Best Face Self-Tanner Review

I have been looking for a natural, easy to use face self-tanner. Just to give me a little color as I do not normally get any color because I don't tan. During the summer months I wear sunscreen and wear large hats to protect my skin as much as possible. 

I tested 3 face self-tanners below for several months and I chose a winner.

In no particular order:

Tarte Brazilliance set of 5 self-tanning face towelettes

I first started using these towelettes. I love the ease of use of it, the color it provided and length of time it lasted. 

It comes with 5 towelettes in one box. Depending on how tan you want to be, a box like this would last me 5 weeks, as I only use one packet/towelette a week.

Unfold the single-use towelette and apply in even strokes to clean, dry skin on the face and neck, making sure to blend into the hairline. I also use it on the back of my neck and a bit down the chest so it all blends in. It is important to blend it into the hairline or you will see an obvious difference in color.

I use it until the towelette is completely dry. I haven't had any issues of streaking, as I really make sure I am covering every spot that I want to cover.

Wash hands immediately after use. I use just soap and water. And my biggest tip is to use an exfoliating pumice stone, like this one. I use this to gently (very gently) go over my hands, fingernails and in between my fingers so I don't have any color develop on my palms and around my nails.

As soon as you put it on you will see color, but the true color develops in about 4 hours. I sometimes do this after I take a shower at night, so I can awake with a tan look. I never have had an issue of it transferring to my white blankets or pillowcases. I have also done it in the morning before I put my sunscreen/moisturizer and makeup and the color develops pretty quickly. 

My face feels moisturized when I use the towelette and doesn't have a tan smell, like some self-tanners do.

These were my favorite and I still use them here and there, but I have now moved on to Tan-luxe self-tan drops, which I reviewed below, and the drops are my favorite.

TAN-LUXE - THE FACE Illuminating Self-Tan Drops 

First, I should mention that this is what I use every week. It is the most natural looking solution I have found and tried and it is the easiest to use.

I have had so many compliments since using this one. Most people ask if I have just returned from vacation. I literally get asked "Where did you just come back from?" 

I wear the medium/dark color and I have also used the light/medium. Depending on which one I just change up the amount of drops I use.

It has raspberry seed oil, aloe vera and vitamin E, so when I put this on it makes my face feel soft. It is no wonder that it is an Allure Best of Beauty award winner.

Out of the 3, I find it to be the easiest to use. All you have to do is add a few drops of it in your regular moisturizer. 

How I use it: 

The day before I apply it I exfoliate my skin. The next day, and every 4 days, I put about 4-5 drops (in the darker shade or 6 drops of the lighter shade)  in my Olay Sunscreen Moisturizer (SPF 30). The more drops you add the darker the color. I apply it all over my face, blending it in to my hairline; my neck and back of neck, ears, chest.

Right after I apply it, I wash my hands with soap and use my exfoliator pumice palm stone and very gently and lightly scrub my hands. I never have streaks or strange tan streaks on my palms and hands.

The bottle is a bit pricey, but a bottle lasts me a long time. 

TanTowel Endless Tan Classic Self-Tanning Kit 

This TanTowel Endless Tan Classic Kit has the perfect combination of self-tanning towelettes and a liquid Tanning Mist that works as a towelette refill.

This one is a bit different then the others in that it comes with a Spray Tanning bottle that you mist directly onto the towelette packets and apply to the body and face for touch ups.

Each towelette is already concentrated with a self-tanning formula, like the tarte towelettes. But this also comes with a Tanning Mist that you can use to touch up missed areas after development and extends your application time per towelette. I found myself using the mist because the towelette didn't have enough concentration/fluid on it, so I kept using the bottle to soak the towelette for one application. I didn't have this issue with the Tarte towelette, in which there was more than enough fluid in Tarte's for one application.

How I use it:

Unfold towelette and apply to dry, clean skin in a circular motion over your body. Wash hands immediately.

To moisturize and enhance your tan, follow with TanTowelÕs On The Glow (not included) as soon as 10 minutes after application.

