To Sun or Not to Sun?

What a struggle! With all of the information we know about the dangers of being out in the sun, exposing our skin to UV rays, skin cancer - ahhh! What to do?!? I just so happen to ADORE the sun, the warm feeling it creates, the slight glow it adds to the skin...but the slice of skin missing from my back due to "pre-cancerous cells" always makes me second-guess the decision to go outside.

This summer, I think a compromise is in order: a little sun, a little cheating - how about a suncreen mixed with self-tanner? I'm going to test a spray that has a botanically-based self tanner plus SPF.

This is my first summer home with the kids, so I can't NOT go in the pool with them, right? And, I spoke with a dermatologist about protection suggestions for the little ones - she recommended the swim shirts with hats at all times. And actual sunscreen LOTION, not the spray kind - she said the lotion is more effective.

And then after the sun, I'll test a formula which contains avocado oil that is supposed to moisturize and repair dry skin. It also includes ingredients that help restore the skin’s delicate moisture balance (and has anti-aging stuff...cool).

We shall see! What about you? What are your summer protection plans?

Bronzer: Many Uses

Summer is on its way, and many people start to think about that "sun-kissed" glow. Bronzers are an excellent way to achieve the tanned look without the harmful rays. Here are some how-to's:

To add WARMTH to your complexion -
Use a powder bronzer - they are much easier to control, and go on smoother (no blotchiness).

Apply with a large, soft makeup brush (some call them kabuki brushes), and apply bronzer to the areas the sun would touch -
*forehead
*bridge of nose
*top of cheeks
*middle of chin


Be sure to blow off extra bronzer from the brush before applying to face so you don't get too much bronzer in one spot.

Also, don't forget your blush - bronzer is not a replacement for blush...together, they are a beautiful combination.

Not only can you get the perfect sun-kissed look, but you can also apply perfect CONTOURS using a bronzer. Most bronzers have too much terracotta or too much frost, which will totally reverse the effect of a contour or the sun-kissed look. Make sure your bronzer isn't shimmery.

When using a bronzer for contouring, your best bet is to use a fan brush, or hold your blush brush between your fingers to "fan" it out. Here are some contouring spots:
*below your cheekbone
*on your temples
*under your jawline (helps separate the jaw from the neck)

These tips are very quick uses of a bronzer...only use it to enhance (not change the color of) what you've already got...your natural beauty!