April 2023

Celeb Bronzing Tips from St. Tropez Tan’s Skin-glow Guru Fiona Locke

Now that the weather is getting nicer and we are showing more skin, it’s time to get that fresh natural sun-kissed glow on…safely! Fiona Locke is one of the most sought after “skin finishing” experts in the entertainment industry. She works her magic on celebrities including Evangeline Lilly, Olivia Wilde and Katherine McPhee as well as the stars of E! News and American Idol. Fiona also creates glowing skin for editorial photo shoots for magazines like Allure, Self and Cosmopolitan. Fiona is a master at creating a natural looking golden glow and is sharing her insider tanning tips with us!

MM: What exactly is skin finishing and how is it different from spray tanning?
Fiona: Skin Finishing is applying a custom color and body contour to any skin tone or body type. It is much more detailed and specific and less generic than a spray tan booth.

MM: You have so many finishing options, ethereal, sun kissed, contouring and bronzing to name a few- what kind of look do most of your clients want?
Fiona: The finishing options cater to each client’s needs depending on the event they are attending and the wardrobe they will be wearing. It can vary greatly. Many of my Red Carpet clients request a little body contour to define their muscle tone in photos.

MM: What is the biggest mistake you see when it comes to tanning?
Fiona: The biggest mistake I see is rushing your application of your self tanner and not blending properly. St. Tropez Mousse and Mitt gives a perfectly even coverage and because there is a guide color in the mousse you can see where you are applying your self tanner. A missed spot will always look uneven. Also, having the mitt avoids the tell tale sign of tanning… “the stained palms.”

Buy NIA24 Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen, $45

Buy NIA24 Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen, $45

  • Light-weight
  • Anti-aging
  • Diminishes the appearance of sunspots, fine lines and wrinkles

Shop the Full Story: Best Sunscreens and Sun Protection Make-up for Fun in the Sun

Beach Bag Essentials

Every girl likes to be prepared and have everything she could possibly need in her bag at all times. This holds especially true in the summer when sun and sand are involved. A day at the beach requires a different but equally stocked bag. Here are this summer’s best products to stash in your beach bag:

The first thing you can’t forget to put in your beach bag is of course, sunscreen. Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch is an affordable and reliable choice as it’s lightweight but still offers significant protection. Plus, it isn’t greasy so you can use it on your body and face. But those aren’t the only places that need a little SPF. The delicate skin on your lips should always be protected. Kiehl’s Lip Balm SPF 15 is a favorite of ours because it is available in various glossy colors. The sun can also damage hair if it isn’t properly protected. Rene Furterer’s Okara Protect Color Radiance Enhancing Spray helps protect color-treated hair from fading while nourishing with Vitamin E.

A great hat, like this Hat Attack Raffia Medium Brim Floppy, is another way to protect your skin and hair from the sun. But just because you aren’t getting those sun-kissed cheeks the natural way doesn’t mean you can’t fake the rosy look with tarte’s natural cheek stain, which stays put better than a powder blush.

Cover-up in style with Calypso St. Barth’s Samantha Embroidered Tunic. It’s available in array of lovely colors, but it does run a tad small so order one size up.

It’s just as important to keep your skin and body hydrated as it is to protect it. Drinking a lot of water is great for your health but can be harmful to the environment if you use disposable plastic bottles. Take care of yourself and the planet with recycled and refillable EarthLust Stainless Steel Water Bottles in stylish designs. And when your face needs a cooling refresher, give yourself a spritz 2 Note Perfumery’s light face mist.

You can throw all these great products in this tote from Jonathan Adler. We love how you can choose your favorite print or your favorite destination!

Buy Now, Johnathan Adler Well-Traveled Beach Tote, $198
Buy Now, Rene Furterer Okara Protect Color Radiance Enhancing Spray, $26
Buy Now, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF55, $9.49
Buy Now, EarthLust Stainless Steel Water Bottle, $13.99
Buy Now, Kiehls Lip Balm SPF15, $8.50
Buy Now, Tarte Cheek Stain, $30

Sun Protection Tips from Dr. Kenneth Mark

With the recent FDA regulations, we wanted to offer some sunscreen tips for your consideration from board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs skin cancer surgeon, Dr. Kenneth Mark. Dr. Mark is a credible expert with four prestigious practices, including two in the Hamptons (he is celebrating his 10th-year anniversary practicing in East Hampton and Southampton this summer), one in Aspen, and one in NYC. He is also a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University.

TIP 1: New FDA regulations on sunscreen

o   The main benefit of the new FDA regulations is that there will be increased knowledge and transparency to the consumer for the UVA protection in products and education of SPF designations, which only addressed UVB protection

o   Since SPF designation relates to UVB protection from getting a sunburn, these new regulations help consumers understand that it is actually the UVA rays which penetrate the skin deeper and cause harmful effects on the skin, from aging to cancer.

TIP 2: How often should you apply sunscreen

o   When in direct sunlight (at the beach, outside), apply sunscreen at least every two hours. If you are sweating or swimming, reapply every 30 minutes after significant water exposure.

o   When you are in and out of the sun, apply your sunscreen two or three times throughout the day.

TIP 3: What are the most important ingredients to look for in a sunscreen

o   You should always use a sunscreen with a physical blocker, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (both work to block out full UVA and UVB spectrum).

o   Most sunscreens have excellent UVB protection, so with products that don’t have those physical blockers, look for UVA-blocking chemicals, including:

–  Parsol 1789 (a.k.a. Avobenzone)

–  Ecamsule

–  Mexoryl

–  Antihelios

–  Helioplexhttp

TIP 4: What sunscreens are recommended

o   Z-Silc has a wonderful sunscreen that has a full range of UV protection and rubs in smoothly.

o   I would also recommend Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist, which contains Helioplex.

Buy Now, Z-Silc Sunblock SPF30, $35.50
Buy Now, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunblock SPF30, $8.99

   

Dr. Mark is a Fellow of The American College of Mohs Surgery, the most prestigious group of Mohs surgeons in the world, whose membership is limited to those who have successfully completed a nationally recognized fellowship program. Dr. Mark spent two additional years of training after his dermatology residency to become an expert in Mohs, plastic reconstructive surgery, and cosmetic procedures. As proof of his expertise, Dr. Mark lectures at national meetings, including the Orlando Dermatology and Aesthetic Conference, where in January of 2011  he demonstrated fillers and Botox live on-stage in front of 600 attendees. Also a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at NYU, Dr. Mark was honored as one of the best doctors of 2010 in a peer-based evaluation and is a Fellow of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery.With two practices in the Hamptons, one in Aspen, and availability in Manhattan, Dr. Mark is the authority for all dermatological needs. He is a true injectable expert in cosmetic procedures, including Botox and fillers, laser surgery, Mohs skin cancer surgery and reconstructive surgery (skin grafts and flaps). He also brings the latest innovations to your daily skin-care regimen with the Dr. Kenneth Mark Skin Care collection.

 

Michael Kors Leg Shine To Go: Show a Little Leg

With a fair complexion, exposed arms and legs can always use little help in the color department. Michael Kors Leg Shine To Go is my quick fix.  The small solid bronzer glides on like deodorant stick and can be easily applied to legs, arms, and even your neckline to create a sun-kissed look with a hint of tint and sparkle.  This little push-up travels easily and smells delish enough to double as perfume.  I won’t show my legs without it! – Courtney Bannerot

Buy Michael Kors Leg Shine To Go, $10.00, at sephora.com