Allow 4-6 hours to pass before exposing the skin to moisture.

Tan may continue to develop for up to 24 hours.

To build your tan, complete another application every 4 hours until desired level of tan is achieved.

Summary

As I mentioned above, while they are all very good, my personal favorite is the Tan Luxe oil drops. I have been using them for over 3 years now.  The color is super-natural and it is so convenient to just add the drops to any moisturizer that you use. The bottle lasts and there isn't an additional item to throw away, such as towelette. 

Tips when using

• Wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you finish applying it. Because it will stain. 
  Buy a pumice stone to very lightly and gently scrub your palms and hands after applying the tanner.
  
  
• Exfoliate the day or two before you plan on applying the tanner. I just use a scrub on my face to exfoliate the day or night before, so this way there isn't any dry patches on my face when I apply it. If you do have dry patches the tanner will adhere to the dry skin giving an uneven look.
  
  
• If possible, apply it in the morning after your shower or you washed your face/brushed your teeth, and then wait until it dries. This way you do not run the risk of exposing your skin to water as it will not completely develop. You can also apply it the night before with your night moisturizer. 
  
  
• Blend, blend, blend. The first time I used a self-tanner, I realized I did not go up high enough and my temples were not tanned and my neck and chin had a few missing spots.
  
  
• A few drops go a long way. I use about 5-6 drops and that looks the most natural to me, but you can experiment and find your sweet spot. Luckily it fades after a few day. It takes me about 3 days for it to fade.
  
  
• I make sure I cover everything on my face, chin, neck, ears, high temples and hairline, and exposed chest. Because I add these drops to my sunscreen I add it everywhere on my face/neck/chest where I normally put sunscreen.  Blending it all the way around and up gives it the most natural look. 

Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish - Sheer Fantasy

The most used nail polish color in my arsenal of polishes is the Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish in the color 'Sheer Fantasy'. In these photos I am wearing 4 coats.  It is the perfect shade for every day if you are looking for a clean neutral.

I let the coats dry in between the layers. At least 5-10 minutes between. I usually do 2 coats one day and then 2 coat the other days and let them fully dry before adding a top coat.  

The color is said to be a sheer pink and looks pink in the bottle, and while I do think it is a shade of pink, I find it leans towards a sheer creamy pink. Looks very clean and I use it to do a French Manicure, but I usually use Essie's Sugar Daddy or Mademoiselle if I want a sheer pink color.

I use the Essie Gel Couture Top Coat (00) and the polish lasts. I have heard mixed reviews, but on my end ths polish will last a week and half and up to 2 weeks without chips. I do add an additional top coat about a week later.

My Favorite Things - Winter Beauty Edition

Here are some of my favorite beauty items at the moment that I have been using during the colder months. During this time of year my skin is so much drier, so I moisturize a lot and ensure most of my beauty products enrich my skin with much needed moisture, so I cut back on any powders, like powdered blush or bronzers.


Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Face Night Cream.
This lightweight night cream is super moisturizing and has the lightest scent of peach. I wake up with my skin feeling super soft.  It is pretty intense and a small amount goes a long way.


Milk Milkup Lip + Cheek.
During the winter months I especially enjoy using creamy blush. This one is hydrating and can also be used for the lips. I also use Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks which is very creamy.


Dr. Bronner's Naked Organic Lip Balm.
Dr. Bronner's Organic Lip Balm is fragrant free and made with organic beeswax. You can use it for other parts beside lips such as cracked skin;  and the site even recommends using it for stray hairs.


Tatcha - The Kissu Lip Mask.
A Japanese peach that can be used as a conditioning lip mask. It can be a bit sticky, and I use it at night before going to bed.


Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Concealer.
I wear both the Natural Beige and Nude shades depending on the season. It is hydrating, full-coverage, weightless, four-in-one formula that works very well to cover my under eye circles. Free of phthalates. This product is also cruelty-free.


