Book Review: Sewing Solutions Tips and Techniques for the Savvy Sewist by Nicole Vasbinder; Interweave Publishing

Have a sewing mishap? Sewing Solutions has you covered! Even the most experienced sewist encounters problems, snags, and little glitches. When you need answers, you’ll find no better resource than Sewing Solutions, from expert teacher and author Nicole Vasbinder.

 

Organized by stages, you’ll find:

• Detailed Advice about the sewing process, including pros and cons, and basic considerations of working with a variety of tools and materials.
• An easy to follow layout that provides basic information as well as step-by-step techniques for making bias tape, attaching and sewing trims, buttonholes, zippers, hems, and more.
• Troubleshooting tips that advise how to deal with common sewing obstacles.

Whether choosing the right tools, reading patterns correctly, and everything in between, Sewing Solutions will prove to be an essential sewing companion.

My Review

 

This book hits right on the money. Whether you are a beginner needing to know the basics of sewing, someone who has the basics down but wants to know OTHER certain things (like how to translate pattern envelopes), or an expert who just needs a touch-up.

I’m the middle-man in sewing expertise. I’m not a beginner, but yet I’m not an expert either. There are a few EXTRA’s that I really needed to know about- such as the different types of clothing patterns.

I’ve made just about every type of bag, wallet, tote, and toys you could imagine- but I have issues with clothing. I’m scared to use that much fabric and mess it up. There’s only a slight difference between a size 2 and 4- I don’t want to cut it too short and then be stuck with fabric that’s too small to do anything with.

So I really needed help with fitting. I would have loved to own this book when I first began my sewing adventure. They break everything down, tells exactly what it is, and how to work with it.

There are two sections to this book. The first section is nothing but the sewing tools, notions, trims, and miscellaneous items you need to begin sewing. What they are and what they do are both explained so that you know WHY exactly you need them!

The second section is solutions and tips to fabric, patterns, sewing, embellishments, fitting, and finishing. This is what I needed the most help with was the fitting and finishing.

 

Section 1

Chapter 1 is Sewing Tools.  This is the chapter that tells all about the different types of sewing machines, where you can get them (AND make sure you test your machine before taking it home), and how often the machine should be cleaned and what will happen if it isn’t cleaned.

How to insert and wind bobbins, the different stitches, all about Serger machines, and different sewing feet (basic feet, zipper feet, button feet..). The difference between Machine and Hand sewing needles and what the numbers on them mean.

Chapter 2 is notions and trims. This is once you have the basics down pat and are ready to move on to the next level. Notions refer to all sewing materials EXCEPT for the fabric. These are the tools that you use to get the job or project done!

Knowing the difference between the different threading and what projects they are good for is something that EVERY seamstress should know. Then there is the applique, beaded and sequined trims and how to properly sew them onto your project.

This was something that confused me when I first began sewing. I knew how to applique (straight applique), but they have reverse applique as well (which is trickier).

What is bias tape, what is it used for, and can I make my own? These are all questions that are answered in this chapter. As well as attaching braided trims, elastics, and lace.

Did I mention piping, welting, corded edges, pom poms, fringes, and ruffles? These are all covered as well. She doesn’t leave OUT anything in this book. I love that it is broken down into comprehensive wording so that even a beginner can understand.

What about ribbons and rick-rack, Closures, fasteners, D-rings, and eyelets? Hooks, eyes, Snaps, zippers, hook and loop fasteners? All this can be very confusing at first, she tells in detail how to apply each and whether they can be stitched right onto the fabric.

Chapter 3 is marking, measuring, and cutting tools. Besides just your sewing machine and thread, there are other tools that you need. You need to measure, mark, and cut your fabric so you get a precise project fitting. Accurate marking makes it easier to cut, the right (fabric) scissors make it easier to cut, and measuring makes it easier to get it right!

All the tools you need to begin may become a little confusing at first. What are they, what do they do, and the different types of each tool are all listed in this book.

