Okay so you know that you need SPF,how to faux tan,
and how to remove unwanted body hair,so now you're
ready for swimwear. Because its so tricky to know
what works and what doesn't,I am going to give you
a link to the experts.


Elle Magazine Swimsuit Shopping Guide


If you know any more good links,please let me know!

Before you read this,just know that I am talking about
hair removal from the body,not the scalp
(sorry Britney Spears!).


Before you even think of getting to the beach,pool or
just going out in shorts,you have got to shave your legs
(and armpits). Maybe you are lucky enough to hardly have
a hair problem or maybe you wear jeans all in the winter
but now that its summer you should shave or at least find
another method of hair removal. There are several methods
of hair removal that I will discuss here:shaving,depilatory,
waxing and do it yourself high tech methods such as No!No.

All methods have good points and bad points. How do you know
which method is for you? Read this guide or try everything
until you find something that works for you. Let's get
started!

Reminder:Most of the stuff you find here you can purchase
at a drugstore or
mass market chain like Target.

Shaving-This is probably the first hair removal method
you learned,and while it works it can be painful and never ending.
There are two types of razors,electric and plastic. Electric gives
a closer shave,doesn't cut and often can be used in and out of
water. Plastic razors come in either disposible or you can buy
a razor and replace the blades,which is often more expensive
than disposible razors. Unfortunatly hair starts to grow back
at least 1 or 2 days after.

In the shower make sure you coat your legs with a shaving gel
(like Skintimate) and then shave in the opposite direction
where your hair grows. When you're done,dry off your legs and
rub on a soothing lotion(like Lubriderm). If you are using an
electric,then you can skip the gel but when you are done go
ahead and smooth on lotion. If you are shaving your armpits
follow the same instructions but skip the lotion.


Women's Remington Shaver


Gillette Venus Divine Women's Razor

Depilatories-Depilatories are creams and foams that
have hair removing chemicals like thioglycolate that work
by removing the keratins that bind the hair,so it becomes
loose and makes if easy to wash off. Nair and Veet are
commonly used depilatories. Its easy to use and the
results last longer than shaving,at least 2 days longer.

Follow the instructions. Remember to do a test before you
use any product to make sure that you don't have an allergic
reaction to the chemical.Usually you just rub the lotion of
foam on skin and wait at least 10 minutes before washing.
If your skin feels a tad tingly,its probably nothing to
worry about,but if you feel more a burn wash it off
immediatly.


Nair Sensitive


Sally Hansen Spray On Shower Off


Waxing-Waxing is painful,but it gives fantastic
results. So if you can deal with the pain and have the
time,then wax away! Waxing works by pulling out the hairs
from below the surface which would explain why results
last longer. You can wax almost anywhere including the
upper lip and bikini line,however if you're not comfortable
with waxing yourself but want the results,then go to a
salon for a professional wax.

Again follow the instructions(I cannot stress this enough!),
and be sure to to a test on the wax kit. Most waxes you heat
up in the microwave,then once heated you can spread on with
a wooden(or plastic) stick,place a paper strip and press good,
then you slowly peel off the strip. Ouch! But look at the strip
and check out the long hairs you just removed. Isn't that worth
it?


Bliss Poetic Waxing Kit


Sally Hansen No Heat Gel Wax Strips


High-Tech At Home Method
Do you want electrolosis but don't want to pay the high price?
Do it yourself with an at-home electrolosis,or No!No!. No!No! works with thermal electronic
technology.


Do you have any advice or stories you would like to share?

Coming Up Next:Swimwear and Beach Looks

This is not only Works For Me Wednesday,this is
also my 2nd post on my Summer Countdown.

Check out Shannon's blog/WFMW

Tanning is in,and probably will always be. However as
I said over and over baking out in the sun will do you
no good. Sure it will make you darker,but it will also
put you at risk for diseases and aging which is soooo
not glamourous. The good news is that there are a ton
of products for both your body and face,they can come
in creams,wipes,sprays and a lot more. I hope this will
help you find what is best for you.

