Get Your Glow on With a Spray Tan at Bare Essentials, But Don't Forget About Sunscreen!

I love having a sun-kissed glow, especially during the summer months. In fact, I used to love it so much, I wanted my skin to have that glow all year round. I spent tons of time and money on tanning sessions, using high end tanning beds and moisturizing lotions. Unfortunately, your skin doesn't always look or feel healthy after time in the sun, or a tanning bed. Once I discovered I had a sun spot on my face during a doctor's appointment, the sessions were stopped completely! It was time to search for another way to get my glow on, and this is when I discovered spray tans!

When I heard that one of my favourite places in town, Bare Essentials, added spray tanning services for clients, and offered me one to try, I jumped at the opportunity! I had huge success with a spray tan in the past, and wanted to try another one to get me summer ready. Bare Essentials uses Fake Bake, a leader in self-tanning and spray tanning products because of their exclusive sunless tanning formula with three organic tanning agents. These are Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), DMI, and Erythulose, and they provide a safe and long-lasting golden tan. Other self-tanners can often turn your skin orange because they’re chemically-based, but Fake Bake’s naturally-derived tanning agents will not turn skin orange, leave a bad odour, or stain your clothes.This is really important to me, as I have had crazy experiences trying sunless tanning products at home. I have seen everything from orangey, Oompa-Loompa looking tans, to massive streaks on my legs!

Fake Bake works with your own unique skin tone to produce a naturally-based darker pigmentation on your skin’s surface. By enhancing your skin’s own pigments, Fake Bake provides a natural-looking tan that lasts longer. The product also deeply moisturizes and protects your skin without clogging your pores or irritating sensitive skin. I have sensitive skin, and this is incredibly important to me, not to mention a huge bonus!

Before I went in for my appointment, I was advised to shower and exfoliate my skin, so that the spray tan would absorb properly into my skin. You won't be able to shower for 8-12 hours after the application takes place, or get any water on your skin (other than hand washing, of course!) When you get the spray tan, you will strip down, or wear a bikini (if you aren't comfortable being nude for the application process). You will be in a tent, and have the spray tan applied on your body. The duration is 10-15 minutes, and then you will have your skin dried with a special machine that resembles a huge blow dryer.

Taken after my first application

Here are a few tips for ensuring you have the best results for your spray tan:

• Even though you will be dry after this takes place, I strongly recommend waiting another 10-15 minutes before putting your clothes back on. There will be parts of your body that take longer to dry, and if you aren't careful, you will have streaks and white spots if you put your clothes on too soon. 
• Wear loose clothing. A t-shirt and jogging pants or yoga capris are perfect examples. I learned this the hard way by wearing a strapless top and bra. You will get white spots and lines if you don't wear something loose, and it's not worth the disappointment.
• Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! You want that tan to last and look silky smooth on your skin. Using body lotions and a moisturizer after you shower or wash your face will allow you to keep that beautiful glow for the duration of your spray tan.
• Typically, spray tans will last about a week. If you work out, sweat a lot, or shower on a regular basis, it won't last as long. My spray tan lasted about five days, as I was running a lot, and showering more frequently. It was still worth it to have the amazing sun-kissed glow!
• Be very specific about the level of darkness you want for your tan. When I had my first application, there was a miscommunication, and my tan was very light. I showered the next day, and the tan was  gone. I went in for a second application, which was much darker, and the results were amazing!
• Try to avoid going outdoors if it's raining, if possible. The day I had my second application, we had a full day of torrential rainfall! I managed to get some errands done when there was a slight break in the weather without too much damage to my tan, but there were crazy watermarks on my skin. Fortunately, they came off after I showered later in the evening, but I looked like I had a terrible skin condition. Better to avoid a situation like that, if you can.