• Tailors chalk
• markers and pens
• tracing wheels
• transfer paper
• basic and specialty measuring tools.
• Cutting Tools
  • Rotary cutters, scissors, self-healing mats

Chapter 4 is miscellaneous tools. These are all the smaller tools that you need that will definitely be of help to you. Pins, seam ripper, point & loop turners, bodkins, seam sealant, bias tape makers, patterned paper, pattern notchers and awls, and dress forms.

These are the tools that you’ll be looking for when you’re in need. The pins hold your completed pattern together why you sew that it doesn’t come apart. A seam ripper helps to tear the seam if you accidentally messed up. Point turners help push the sides out of a purse for instance. These are all really helpful things, and it’s a good idea to know what they are before making the sewing journey.

 

Section 2

There is more to sewing then just grabbing a fabric and starting a project. First you need to know WHICH fabric is best for what project. You don’t want to use linen or something that is lightweight for a purse. You want it to stand-up to wear and tear and not be flimsy and fall apart.

Fabric is made by weaving, pressing, or knitting yarns, threads, or fibers together. So you need to look at the anatomy of the fabric and what you’re choosing before you start a project. Read the pattern and see what type of fabric is needed before you begin.

There are more than 40 different varieties of fabrics and they are all very different. This book breaks down what each are and how you can tell which type of fabric it is.

I didn’t know that if you clipped a small piece off the fabric and burned it you can tell what it is by the way it smells when burning and what the ashes look like. That was very interesting to me, and I’ve already used it a time or two already!

Do you know the difference between interfacing and lining? The different types of each? That there are 7 main things to look for when choosing the right fabric?

The 7 things to look for:

• Drape of the fabric.
  • How does the fabric drape on the body? Does it cling to the curves of your body? Stand away from the body?
• Difficulty of the fabric
  • Use simple fabrics for difficult projects and save the difficult fabrics for the easier stuff, don’t make it harder than it has to be.
• Durability.
  • Everyday items should be used with fabrics that can stand lots of use- don’t use a fabric that pills and frays.
• Expense
  • use low-priced fabrics for projects that need a lot of yardage.
• Hand
  • How does the fabric feel against your hand? Scratchy fabrics won’t work against the skin because they are irritating. They need lining- or choose a softer fabric.
• Plaids and Prints
  • Will there be a lot of seams that interrupt the the print?
• Sheer Fabrics
  • Does it need to be lined? That will add extra time.

Chapter 6 is all about patterns. The front and back of a pattern envelope has important information so that you choose the right size and pattern for your liking.

This breaks down how to clearly decipher the envelope so that you can easily read the information without getting confused or irritated. Each has certain pattern symbols and terms that need to be read without problems.

You’ll easily learn how to see the different pattern pieces. This will help you determine WHICH pattern you actually need to cut (especially helpful if it’s clothing) because it will need to be fitted to your body.

It also shows how to choose the right fabric for certain patterns, and how to lay them so that the grainline matches up with the pattern. I love the little extra tips in the book which help a beginner. TIP: Tissue paper patterns can be hard to work with because they are so flimsy, Iron fusible interfacing to each piece so it’s easier to work with and easier to cut out!

I never even thought about doing that, but I KNEW I hated working with the tissue paper patterns. They are very hard to cut out properly because they are so thin that they rip. Overtime they start to wear and tear as well, which makes it hard to maintain proper pattern cut-out. This is GENIUS!

This is definitely a must-have reference book for anybody wanting to sew or someone who already knows how but needs extra information! This is STAYING right beside my sewing machine from now on. There is tons of invaluable information!

Even if you are an expert, you might need a refresher every now and then- you never know. This is the perfect size to fit right in a sewing drawer or beside your machine! Never be stumped again!

