Product Review: TanTowel, B

Wam, tan, thank you ma'am! Yes, I needed some tan a few weeks back and being that I'm not into skin cancer, I was looking for a quick, easy way to gain some color. As I was perusing the aisles at Ulta, I saw the TanTowel. For $5 I acquired a one body-wipe esque application to achieve me some color I so needed!


About TanTowel:

No-sun tanning is as easy as ever with Self-Tan Full Body Application 5 Towelettes Classic for Fair to Medium Skin Tones by TanTowel Look Good Naked. Easy-to-use, large, 9-in. by 12 in. towelettes feature concentrated self-tan formula for even, all-over application with no streaking. Within 2 to 4 hours, skin has a radiant, natural-looking glow. Skin tone gets deeper with continued applications.

My review:

The Good: The towel is large, smells decent (citrusy) and definitely covered my entire body. I didn't have any streaks when the tan came through a few hours later. I went with the fair skin application and I had a light golden shade within 3 or 4 hours that remained for another day or two.

The Bad: As with many self-tanning products, I need experience that chemical-esque scent later in the day. If you've ever applied self-tanner, you know exactly what I mean. Plus, $5 per application can really add up.

The Verdict: B from me. The product is solid and lives up to its promises. If you need a quick faux tan without the mess of gels, lotions or sprays, this will do the trick.

Currently Craving: Rawr-some Jackets

Ah, fall. You're within reach. With Charlotte mornings dipping into the low-mid '50s, I am welcoming fall with open arms.

The quintessential fall item...a blazer. Or a jacket. Whatever you want to call it, this chic little number transforms jeans and a tee into a much more structured look. Or toss on a hot little blazer over a fitted dress and bam...you're ready for a cocktail.

I'm really enjoying the mix of fabrics and colors that I've been seeing for fall jackets...tons of jewel tones, rich reds, nubby wools, fun tweeds, leather. All of these perfect to cinch that waist and sport in a myriad of ways.

Here are a few of my faves...do share some of yours! I'm particularly loving the middle plaid blazer from Anthropolgie...mmmhmm.

Blazers by Halston
Blazers by Quiksilver

And the winner of the Laura James Jewelry Giveaway is...

Agigant5! 

Congratulations, these beauties are yours! Expect an email from me in the coming moments.

 
Thanks to everyone who entered and to Laura James Jewelry for sponsoring this great giveaway!

Product Review: Stila Peacock Eyeliner, A-

Happy Monday, everyone! Before I get to today's product review, don't forget to enter in my Laura James Jewelry giveaway by 12:00 midnight tonight! You could win these stunners...they're so pretty!

And onto today's product review...Stila's Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in their brand spanking new color, Peacock. Expect to pay $20 for the .01 oz self sharpened smudge stick.


Deets from Stila:
Obsessed for Smudge Pots? You'll go crazy for Smudge Sticks! This highly pigmented, waterproof eye liner glides on to deliver intense, vibrant color with staying power.

These easy-to-apply eye liners have it all:

• Long Lasting
• Waterproof
• Easy to apply
• Several shimmer-intense shades to make eyes stand out
• Vibrant colors
• Propel pencil

My review:
The Good: The liner glides very easily and stays all day long. The peacock shade is incredible and it even removes easily with facial cleanser. No tugging and pulling to remove this liner. And, Stila also does not test on any animals. Hooray!

The Bad: $20 for .01 oz is steep...but it's worth noting that many of these upscale brand self sharpening eyeliners offer a similar amount of product.

The Review: A-. The color is *stunning*, and truly a fantastic addition to your makeup case for fall. It's beautiful with a smokey eye and also lovely on its own...especially for brown and hazel eyes, this color is smashing.

Local Love: Laura James Jewelry & A Giveaway!

There are few things I love more than jewelry. Just ask my mother. As a tyke I would pile on strands upon strands of necklaces, throw on some earrings and paraded my arms with jelly bracelets way before stacks of bangles were hot.

Years ago when I moved to Charlotte I spent a good amount of time exploring the local boutique scene. While Charlotte certainly has its share of shopping, Laura James Jewelry shines...in more ways than one!

Yes, this local Charlotte shop, owned by the eponymous Laura James, crafts gorgeous gem creations. Laura uses many stunning vintage items in her pieces - ranging from Swarovski crystals to brass chains. She's even used a few crystals from a vintage chandelier - you can check out that stunner right here! And her new couture collection is absolutely drool worthy. Let me wipe down my keyboard. All photos are courtesy of Laura James Jewelry.

When I asked Laura, who is just as sweet as talented as can be, about fall jewelry trends she was more than happy to share the following...

Jewel tones – Especially deep purple, vibrant emerald, and stunning sapphire shades.

Collar necklaces – Statement pieces that accessorize your neck like no other necklace could.

Mixed metals – Pyrite, gold, silver, rose gold, vermeil...it's all pretty and it all works together with ease.

With all that said, there are two super exciting items you need to consider...

1) Once per month, Laura James Jewelry (online and in-store) hosts a "Chic Sprint" – a one day only sale, where one webpage full of jewelry is offered for 50% off. For serious. And you won't know about the Chic Sprint until the morning of. Want to get on the notification list? Sign up here.

A little birdy told me that Chic Sprint starts TODAY. Woot...get to it and shop happy on the Chic Sprint page! These beauties go fast.

2) Laura is offering a giveaway to the fabulous CCC readers! These precious whistle earrings could be yours!

To enter this giveaway, do the following by Monday, October 3 at 12:00 midnight EST:

• One entry: Leave a comment at the bottom of this post with your email address and your favorite Laura James Jewelry item. 
• One additional entry: Tweet about this giveaway and leave a separate comment letting me know you did so...and your Twitter handle so I can follow you!

Good luck and happy shopping!