Tanning 101

It's very interesting to note that back in the 18th and 19th centuries tanned skin was perceived as unattractive. Forward to today and everyone wants to be tan. Even guys who used to say that only girls do that, now frequent tanning salons. Some people go tanning to prepare their skin for a vacation, to avoid a sunburn. Some tan because it's "cool". In a 1997 Seventeen Magazine survey, two thirds of teens responding said they "look better with a tan and feel healthier, more sophisticated." Personally I like it when my skin is tan. I don't tan very well in the sun and tanning just makes me feel better. I have a few years of tanning experience and below are things you need to know:

1. Always use tanning goggles. Always.
2. Always use a tanning lotion. It will make your skin get up to 40% darker and tan faster. There are many lotions out there and they can be costly. My favorite are the ones with bronzers for glowing skin. If you want to save some money, shop on eBay for the lotions. Make sure that you buy from a reputable seller who has good feedback. Some lotions on eBay are laced with Lubriderm and other stuff. Or they are expired. If you buy one make sure to check the expiration date and that it doesn't smell funny. The one I have purchased recently and am completely in love with is the Swedish Beauty's Priceless tanning lotion. It's described as the "7th Dimension Bronzing System with BodyBlush™ Blend". Smells very good too.
3. Don't burn. Or do everything to prevent burning. Burn is your enemy. Even though it may turn into a tan, burns damage your skin, later leading to skin cancer and you don't want that.
4. If you want to get tan fast use a spray tan. No UV to worry about and it's quick. If you've never done it before and you want to be tan for prom, don't do a spray the day before. You'll look like a Oompa-Loompa. You don't want that. Try a spray tan in advance and see how it looks on you to prevent a disaster.
5. Whitening teeth while tanning is the greatest thing ever! I bought the Twilight Teeth Whitening Solution and it works like magic After one use my teeth are super white. Ask your salon if they carry it.
6. Stay away from self-tanning products...it usually ends up a complete mess.
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Beauty on a Budget

Spring is in the air! On Tuesday the 20th the winter will be officially over. It's time to freshen up and update our look...On a budget...And I will tell you how. From head to toe rejuvenation.

Face. The first concern after a long winter is the skin. It may be dry or just dull. Let's start with a scrub to get the dirt and dead skin off. The best one I have found is the Avon's Invigorating Cleansing Scrub at $5. It has tiny salt beads that are gentle yet very effective. The skin tingles after a few seconds, feels like the skin is breathing. Next, Biore's Nose Strips for $7. Those will get rid of all the blackheads on your nose. Works like a beauty. For moisturizer I recommend Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion at $23. For makeup, be careful with face powder, because it clogs pores like no other. Instead, to get rid of the shine during the day use oil blotting sheets. Clinique, Clean & Clear, The Body Shop and Victoria's Secret all have them at under $7.

Hair. Split ends and dull color are usually the side effects of winter. To get rid of split ends all you need is a hair cut and possibly some deep conditioning. As far as color, it's time for an update. Many Hollywood stars, like Jessica Simpson, are trading in their blond locks for different shades of brown. If you want to update your mane go for golden brown or dark brown. Make sure to pick up the color without ammonia to avoid further damage to your hair. Semi-permanent is the best option because if you don't like it you're not stuck with it until it grows out.

Body. Let's start with keeping skin moisturized. A good body lotion is a good investment. Body butter is even better. The Body Shop has a good selection. The new Pink Grapefruit smells great and will keep your skin in perfect condition. And how about a bubble bath? Lush has some awesome bubble baths and soaps.

In my next post I'll talk about tanning do's and dont's.

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What's in ~ FashionWatch II

My second post in the FashionWatch Series. Let's see what celebs are obsessing about now.

1. Marc Jacobs Sunglasses. Drew Barrymore has been spotted wearing these all over the world promoting her new movie Music & Lyrics. I'm not sure if I'll be willing to pay $150 for a pair of shades, but Target has a pair for $12.99.

2. Lanvin "Kansas" Tote. I honestly find this bag in either brown or black grain leather to be very cute and practical. The price tag of $1,865.00 through Barneys - not so much. Amazon has a much cheaper version that's just as cute.

3. Stuart Weitzman Flats. These are pretty. Really pretty. Would I pay $225.00 for them? Ummm...NO! Here you can get a pair for $40 that are almost as pretty.
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What's in ~ FashionWatch

This is my first post on beauty and fashion and what's in right now. I'll try to do this weekly, maybe more often if I run into something worth noting. Check these new trends out:

1. Initial Necklaces. Remember those were popular a few years ago, well, they're back. In Hollywood they score diamond studded ones, but here you can get a look-alike for $19.99.

2. Animal Print. I've seen it everywhere - shoes, purses and even coats. I'm not sure if you will ever see me in leopard print coat, but I will most definitely score some leopard or zebra print shoes. How about these pumps from Target for only $29.99?

3. Bright Purses. With spring and summer just around the corner, bright colors are essential. Celebs are in love with their bright Balenciaga "Motorcycle" purses. A splash of color can bring any outfit to life. Urban Outfitters has a wide variety of shapes and colors, this one is my favorite.

4. Body Scrubs. Winter is coming to an end and our skin needs a boost to get it ready for the spring. Body scrubs work wonders! The best one I have found is the one from The Body Shop, the Cocoa Butter Body Scrub. It is infused with ground rice, almond, and soy oil, which will moisturize your skin into tranquility. Also, Cocoa Butter is great to treat skin that's prone to stretch marks and cellulite.

5. Nautical. This summer get ready for a mix of playful details and sailor-girl style. Bright, bold patterns are great; however you have to know how to pull them off. If you do a pattern on a skirt, try to go for a solid color on top with a necklace around your neck. The solid color doesn't have to be matching to the pattern, you might be better off with a contrast. Old Navy and American Eagle have a wide variety to choose from.

Tune in next week for more!

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