 

About the Author:

 

Nicole Vasbinder owns and operates StitchCraft and an independent accessory line, Queen Puff Puff. A founding teacher of Stitch Lounge in San Francisco, she currently teaches at Stonemountain and Daughter Fabrics. Her designs has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Adorn Magazine, JoAnn Magazine, Venus Zine, and Craft. She lives in Petaluma, California.

Buy It: You can buy the Sewing Solutions- Tips and Techniques for the Savvy Sewist for $19.95

Check out ALL Interweave publishings amazing titles, both new and not!

 

Jessica Renee

Beauty Review: Apothederm Acne Clarifying Treatment

Disclosure: The products mentioned in this post were sent for review purposes only; All opinions are 100% honest and completely my own.

Apothederm has made a REALLY awesome Acne Clarifying Treatment!

Apothederm Acne Clarifying Treatment
This product is a power packed acne treatment that helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes.  Dual acne prevention ingredients, Oligopeptide-10 and Salicylic Acid, work together to target existing blemishes and help prevent future breakouts.  Glycerin provides hydration to skin without stripping moisture, leaving skin soft to the touch. 

• Exfloites dead skin cells and cleans up sebum (oily secretions)

• Minimizes pore size
• Helps clear breakouts and prevents future breakouts

• Effective but gentle for all over facial use

Apothederm Acne Clarifying Treatment comes in a 1 ounce pump bottle.  It retails for $32.50.  To view before and after photos, check out their website,

I was excited to try this! I’ve been on the lookout for a good acne gel, wash, or SOMETHING to help with the breakouts I’ve been getting since starting with the tanning bed visits.

I’ve been having small bumps (that DON’T turn into full acne) around my jawline to the base of my earlobes, blackheads on my nose and chin, and random breakouts. I needed to clear all of this up!
I applied this after my nighttime treatment of washing and/or exfoliation but before creams, moisturizers, and toners. It is a clear, gel like product that goes on easily and sinks into the skin very quickly.

The best thing about it that there wasn’t any burning, redness, irritation, or drying after. Usually acne medicine whether it’s a gel or a cleanser causes all of these problems after applying, but this didn’t. I was glad, it felt like just another “item” in the nighttime routine.


It only takes a very small amount to get the job done (less than a dime size) so this bottle will last me quite some time. It IS kind of pricey, but if you look at how long it lasts and the other products you don’t have to buy now (concealer, glycolic acid face washes..) it’s well worth it to have beautiful, clear skin.

Now that spring is here and summer is very near, I am very glad to have this! My skin seems to become even MORE oily in the warmer months, so now I know I can keep those pesky blemishes, bumps, and blackheads at bay!

I love that it wasn’t only effective, but it’s gentle and lightweight as well. It amazed me that it kept my skin so smooth and blemish free without over-drying it. My pores became smaller overtime (within the first week I could see a difference).

Since it’s so lightweight it’s easy to use both in the morning and at night. I started using it at night (AT first) because I didn’t want a bad reaction (redness or irritation) to pop up during the day. When I seen there weren’t any side effects, I used it under makeup (AND day moisturizer and toner)
without a problem. I couldn’t even tell it was there. It was protecting me all day!

It isn’t scented and it leaves the skin feeling so refreshed! There isn’t any sort of residue or film left over, just plain CLEAN skin! I really like and use it on a daily basis, more often than not more than once.

Buy IT: Apothederm Acne Clarifying Treatment comes in a 1 ounce pump bottle. It retails for $32.50
Connect with Apothederm on Facebook and Twitter

Beauty Review: Bango Hair Trimmer by PRO Beauty Tools®

More bangs for less bucks. Save money by trimming your bangs, split ends, and top layer at home with the BANGO hair-cutting tool. It's calibrated with three comb tension to hold hair as tightly as a stylist, and has straight and arched cutting edges and cutting teeth for texturizing ends. Follow the included instructional video to whip your hair into stylish shape.

