Sun, Sea and Shameless Vanity

There are new things coming up for this blog. And in preparation for the exciting times ahead, the blog will be moving to a new home!  While I will still be writing about our phenomenal life, it will now have a new name. 

From now on, I will be doing all of my posting at The Phenomenal Mama

I hope you could all bookmark the new site and follow me there!

I will still be keeping this blog open so you can read all of my old posts.  But you won't miss a thing with the new blog as it will have all of the old posts, as well. 

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The fact that I live in a tropical country where the beaches are just a good one-hour trip away doesn’t take away the sad reality that I have yet to master the art of looking good at the beach.  But I try – every year, I tell you!   Let me forewarn you, though, that after everything has been done…. No, I still don’t really look like the beach babe that I desire to be… only (more and more each year) like the mom of three that I actually am.  Still, a girl has to try!  :)

We are off to the beach tomorrow and here I am sharing with you the steps I’ve taken (in vain) to look a teensy-bit better::

1.  Get a head start on my tan. 

In the beach, a healthy sun kissed glow is always the best fashion accessory.   For the past four years now, I have managed to look like a beach sweetie, thanks to my triumvirate of L’Oreal self-tanners.

A few days before our departure, I start slathering on L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion in Medium Natural Tan everyday to build up my sunless tan.  It usually takes around three to four applications to get the golden color that I like.

At around the same time, I also use the Sublime Bronze FACE on my face and neck to make sure that I have an even tan all over.  

On the day of departure I always make sure to wake up a few minutes earlier to make sure I apply L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Gelee in Medium Natural Tan.  This dual-action bronzer and self-tanning lotion is one of my favorite products.  It delivers an instant glow and builds up the existing (sunless) tan I have with a hint of glimmer. 

2.  Paint toe nails in a vivid summery color.

3.  Wax/shave legs, underarms and bikini area the night before.


4.  On the beach, apply sun block with high SPF at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and re-apply every 2 hours.


I use VMV's Armada Sport SPF70.  It retails USD40 for a 3 oz tube, really expensive, but I am taking them up on their claim that their formula "creates a unique barrier-film, an invisible virtual second skin that stays on skin's surface to maintian protection integrity in and out of water, and while exposed to harsh sun and heat."  

I usually put on Armada first and after letting my skin absorb it for a few minutes, I layer on L'Oreal's tinted self tanner.  The tinted gel leaves my skin with an instant glittery shimmer that stays on until I shower or take a dip in the pool, unlike the glitter sprays or powders.

5. Massage hair with a deep moisturizing conditioner and put it up in a messy bun.

6. Acessorize (and protect) with a good pair of shades offering UV protection and a wide brimmed straw hat.

 

7.  Remember that the best thing to wear on the beach is a SMILE!

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