Getting that Glow

Hey, what's up? (Throwback Hollister greeting-- I used to work there a long time ago!)
But really, I hope everyone is enjoying themselves on this wonderful holiday.
I am writing from the safety of my bedroom.. with a horror story and some questions.

Let me preface this by stating that I hardly ever go tanning. Sure, I love to lay by the pool (and who doesn't?), but I am not a tanning-membership-bronzing-oils type of girl.  

Today, however, I bravely ventured to the tanning salon with my sister (and I know you are all probably gasping with disgust.. but let me finish) HEAVILY armed with spf-85 sunscreen ready to get a head start on my summer glow, since we will be heading to Florida in a month or so. I bought a 10-minute session (I tan very easily and rarely burn) in a stand-up-booth.  

10 minutes later, I came out with the glow I was looking for. I felt great, came home, took a shower, and headed off to work.  About halfway through my shift, I started to feel the after-sun-tingle in my face and shoulders.  I turned around to look in the mirror and.... LOBSTER. TOMATO. CRAB. FIRE ENGINE. CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG. I am running out of words to describe how red I was and currently am as I lay in bed slathered from head to toe in Aloe Vera.

So I wrote this article for three reasons.  The first being that, aside from skin cancer risks, 10 minutes in a tanning bed is actually painful IMMEDIATELY, and not just in the long term.  The second and third are what really prompted my writing this blog post: I have two suggestions for sunburn care (Which I gratefully accepted from my amazing coworker as she presented me with ideas that worked in treating my burning face), and I also was wondering about some others.

Here are my two sunburn-soothing miracle workers.

1. Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief
The second I put this on, I and my skin together both went "aaaah". It is so relieving, which makes sense because the word 'relief' is in the title.  It is also incredibly hydrating but is in such a lightweight gel form that you wouldn't typically expect. Essentially, the only real ingredients in it are water and aloe.  Don't ask me why this isn't marketed as an after-sun product, but it definitely should be. It is a light pink color and has a fresh, clean smell to it that is similar to that of Clinique's other products (I am a long time fan of their All About Eyes Rich eye cream.. fantastic.)  I may have to keep using this as part of my winter skincare routine and not just for sunburns.. but I have strong faith that it will work well for both. (found at most Clinique counters and Sephora)

2. Korres Yoghurt Cooling Gel
While I didn't see the immediate relief with this product that I did with the Clinique, I think I may favor this one just a tad more (solely based off of its after-sun capabilities). The cooling effect wasn't instant, but I definitely felt it once the gel had time to absorb This, unlike the Clinique, is marketed for after-sun use, and is cooling and ultra-hydrating.  I found the smell to be definitely similar to yogurt itself, and the consistency of the white gel to be a little thicker and cream-like than the Clinique, which I liked. Another pro is that, as with most Korres products, there are little to no additives or chemicals used. (Found at Sephora)

I will be purchasing full-sized in the future, no doubts about it.

On to my next topic: How do you all feel about the St. Tropez self-tanning line? I am incredibly clumsy with self-tanners and am trying to find something remotely fool-proof that won't leave streaks or me looking like another bright color than I already am.  I have heard wonderful things about that line, but I am looking for some more personal opinions. Let me know :)

I hope you all enjoyed this random, unlike-winter post.  Spring and summer are just around the corner, thank God!!!

XOXO
ANM :)