Becca - Under Eye Brightening Corrector.
I have both the light and the medium. My skin color changes based on the season, so I alternate between the colors. This is applied under concealer as a corrector. I put it on over my dark circles to brighten up the area.  Free of Parabens, Sulfates and Phthalates.


Aquaphor Healing Ointment.
This is an intense ointment that works wonderfully for chapped lips, dry hands, cuticles, cracked heels and feet. Really anything that is dry.  I apply it on my lips and dab some on my face when it is really dry before going to sleep. Its an ointment, so 


Josie Maran - 100 percent Pure Argan Oil.
100 percent Argan Oil. After washing my face in the morning I usually apply a few drops of Vitamin C, and then my sunscreen, and then I apply my eye make up. After, I apply a few drops of Argan Oil on my skin to prep for my concealer, it really helps it glide when I am not using a primer. I also use this for multi-purposes for my hair; cuticles and have used it on my face under moisturizer.


Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado.
In the winter the skin gets very dry and I especially notice it around my eyes. This is very creamy and a very small amount goes along way. I dab this around my orbital, but not near my eyes or on my eyelids. You do not want to get this in your eye. I use a very small amount because my skin is very sensitive and if I use too much of it, it can cause me personally a skin allergy as I will notice more dry spots. So I use a very tiny amount.


Bite Beauty - Agave + Nighttime Lip Therapy.
I use this interchangeably with the kissu mask.  This is a hydrating lip sleeping mask made with agave nectar. This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free.

Smashbox - Photo Finish Foundation Primer.
This is a great primer if you are looking for one. It really gives a smooth finish and allows me to glide on my makeup. I do not wear it every day but if I have an event to attend or want to ensure my makeup stays on and has a smooth finish, I use this. Free of parabens, and phthalates. This product is also vegan and cruelty-free.

Christmas Gift Tags Watercolor - Freebie

Click here to download

I haven't watercolored in many years, but was feeling inspired over the weekend with all the snow fall we got in Connecticut. I hand painted some watercolors inspired by a vintage Christmas recently and wanted to share them with you incase you need some last minute gift tags.

These are not for commercial, resale purposes, just for personal use to use on gifts.

Merry Christmas!

Dead to Me Season 2 Judy Hale Outfits

One of my favorite shows on Netflix is Dead to Me. I re-watched Season 1 and watched Season 2.  Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini are both so phenomenal in this series. I really enjoyed watching these two work together and seeing their character's unique relationship grow. 

I absolutely adore Linda Cardellini's Judy Hale character. She is so sweet, complicated, and a crystal lover like myself. And I love her outfits. So many I would wear. I thought it would be fun to I round up a few of my favorites outfits from Season 1 and 2. I now own a few of the exact dresses - I bought two of them from Amazon. Enjoy these pieces and let me know if you have watched the show and what you think about it.

Season 1

Zesica Dress  - Under $40 - Amazon

I really loved the print and flow of this dress. When I found out that it was from Amazon I placed an order right away. I bought it in a Medium and I think it fits true to size. It is a true wrap dress so you can make it tighter or looser. I am 5'5 and I thought the length was a little long. I am able to wear these with sandals and it barely touches the floor. 

Rails Ingrid Button Down Shirt - Revolve | Amazon

I wear a lot of denim tops and love the floral embroidery on this one. It goes with everything.

Sandro Dress - Sandro

R. Vivimos - Under $25 - Amazon

I bought this dress too on Amazon. It is really comfortable and light-weight. I read the reviews and the description recommends sizing up, so I decided to size up and bought this one in large. I probably could have gotten away with medium. I usually wear a size 8 on top. I am 5'5 and it was too long for me to wear with flat sandals, so I decided to cut a few inches and hemmed it myself. I may have gone a little too short, but for the price and just to wear for the summer and possibly fall with boots it is just fine.  

Season 2

Ulla Johnson Erisa Dress

Similar Dress - Under $30 - Target

Does this Knox Rose look exactly like the Ulla Johnson dress? Pair it with a wide brown belt and it is exactly the same look.

