Hi, my name is Trina and I’m a recovering tanning bed junkie.

I knew it was bad for me.  But I just didn’t care.  I was young and reckless.  Everyone knows tan fat looks better than pale fat so I threw all caution to the wind and soaked up those ultraviolet rays.

Once I hit my thirties I started noticing things about my skin I didn’t like.  Lines, wrinkles and sun spots, oh my.

There was no undoing the damage I had done, but I was swearing off those toxic beds for good.  Next on the agenda, find a sunless tanner that didn’t make me streaky, orange, or stinky.  You know what I’m talking about.  That sunless tanner smell.  It’s unmistakeable.

I heard about Sun Laboratories through one of my favorite Youtube makeup gurus, Kandee Johnson.  I wrote the company to ask if I might get a trio set of sunless tanner to test and review for the Chic Critique audience and they happily obliged.

Sun Laboratories Sunless Tanner trio set

Saturday morning I exfoliated really well.  This is the key to a great sunless tanner application.  Once I was squeaky clean and dried off I started applying the lotion in small sections.  First my upper arms and shoulders, then my forearms.  Next, one side of my chest, then the other.  Then it was on to my neck and face.

Because the product is tinted, as I applied I was able to tell where the lotion was, if it was streaky or if I missed a spot.  How many of you know how irritating it is to apply a sunless tanner only to discover hours later you have ugly streaks or spots of pale skin you missed?  This product definitely helps eliminate that.

I also noticed as I applied that it had a lovely almond smell.  I was really excited about this because every sunless tanner I’ve used has had a weird smell.  My excitement did fade, however, only hours later as I caught a whiff of unmistakable sunless tanner smell.  At least it smelled good going on.

It dried very quickly, in a few minutes time and over the next three hours my “tan” had intensified.  I was quite pleased.

Sunday morning I decided to do another application.  I repeated all steps but didn’t exfoliate since I had done it the previous day.  Hours later, again my color had grown darker.

Hubby remarked how tan I looked. I was a happy girl.

Monday morning I used the tanning moisturizer from the set that helps prolong the color.  Admittedly I was a little disappointed that it didn’t have the same almond smell as the lotion, but its certainly not a deal breaker.

You know why?  Because the best part of this product is it’s PARABEN FREE and suitable for all skin types.  Also, it’s cruelty free.

So I may not have found a sunless tanner that doesn’t leave me with that sunless tanner smell, but it does give me a great natural looking tan in a nontoxic, cruelty free way.  And I’m lovin’ that.

untanned leg vs. sunless tanned arm

Did you know how hard it is to get a picture of your arms and legs in the same shot?  Yeah I didn’t either…

sunless tanned face/neck

My face and arms are really not that different in color….the flash seemed to lighten my face some.

If you’re interested in this product the Sunless Tanner trio set in Ultra Dark (which is what I used) is on sale for $36.95 (which is $20 0ff regular price).

Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary sunless tanner set from Sun Laboratories in exchange for an honest review.  These are strictly my opinions about the product.

Those who know me personally understand that it’s not unusual for me to change my hair color often.  I could be a redhead one day and a blond the next, as though some hair fairy godmother zapped me with her wand.  If only it were that easy.  No, instead I go through hours of processing to get quality results.  Though I survive the ordeal, my hair sometimes takes a beating that goes beyond the norm.  Ouch!

Last October was one of those times.

I’d done it before with much success, so I wasn’t really concerned that anything bad would happen.  Well, at first it was great; I was using good products, staying away from the flat iron, and being as gentle as I could; however, by the time my roots grew enough to need a touch up, the rest of my plat locks were in serious trouble.  Breaking, lackluster, frizz…HELP!

My beautiful daughter is currently training to become a hair stylist and a fabulous one at that!  It was her first time to do a platinum root job.  She admitted that she was a little nervous about it.  We were in the professional supply store and got all the goods we needed for the job.  At the check out, the clerk handed me a small vial (free sample) of Pearatin Fortifying Repairative Serum   She swore that the creatine, keratin protein-based product was what I needed to get my hungry hair back in shape.  Well, she was ever so right!  Go smart sales lady!

