge my obsession. From the ubiquitous candle to a decadent ball filled with amber perfume crystals, I’ve dabbled in the many luxurious ways to scent a home. Here are some of my favorite finds. Annick Goutal Parfum d’Ambiance Spray (Eau d’Hadrien): Arguably Goutal’s most famous scent, Eau d’Hadrien is a sparkly, bubbly, sophisticated blend of lemon, grapefruit, citron and cypress. One spritz of this hard-to-find room spray (in a gold-capped, frosted glass bottle worthy of Goutal) refreshes a room with a lingering scent. $60 Porthault Spray d’Ambiance (Madeleine): A sleek glass bottle holds one of seven sophisticated room scents. One spritz is enough to flood a room with a gorgeous fragrance. My favorite, Madeleine, is a feminine floral. $36 Eufora Atmosphere (Gentle Wind): This all-natural, essential oil spray gets rid of unpleasant odors like nothing else. I keep a bottle near my puppy’s litter box (yes, there is such a thing) to instantly zap odors before they permeate the room. $15 (approx.) L’Artisan Parfumeur Les Curiosites Parfumees: L’Artisan Parfumeur is the luxe French line behind cult classics like Mure et Musc and Mimosa Pour Moi, but I think the company is most impressive in its range of home fragrance items. Sophisticated sachets shaped like flowers and tassels join hanging objets parfumes to add whimsy, elegance, and fragrance to a home. Perhaps most notable is the Amber Ball, a terracotta sphere handmade by a French potter which is filled with perfumed amber crystals. The warm, exotic scent diffuses slowly into the air. Prices range from $15 (single flower sachet) to $200 (large Amber Ball) Archipelago Botanicals Candle Collection 60 Hour Candle (Cairo): Amber, orange blossom, myrrh and olibannum combine to produce an exotic, heady scent that transports you to faraway places. I love this so much that I included the votive version in the gift boxes for my wedding guests. Post-wedding, calls flooded in from friends inquiring about the addictive candle. $19 Diptyque Candle/Room Spray (Baies): Diptyque candles are loved by connoisseurs for their fabulous fragrances and sleek packaging. Baies is one of the most famous scents Diptyque produces, and rightfully so. It’s an enlivening fruity-floral composed of black currant leaves and Bulgarian rose. $45 (candle); $36 (room spray) Creed Homebody/Scented Candles: My mother is hooked on Creed’s spicy Pekin Imperiale scented candle. It’s one of the strongest-scented, longest-lasting candles on the market. But in my opinion, the most notable Creed home fragrance product is the Homebody Spray. This generous, elegantly-attired spray bottle is filled with a luscious fragrance (Pekin Imperiale, Les Floralies or Riviera Flowers) designed for use in the Home and on your Body (hence, the name). How inventive. Now you never have to worry about clashing with your home. $75 (candle); $98 (Homebody) Fresh Candles: The hip, minimalistic packaging and stunning scents of Fresh candles make them a perennial favorite. It’s hard to narrow them down, but my top picks are Palomino (a fruity, musky floral), Sugar (crisp citrus and warm caramel), and Sake (peach nectar and soft florals). $45 each Alora Ambiance Fragrance Diffuser: This elegant, innovative diffuser was featured in every magazine when it debuted in the U.S, and with good reason. A simple glass bottle holds the fragrance. Insert a bunch of long, scent-diffusing sticks into the bottle to add fragrance and atmosphere to a room. My favorite of the scents is Isola, a mixture of tuberose, gardenia and fig. $76 Esteban Potpourri (Ambre): This isn’t your grandmother’s potpourri. No dried leaves, here. Instead, Esteban uses porous ceramic in simple, decorative shapes to dispense fragrance slowly and steadily over time. A few drops of refresher oil weekly, and you have a home fragrance product that is as decorative as it is effective. A cousin gave me Ambre as a gift, and I am astonished by the heady, lingering scent of amber, bergamot and lemon. Esteban also makes incense, candles, room sprays, even vacuum powder and furniture polish. $38 (potpourri); $13.50 (refresher oil)
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