Blanknyc Denim Corduroy Moto Jacket

Similar Jacket - Lulus

I love wearing blazers and jackets over things and this Moto jacket is perfect and goes with everything. I am thinking about adding this to my fall wardrobe.

Kobi Halperin Leila Dress   |  Similar: Kobi Halperin Kailyn Floral Dress

Elie Tahari Hellen Dress or Elie Tahari Hellen Dress on Outnet

Similar collar floral dress

How gorgeous is this blue and black dress? It was made for me, but I can't find it anywhere. I really love the belt they paired with it on the show.

Rebecca Taylor Blush Rose Floral Dress   |  Peggy Li Heart Necklace

Similar Blouse with Same Print: Rebecca Taylor

Buddha Wear Pants

Similar Tie Dye Joggers - Topshop  |  Target Tie Dye Joggers - Under $25 - Target 

Homemade Banana Bread Recipe - Joanna Gaines Magnolia Table

I love a warm sweet treat with a glass of milk in the evening. What is great about this banana bread is you can also eat it as breakfast, snack... It is a very moist bread thanks to the 4-5 ripened mashed bananas.  This recipe is from Joanna Gaines' Magnolia Table Volume One, but I added some very small changes I did, as I have made this banana bread several times. I always have a bunch of bananas at home because I enjoying eat one for breakfast, or mashed up in my oatmeal or when I make an afternoon smoothie. I save about 4-5 to make this recipe.

Homemade Banana Bread

Makes 8 Servings

Ingredients

+ 8 tablespoons (1 stick) salted butter, melted and cooled (I used 5 tablespoons of  unsalted butter and 3 tablespoons olive oil)

+ 1 cup packed light brown sugar

+ 2 large eggs, beaten

+ 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract (I substituted with maple syrup, as I did not have vanilla)

+ 4 to 5 very ripe bananas, mashed 

+ 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

+ 1 teaspoon baking soda

+ ½ teaspoon kosher salt

+ ½ cup chopped pecans (I substituted with 1 cup of chocolate chips)

+ 1 to 2 tablespoons granulated sugar as needed (this will be used on top of the batter once in the pan)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8 x 8-inch pan with nonstick baking spray or line it with parchment paper. I always line my pans with parchment paper, such an easy way to clean up.

In a in a large bowl beat together the butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well blended. Next, add the baking soda and salt.

Add the mashed bananas and mix until combined.

Add the flour to the wet ingredients and beat just until combined. 

Add the pecans or chocolate chips if you are using either, and mix until combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the sugar over the entire surface.

Bake until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. 

Let the bread cool slightly in the pan on a rack. When completely cooled, cover the pan with foil and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. Makes 8 servings. I usually eat a slice right away because I enjoy a freshly baked bread. I enjoy it with a cup of milk while reading a book. Such as delightful treat.

So good. I have tried many banana bread recipes, and this one is my go to. It is a favorite and I highly recommend it. I have not tried it with pecans, but I have tried it with chopped walnuts and it is equally delicious, but I love chocolate, so chocolate chips is my go to. 

Sephora Sale

I wanted to share what I currently own and what I just recently purchased from the Sephora Sale.

What I own:

SMASHBOX Photo Finish Foundation Primer - I didn't use primer before, but I received a small sample of this and put it on over my sunscreen/moisturizer, but under my makeup and it completely changed my makeup. It lasted longer and really gave it a clear canvas to start on and it really does smooth and blurs.

TOO FACED Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer - I have two, one in Nude and the other in Natural Beige. I wear the nude in the winter and the Natural Beige in the summer or mix them together. It is a thicker concealer and for me provides a lot of coverage which I need because I have dark circles under my eyes.

BITE BEAUTY Agave+ Weekly Vegan Lip Scrub - In the winter I have really dry lips and I use this scrub 2 times a week and I notice a huge difference.

