I spent the weekend in Charleston for my cousin’s wedding.

Here’s us at the sweet backyard ceremony. (I’m wearing the same dress I wore to a wedding the previous weekend, but with a different jacket, my new favorite wardrobe-expanding trick. I’m thinking of doing a little post about that.)

We built in a few extra days, so I got some shopping recommendations from my friends.

 Fellow Elements Beauty Blogger Whitney of  Worthy Style Blog recommended Pink Dot Beauty Boutique and I’m so glad she did. I met this little sweetie, who upon realizing I was taking photos of him, posed for the camera. As I was going through photos on Instagram (I like to click on the location and see who else has taken photos in the same spot), I found out he has his own Instagram. Check out @lifeofbobbarker for gems like this.

Everyone working there was super friendly and helpful. The store was full of brands I’d never heard of before.

The little booklets had papers with one side full or product, and the other side blotting paper.

Rebecca helped me pick out the Desert Mist from Arcona, a vitamin-filled oil that acts like a makeup primer. I wore it the next day for the wedding and I’m wearing it now as I write this blog – so far, so good!Before I left, the ladies gave me a list of boutiques they recommended and even posed for a photo to share with you all!

Hamden was a gorgeous boutique, but my favorite part was the little section, James, attached to the side that sold shoes and accessories. Look at the gorgeous heels:

My absolute favorite boutique was Beckett.

I lovvved this Rebecca Minkoff blouse. I passed it up initially, but came back to get it after I thought about how cute it would look with my red J. Crew Pencil skirt.

They were having a jewelry trunk show the second day we stopped in. I regret not taking one of these cupcakes ;).

Beckett’s owner recommended Mitchell Hill, which was right across the street. They had so many cool things!

As for restaurants, we ended up at Tavern and Table (for drinks an the amazing view), Edmund Oast (for a fun chef’s table experience), Hominy Grill for breakfast, Oku (sushi) for lunch and my favorite, Eli’s Table (for shrimp and grits benedict).

 I had a blast. Thanks again for all of your recommendations!

Of course, I was happy to come home to this face:

Have you been to Charleston? What were your favorite spots?

First of all, it’s technically not even a soap. Erno Laszlo’s Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar is a cult classic. I first picked mine up in this haul of mini samples from Elements.  It’s a favorite of Jackie Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, and even made a cameo in the film Annie Hall.  Woody Allen says “I found this in the apartment. Black soap. She used to wash her face eight hundred times a day with black soap. Don’t ask me why.” 

Here’s what it does:

Exfoliates: Refines complexion and removes dead skin cells for more radiant skin.
Stimulates: Improves circulation and motivates natural skin regeneration.
Cleanses: Removes dirt, blackheads, impurities and makeup without stripping skin of natural oils.

You can pick up the bar in a starter set, which comes with the Pre-Cleansing Oil and the Light Controlling Lotion (more like a toner).  Or you can get the full-size, which comes in a chic, glossy black and white dish to store it in.

The best part is, I’m giving one away for FREE! Enter to win here. 

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As always, use the code TIRAMISU for 10% off this and any other products on ElementsBeautyShop.com

One of the brands I discovered working with Elements Beauty Shop is Caswell-Massey. I smelled their Elixr of Love fragrance every time I came in the store, and eventually bought it. I’m now on my third bottle. I also picked up one of the travel-sized rose hand creams they had near the register (I love anything that smells like roses), and it became a fast favorite too.

I love a good hand cream. Rosewater and Glycerin are the classic combination used in hand creams for years, to condition and soften skin. Glycerin: a superior humectant that binds moisture to skin. Rosewater conditions skin and diminishes the appearance of sun damage. The Elixr of Love Cologne Spray smells so amazing. It’s described as: “A fragrance with Jasmine, Lavender, Egyptian Musk, and Passionflower notes.” I also mentioned it in my favorite fragrances post.

Caswell-Massey was kind enough to send me and the other Elements Beauty Bloggers  (learn more about that program here) these gift sets as well as catalogs and information about the history of the brand, so I got to try  lotion and soap from their floral collection in Lilac, 

Here’s what I learned:

“Started in 1752 by Doctor William Hunter in Newport Rhode Island, Caswell-Massey was originally an apothecary, where Dr. Hunter mixed his prescriptions and administered them to his patients who drank them then and there. To make the medications more palatable, he mixed them into a blend of orange juice and carbonated water, creating the first orange soda, and probably the first instance of guaranteed patient compliance in the colonies. The soda fountain, an American invention & tradition was invented by Caswell-Massey at the Newport- Rhode Island apothecary store. Like pharmacies today, Dr. Hunter sold related items-ointments, soap, toiletries at the store and also created his own fragrances. Over the years the company changed ownership and finally in 1876 became Caswell-Massey, with two stores, one in Newport, RI and the other in New York City.”