Includes:

• BANGO hair cutting tool

• Two hair clips

• One comb

• One pair of scissors

• One instructional DVD

• DVD run time is approximately 6 minutes, 27 seconds

• BANGO: plastic construction

Made in China/Japan/USA

 

My Review

Having 2 kids under the age of 6 is no joke. Especially when they are constantly growing out of their clothes, shoes, and everything else. Not to mention how fast their hair grows.

My son, 6 AND daughter, 4 have each been to a stylist ONCE and it was very hectic. They wouldn’t sit still, whining, crying, and trying to climb down out of the chair.

I knew after the first time with both that I needed to do something to make cutting hair a little easier and convenient for both of us. I would rather do it in the privacy of my home where my kids aren’t getting frantic and acting silly.

Then the bango appeared! I love being able to cut the kids hair at home. If I didn’t, I would have to take them to a salon EVERY month. Their hair grows very quickly and I don’t want to take them EVERY month, especially now that Aidan’s in school and Adam works nights.

I cut my son’s hair with a buzzer and then trim his bangs with the bango. I don’t cut my daughters hair EXCEPT her bangs. It is a LOT easier on me now.

This makes cutting their hair a breeze, and I don’t have to go through the trouble of putting them in the car and listening to them whine about not wanting to go inside the salon the entire trip. Not to mention CRYING in the salon.

Once you get the system down with “watching the DVD to get the precise cut” everything is easy. I wish the scissors were of better quality, but since we aren’t really cutting HAIR—just the bangs, we can live with it.

This gives us the freedom of doing it IN home and then just putting them in the bath to wash away the excess hairs that cling to them. I even found a cheap hairdressers apron to stick on them so I can trim without hairs getting everywhere!

I use the little black clips at night before my bath to hold my hair back when I exfoliate and wash my face! Holds my hair back like a dream!

 

How it Works:
BANGO by Pro Beauty Tools is a patented at-home hair trimming tool that is calibrated with three comb tension to hold hair as tightly as a stylist, and has straight and arched cutting edges and cutting teeth for texturizing ends. Follow the included instructional video to whip your hair style into stylish shape.
Save On Salon Visits!
BANGO helps people trim the parts of their hair that often grow out faster than their entire haircut-bangs, split ends and top layers.
Unlike Any other Trimming Tools:

• Helps cut hair evenly and quickly.
• Allows you to trim a little hair at a time to avoid bangs that are too short
• Convenient and easy to use
• Packaging Contains the following: 1) Bango Haircutting Tool 2) 5 ¿" Precision Shears 3) 2 Sectioning Clips 4) Comb 5) Instructional DVD

 

More about Bango:

Bangs are one of the hottest trends this year but it comes at a costly price. Constantly maintaining your flirty fringe with frequent visits to the hair salon puts a burden on your expenses and time. Introducing Bango® by PRO Beauty Tools®, an at-home trimming tool that will make cutting and styling your bangs quick, easy, and mistake-proof! Bango® helps trim the parts of the hair that often grows out faster than the entire haircut—bangs, split-ends and top-layers! It is also great for men’s hair and maintaining children’s bangs, which can often be a difficult task. For just $19.99, you can skip the salon and become your own speedy stylist by using the Bango® kit which includes a Bango®, a 6” pair of precision shears, 2 sectioning clips, a comb and an instructional DVD.

The patented design of the Bango® was created by Trey Burnette, celebrity stylist, who has teamed up with PRO Beauty Tools® to bring this fool-proof tool to consumers everywhere. Trey works at the prestigious Román Salon, nestled in the heart of West Hollywood, where his talents have allowed him to work with Hollywood celebrities, European Royalty, top fashion magazine editors and people that just want to look fabulous. He invented Bango® after noticing his clients would trim (and mess-up) their own bangs between haircut appointments. The tool is calibrated with a three comb tension that holds hair in place as tightly as a stylist would. It has straight and arched cutting edges with teeth that work to create numerous bangs styles including: blunt bangs, textured bangs, side bangs, top-layer trims, short hair, men’s bangs and children’s bangs.