The rich serum  is so concentrated that I still have a quarter of it left; I got the .5 oz sample more than 2 months ago.  I’ve actually changed my color since then!  I’ve used hair serums before but found them to make my hair feel greasy.  Pearatin doesn’t do that at all.  I suppose that’s because it is penetrating the hair cuticle like it should; it’s getting to the core where it can make a difference in the structure of the hair.  I’ve had no breakage or frizziness since I’ve been using it!  Happiness!

The product is time released so it keeps working all day as you are exposed to sun, wind, and other environmental do-wreckers.  It is also formulated so you can reapply at any time to wet or dry hair…convenience that I like.  It’s perfect for use as a heat shield (that reminds me of the reentry scene from Apollo 13…sorry) from flat irons and other appliances.  And though I don’t recommend that someone with heavily colored or processed hair use that kind of heat often, I will say that the Pearatin gives great protection and a nice shine when all is said and done.

Unfortunately, I did not find the Loma company listed at cosmeticsdatabase.com (product hazard rating site), so I am unable to tell you about the exact make up of Pearatin.  I do know that it’s free of parabens and formaldehydes though…a good thing for those of you who are health-conscious.  Also, “Loma began in 1990 with a vision by founder David Hanen whose intent was to develop a naturally-based hair care line for the spa and salon industry.”  With that ideal behind his products, it sounds like they are likely as hazard-free as they can be with having a shelf life.  You can read more about the Loma company and their products at Lomaforhair.com. 

I can get my Pearatin from my lovely daughter, but just in case you don’t have your own personal supply line, you can get Pearatin Fortifying Repairative Serum 3.4 oz (NEW PACKAGING) on Amazon or from your local salon.  As for me, I’m loving my hair-savior!  And, just in case you were curious about my present hair color…it’s chocolate brown with caramel highlights!  Until next time, here’s to healthy hair!

BTW, I was not compensated for my honest opinion of this product.  I am, however, an Amazon Associate, so if you choose to plunk around on those links up there, and decide to purchase the Pearatin, I might get enough pocket change to get my favorite beauty magazine.  Cheers!

Photo by Joepix

Resources: Personal experience, Lomaforhair.com

For the past several weeks I’ve been on a desperate search for something to hydrate my daughter’s dry, chapped hands.

My daughter Jillian struggles with eczema and chronically dry skin.  Those issues, combined with the winter months and regular school hand washing with harsh antibacterial soaps take a serious toll on her skin.

When I picked Jillian up from school on Friday, the poor child was near tears.  The skin on the top of her hands felt like tissue paper — fragile, thin and crispy.  Her knuckles had several areas that were bleeding.  It was enough to make me want to cry.

See, none of the “all natural” moisturizers that I’ve been using on myself this winter (with much success, I might add) have been one bit of help for Jillian.  On Friday, I realized that I needed to try something different.  So my mom suggested Look Ma, New Hands Softening Hand Lotion from Bath & Body Works. 

Now, I’ve got to be honest with you.  I’m very picky when it comes to moisturizers (and believe me, as a mom who has dealt with eczema issues, I’ve tried a majority of them).  I’m not big on petroleum-based moisturizers or lotions with a bunch of synthetic chemicals in them.  But, at my mom’s insistence, I gave this one a try.

Y’all.

It transformed my daughter’s hands in two days.  In fact, the first time I used it on her, I noticed an immediate difference.  Her hands felt softer and — for the first time — hydrated.  What’s more, they stayed that way, something other petroleum-based lotions have failed to do in the past.  We continued to apply the lotion a few times a day over the weekend and by Monday, her hands were looking 100% better.  Practically healed.

The lotion itself is very thick and feels somewhat greasy going on, but absorbs quickly into the skin (within about a minute).  It also has a lovely citrus smell.  According to the tube, it’s the paraffin that helps lock in moisture and protect the skin while olive, avocado and apricot oils help to moisturize.

As for the rest of the ingredient list?  Well, there’s a bunch of stuff in there that I tend to typically shy away from.  In fact, other than water, mineral oil (that’s the paraffin), shea butter, and the oils I mentioned above, I can’t pronounce the rest of the ingredients.  So, an all natural product it definitely is not.

Given the ingredient list, it won’t become a lotion I use regularly.  However, I will continue to use it occassionally on my daughter’s hands to get her through the winter.  It’s the only lotion I’ve found that works for her.  And, green beauty issues aside, it does a darn good job.

If your hands need some super hydration and healing, this is the product for you.

