Cult of Pretty

Let’s pretend, shall we?  Pretend we are here.  Pretend we have this hair situation.  And pretend we are tan, whilst at the same time staying alive, with today’s amazing and totally safe Laura Geller body bronzing GIVEAWAY ($45 value).

CONTEST OVER THANKS FOR PLAYING!

Laura Geller is one of my favorite cult brands, and they call themselves the “Baked Authority” (dude!). Anyway, this Baked Body Frosting in Tahitian Glow is my drug - it’s a buildable powder that can also be used wet for a richer glow. 

It’s sold out in her online store right now, but what better excuse to tune in to QVC today or log on here (or, watch the sneak peek here) - she’s doing a Glow-n-Behold Kit with this product and 3 other brand new goodies for $54.48 ($118 value).

TO ENTER TO WIN THIS BRONZING POWDER ($45) YOU MUST COMPLETE BOTH OF THESE STEPS … PLEASE READ EVERYTHING BELOW.

1. Do ONE of the following…. follow Cult of Pretty on Bloglovin’ OR be follower of Cult of Pretty on tumblr OR subscribe via email.

2. Leave a DISQUS comment below [click through if you’re reading this in tumblr] and tell me, are you a beach person or a pool person … or an in the shade under a tree person?  I am … a pool person, if I *had* to choose, because sand is sometimes annoying and I’m afraid of waves.  Don’t comment in “Ask Me Anything” OR in the “FAN NOTE” area of tumblr <—- guys, click through please, leave a comment on the blog not inside tumblr!

3. You must be 18 or older to enter.  (You can ask someone to enter on your behalf if you like, up to you, but the prize will be sent to their attention).

Contest ends next Friday May 11, 2012 at 11.59pm Eastern.  If you subscribe or follow to enter, you must be subscribed or following at the time of the drawing. Multiple comments DO NOT increase your chances of winning but love ya. Winner is drawn at random.

Product c/o the brand; image: Corinne Day

Well, it’s that special time of year when I reveal my legs and people run screaming.  That zombie shade of pale certainly does nothing for me, and thus before I went to Austin last month for Texas Style Council, I picked up a card in my lobby left by a mysterious stranger promising a natural glow.

Her name is Laura. She lives on the 7th floor. She lives downstairs from me.  And yes, I had totally seen her before … but I had no idea she was a PROFESSIONAL AIRBRUSH TANNING EXPERT. (She’s also a pro makeup artist and blogger - see it all at Lo & Co.).

If you’ve never done airbrush tanning because you were terrified of turning orange, rethink everything.  This is not the booth where you walk in, hit the Oompa Loompa button and pray.  This is bespoke, custom-mixed, hand-applied glow-giving tanning.

The spray is misted on by hand in the comfort of Laura’s super-chill space, and develops over about 8 hours.  You’re instantly tan, but the surface color washes away when you shower and you’re left with color that lasts about a week. (You can extend it with Jergens Natural Glow-type products). You can strip down or bring a cheap bikini you don’t care about, or undies, if you want natural-looking tanlines.

I’ve done airbrush tanning before so I knew it was amazing, but Laura’s application was especially flawless and I loved that we decided to go light.  It looked very natural, especially my face.  A perfectly tanned face??  So transformative!  Bonus: Laura only uses organic tanner.

Normally the service is $80 (which is very reasonable for NYC), but if you mention Cult of Pretty it’s only $60.  If you have an event or whatnot, don’t buy a new dress - get a tan.  Trust.

Also, if you come be in touch and I’ll come down and say HI!

Does this: Flawless, bespoke, organic airbrush tanning in NYC
Is this: Laura Nadeau of Lo & Co.
Get this: Contact Laura here for an appointment - located in lower Manhattan right by the N, R, 1, and 5 trains
Price: $60 if you mention Cult of Pretty

Image: via

You guys, it’s official.  I’m off-white beige tan. As usual, this didn’t occur during any laying out sessions - it’s all about walking around on the street for me.  Basically, my forehead and forearms are brownish.  Fore the win!

I discovered this ingenious Guerlain tan-extending product in British Elle and I’m ordering it now.  Read the copy and weep with desire:

A serum—highly concentrated in Tan Booster active and enriched with a soothing complex—to add to any moisturizer and turn it into an after-sun tan extender.

How to use:
- Face application: add 2 drops in any skincare face product.
- Body application: add 4 drops in any body lotion.

I mean … need I say more?  Brilliant.

Does this: See above
Is this: Guerlain Terracotta Serum Tan-Prolonging Serum
Get this: Here
Price: $59.00

If you live in NYC and you’ve been outside today HELLO!  Bain de Soleil literally.  [sun bath]

I finally live in a building with a private outside space, and I do indeed plan to sunbathe as soon as I finish this this summer even though disclaimer sunbathing is very bad for your skin and if you do it you should be wearing a high SPF 35+.

The most delicious part of tanning for me is just the wonderful glow and scent of a great sun product.  This one tops my cult beauty list, even though I can only use it deep in the summer when I’m actually somewhat tan.  It’s an oil-based gel with a very unique formula feel - plus it’s less greasy than a tanning oil and smells way fancier.  Love the vintage-vibe packaging too - takes me straight to 1960’s Monaco. 

Does this: Gives your skin a beautiful glow while moisturizing and providing a small amount of sun protection (SPF 4)
Is this: Bain de Soleil Orange Gelée Sunscreen
Get this: Here
Size: 3.12 oz
Price: $9.99

What’s your favorite tanning product?  Do you try to practice safe sun? (I hope so - SPF 4 is not appropriate for every day use!)

Image via nightcharmer.tumblr.com

So you know when good weather finally comes?  And you’re like YES - dresses.  And then you’re like NO - legs [sad. trumpet. sounds.]

When you’re really pale-pale white like me, self-tanner is very scary.  Also, when you haven’t taken one vacation day, it’s a little dubious to show up at the office looking like the Snooks.

Michael Kors Leg Shine is pretty much the definition of a cult beauty product for me.  I can’t believe this gem has been around for maybe ten years and it isn’t in every woman’s cabinet slash handbag. 

In early Spring, I’m not really about looking tan, I’m more about looking alive.  Also, I’m NEVER about looking sparkly. This stick adds a very subtle layer of sheen (like your legs are well-hydrated) with a tiny touch of color - utterly mistake and stain proof - and the lovely light fragrance of Michael’s first scent.  In French it’s called Lustre-Jambes.  I mean what more info do you need.

Does this: Subtle moisturized sheen with a hint of color, allowing acceptable leg exposure. Also great on shoulders and arms.
Is this: Michael Kors Leg Shine
Get this: Here
Size: 2.7 oz
Price: $32.00

There’s also a mini for $10.00 if you’d like to try it out.  But even the full size is so perfect for throwing in your bag - it’s a great to-go product for touching up on the way out for drinks after work or whatnot.