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Brow Wiz - I have tried many eyebrow pencils and though this is a bit costly, I keep going back to this one. I have had issues of the brush breaking off in my makeup bag, which has frustrated me, but the retractable pencil is so good, I haven't found a better replacement.

LANCÔME Monsieur Big Mascara -  My absolutely favorite mascara. I have tried so many, but I keep going back to this one. It lengthens and makes my eyelashes look thicker. I also use the waterproof version, I use one coat of it over this mascara and that keeps the curl in my eyelashes when I use the below eyelash curler.

KEVYN AUCOIN The Eyelash Curler - Like many things on this list, I have tried quite a bit of varieties, but these are ones I have been using for a long time and love. I have used so many eyelash curlers, I have tried the "very best" to some reasonably priced ones, and this one has been my favorite for over a year.

BENEFIT COSMETICS Hoola Matte Bronzer - I use the color "Hoola", which is a natural bronze color. I also use it for contouring. I have also tried many bronzers and this one is always highly recommended. I really like and it does the job, and I haven't found one to replace it.

BAREMINERALS Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 - I wear it in Tan Nude 17, and it is perfect for my skin tone to give me a little natural sun kiss look. It also is a buildable foundation. I use it over my concealer, and it gives my skin a natural and luminous finish. I love that it has SPF 15, so I use this again mid-day to re-apply my sunscreen.

TAN-LUXE THE FACE Illuminating Self-Tan Drops - I have been using these drops for over a year. I have it in Medium/Dark color. And I can honestly say these are amazing. I use about 5-6 drops in my sunscreen moisturizer in the morning and I have a sun tan glow by late morning and it lasts for days. The first few times I used it, I was asked by several people "Where did you go?" They thought I just came back from vacation. Now they are just used to me being tan, because I use these drops every few days. A bottle lasts as you just need a few drops, at least I do because I am naturally olive.

________________________________________________________________________

What I just bought:

ISLE OF PARADISE Self Tanning Drops - I bought this in Dark to try it out because I heard such great things about it. I am a Tan-Luxe devotee and have been using it for over a year and love it. Isle of Paradise is almost half the cost of Tan Luxe for about the same amount, and works the same way, add a few drops to your moisturizer. I add it to my sunscreen. I also love that it is clean and green.

DR. BRANDT SKINCARE microdermabrasion age defying exfoliator - I tried exfoliator in a mini and it is gentle. I use it to exfoliate 1-2 a weeks, usually a day or two before I use the Tan-Luxe Self-Tan drops. I also love that it is free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, and triclocarban.

URBAN DECAY Naked Petite Heat - I love the colors of this palette. They are perfect for fall and summer. I have not used it yet, but I am looking forward it. I have a lot of Urban Decay palettes and their mini versions are my favorites.

TATCHA The Kissu Lip Mask - I plan on using this right after the Bite Agave lip scrub I use twice a week.

KIEHL'S SINCE 1851 Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado - This is a hydrating eye cream made from avocado oil and shea butter. I have used this in the past and loved it. It says you can use this a a five-minute under-eye mask and then wipe it off, but I put it on a night before bed and leave it on under my eyes all night.

SEPHORA COLLECTION Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner - I got this in Black. I have been trying to find a good retractable eyeliner to use on my waterline. All the ones I have used usually fade after a few hours. I am hoping this one has the staying power I need.

STILA Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner - I have a mini sample in Intense Black, which is a jet black, and it is such a great eye liner to make a cat eye, which I wear consistently. It is long lasting and has a perfect size to make a wing.

MILK MAKEUP KUSH High Volume Mascara - I tried a sample of this and this is the closest to the Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara. It has a lot of volume, it really lengthens the lashes. I also love that it is clean and green.

My new favorite cookie - Alton Brown's Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie

During Covid-19, we have been staying at home. I have the essentials, luckily, flour, eggs, sugar, and butter. And with those you can make lots of things. Mostly baked goods. This has been a time for me to experiment and try new recipes. And I thought this would be a good time to find the ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie.