The 2.5 ounce tube is currently on special for $6.  If you buy two of them, you get the same amount of lotion as the larger 5 ounce size, for only $12.  (The 5 ounce size is currently priced at $18.50.)  Look Ma, New Hands is part of Bath & Body Works’ True Blue Spa line and can be purchased online or at retail stores nationwide.

Payless has some GREAT spring shoes and prices are sure to put a spring in your step!!

The wedge is still big…….and I’m LOVING this yellow!

Lily Wedge Slingback

$19.99 Reg. $24.99

This red denim is too cute and the tied bow just tops off this sweet pump!

Denim Lizzy Bow Pump

$16.99 Reg. $22.99

Ruffles are big this year….even on shoes!

Cora Ruffle Flat

Reg. $22.99

My heart skipped a beat when I saw these pretty pleated flats!

Christian Siriano for Payless Chic Lady Pleated Peep-Toe Flat

Reg. $29.99

This fuchsia platform with a 4″ heal would be perfect for a spring special event!

Lela Rose for Payless Kinney Satin Platform Dress Sandal

Reg. $34.99

I’m so glad March is finally here and spring is just around the corner!

Exactly one month ago, I shared my experiences with L’Oreal Paris Lash Boosting Products with you.

I decided that the situation needed more time so I promised an update.  Which brings us to today.

These are my before and after pictures from 2 months and 1 month ago, respectively.

Unfortunately, my work schedule has not allowed me to get some pictures with outdoor lighting, so you’re going to have to pardon my bad photography.

I decided to quit using the products altogether about a week into the month.  I just wasn’t feeling it anymore.

This next picture shows my bare lashes one month after I quit using the serum and mascara.  (I had promised that I would use the serum exclusively and check the results.   I was wrong.)

One month later, I feel like my lashes are fuller.  Less clumpy.  Softer and less crunchy with product, for sure.

So how did I feel about L’Oreal Paris Lash Boosting Products?  I wanted them to work – so very, very badly.

Unfortunately, I just don’t think they delivered.  I will not be purchasing these in the future… unless they change the formula or a miracle occurs.

Have any of you tried these products??  I want to know if anybody got results better than mine!!

After college sometime ago…not too long ago…okay, long enough that we are talking about a trend coming back around.  Anyway, like most grads, I set out to find a “real job.”   For my interviews, I knew I  would need a couple of good conservative suits and a pair or two of  practical shoes.    My favorite outfit was a black double breasted suit.   But what I will never forget were the shoes – a black suede platform pump with about a 3 inch heel.  The platform was ever so conservative, I promise.  Yeah, the 3 inch heel, not so much.

I did love those shoes, though.

So, I’m liking  the return of the platform this year.   I actually think a platform makes for a more comfortable shoe.   Comfortable or not, I have no idea where in the world I would wear them.  Can’t imagine the PTA would be impressed.

But let’s just pretend, shall we?

The ones I had so many a few years ago remind me of these.   I love this shoe – it’s got just a little platform to be trendy but not too much to overdo it.

If I were investing in a shoe to wear to the office on a regular basis, I think the price tag is reasonable at around $80 from Nordstrom.

I also like this second one from Nine West – again around $80.   Both great basic shoes.

Let’s have a little more fun, though.

I’m loving the funk of this shoe.    I like the detail on the heel and the peep toe.  I can see this working with a more casual outfit – maybe even some jeans and a cute top for a night out with Hubby.     Then I checked the price which is a little rich for my blood but maybe just the treat you need right now.   You can find all about it at Nordstrom.com.

Then of course, as long as we are talking about nights on the town we should probably cover a little more glam look.

Like these caged gladiator platform sandals

Or even these more sparkly ones on sale for $49.99 at Nine West!

If you really want to fall off into dreamland, well then you need to click on this pair from the new Christian Louboutin Spring line. Go quick and just play on that website for a minute.

Oh good, you’re back.  Nice, huh?

I loved too many of those shoes that I doubt I will ever own.

I’m pretty sure these are looking more my speed these days.

Practical, comfy, affordable -  Clarks. I don’t know, though.  They say it’s a platform, it really seems more like a wedge  to me.  What do you think?

Okay, so real life = Clarks

Dreamland = Christian Louboutins

Good night everyone.

No really, how about you?  Are you down with the platform?  Or should I say up with the platform?