This ingenious tool allows you to cut bangs a little bit at a time to keep you from accidentally cutting them too short. It also helps you from cutting bangs crooked since you can line up the Bango® easily while you cut. It is convenient, easy-to-use, and will save you time and money.

Buy It: Bango Hair Trimmer for $15.99

 

 

Jessica Renee

Office Product Review: Z-HL Zebra Highlighters

I have been on the search for a really good highlighter that comes in a variety of colors. I’ve tried almost every single type of highlighter. Some worked better than others, but some only came in 3 different colors and the ones that DID come with a variety of colors were UNGODLY in their prices.

Usually the highlighters don’t last too long before they dry out, didn’t have a vibrant color, or didn’t go too smoothly across a piece of paper. Some smeared ink, and some bled through the paper.

There wasn’t ANYTHING with these Z-HL Zebra Highlighters that I didn’t like. There are five different colors; pink, green, blue, orange, and yellow. AND they come with 2 yellows (as it’s the most commonly used).

They write and highlight perfectly on every piece of paper even carbon copy, textbooks, and everything in between. It doesn’t smear ink at all, and I love the fact that the capsule where the ink is shows how much is in it, so you know when it needs to be replaced.

These highlighters keep me organized. I can copy MUST know stuff in a certain color. Or if  I’m writing notes—I can go back over them later and highlight certain stuff in different colors, so I know everything that needs to be known—yet isn’t blended together by one color.

They have a chisel tip so it makes it easier to highlight smaller words (like a textbook) without it smearing into the next line like fat tip highlighters do. I also love that they have a rubber grip so it’s easier to hold for extended periods of time! Ahh..comfort!

Buy It: Zebra Z-HL Three Chamber Chisel Highlighters for $7.79 for 6 (two yellow come in the pack).

 

 

Jessica Renee

Beauty Review: Essie No Place Like Chrome

 

I was very impressed at how glossy and lustrous this Essie Mirror Metallics Collection Chrome is. I only had to put one coat on my toes, and it looked like two coats of a regular polish.

The chrome is luminous and very shiny. Eye catching, bright, and I love that there aren’t any bubbles in the finished look. It goes on smooth, the brush is shaped JUST the right size to get the job done without making a mess of things.

The trick to the no bubbles is using a really thin layer of base coat after you buffer really good and then thin layer of top coat after the chrome. If you have bubbles in your base coat- IT will show up when your polish dries. I didn’t have any issues though.

Chrome and other metallic polishes have definitely made their way back into the fashion industry and Essie has done it EXACTLY the way it should be! They’ve made them in more sophisticated, softer hues that draw attention yet not in a tacky (I can’t believe she did that) way!

Buy IT: Essie Mirror Metallics Collection Chrome $8

 

Jessica Renee

Book Review: Tape It & Make It- 101 Duct Tape Activities by Richela Fabian Morgan; Barron’s Publishing

Always a useful item in every household toolbox, duct tape has now taken on a second life as a medium for hobbyists of all ages. This fun-filled book presents dozens of creative ideas and easy-to-follow instructions for using versatile duct tape to make everything from coin purses to neckties, from elegant artificial flowers and highly original Halloween costumes to a duct tape yoga mat!

 

Discover how to fashion more than 100 different items from duct tape, including;

• Wallets and purses
• artificial flowers
• accessories
• aprons, superhero capes, and more.

 

History of Duct Tape: From the INTRO of Tape it & Make it- 101 Duct Tape Activities

Duct tape has been around since the 1940s, when it was originally developed as an adhesive for ammunition cases in World War II. Because of it’s water resistant qualities, the military also used it for quick fixes on jeeps and firearms. It eventually found it’s way into hardware stores, where plumbers and builders gave it it’s current name.

