Faking it...my favourite bronzers

With Summer fast approaching (although it does not seem that way in North America) the safest and smartest method of achieving that bronze golden goddess status is to fake it like you’ve never faked it before. Besides using self-tanner (of which I am not a fan of) using bronzers are a great way to get that golden sunkissed glow. Here are my top favourite bronzers:


1. Nars Bronzing Powder
2 shades; LAGUNA & CASINO.
Packaging- compact with mirror
Retail- about $32.00 cdn.
I’ve used the LAGUNA shade (the lightest of the two) which is a golden brown with golden undertones. At first I thought it would be too dark or muddy looking but it adds the perfect warm glow to skin. It's also a long lasting powder which suits my combination skin type year round. I actually have this as part of the Laguna & Orgasm (another fave blush from NARS) duo, great buy if you want the two shades. Very worth it!




2. MAC Bronzing Powder
5 shades; REFINED DEEPER BRONZE, REFINED GOLDEN, GOLDEN, BRONZE, MATTE BRONZE
Packaging-compact with mirror
Retail- about $24.00 cdn
A sheer powder formula that you can layer to achieve the intensity of the “tan” you want. Long staying power, has a golden shimmer but not too sparkly and I have this in GOLDEN which is a brown/peachy shade.


3. Rimmel Natural Bronzer with SPF 8
3 shades; SUN DANCE, SUN BRONZE, SUN LIGHT.
Packaging- the clear cover tends to come off, easily fixable with an elastic (for that price works for me)
Retail- about $8.99 cdn
I’ve used the Sun Light shade, which is a brown/peachy shade with a bit of shimmer. Not as shimmery as the above two. Long lasting powder & the best price of all the bronzers listed. If testing powder bronzers for the first time this is good starter.


4. Guerlain Terracota Bronzing Powder
5 shades; TERRACOTA 1, 2, 3, 20 & only at Sephora an exclusive shade MAKE-UP ARTIST00 which is a matte golden tan (according to the web site)
Packaging- compact with mirror
Retail- about $43.00 cdn
I have this in Terracota 3 which is a warm deep bronze with slight shimmer. This is a moisturizing powder therefore I only use this in the winter as I tend to be on the oilier side in summer. Thus, if you are a dry skin gal this is the perfect bronzing powder for you. Also, out of all the bronzers this is the most expensive.


5. Vasanti Blush
Shades;ANDES
Packaging-compact with mirror, only complaint is that its a smallish square shape which makes it a little ackward to swipe your brush.
Retail-about $15.00 cdn
Although this is a blush the shade ANDES doubles as a bronzer. This is better for the evening as its very shimmery. A bronze/peachy powder that is highly pigmented, so a little goes a long way.

6. Clinique True Bronze Pressed Powder
Three shades: SUNKISSED, SUNBLUSHED, SUNSWEPT
Packaging- compactwith mirror & brush which is OK for touch-ups but your better off using a your own brush
Retail-about $25.00 cdn
I have this in Sunkissed a peach/brown with golden undertones. Its an oil-free powder which is perfect for oily-combination skin types. Very sheer so you can layer to achieve the right density.



7. Dr. Hauschka Translucent Bronze
Shades; only the one
Packaging-glass bottle with pump dispenser, keep clean because prior to each use can get clumpy
Retail-about $35.00 cdn
It is the only liquid bronzer on my list. It’s a deep brown shade that you can dilute with your foundation or moisturizer. It does have a watery consistency therefore takes getting used to. This gives a great glow once you learn how to mix & blend. A pea size is all you need & dust it off with powder or blush for that perfect sunkissed glow.


8. Benefit Hoola
Shade; only one
Packaging-cardboard box with brush. Toss the brush on this one because it's scratchy.
Retail-about$34.00 cdn
This is a matte bronzer in a deep brown shade. Its great not only as a bronzer but as a contouring shade. Also, has slight fragrance which doesn’t bother me but might be an irritant for others.


To bring out the bronze goddess that you are the key with using all bronzers is to use it where the sun normally hits your face: cheeks, forehead, and nose. Happy faking-it!

Meow over! Japan's hottest kitty is bringing sexy back.

Vogue Japan has added a new "Supermodel" to their roster. She's the cutest & coolest 33 year old in Japan. However, this supermodel is not exactly your typical tall slender goddess. She has short legs & whiskers, and is Japan's #1 selling animated feline. Vogue Japan will feature the cutie Hello Kitty in their June issue modelling the latest autumn & winter '08 John Galliano for Dior designs. In Japan, Hello Kitty can be found on everything from lingerie to automobiles.

"Of course this is the first time the historic fashion house of Dior has had a cartoon character model their entire collection," said an official at Conde Nast Japan, publishers of Vogue Nippon. "Japanese animation and characters have been a strong influence on the fashion world in the last few seasons, but Kitty is special," the official said. "Fashion people all know her name and face and always say they love her. That's why we at Vogue wanted to do something involving her."

(http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUST21548320080421)

http://www.vogue.co.jp/

Hopefully, I can get my hands on a copy of the June Vogue issue. Will be interesting to see the famous feline fashion spread. Well all I can say is...MEOW!

source Reuters

One Stop for great finds!

Mark your calenders for May 2,3, & 4th for Toronto's The Clothing Show. You don't want to miss this Weekend Shopping Event! In the past I've found some great vintage goods, including Gucci vintage purses (of which I collect) & great vintage sunglasses. There are however new items as well & one-of-a-kind pieces. With over 300 booths to choose from you will not leave empty-handed.

http://www.theclothingshow.com/

Located at the EX, Toronto (Better Living Centre)

Tickets

$8.00 Online

$10.00 at the door

Pay one admission & shop all weekend!