I love trying new beauty products. It’s fun, and sometimes I end up finding things that I really love. Sometimes I use them till they are gone, and don’t rebuy them

My makeup bag has many things I really love. And a few that I like ok, but don’t love. When I bared the contents of my makeup bag a few weeks ago, I had a few questions about the Burt’s Bees Royal Jelly Eye Creme.

I’ve used it for a few months, and I don’t really love it. Don’t get me wrong – I LOVE me some Burt’s Bees. And I love the idea of using something with natural ingredients around the delicate eye tissue. It has a grassy kind of smell. I thought there might be cucumbers in it when I first smelled it. (But there aren’t.)  Here’s what the Burt’s Bees website has to say:

“Royal jelly, which is fed to the queen bee to extend her life, is packed with 134 nutrients, including 17 amino acids, B-vitamins and vitamins A, C, D and K. Here, it’s blended with rich beeswax, soothing aloe vera gel, apricot kernel oil and vitamin E to create a nourishing cream that minimizes the appearance of fine lines and reduces puffiness in the delicate skin around your eyes.”

The Royal Jelly Eye Creme is SUPER moist, almost a little oily. After trying it morning and evening, I found that I could only use it at night. It doesn’t completely absorb into the skin, so applying it in the morning and then expecting my makeup to stay put would be almost impossible. As a matter of fact, after applying it before bed, there would still be a little oiliness and moisture left when I woke up in the morning. What this product is good for is keeping the skin around the eyes moisturized at night. Sadly, that’s about it. I found that it didn’t do anything for puffiness, dark circles or wrinkles.

If you’re looking for an excellent night moisturizer for your eyes, I’d absolutely recommend this eye creme. If you need a little help with those sneaky wrinkles like I do, then this probably isn’t the product for you.

This giveaway is closed, and I’m pleased to announce the winning number – #27!  Congrats, Megan.  And thanks to Kymaro for providing this giveaway.

Hi.  My name is Jo-Lynne and I’m a shapewear junkie.  Hey, I’m honing in on 40, I’ve carried 3 children in this womb, and I’ve nursed for a total of 60 months.  But that doesn’t mean I want to LOOK like it.  And lets face it, most of us don’t have hours to commit to the gym, thus my love affair with shapewear.  I’m going to tell you about my favorite pieces, and read carefully because there are some good deals scattered about within this post.

Kymaro: New Body Shaper

This is the newest addition to my shapewear wardrobe.  Since my problem area is my midsection and back, I am always looking for something that will hold me in and smooth things out.  I often wear the Kymaro New Body Shaper under tighter fitting tops, and it really does a nice job.  I like that it comes under the chest area so I can wear my regular bra, and it actually gives the girls a little boost the way it comes underneath and around.  At first I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to get it on, it wasn’t as stretchy as the others I have.  But I actually like the stiffer fabric once it’s on and in position.

Slimpressions: The Have Nots

One of my tried and true shapewear pieces is similar.  It’s The Have Nots by Slimpressions.  This one works in much the same way, but it also provides shaping for the arms if that’s a concern of yours.  It’s not a concern of mine, but at the time they didn’t have the Tanks A Little.  If they did, I would have chosen that one because I do find the arms to be constraining at times.  Otherwise, Slimpressions shapewear is very stretchy and comfortable, and it’s quite long in the torso so it never comes untucked.  You can see my original review here.

SPECIAL OFFER For a limited time Slimpressions is offering Chic Critique readers 25% off the Skinny Minis with the code SMDCR25.  This offer is valid until March 31, 2010.

Shapeez: Unbelievabra

Another piece that I like a lot is the Unbelievabra Ultimate by Shapeez.  This is VERY comfortable because it replaces the need for a bra.  It isn’t QUITE enough support for my liking but I still wear it because I like the shape it gives the chest area and the control for the middle.  You can see my full review here, and you can check out their photo gallery for some seriously cool before and after pictures.

Lipo In A Box: High Waist Brief

For the bottom region, or when I need help in the midsection but my top is too bare for one of the tops above, I love my Lipo In A Box High Waist Brief.  I love how this shapes my rear view and doesn’t flatten.  I love that it doesn’t roll down or ride up.  I like it much better than the similar Spanx piece that I have. When I need major artillery, I wear this piece AND one of the other pieces on top.