Nowadays, duct tape is ubiquitous. Besides a hardware store, you can find a roll of the good stuff in the office supply shop, an arts’ and crafts store, a grocery store, even a pharmacy- all places that one would certainly not associate with malfunctioning ducts. So why are these places stocking up on duct tape?

The answer is that duct tape is the new black- and not just in the fashion sense. You can make just about anything with it, from accessories to home decoration.

My Review

I had seen the duct tape wallets and certain accessories on random blogs. I thought they looked pretty cool, but I wasn’t for certain that playing with duct tape was my thing. For one, it’s messy—it’s very sticky and very unforgiving.

For instance, if I miss a stitch in crochet- all I have to do is untangle the other stitches and make sure I include it this time. I wasn’t sure I wanted to spend the money on duct tape so I could get it twisted and tangled up everywhere.

BUT- this book shows exactly how to work with duct tape to prevent it from sticking everywhere, all over everything. It shows (with pictures) how to square the duct tape up so that you create a “fabric” with it—so it’s easier to maintain.

After reading through the book, I wasn’t so hesitant that I could screw this up BIG TIME, I now know how to prevent the bubbles and make the different “fabrics”

There’s the one sided, double-sided, and woven. It’s pretty simple after the first couple of times. Just make sure your working on a flat wood surface so there isn’t any room for the duct tape to slide.

The reason I was drawn into “crafting” anyway was all the different colors, and I love creating something out of nothing. When I had a chance to flip though the book, I was amazed at how MANY things could be made with just duct tape.

I thought maybe wallets and some other little things, but Richela (the author) is a duct tape GENIUS if I must say so myself. There are headbands with duct tape feathers, bracelets, fingerless gloves, aprons, hats, and vests. That’s just in the first chapter.

The second chapter is Housewares which includes coin holders, decorative wall hanging letters, picture frames, table runners, a plastic bag dispenser, vase, placemat and more.

I love that in the second chapter she devotes two entire pages to just showing us how to “paint” with duct tape. Which is like silhouettes.. you cut out the “design” such as a tree or a bird (or whatever you choose) and place it on whatever your making.

This spices things up a bit. You can create whatever you want with just this design tip. Out of the hundreds of items that can be made from duct tape JUST in this book, you can add your own flair and design to it with choosing a different color tape and adding the “paint” method which is what I thought was the most AWESOME!

Chapter 3 is nothing but pillows, pads, cushions, and mats. Making a seat cushion, pillow, or a mat out of duct tape never occurred to me. When I got into this book, thoughts started swirling my mind about all the different things I could make with the tape (that wasn’t in the book).  All of a sudden, everything in life becomes a canvas for duct taping!

Chapter 4 shows how to further your knowledge of making stuff out of duct tape by making “STICKERS”. These are stickers that you can put on your different “projects” to also help make them stand out to be YOURS.

They show you how to make a butterfly, crow, apple. sports car, peace sign, surfing wave, pirate, earth, a bridge, and more..

Chapter 5 is where it gets very interesting with the bags, holders, and wallets. I don’t know why but I am a collector of all things bags, totes, wallets, and laptop cases. I have 1 laptop and 10 cases—don’t ask me why.. lol.

They have some awesome clutches, totes, and even full sized beach bags in this book. Lunch totes, id holders, and cell phone case. You can of course, change up the colors so that you have every type of bag in every color,, YAY

This is a cheap, easy, and convienient way to make everybody Christmas presents on your lists. It doesn’t take long, the instructions are very simple, and the duct tape will NEVER wear down. If something spills inside their “beach bag” all they have to do is wipe it out with a washcloth.

It will never stain, tear, or break. The only way to dissemble the duct tape is to of course- CUT IT! This would be a perfect present for even young kids (as long as you cut the tape for them). They can then make birthday presents, Christmas presents, and even mother and fathers’ day presents by hand.

