Summer Beauty Review: Looking Pale? 5 Bronzers To Give You That Faux Glow!

What is it about sun-kissed skin that everyone longs for? Hmm, I can think of a few reasons. You look healthier, don't have to wear as much makeup, and everyone thinks you just came back from the most fabulous getaway.

There are a variety of bronzers on the market to suit your fancy. Read up on what I think of this summer's latest bronzers-on-the-block!

1. Clinique Almost Bronzer SPF 15 ($34 CAD): They call this "almost bronzer" for a reason. If you have a bronzer phobia, but long for a touch of sun you will love this bronzer. The application is very, very sheer. It claims it's long-wearing, but because I received the Light/Medium sample I couldn't see it at all on my skin. It also says it's buildable which I'm sure is true if you have very fair skin. You can combine the two shades for an all over natural colour or use one to contour and the lighter to highlight. For me, this bronzer was a bust especially at $34, mainly because I couldn't truly test its potential and I didn't have a chance to try it on someone fairer than me. Anyone else try this?

2. Lancome Star Bronzer in #3 ($46 CAD): This long-wearing bronzer will be featured this summer in a new slim case with a clic closing. I love the embossed design - it reminds me of sun rays shining over the brand's classic rose emblem. It even has a rose scent to it. The bronzer is lovely on and the shimmer is very subtle so you get the most natural glow. The shade is very buildable and long-wearing. You won't have to worry about looking orange this summer - just pure golden baby! Keep in mind, it comes with a hefty price tag but if you love Lancome and love luxury bronzers this is one to get.

3. Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm in Bronzed ($34 CAD): These eco-friendly beauty balms of goodness are perfect for the "no makeup" makeup look. I love the glow it gives my skin. The sticks are very creamy and sinks into the skin leaving a gorgeous tint of colour behind. It doesn't leave a greasy residue. Don't expect these to last all day though. I found it lasted longer when I didn't prime or put any foundation on. On bare skin, it actually stayed better. These are perfect for when you want a bronzey tan on-the-go or when you're going to the beach. You can swipe the Bronzed shade on your lids, cheeks and lips and you're good to go. Keep in mind, if staying out in hot weather for a long time these can melt! Solution: throw it in with the drinks in your cooler!

4. Vasanti Brazilian Powder - Brightening Mineral Powder ($25 CAD):  First, the packaging is beautiful with its unique artisan inspired paperboard with hand made accents. Being the less pricier of the 5, this is an awesome bronzer for what you get. It contains a nutrient-rich formula with anti-aging properties to keep your skin looking radiant and youthful. It has a shimmery finish to it but instead of looking shiny it leaves a gorgeous sheen. You'll be glowing in all the right places! Tip: make sure your skin is properly powdered before applying. Because it is so velvety smooth, I found I had to buff my skin really well before it looked blended. 

5. Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Deep Chocolate (LE, $40 CAD): You want chocolate? This bronzer is a true rich chocolate. The finish is matte yet silky so you'll never look muddy or dirty. Deep Chocolate is one I recommend for medium-dark to deep skin. I'm no where as tanned as I would be in the height of summer, but if I use it sparingly it leaves a lovely bronzed finish to my skin. I also like using this to contour or as a shadow. It's also available in Rich Cocoa and might be better for someone who has fair to medium skin. Remember to use a bronzer buffing brush or a big powder brush to apply your bronzer so it leaves a believable natural tan! 

 Top - Bottom: Clinique, Lancome, Revolution Organics, Vasanti, and Bobbi Brown

Have you tried any of these bronzers? What are your favourite bronzers for a natural summer glow? 

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

Christina's Sugarpill giveaway!

Christina over at Confessions of a Glitterholic is having an exciting giveaway: an entire set of Sugarpill Chromalust samples! It ends 5/27/2011 so hurry over, read the rules, and ENTER HERE! (Also check out her swatches of all these lovely Sugarpill colors!)

SO Stinking CUTE!!!!!

Do you browse the web? Do you sometimes start at a baking blog with the purpose of grabbing a quick recipe only to find yourself, after browsing her fav sites, then that girl's fav sites, at a sewing blog (I don't sew) that is making the CuTeSt accessory bags EVER??? You may have gathered already that this indeed happened to me and I am SO glad! Meet Anngela from Anngela's Pretty Little Things. This girl can do it all! She is super crafty and a great seamstress. I drool over any images for Halloween and whadda ya know she's got that too =). Here she shares a brush roll up case that she made at a recent party. Take it away Anngela!!!

The task at hand for this party--a roll-up accessories case! After a few snacks and conversation, we got to sewing. House Party supplied the directions, fabric and thread as well as some freebies while Katie hosted and gave step-by-step directions. Here are a few photos from Sew Woodsy's house party re-cap post.

I'm diligently sewing my pockets :)

Vanessa and I getting our sew on

The roll-up accessory case was meant to be a fairly simple project--and that it was! This is a PERFECT project for any beginner sewer. I planned to use mine for my make-up brushes but the versatility and customizations for this project are endless. This has been a project on my "craft to do" list for quite some time--so this allowed for one more project to be checked off as complete!