Hours:

Friday (Opening Night Party) 3pm-9pm

Saturday 11am-9pm

Sunday 11am-7am

Michael Kors lifestyle has opened in Canada.

Although Michael Kors' fashion can be found in Canada at stores such as Holt Renfrew the designer is opening his Lifestyle stores across Canada, beginning with Yorkdale Mall in Toronto on April 11,2008. Another two stores are expected to open at Rockland Mall in Montreal and Oakridge Mall in Vancouver.

http://www.michaelkors.com/

The designer was recently in Toronto to promote the opening of his new store. This is what he has to say about Toronto;

“Fashion is speeding up so quickly now. Hollywood is shopping online the day after my show. Here in Toronto, you haven’t worn your spring clothes yet but you are fully versed in next fall. That’s why more than ever, it becomes about really knowing yourself and what works for you.” (the Toronto Star, April 12 2007)

http://www.thestar.com/Life/article/202098

Michael Kors also apears as a judge on the show Project Runaway. The American designer will bring Yorkdale up a notch in its attempt in marketing the mall as an upscale fashion mecca. With already a few note worthy stores under its belt, Yorkdale continues to become a one-stop shopping emporium.

above image Micheal Kors from www.michealkors.com

There's been an oil spill!

In a few of my postings I have mentioned the use of Cleansing Oils. Cleansing oils are nothing new to skincare & in fact has been a cleansing method used for centuries. I have been using the Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) for the last year. I use this at night to remove makeup & sunscreen, however I do follow with a cleanser. Just for reference, I have combination skin that gets drier in the winter & oilier in the summer. That being said I use this method regardless of how my skin is reacting. Some would say "oil to wash you face if your face is already oily"...yes!
Here's a great article for reference:

When cleansing and moisturizing your skin, it is imperative that you keep in mind that oil disolves oil. Do not be afraid of applying oil to your face. Oil, alone, will not cause you blemishes. Pimples, cysts, zits, blackheads and whiteheads are a result of several different factors including hormones, bacteria, dead skin cells and the buildup of these factors. Your skin naturally produces oil because it needs it. It is not a malicious force to be reckoned with, it is there for the benefit of your skin. It is naturally occurring. Oil helps lubricate, heal, protect, and moisturize your skin so that it may function properly. Properly functioning skin is beautiful, clear, and glowing. (Written by Stephanie Strauss )
http://www.thebeautybottle.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6&Itemid=2

The rest of the article describes how the OCM works & how you should apply it.
I don't only use comercially made cleansing oils but have made a few in the past of which I love. But to be honest I've been too lazy lately & thus have purchased a few of which are in rotation.
Here's my receipe (that works for me). You have to find what oils & needs you want & which essential oils your skin can tolerate. Also, I store my oil in a glass drop style bottle & store it a dark dry space.

My own Cleansing Oil Recipe:
Grapeseed Oil
Castor Oil (just a little)
Sweet Almond Oil
& a couple drops of Lavender Oil

My skin can tolerate lavender oil while others cannot. I've also used Tea Tree Oil instead of Lavender, so its all a matter of experimenting.

Here's a link to carrier oils:

Carrier oils, also known as vegetable oils, base oils or fixed oils, are used to dilute essential oils, CO2s and absolutes before applying to the skin. (reference www.aromaweb.com)

http://www.aromaweb.com/vegetableoils/default.asp

Essential oils:

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoils/default.asp

Here's an amusing clip from the Tyra Show in which Tyra shares her skincare secrets. She uses Shu Uemura:

http://tyrashow.warnerbros.com/gallery/video/index.html?=tyrawash

With the OCM trial & error with experimenting different oils is necessary. That is also true for any new skincare regime you start with. Let me know how you like OCM & share your recipes in my comment section. Enjoy!

Spring-up with new skincare

On a recent trip to Hong Kong I picked up a few things...Specifically, FANCL which is a Japanese brand that has some great skincare items. Most famously is their Cleansing Oils, however, since I already have a few in rotation I decided to try their Revitalizing Yogurt Mask Set & Washing Liquid. FANCL claims:

FANCL is "Pure" FANCL products contain no preservatives, antiseptics, disinfectants, petroleum surfactants, fragrance, coloring agents or mineral oil.

FANCL is "Simple" The three-step system-cleanse, moisturize and enrich-takes just minutes a day. Choose FANCL Basic Skin Care products for normal to dry or oily skin. Add products from FANCL Advanced Skin Care to solve specific skin problems.

FANCL is "Powerful" A little does so much. FANCL is concentrated skin care as pure, simple and powerful as Nature herself. These tiny bottles contain only fresh, essential ingredients, undiluted by unnecessary additives.

http://www.fancl.com/catalog/index.php?language=Eng

So far I am loving both products! The mask is a two-step process which consists of mixing a Rhythm-Up Pack & Vitalize-Up Pack. The package claims to "Revitalizes cells & enhances skin's firmness. Improves rough skin & restores its natural glow." I'm not sure it actually enhances any firmness but my skin did glow afterwards, which is exactly what I wanted.

As for the Washing Liquid, I would definetly repurchase this product again. Its very gentle & great to use morning & night (after the cleansing oil). Reminds me of Dermalogica's Gentle Cleanser but without any scent.

I also bought a product called Baby Pink, its a clear lipgloss that changes to pink once applied. However, I didn't realize this until I tried it on, since there is no English writing on the package I thought it was just another clear lipgloss (although the name "Baby Pink" should have been a clue).

Lastly, got my magazine "fix"... I chose In Magazine.

http://www.inmagazine.com.hk/index.php?lang=en

Lots of product sponsership & articles related to such. But with any fashion magazine that is expected. Aside from that great articles with a vast array of subjects.