Chapter 6 devotes itself to making different flowers. Wouldn’t mom just love flowers that never died in her vase for the front room table? Of course she would. There are some beauties in here; Calla Lily, Red Rose, Sunflower, Cherry Blossom Branch (my favorites), Hot pink Hibiscus, and more!  By this point, you could make MOM and GRANDMA an entire garden for their house! LOL

Chapter 7 is toys; so it’s about checker/chess boards, dolls, and masks. Oh what fun the kids could have making their OWN toys! AND it wouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg!

Chapter 8 is more fun and play for the kids with Costumes, Disguises, and Props. What kid doesn’t like a little imaginative play every now and then? With this you can create beards, superhero capes, pirate hats. knight sword and shield, and more.

Chapter 9 is seasonal; ornaments, wreaths, bows, banners, and baskets. Nothing says “KIDS live here” like handmade ornaments and baskets. This would be something fun to do together and keep as keepsakes..

This whole book is nothing but fun! Go to walmart, get the duct tape, buy this book, and have some family time making stuff. Not only will they remember the time you spent with them, when you bring out the stuff they made when they’re older—they will have a blast remembering making it!

About the Author

 

When she's not picking through her neighbor's trash for crafty treasures, Richela Fabian Morgan teaches eco crafting at the Sheldrake Environmental Center.
Ms. Morgan lives with her husband and two children in Larchmont, New York. You can learn more about her crafts, her cooking, and her domestic follies on her website: http://www.richelafabianmorgan.com

 

Buy It: $8.64 & Free Shipping with orders over $25

Tape It & Make It: 101 Duct Tape Activities

 

 

Jessica Renee

Beauty Review: Ooh La La at the Mansion Indoor Tanning Lotion by Playboy <Performance Brands>

Level 3 Advanced Indoor Tanning Lotion-Extreme Hot Tingle Bronzer with Hi Def Color!

Your sultry hot, seductive bronze is an expression of surprise to all those in your presence. Sizzling hot, yet refined persona allows you to saunter through the crowd with ease. Everyone stares in awe while you mingle with the crowd as only you know the power of your presence. You’re hot in more ways than one.

Your fiery attraction is unstoppable- The Mansion awaits you!

AccelaBronze* Tanning and Skincare Breakthrough!

• Purified Advanced Tanning Accelerators for your darkest tan.
• 25x Black Bronze for Instant bronzing gratification
• DHA clear bronzers adds an extra level of bronze for a deeper tan.
• Extra Hot Tingle Action Improves and stimulates a darker bronze color.
• Advanced Silicone Emulsion provides silky smoothness while prolonging the life of your tan.
• Exotic Neem & Evening Primrose oil provides luscious moisture.
• Vitamins A, C, & E aids in the protection of your skin.
• Cranberry, Pomegranate, and Grape Seed extracts helps restore skins youthfulness.

For Experienced Tanners Only: High Heat and Redding will Occur.

My Review:

I was super excited to get Ooh La La at the Mansion in the mail. When it came, I couldn’t get over how pretty the packaging was. It comes in a dark pink bottle, with a picture of lace twisted around the top of the bottle. EVEN the top of the bottle is designed- It looks like a Diamond encased in gold—how pretty!

I’ve been using this tanning lotion for more than two weeks now, and I am in LOVE with everything about this lotion. I already had a base tan before using this, so I do consider myself an advanced tanner.

The first time I opened this bottle, I fell in love immediately. Usually tanning lotions smell good BEFORE you use them, but after they seem to smell like burnt cinnamon or burnt skin. This doesn’t! This stays fresh and smelling amazing even after tanning.

I love that it stays smelling fresh and fruity, because usually I have to cover the smell of the tanning lotion (after tanning) with my after-tan moisturizer. This one I can just put the moisturizer on my feet, throw my clothes and shoes on, and go!

I don’t even need to put after-tan moisturizer ON when I use this tanning lotion. It is infused with Exotic Neem and Evening Primrose Oil to give the most luscious moisturized skin EVER after tanning.

