Episode #17: Women Who Fake It

The latest audio episode of Lip Gloss and Laptops, show #17, is now available. Visit the podcast page or download the MP3 file (55 min 22 sec). Want the latest episode as soon as it's ready? Subscribe in iTunes or another podcatcher, and you'll have it!

On this episode, we talk about how to get your glow on safely with bronzers and self-tanners.

Airdrie's Pick

Coppertone Endless Summer is a great sunless tanner. It requires a careful application, so as not to stain clothes or sheets. Listen to the podcast to hear why this product has been Airdrie's self tanner for the past few years. Note, it does not contain SPF, and should not be used as a sunblock.

Breaking news: since our recording session, Airdrie has been to the dermatologist as she had a skin lesion on her chest that was not healing. Good news, the lesion is benign, and was at worst a "pre-canceous lesion". The doctor treated it with liquid nitrogen and will follow-up in 4 weeks. If you have had burns over the years, especially if you have blue eyes and freckles: play safe, wear SPF 30 and up, and check your moles once a year for changes.

Kerry Anne's Picks

My all time favourite is Guerlain's Terracotta line, which I've been hooked on since an old roommate introduced it to me. I've recently delved into drugstore territory, because a girl needs shake things up every now and then.

New Rimmel Duo Bronzer in Sunshine, from the 2006 Summer Collection. This comes in a large pan with a flip-up lid, perfect for applying with a large powder or kabuki brush. It contains two shades you can wear alone, or mix togther to impart a light, natural glow. The only downside on this one is that it doesn't last on skin very long, so you'll have to tote it around for reapplication. Bonus points for soft shimmer, because real suntans don't sparkle. ($6.99CA for 0.49oz/14g)

Jane Shimmering Bronzer in Tahiti. I looked for this one after reading rave reviews about it at Makeup Alley. I opted for the Tahiti shade since I have a fair complexion and thought it would suit me well. I do like this product, but not as a bronzer. I made the mistake of putting it all over my face the first time I wore it, and didn't realize until I left the house that I was sporting some serious Grace Jones disco shimmer. I now use a slimmer brush and use it as a highlighter on the cheekbones, and browbones. In these areas, the shimmer and glow it gives you is truly gorgeous and definiently worth the $8.00 I paid for it. Available in three other shades.($7.99CA, $5.99US for .24oz/6.8g)

Guerlain Terracotta This line just keeps expanding, so you're sure to find a flattering shade for your skin tone. They have long-wearing, beautiful products for eyes, lips, body and a "man-bronzer" for the modern metrosexual. You can order some of the products online at Sephora, but with so many options, you may just want to go to the counter to see which shade suits you best. This is the "benchmark" of bronzers, making its debut in 1984. Pictured above is the Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder, suitable for many skin tones. ($38-$44, price slightly higher in Canada)

Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer This is a moisturizer that builds a tan gradually as you apply it. I don't like the smell of it. I applied it faithfully for a week, yet the colour was barely noticeable and yellow-toned. It didn't make me break out, but made any red blotch I already had on my face get darker as the week went on. It turned me into a blotchy girl who smells of fake tan. I wouldn't repurchase it. ($6.99CA, $5.99US for 150mL)

Vichy Capital Soleil Autobronzant Visage This one has a strong tell-tale odor of fake tan, but if you can stand it you'll have a beautiful golden glow within a few hours. The odd thing about this product is that is claims to be non-comedogenic and won't clog pores, but this gel-cream feels heavy and always makes me break out after a few days of use. I recommend it for women who are blessed with a complexion not prone to acne. ($23CA for 100mL)

Remember:

• Many self tanners do not contain an SPF, and will not protect you from sunburn Prep your skin before applying a self-tanning cream, exfoliate your skin with a loofah, scrub or sloughing mitts, then apply an oil-free moisturizer.
• Use care when applying around elbows, knees, ankles and hairline, and wash your palms!
• Know your limit, ladies. Let "moderation" be your mantra, because orange is not attractive. There is a fine between tanned and tacky.

Other links from the show:

• Perez Hilton
• Allure Magazine
• Bonhomme:

* Be sure to email us if you are interested in the Sea Salt Scrub draw. See the podcast notes page for details.

** Also, please email us with your opinion about Airdrie's idea about getting photographed nakey on the Space Needle at Gnomedex this year!

Well behaved women rarely make history - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich Harvard College Professor/Author