Both pictures were taken after the second application

Having a spray tan doesn't mean you can go out in the sun without protecting your skin! You still need to wear sunscreen with a high SPF factor, to shield your skin from the sun's strong rays. Here are a few great brands that I use and highly recommend:

• I love Hawaiian Tropic’s  Sheer Touch line of products. They are effective, no matter what activity you are doing outdoors. They have products ranging from SPF 15 to 50, so there is something for everyone. I used to be a die-hard SPF 15 girl, but use a 30 or 45 at home, and especially on vacation. I live in the ocean on vacation, and reapply constantly! This product smells amazing, too!
• No matter how hard you try to protect your skin, you might get burnt under the strong rays of the sun, and your skin might feel tight and dried out. I highly recommend Hawaiian Tropic's Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion. This product combines ribbons of gel and lotion to leave your skin feeling luxurious and refreshed. With silk protein and shea butter to moisturize skin, and aloe for cooling benefits, Hawaiian Tropic® Silk Hydration™ is an indulgent after sun experience that pampers and soothes the skin. I never go on vacation, or to the beach without this!

• I recently discovered Shiseido's amazing line of Wet Force products, and can't say enough great things about them! These products provide powerful protection for your skin, and the innovative protective veil becomes even more effective on the applied area when exposed to water for 15 minutes. This is due to the WetForce technology. The unique formula for body and face includes beneficial ingredients to help prevent skin dryness. This line of products is ideal for outdoor activities and sports. It provides high sun protection, yet is comfortable and gentle on the skin. I use this when I'm out running and sweating up a storm. It sticks to my skin like cement, and is super effective! I can't wait to try it on my next trip to the tropics. 

I can't say enough about my experience getting my spray tan at Bare Essentials. I have been a client for a while, and everyone is incredibly professional and friendly. They are known for their wide range of waxing services, and adding spray tans is the perfect pairing. At $35.00 for a spray tan, or $120.00 for a 4-Pack, this is a great deal for anyone who wants a gorgeous tan, without spending endless hours in the sun. Make sure to check them out. You won't be disappointed!

Bare Essentials is generously offering one of my readers a chance to win their very own spray tan session! All you need to do is follow Bare Essentials on Twitter (@icanwaxthat), follow my account on Twitter  (@sassygirlcanada), like their Facebook page, and Tweet 'I want to get my spray tan on with Bare Essentials! @sassygirlcanada @icanwaxthat #getyourtanon'. If you don't have a Twitter account, just post the same message above on the Bare Essentials Facebook page! Please note that Bare Essentials is located in Waterloo, so the contest is open to anyone in Ontario, but you need to be able to travel to Waterloo for the appointment. Good luck!

Disclaimer: I received perks for this post, but the opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

An Eye Opening Experience at Shoppes of Angus Glen Optometry Grand Opening!

I have always been blessed with perfect vision, and never took it for granted! Sadly, my optometrist told me a few years ago that the day would come when I would need glasses. I'm slowly coming to terms with the fact that as you get older, your vision starts to slowly deteriorate. With all the work I do on my laptop, and my love for reading, I knew the time had come to get my eyes tested, and try on some glasses.

When I went to the Grand Opening event for the Shoppes of Angus Glen Optometry, I had no idea what to expect. A little known fact about me is that I am terrified of anyone going near my eyes. It doesn't matter if it's for an eye exam, or for a makeup artist applying mascara. I tense up, and become paralyzed with fear!

My eye doctor always laughs at me when she has to put drops in my eyes. Believe me when I say I'm the biggest wimp when it comes to eye appointments! I was pleasantly surprised at how wonderful my experience was with the staff at Shoppes of Angus Glen Optometry. Their location is beautiful, and the layout of the various types of glasses is easy to navigate. 

The staff couldn't have been nicer, more patient, and helpful in assisting me with selecting the perfect sunglasses and eyeglasses to try on! Not only were the frames functional and came in a variety of different materials (plastic, metal), they were incredibly stylish! As a sassy type of person, this was important to me. Let me tell you, they did NOT disappoint! I tried on tons of different frames and styles. The choices were endless!