WIN IT!

You can win a pair of Kymaro New Body Shapers.  To be eligible, leave a comment on this post telling me why you’d like to try it.  You can earn extra entries by following Kymaro on Facebook and twittering the link to this giveaway.  Just be sure to leave additional comments so you get the credit for them. I will randomly select a winner next Tuesday, March 2nd.

Once a chocolate lover-always a chocolate lover, do you concur?  For those of you who do, have I got a treat for you today!  Let me tempt you with the enticing aroma, the decadent creamy texture, the divine sweetness…can you taste it?  You want to, don’t you?  Well, I’m afraid you’ll have to look somewhere else to curb THAT craving.  The “chocolate” I’m talking about is not for your sweet tooth, it’s for your skin.  Surprised?  Sorry about that.  Stay with me; you won’t be sorry AT ALL!

I just so happened to receive the Chocolate Lovers variety of Joyful Girl Natural’s Organic Body Butter for Valentine’s Day.  And, let me tell you, it’s the absolutely best cocoa product I’ve ever used!  I’ve tried many body butters and cremes that have  been scented with chocolate, and the disappointment always comes pretty much as soon as I apply it to my skin and get a whiff of the fake, cheap smell.  Not this time! 

The rich cocoa, shea, and mango butter-based creme is thick and rich like body butters you’d find in an upscale spa (did I say rich.  No, really, it’s beyond RICH)!  Your skin receives it with pure joy (at least mine does), and the moisture-giving properties to such a bio-pure product are endless.  Joyful Girl Naturals throws in some Sweet Almond Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Organic Beeswax, and a dose of Vitamin E.  What more can you ask for?  Just a couple of things if you want it to be the best chocolate body butter you’ve ever used.  How about some Organic Cocoa Powder?  And, are you ready for this?Cocoa Absolute!  Just in case you don’t know what that is, the pure essential oil runs about $60 for 15ml.  Didn’t I tell this product is special?

10 Reasons To Buy This Chocolate Body Butter

1.  The smell alone is almost as satisfying as actually eating chocolate…just in case you’re on a diet.

2.  If your significant other is a chocolate fan, you’ll get SO much more attention after slathering your entire body with it.

3.  You’ll receive the cocoa’s anti-oxidants through your skin.

4.  All the chocolate lovers in your office will suddenly fawn over you.  It’s your chance to get that extra vacation and raise.

5.  It’s a bargaining tool with the kids.  Trust me; they’ll want some and will be willing to do manual labor for it.  (Results may vary.)

6.  You’ll be supporting a small business owned by a woman.  Just say NO to the big boys!

7.  Your skin will be softer, more radiant, and thank you for the all-natural treat.

8.  You can put a scoop in your bath for a sweet aromatherapy experience that softens your skin at the same time.

9.  It makes a perfect gift for just about anyone who loves chocolate!

10.  It’s only $9.95 for 2 ounces of heaven.

Now for the warnings…just a few.

•  You might experience random strangers coming up to you wondering what delectable dessert your hiding under your shirt. 

•  It might actually cause chocolate cravings…you might want to have a couple of pieces ready just in case. 

•  You could be licked to death by your dog or your husband…

•  Don’t get a spoon and devour the entire jar even though it smells like chocolate icing….though it wouldn’t hurt you in the least, it’s best left for the skin, oh, and the lips.  I couldn’t resist the temptation to taste it….what?  It smells so good I couldn’t help it!  You’ll understand when you get your own jar.

Photo by Armene

I’ve been reminded this winter about how much I love ProActiv’s Green Tea Moisturizer.

I really don’t need a moisturizer for a lot of the year because I live in the south and it’s just so humid. And while this product is a little on the pricey side (about $30 for 1 oz.), it lasts me an entire year. (A teeensy bit goes a looooong way.)  I LOVE it. My little wintertime splurge, if you will.

“This feather-light moisturizing serum absorbs instantly, delivering deep hydration to dry, tired skin. It’s formulated with concentrated botanical extracts and powerful antioxidants for a moisturizing experience that’s as healthy as it is refreshing. Best of all, the mineral-rich formula was created specifically for the acne-prone complexion, so it won’t clog pores or leave skin feeling greasy. Wear alone or with makeup…”

And that is absolutely true. It moisturizes without being greasy; is really light, yet lasts all day.