I have had my share of chocolate chip cookies. I have always loved cookies. I have quite the sweet tooth. As a child, like most, I would enjoy eating my cookies with milk. Oreos, chocolate chip cookies, graham crackers, and all cookies alike would be dipped in milk and thoroughly enjoyed while I sat on the floor watching a movie.

Not much has changed. I still love eating cookies and my boyfriend absolutely loves chocolate chip cookies. He likes them soft, chewy and filled of chocolate chips. As I have gotten older, I like my cookies crisp on the outside and soft and chewy in the inside.

I have tried countless recipes over the years searching for the perfect cookie. For years I used the recipe on the back of the Ghirardelli chocolate chip bags. It was our favorite cookie for years. It was classic and still is. It is one of my favorites. It can be a soft and chewy cookie if left in the oven for a short amount of time or crispy if left in the oven longer.

Yet, I have always been on the hunt to see if there could be even a better recipe. And I found it! It is from Alton Brown and if you love a soft, chewy cookie filled of chocolate chips this is the recipe for you. His recipe differs then moust


Ingredients (Adapted from Alton Brown)

• 2 sticks unsalted butter (Sometimes I just use 1 and half sticks)
• 2 1/4 cups of bread flour (I didn't have bread flour, so I used 2 cups of all-purpose flour. He indicates that bread flour will be even more chewy. I had great success with using all-purpose. If you try this with bread flour, let me know how this goes.)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 cup white sugar 
• 1 cup brown sugar (His video shows 1 and 1/4 cup, but his site says 1 cup. I used 1 cup)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (I didn't have any, so I substituted with maple syrup)
• 2 tablespoons milk (I used non-fat milk or 2%. milk and both worked perfectly)
• 2 cups of chocolate chips (I added dark chocolate and semi-sweet milk chocolate chips)

Instructions 
Makes about 24 cookies (depending on the size of your cookies).

- Heat oven to 375 degrees.
- Melt the 2 sticks of butter in a saucepan (remember I usually just use about 1 1/2 sticks, your preference) or in a microwave bowl. It doesn't have to be completely melted, but very very soft.

- In a large bowl mix the 1 cup of brown sugar and the 1/4 cup of white sugar, then pour all the butter in the bowl and mix it with the sugars very well until creamy. 

- Add the 1 egg and 1 egg yolk and mix it, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract (I used maple syrup) until well blended with the sugars and butters, as shown in the above photo.

- Add the 2 tablespoons of milk and add the 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt to the bowl and mix it.
Note: In Alton's recipe he says to mix the baking soda and salt in the flour. In my experience, when I mix the baking soda and salt in the flour, even with the most mixing and using a mixer, I sometimes can taste the baking soda in the baked cookie, so I include the salt and baking soda with the wet ingredients and never had a problem again. The other difference is that Alton used a table mixer, but I just used mix it with my spatula by hand.

- Next add the 2 1/4 cups of flour little by little until completely combined.

- Add the 2 cups of chocolate chips and combine it. I sometimes use a little more. I make sure it looks even. Chill the dough in the fridge for about an hour.  If you do not have an hour, at least chill it for 20-30 minutes. This holds the cookie up in the oven, so it does not go completely flat, unless you want the cookie to spread quickly in the oven - it's your cookie, you do what you want to do : ) 

- Once chilled, scoop onto parchment-lined baking sheet (it is okay if you do not have parchment paper), 6 cookies per sheet. I used a small ice cream scooper (a large rounded tablespoon).

- Bake for about 9-10 minutes. This is what worked in my oven, but it might alter on yours. Alton recommends checking after the 5 minutes. He said it might take up to 15 minutes. For me 9 minutes is usually the sweet spot for soft cookies.

It is a delicious, soft and extra chewy cookie. It comes out as a golden brown perfection. They lasted a few days and even on the last day they were still delicious and chewy. The best homemade cookie I ever made!!

I recommend taking the first bite after it has cooled for a few minutes out of the oven, so you get to experience the softed melted chocolate chips.

Enjoy!