:Supplies:

Two pieces of fabric

(we used 12"x14" but you can use any rectangular size--

step 3 explains how you may want to determine your size)

Coordinating Ribbon (approximately 20"-24" in length; longer if you make a larger case)

Sewing basics (machine, thread, pins, iron, etc.)

Step 1. Pin your fabric right sides facing together along the edges. Sew along the edge of the fabric with a small seam allowance. Be sure to leave a 4" gap in the center of one of your your longest edges for turning.

Step 2. Turn the fabric right side out, poke out corners and press.

Step 3. To make the pocket: Lay your fabric so that the long side that has the 4" opening is on the right. Decide how "long" of pockets you want and fold your rectangle from the bottom up. The folded part will be your pocket. Press your fold.

The long white line is where the top of my pocket is folded to--a little less than half-way up

Step 4. Open your fold and topstich the top of your pocket for a finished look. (Be sure to not stitch your pocket to the case--this is just a decorative step)
Step 5. Re-fold your flap. Now it's time to sew your individual pocket channels: Determine the channel widths depending on what you're going to hold in your case. I did mine a variety of 1/2"-2" inch pockets for my various sized make-up brushes. Use either a straight stitch or a decorative stitch to give it flair! You may sew only to the top of the pocket, or you may sew up the entire case--I chose to stop at the top of the pocket. Sew your channels by starting at the bottom of the pocket and working towards the top edge, reinforcing at the beginning and end or your stitch. (see photo below) *Do not sew shut your end pockets*

Notice end pocket is not sewn shut

Step 6. Final step! Fold your ribbin in half and insert the folded end into the 4" opening. This should be directly to the right of your pocket. (see photo below)

Stitch around your entire perimeter of your case--closing the gap and securing the open pocket ends--and you're done!

The various cases made by the girls at the party

Holding my make-up brushes and necessities

Enjoy your new case!

Joy Approved: Skin Savers

Find out why I love using these skin saving products! Visit The Joy of Makeup here to read my post!

Twitter

Let me first say that I do not know the first thing about "the Twitter" as cute Betty White said. I really am on new ground and it is FAR from terra firma to me! I mean, the bird looks so sweet and innocent right? How hard can it be right? Are any of you on this feathery site? Help a sister out!!!!!

How To Wash Your Makeup Brushes

 I know a lot of you have asked for it and I was finally able to settle down and do it =). Enjoy!!!

Summer Beauty Review: Shatter, Sparkle and Serena Williams From O.P.I.

Trends in nails have become more innovative than ever before. From the reverse french manicure, to the half-moon manis, there are many fun ways to make your nails the hottest accessory.

The "shatter" trend has every nail brand jumping on the bandwagon. This two-texture finish gives your nails a graffiti-inspired feel that is edgy, funky and super fun! I finally got to the try the trend with O.P.I's latest shatter polishes in three new blue hues.

O.P.I. Shatter Polish in Navy ($10.95 CAD) is gorgeous especially when paired with a metallic polish. In the above photo, I paired it with Joe Fresh Polish in Tin, the spring-ready silver metallic. Navy is a flat shade so you can either wear it matte or apply a top coat over top for some shine. In the photo, I did not apply a top coat. The matte finish gave it the edge-factor. After a few days, I did apply a top coat to keep it on longer and looking fresh.

Here's what I love about the shatter effect: 

• It's very eye-catching and is a quick way to update your nails without having to break the bank.
• Navy is uber chic and a shade that can be worn all year round. Layer it over of a white polish with some shimmer to give it a lighter look for summer. 
• It dries very quickly. You don't have to worry about smudging it.

What I didn't love: 

• It dries very quickly. I found it a little hard to work with because it set so quickly. If you layer on too much, it doesn't crackle or shatter as well. One coat is all that is needed.
• Could be me, but it was hard to make it look neat. I tried to get it as close to the cuticle to match the silver polish but it would end up looking messy. 
• You have to wait until your bottom layer of polish is very dry before applying the shatter polish over top. Otherwise, it doesn't apply smoothly. 

Also available in new shades Blue and Turquoise.

Tennis champ, Serena Williams, has launched a series of super cool polishes for O.P.I. I remember last year sometime I watched an episode of Oprah and found out Serena's other passion is nails! When she retires, she wants to open up her own nail boutique and do nails. She actually went to school too to become a nail technician. Can you imagine getting a pedicure from Serena Williams?? Oprah was her first client!

The O.P.I. Glam Slam France collection ($20.95 CAD duo) in Rally Pretty Pink and Red Shatter is a girly duo mixed with some hotness.

This is Rally Pretty Pink on its own. I absolutely adore this shimmering sunset pink! It's another summer shade you'll love! I actually prefer it by itself.

Personally, I didn't like the red over top. I thought it it overpowered the other shade too much. I did like how the gold shimmer popped out when light would hit it. I think the red shatter would work well with a lot of other shades though like black, metallic gold, orange, yellow, white, and metallic grey. I didn't like a matte finish with this shade as much as the navy. The top coat shine brightened the duo up much more. Also available in Spark de Triomphe (silver glitter) and White Shatter.

Overall, I think the shatter trend is a fun way to update your nails. I think I need a little more practice though! What do you think of the shatter trend? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

Both collections available nationwide May 2011.

www.opi.com

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.