Summer is approaching. And may I say AMEN! It was a long winter and I am so looking forward to outdoor grilling, spiked lemonade and being lazy by the beach. Unfortunately, the early weeks of summer often result in the blind light which is reflected off my pasty legs. I am use to it, but Im not so sure my comrades are. As I get a little older and a little wiser I have learned the use of tanning beds is not an option, between the horror stories of bacterial infections, my own cases of excessive burning due to new bulbs and the cost, and not to mention its affects on aging, I have opted no longer to join in such festivities. Even though they can be so appealing.

Rather this year I am committing to using globs of SPF and sunscreen. Protect your skin, protect your life. No bronze is worth it to me. But there are some solutions. Sun in moderation with the help of sun screen. You will still get a summer glow, but a healthy one. Not the kind induced with baby oil and third degree burns. The other option is fake tanning products. This month I am going to try out different products in hopes of finding one that gives a natural glow.

I will update on my finds, but until then here are a few that have received rave reviews from other gurus:

-St. Tropez Sunless tanning Foam (at Sephora 25-40 dollars depending on the place of purchase)

-St. Moritz tanning foam (Basically a knock-off of St. Tropez for a fourth of the price. Unfortunately it is only sold in the UK so us Americans have to use ebay...boo)

-Sephora Collection Self-Tanning Mist ($12)

-Xen-Tan Dark lotion (Nordstom $29)

-L'Oreal Sublime tanning lotion with instant bronze ($10)

My Future Dog

April Favorites

Favorite Products of this month.

My go too's, my must haves, and my can't live without's:

1) TRESemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo

I tend to have very oily hair, and often times I do not get the option of going without a

shower no matter how rushed I am. But let me tell you this product works, a spray here

a spritz there and I get enjoy more time for my morning coffee and less money on my

water bill. Plus...your hair styles the best on the second day.

2) Pastel Nail Lacquer

I have been in love with the milky pastel nail colors out for spring collections. Because

I have committed to using product I already have, I often mix my own nail color. Start

with an opaque white and add to taste :) but for those who are just starting to collect nail

polish or have steered away from bright colors here are a few I suggest

-Rimmel in Steele Gray- a lilac gray that makes a subtle statement

-China Glaze in For Audrey- beautiful baby blue with milky undertone

-Essie in Mint Candy Apple- statement color and looks like cotton candy!

3) Very Sexy For Him cologne

I love this scent! I am approaching the end of the bottle, so now......on the hunt for summer

a new summer scent. I think Parisenne by YSL is calling my name!

4) Espresso.

I know, I know. That's not considered a make-up product, but I have a new found love for

to-the-point caffeine.

5) Rosebud Lip Balm

Prefect on-the-go product. You can use it on lips, hands, cuticles, and even blemishes but I have yet to try that.

6) Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid foundation

I have been loving this foundation. I had an old one on hand that is slightly too dark for

me. I use this in the center of my face (nose-cheeks-under eyes) and use a lighter foundation on the outer part of my face. A little trick from Eve Pearl, a well-known makeup artists who uses this technique to achieve the perfect complexion.

7) Cucumber Water

Cucumber water.....yummmm. Good for you and your skin!

8) Witch Hazel

Great for preventing break-outs. And a tip for the ladies....since swim suit season is approaching, use witch hazel on areas that tend to get razor bumps or in-grown hairs from shaving or waxing. Make sure before doing either to EXFOLIATE, gets off the dead skin, brings the hair to the surface to allow for a smooth shave. Then after apply a thin layer of witch hazel to disinfect and prevent irritation. End with a calming lotion or cream.

April Disappointments

Revlon Photoready Foundation....BOOOO

I really love the finish of this foundation, I love the color selection for my skin tone, I love how light it feels on my skin. Unfortunately it caused my skin to break-out. I stopped wearing it for one week and immediately my break-outs cleared. I was so hoping this would be a hit! But I do have very sensitive skin, so don't let that stop you from trying it.

Cetaphil Lotion

The gentle face wash is excellent, unfortunately the lotion is lacking. It breaks my skin out,

and it does not rub into the skin easily, rather it sits on top.

Beauty on a Budget

Who doesn't love Yves Saint Laurent. To die for fashion, luscious scents and heavenly makeup.

But you know what I don't love......their price tag.

Sure, there is the saying you get what you pay for, but I got to hand it to Drug Store makeup because the past two years they have really stepped up their game (and the price...oopps)

This weeks item on hand:

Brightening under-eye concealer

High end pick of choice: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat ($39). This pen like packaging allows for easy application, the formula is smooth and light so there is little need for over blending or warming the product.

Drug Store Dupe:

Milani HD Advance Concealer($6.99-$7.99 I have seen this brand primarily at Ulta, CVS and occasionally in CUB): Milani must have been purposely marketing their product to be comparable to YSL, the packaging is the same gold, the same applicator, and from what I could tell the same formula.

Admitting that I am not an owner of the YSL concealer I do have my own HD concealer from Milani. I have tried the YSL in department stores, but from first reactions they do seem very similar. I have also read reviews from Beauty Guru's who have both these product, and they agree that Milani is very comparable.

So there you have it....$39 vs $7

Take your pick.

J'adore Dior

Commitment....

So here it is....I have commitment issues. No, not with my boyfriend, with my blog. Due in part because of my latest family obligations and finals approaching my posts have become infrequent and very much lacking.

Starting now...NOW (pinky swear through cyber space) I will commit to doing a minimum of one post every other day. I do enjoy blogging, and I hope that in some way you may enjoy reading them, and maybe just maybe learn a new trick or find a new product.

Thank you for reading.

Here's to the upcoming posts, may they be bigger and better than my last!

You put WHAT on you face?

My latest makeup must have for the month of April is Milk of Magnesia. Thats right, you heard me correct, Milk of Magnesia.

Every morning after moisturizing my face and applying my eye cream, I follow up with a thin layer of this stomach taming tonic. I learned about this from another makeup guru who suffers from extremely oily skin. I my self have combination skin, my T-Zone could probably support the Exxon fuel market, but my cheeks and orbital area is surprisingly dry. To keep my makeup looking fresh and to last all day, also to reduce the oil shine, I apply the milk of magnesia where I feel I need added coverage.

When doing this you must let the product fully dry, you may notice some white patches that need to be smoothed and erased with your finger or a brush. After doing this you can continue with your foundation routine. I will admit that this product does cause a slight drying effect, if using liquid foundation this will be easily relieved, but if you have a mineral or powder foundation you may need to apply an addition product after completing your makeup look. I suggest Fix plus, Evian aerosol water spray, or if your on a budget follow my D.I.Y. fix plus spray recipe.

I swear by Milk of Magnesia. My eyeshadow, foundation and blush lasts a minimum of 7 hours, which is pretty damn good considering this product retails at roughly $4 in comparison to other foundation primers which can cost upwardly $20.

Note: Do not use this if you have extremely dry skin, and avoid areas with wrinkles and fine lines.