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.