Basically there are two types,tanning and bronzing.
Tanning achieves a darker,richer color and usually is
found with other skincare items including sunscreen
(see below). Bronzing is more light,has a tendency to
come in powder forms and is usually found in the cosmetics
aisle. Both often contain SPF which is an added bonus.


How To Tan The Right Way
First off,make sure that you exfoilate in the shower.
Use a loofah and a great body scrub. Shave your legs
and armpits. When you're out towel dry yourself and then
get dressed in dark clothes like a dark tank or tube top
and shorts. Make sure you wear something you can risk
getting stained,because it happens. Have your tanning
lotion and a good hand scrub for when your done. Follow
the directions of the tube or bottle,and blend it in well.
Be careful to distribute it evenly because a lot of tanners
don't show up until two hours after the application. Even
if you use a instant tanning lotion you still want to watch
how you distribute it.

Wait according to the instructions to change into your
clothes. Make sure its dry,and depending on the product
you are using,wait at least 12 to 24 hours to shower. When
you are dry use hand scurb and exfoliate your hands,don't
exfoliant too much as you should leave a little color,at
least in the back of your hands. Your tan should last at
least five days depending on your exfoliant.

Bronzing The Right Way
Depending on the type of your bronzer you are using,
follow the instructions. If it is bronzing powder use it
like you would any powder. Start out with a little powder
or lotion and evenly cover your face. If you're using a
more tanning cream you will most likely follow the same
instructions as above.


Sircuit Soliel-Looking similar to a chocolate dessert this
bronzing cream not only tans,it tightens your skin. Its
perfect for summer.

Loreal Sublime Bronze-True to its name its also very simple to
use. This formula dries fast and is perfect for begginers.

Decleor Aroma Sun-This is truly genius! It hyrdrates,
contains SPF and helps you look tan all in one.

Physicians Formula Les Botaniques Botanical Powder-
It looks kind of like a piece of artwork,but its a great
bronzer for your face because its so easy to use.

ID Bare Minerals Warmth All Over Powder-This powder give a
luminous finish in additon to a natural bronze.

What products and tips do my readers have? Let
me know and respond please.

Coming up next? Hair removal guide

Summer Countdown-

Its May,and summer is almost here! Which means a few things,
swimsuits,self tanning,summer beauty and more! I am starting
my summer countdown and throughout the month I will be
featuring the guides to looking and dressing your best. I
will start out today with Sun Safety because you've got to
protect yourself from the sunny skies.

SPF Guide-
Why? Sun exposure causes premature aging and skin cancer.
Protect your skin now.

How? Wear suncreen or lotions with SPF(Sun Protection
Factor) of at least 15,but the higher the better. For more
information check out my previous post. Most sunscreens
come in a cream form,but it can also be found in sprays and
other forms.

Wear a sunscreen everyday even in the winter,just
follow the instructions of the product. Be careful when you
choose one for your face,and whatever you do,try not to get
it in your eyes. If you wear a SPF moisturizer/makeup for
your face,try to find something tinted so you don't layer
too much products on your face and cause breakouts.
If you cannot live without makeup,try
SPF Mineral Makeup



What Works? SPF is everywhere! Sunscreens,lip
balms and moisturizers can all have sun protection,and
now your whole skincare routine can help protect you.


DDF Organic Sunblock SPF 30
This sunscreen is great for those with extra sensitve
skin. And what I really love about this? Its SPF 30!





Bliss Superbalm Lip Conditioner SPF 15
You may not think that your lips need SPF,but if they
are exposed to sun then yes they do. This moisturizes and
protects!




Kiehl's Abyssine Cream SPF 23
Who knew that skincare could be sourced from the
abyss? This is! And if you like this you will like the
other products from the abyssine line fro Kiehl's.





Benefit YouRebel SPF 15
This is a genius tinted moisturizer that will carry you from
summer to winter looking uber-glam



Got any SPF tips or products you would like to share?

Coming up soon.....Self Tanning! Stay tuned!