Hullo little raspberries!

You guys, my skin is in a weird place and just allow me to tell you all about it. Prior to baby, I was workin’ hard on my GD age spots. I was using a combination of products from The Ordinary, including a retinol that I believe did make a difference…read about that here. While I am no longer using retinol (still nursing and whatnot), I have decided that since it is summer, I should probs have a tan. Because let’s be honest, a subtle glow just makes EVERYTHING better amiright!?

I have also decided I am OVER the traditional self-tanners. I am over the mitt. I am over the smell. I am over having to walk around my house naked, feeling all sticky and gross, waiting for my skin to dry. I do not have the time or patience for it anymore. Luckily, the market has recently become saturated with a product that seems to address all these issues -self tanning drops! The idea is to add a few drops of the product to an existing lotion or moisturizer, making application a snap.

So far, I have only tried out a couple such products. But they are truly popping up all over the place.

Here is what I have tried.

ON MY FACE – Ulta Beauty Glow by Morning Gradual Tan Drops

I picked these up due to the 4.5 stars they received online. As the bottle indicates, you simply add a couple of drops to your moisturizer. The formula is really nice. Not greasy at all and it blends easily into my night or day moisturizers. My only critique of this product would be that it is VERY gradual, as in, I do not notice a major glow right away. I wish it packed a bit more punch in the color department but I suppose not being super orangey is also a good thing.

ON MY BODY – Hautebronze Sun Drops

These drops function much the same way. The color of the drops themselves are a bit darker, but it blends seamlessly into any moisturizer I have tried.  In terms of color, these do pack a nice punch and I find that one application gives me a really nice, albeit subtle tan. I simply add 2-3 drops to a dollop of lotion for each “area”.

So far, I am really digging the self-tan drops. I think they are the way to go for us folks who are short on time. I plan to try all the formulas I can get my hands on, so leave any recommendations in the comments below!

When applying any self-tan to the bod, it is paramount that the skin is prepped and scrubbed. I like to use a sugar or salt scrub for this (careful to avoid my areas with KP!) and recently, I picked up this one from Lush!

Scrub Scrub Scrub

I decided on this one because it smells aaamazing. I love using it, but I will forewarn you all – this stuff is BLACK. Like, super black. As in, it could stain your tub if you do not spray it down the drain after using it. Yeah. I really love it other than that.

I also recently picked up this body wash because I am a total sucker for anything coconut.

Oil of Olay Ultra Moisture Coconut Oasis

TBH, it is not my favorite coconut scent but it’ll do pig, it’ll do.

Lastly, on our recent vacation to the San Juan Islands I tried out an amazing facial kit from Skinbuzz and was so delighted at the results!

First of all, check out this adorable and convenient little bag it came in!

The kit comes with four travel-sized products, a ridiculously soft washcloth and headband. The ingredient list is super impressive!

I started out by cleansing my face and instantly fell in love with the  Activiated Charcoal and Bamboo Face Cloth. This puppy is SOFT!

The Clean-Bee Cleanser had a light lemony scent. I found that I needed a little more than was recommended, maybe a nickel sized amount to sufficiently cleanse my (large) face. The cleanser left my skin feeling  refreshed and clean, but not dry.

After cleansing, I used a cotton pad to apply the Bee-Witched Toner. I did not notice a strong scent on this but it did provide a really pleasant cooling effect to the skin.

Lastly I applied the Bee-You-Tiful Moisturizer in small dots all across my face. The formula is fairly thick (which I love) and had a slight eucalyptus scent. My face felt SO hydrated and like the product had really sunk into my skin. I was not left with a greasy feel at all, which sometimes a heavier cream can do.

Overall, I really enjoyed this mini facial kit from Skinbuzz. It was such fun to have a little self-care sesh while on vacation! Get your kit here!

And that’s it you guys! xoxo!