Fun Little Tidbit

This one's especially for every Myspace/Facebook survey junkie!
It's a fun little quiz from the FDA to test your knowledge of cosmetics- complete with links so that you can learn more about what you're putting on your face.

Not to brag, but I got 100%- how about you?

Self Tanner 101

Ah, late winter. Even though it's still cold and gray, we're close enough to summer that we begin to fantasize about the warmth of the sun and the bronze glow it imparts. Somehow, we feel more alive. But alas, we're still a long way from bathing suit weather (a fact some of us are glad for!) Enter the tan in a can, a vacation in a bottle. With a bit of technique, today's formulas can provide a realistic looking tan without the sun, and, more importantly, without looking like an Oompa-Loompa.

I can't help but go into a mini-diatribe on how silly it is to subject your skin to actual tanning- how it prematurely ages you, how one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, how tanning beds are just as dangerous as actual sun (so much so that over half of US states have legislation making it illegal for minors to use them.) I simply don't understand why people take such risks when viable options are out there.

I am a pale girl, I learned a long time ago that I was never going to be tan by any normal standards, and I've come to embrace my pallor. Having said that, Snow White was never depicted in a bathing suit for a reason (probably many). Because of my lack of color, I'm extremely wary when it comes to self tanners, which are more forgiving the deeper your skin tone. Through trial and (unfortunately) error, I've come up with a few techniques that will help you get the best out of your bottle.

First, it's important to prep your skin before you tan. I actually like to give myself a week to gear up and get my skin in condition. Use a non-oily body scrub in the shower every other day, concentrating on rough patches like your knees and elbows. Oil based scrubs will leave a residue on the skin and can cause self tanner to streak, so if you do use a scrub with oil, make sure you wait a day before tanning. On the days working up to your tan, apply body lotion all over, again paying special attention to your driest areas. The day you tan, shower, scrub, and then put lotion just on your knees, elbows and feet.

There are tons of self tanners on the market, in everything from sprays to sheets, I highly recommend a using a tinted self tanner, in either cream or gel form. Aside from the instant gratification, the tint acts as a guide so that you can see where you're putting the color and how well you're blending it. I also recommend a patch test: I always do a few applications on just one arm- this way you can hold one against the other to make sure you like the color you're getting.

When you're ready to apply, rubber gloves are the only thing you should be wearing (OK, maybe a bra and undies if you must). Self tanner takes at least 10 minutes to absorb into the skin; if clothing rubs against it can result in an uneven tan and stained fabric. Working in small areas, apply tanner to your gloved hand and rub your palms together to distribute. Start with your lower legs, doing the area from your knees to your ankles, but not actually applying color there. From there, move on to the area above the knees, and then the rest of your body. Treat your arms as you did your legs, skipping your elbows. After you've blended completely (there are no lines visible anywhere) remove your gloves, distribute a pea sized drop of regular body lotion into your palms, and rub it over your knees, elbows, ankles and wrists, blending the tanner from the surrounding areas. You won't be able to see it, but trust me, it's there.

Now, just wait. And I mean wait. DO NOT attempt to dress until your body is no longer balmy. I like to do my self tanner before bed, that way I wake up feeling as if I've been on vacation!

To upkeep your new glow, continue to scrub in the shower every 2-3 days, which will help make sure your color fades evenly. Reapply tanner once a day until you reach your desired depth, then every 3 days after that to maintain your shade.

Quick Tip: Tame Flyaways

Though I'm not a hair stylist, to some people beauty is beauty and I'm often called upon to do some light styling in the line of duty. I've discovered a great way to use my tools at hand to smooth up dos from pony tails to french twists. Just spray your style with hairspray and immediately use a clean, disposable mascara wand to smooth any out of place hairs. The bristles of the wand catch every hair and keep the hairspray from drying into a helmet-like layer.

Quick Tip: Falsies (Eyelashes, Of Course!)

Give your eyes a boost quickly and easily with false lashes—without looking like a show girl.

You can use just about any set of false eyelashes; I prefer ones made of human hair. Cut a piece about a quarter of an inch long off of the outer portion of both the right and left lashes. Since some lashes have graduated hairs (the "lashes" are shorter toward the inner corner of the eye) make sure you cut the same portion from each lash. Save the long portion of lash for next time.

Squeeze a small bead of eyelash adhesive onto the tip of a toothpick. Hold one of the lash sections gently with tweezers and use the toothpick to lightly draw a line of glue on the edge of the lash. Wait about 30 seconds for the glue to become tacky, then apply the lash to the outer portion of your top lash line, closest to your temple.

You'll find this method virtually foolproof, much easier than applying a full strip of lashes and less time consuming than applying individual lashes. It lifts the eyes and makes them appear larger and more open, yet it is subtle enough for daily wear!

Did You Know...Waterline Dangers

Lining the inner rims (also called the waterline) of your eyes can make them more prone to infection and can actually clog your tear ducts over time. To add insult to injury, dark colors in the waterline actually make your eyes look smaller!