The Self-Tanner Thing: Jergens Review and St. Tropez First Impressions

Since I'm spending all my days this summer studying for the dreaded MCAT, I've also missed out on quite a bit of sun. I know it's not good for anyone to be laying out anyway, but it's fun to have that summery glow. I've always strayed away from self tanners in the past, especially seeing examples of how they've gone HIDEOUSLY wrong. Right? We've all seen girls walking around looking like they've dipped themselves in orange paint. Not the look I'm going for.

 I've used Jergens Natural Glow once before a few years back, and I remember that it worked quite well. I just finished a bottle of the medium/dark this week, and I have to say it's still pretty good. The new formula is AMAZING, and it smells SO good. Lightly and pleasantly scented (which is a lot better than other tanners), and applied evenly. It doesn't streak if you let it dry before you get dressed. I only had some streaking on my wrists- I guess I wasn't careful enough when washing my hands after application. Everything dried in under 10 minutes, and I was good to go. No stains on my white sheets either!

Instead of repurchasing another bottle of Jergens, I opted to try the St. Tropez Gradual Tan. I don't know why I can't just bite the bullet and get a regular self tanner, but the gradual ones seem a bit less intimidating, and more forgiving if you mess up. I applied it for the first time today (I'm actually waiting for it to dry as we speak here). My first impressions is that it doesn't smell nearly as good as Jergens. I mean, it doesn't smell awful by any means, but its really strong and not necessarily pleasant. Its taking FOREVER to dry, and so far it's leaving my skin a bit shiny and sticky. (My left arm is a little shinier than my right. I probably applied to much on that arm. oops). You're supposed to wait until it all dries before you get dressed. 25 minutes and counting. Grr.

So far:

• Jergens smells better
• Jergens dries faster
• Jergens is less expensive

These are just my first impressions of the St. Tropez. I won't judge anything from the first try, I'll definitely continue and see which tanner I like better. Have you tried either of these? Which are your favorites?

November Birchbox!

I signed up for Birchbox a few months ago to see what the hype is about, and I've gotten pretty cool samples so far. Some of the samples are a bit small, but for $10 a month, I suppose it's not bad.

It came with a lovely little gift guide with ideas for men, women, home, and more.

Such an adorable little box! I may put a little something in it and leave it for my boyfriend.

Chuao Chcolatier $8/pack

 "These bite sized artisanal treats are made with premium Venezuelan cacao and come in a range of unexpected flavors". This seems really interesting! And actually sound pretty good.

Oscar Blandi Pronto Texture & Volume Spray $25

"This light, nonsticky spray gives dry hair a voluminous, sexy, tousled look. Spray from ends to roots for best results. Great for updos, too!"

I've only used one other Oscar Blandi product before- the dry shampoo. It was good, but slightly pricey for what it was. Excited to try out this product though!

Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer $20

Funny how I got a luminizer in my Birchbox right after I picked up Benefit's Moon Beam! Looks like such a pretty color. "Add a touch of this luminescent fluid to your cheekbones or decolletage, or mix with your foundation for an all over glow"

Miracle Skin Transformer Vanish Instant Imperfection Corrector

"before applying make up, prep skin with this serum infused primer, which has optical diffusers that mask imperfections" 

Atelier Cologne- Rose Anonyme

Last but not least! A small sample of this cologne (not pictured- it was tiny!) came with this gorgeous card. I love a good rose scented product!

What did you get in your Birchbox? Let me know if there's another beauty box I should try! I've been debating on signing up for Glossybox too.