I started by trying on sunglasses, as I still clung to hope that I wouldn't need to get reading glasses. When you go for so long without needing anything other than glasses to protect you from the sun, it's tough to wrap your mind around the possibility that you might need anything stronger for your eyes. I had so much fun trying on all of the amazing styles and colours, I knew making a choice would be difficult. I love my glasses bold, fun, and very sassy, and the selection they had did not disappoint! There is a style, colour and brand for even the pickiest person. I wanted one of everything!

Once I was able to narrow down my choices to a few pairs of sunglasses, I ventured over to the other side of the shop, and was blown away at all of the lovely frames and choices for regular glasses! With the help of my sister, Mary, and the lovely Nasia from Shoppes of Angus Glen, I was able to narrow down my choices to a handful of very cool, fashionable, and sassy frames. After all, I am nothing if not sassy!

My turn finally came up for the eye exam,and I passed the pre-exams with flying colours. I got through the final set of tests, and was relieved to find out no drops were required to dilate my eyes. Everything else after that was a bonus, in my opinion! I was happy to find out that I only needed a tiny prescription for reading glasses. Better to know than go through life wondering why eyes feel strained. Getting tested was totally worth the slight anxiety I had!

For those of you who are searching for the perfect pair of glasses or sunglasses, here are some helpful tips to consider:

1. Don't get caught up on designer frames, or what others think you that you should choose. Select a frame that is well-suited for your face. Having the right frame that flatters your face is important! For example, oval or round-shaped frames are better suited for a square shaped face. Rectangular frames are best suited for round faces. Having an experienced stylist or someone who knows you well to help you is important when choosing the right frame for your glasses!

2. Your eyes should be well-centered in the frame you choose. A frame that is too wide could make your eyes seem like they are too close together. Nasia was a huge help in showing me the importance of this!

3. Sunglasses are just as important to wear as regular glasses! You protect your skin with sunscreen from harmful sun rays, and you should also to protect your eyes from the sun. As someone who spends a ton of time driving back and forth on the 401, I never leave home without my sunglasses. Those strong rays from the sun can give me a headache!

4. Have fun with your glasses, and mix them up to coordinate them with your outfits, or to reflect the mood you're in. Many people use glasses on a regular basis, and keep several pairs on hand. Glasses are a huge investment, and should definitely reflect your personality. Don't be afraid of colour, bold looks, or trying something out of your comfort zone. We don't own just one purse, or a single pair of shoes, so invest in a few pairs. You get what you pay for! Good quality lenses and glasses will last a long time. You will enjoy the comfort received from them, and your vision will improve by wearing them.

5. Make sure you bring your prescription with you, or make a note of it, so the optometrist can add it to your file. I received my first prescription for glasses at the grand opening, and even though it's very basic, I found out my left eye is a bit weaker than my right one. You want to make sure you have the right prescription for the lenses in your glasses.

You might be wondering which pair of glasses I finally decided to purchase. After going through a TON of different types of frames, colours and styles, I narrowed it down to these beauties:

I selected a very sassy pair of Tory Burch glasses that suit my fun personality! Nasia, the lovely person who patiently helped me through all of my choices, said something that has stuck with me. She said I would be choosing outfits to go with my glasses, and I know this will happen! These glasses are not only attractive and fun, but will go with so many things in my closet. I can't WAIT to wear them!

To commemorate the Grand Opening, Shoppes of Angus Glen is having an amazing giveaway on their Facebook page. One lucky winner will receive a pair of Oakley shades, and a round of golf for two at the Angus Glen Golf Club. The prize value for this contest is $600! Wouldn't this be a great gift for your Dad, or someone special in your life? Make sure to enter ASAP! 

In addition to the contest, Shoppes of Angus Glen is generously offering my readers 20% off their own pair of glasses or sunglasses until July 15. I had an amazing experience, and a lot of fun choosing my first pair of glasses. I can't say enough great things about the wonderful people who work at this location. Check them out, and let me know if you get your own pair. You won't regret it. Happy Shopping!


Disclaimer: While I have received compensation for this post, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.