Usually my skin starts to dry out before I even get out of the tanning bed. SO I put lotion on then. Then later in the day, my skin will become dry (and look ashy) again, so I’ll put the lotion on again. And then after I take my shower for the night, I’ll put it on again. I was going through after-tan lotion pretty quickly at that rate.

This lotion is infused with Vitamins A, C, and E which are natural skin moisturizers, healers, and smoothers. It is also infused with pomegranate, Cranberry, and Grape Seed to help your skin keep it’s youthful glow!

If you see in the picture above that the color of the lotion is brown, this is because it has INSTANT bronzers in it. I could tell from the very first tanning session that this is an amazing bronzer. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law were at the house visiting Adam one day when I left for the tanning bed. After I got back he said “You’ve already darkened a shade.”

He wasn’t lying either. I HAD darkened a shade. Each time I go and use this lotion I get a shade darker. The best part is the tan looks absolutely NATURAL. This lotion has absolutely NO orangey color to it, and it doesn’t streak. I do wipe my fingers and palms on a towel before tanning because they WILL be brown when you get out if you don’t wipe.

Even my shins and feet are all the way bronzed without the streaking. Usually my shins don’t tan as well as the rest of my body—but because there are instant bronzers PLUS clear bronzers, it immediately bronzes and then continues to bronze overtime. The way my skin feels so nourished, moisturized, and absolutely beautifully bronzed after tanning- I FELL in LOVE and still love using this on a daily basis.

I have the type of skin that doesn’t peel or burn at all, so I CRAVE the tingle lotions. I love the heat off of it. My skin craves the burn. This doesn’t mean that my skin BURNS per say, but a tingle lotion helps the tanning process by bringing the blood closer to the skin for a deeper, darker tan.

I really love tingles mixed with bronzers because you get EXTRA dark very quickly. This is top of the line bronzer because it has a Purified Advanced Tanning Accelerator, 25X Black Bronzers (which bronze instantly), but it also has DHA Clear Bronzers which also help to further develop your tan (for the longer run)!

You can see all about Ooh La La at the Mansion and watch a video about it!

Buy IT: You can buy the Ooh La La at the Mansion by Playboy at your local salon.

See about more Playboy products from Performance Brands

 

 

Jessica Renee

Beauty Review: Acure Organics Facial Toner (Rose + Red Tea)

 

Kiss surface shine and excess oil goodbye, all without drying your skin out with Acure Organics Balancing Facial Toner Rose & Red Tea. My skin has gotten extremely oily since beginning the tanning routine in January. My skin was already oily, but now it’s even worse. I can FEEL the oil just seeping out. I try to wash my face more than twice a day and use this toner to keep the oil at bay.

I love the fact that this comes in a spritz, so I don’t have to use cotton balls or pads to apply it. It’s quick, easy, and convenient. I love how refreshing and invigorating it smells and FEELS on my skin. I have been using this on a nightly basis (as well as in the mornings and after visiting the tanning salon).

It smells amazing (like rose water) which surprised me because it has witch hazel in it, and usually witch hazel takes over any other fragrance that’s in a product. With this one though, it doesn’t. All I can smell is roses.. Ahh..how nice.

It’s alcohol free and certified organic. It contains organic witch hazel and rooibos to minimize surface shine, because it stimulates and balances the oil production on the face. It’s also great for soothing redness and irritation.

 

Buy It: The Acure Organics Balancing Facial Toner Rose & Red Tea for $15.99

Connect with Acure Organics on Twitter and Facebook

 

About Acure Organics:

Designer Kristy Guerra founded Acure Organics as a way to honor her grandmother, who battled breast cancer for over 10 years. Kristy wanted to help raise money for breast cancer research and awareness while also providing healthy products that promote healthier living and a greener planet. The result of her extensive ingredient research is this safe, beautiful, pure, potent line of nutrient-rich organic beauty products that are affordable and accessible to all! Best of all, Acure Organics proudly donates $1.00 for each product sold to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation™

Jessica Renee