Out of all their products, though, the pug soap has to be all-time favorite. How cute is this?! “Triple-milled, vegetable based and scented with a clean woodsy-floral fragrance, Le Pug charms from its accurate facial expression to its curl-a-que tail. The soap makes a special addition to any bath decor and an appreciated gift for any dog lover. The colorful polka-dot and striped presentation box, tied with a grosgrain ribbon, and is as playful & jaunty as the Pug’s personality.”

“Newport in colonial times was a thriving city, a port of entry for tall ships carrying exotic cargo from all over the world. It was there, that Dr. Hunter found the precious oils and extracts he used in his apothecary. Sandalwood Oil brought from India was one of the more exotic ingredients available. Caswell-Massey created a Sandalwood line with this heritage in mind. Lotion, Gel Talc and soap are richly scented with the warmth of Sandalwood.”

Sandalwood Soap On A Rope: “Both men and women enjoy the intoxicating fragrance of Sandalwood and this generous bar of soap with its rich, creamy lather will fill the shower or bath with the exotic, soft scent of precious wood. The luxurious lather moisturizes and nourishes the skin as it cleanses, leaving the skin refreshed and fragrant. The soap has a polished wood-grain look and is triple-milled for long-lasting service. The soft, white nylon rope allows the soap to be hung from the wrist or a bath fixture to keep it conveniently at hand.”

As always, get 10% off these and anything else at ElementsBeautyShop.com with the code TIRAMISU.

Meet Alison, Richmond’s spray tan expert and my lovely friend. I’ve been seeing her for years to get spray tans for special occasions. Alison owns Malibu Tans here in Richmond, and she’s generously agreed to share her faux tan secrets with us. Read on to find out her favorite products, what’s in her makeup bag and the one thing she tells all her customers!

Tiramisu For Breakfast: How long have you been in the industry?

Alison: I’ve been in the industry for the past 12 years. I started by answering phones at a skincare spa and loved it so much that I got my aesthetics license! I’ve been an airbrush tanning artist for 8 years and worked at the big salons like Nesbit and Bombshell before going out on my own.

TFB: Tell us about your business. Where is it located? Who are your clients? What are your goals/vision for the company?

A: Malibu Tans is 1 year old and located in the West End on Skipwith Road near the intersection of Parham Road and Broad Street. It’s in a little yellow building that used to be a house. My typical client is anyone who wants to look like they have a tan, but is short on time and doesn’t want to go in the sun or a tanning bed. They are concerned about the health of their skin but still want that “sun-kissed” look. My goal is to provide the best service using the highest quality organic products. I want to help people look their best while caring for their skin.

TFB: Why a spray tan?

A: Spray tans are fantastic because they are fast and UV-Free. You can go from Winter pale to dark bronze overnight! It takes about 10 minutes to apply the tanning solution and then it gets darker while it develops over the next 8 hours. You can also choose how dark you want to be. And it’s customizable so if you want your legs to be darker than your body or face, I can do that!

TFB: How long does it last?

A: The airbrush tan lasts from 5-7 days if you take care of it correctly. This means moisturizing well every day and avoiding certain products like mineral oil and Dove. Hot tubs, pools, and sweating a lot can also fade the tan faster.

TFB: What are the different types of spray tan options?

A: At Malibu Tans I do offer a few different spray tan options. First, I have 6 shades of traditional tanning solution to choose from. Everything from a light golden glow to a dark chocolate-y brown. I also have an “express” solution for clients on the go. I spray it on just like regular tanning solution but you wash it off after only 1-3 hours. It still takes 8 hours for the color to peak, but you can wear regular clothes sooner. Secondly, you can choose to tan your full body, only half of your body, or just your face. And finally, I offer a pH balancing prep spray for clients who didn’t get a chance to shower.

TFB: How does it work? How long does it take? What does it feel like? Does it smell? Will it rub off on my clothes?

A: The spray tan is actually a simple chemical reaction. It’s called the Maillard Reaction and it’s the exact same chemical reaction that happens when you cut up an apple and leave it out. It gradually turns brown.
The tanning solution contains sugar (DHA) that reacts with the amino acids in your skin cells and causes them to oxidize and turn brown. You are the apple! The more DHA in the tanning solution, the darker you get. The tanning appointment is fairly quick. The airbrush tan takes 10 minutes to apply but 8 hours to fully set in. You have to be careful for the first 8 hours not to get wet. It will mess up the tan. Since the tanning solution is made from sugar, it does have a sticky feel to it, especially for the first hour or so. It also has a slight odor. The tanning solution I use doesn’t smell as strong as most, but your own body chemistry will determine the final outcome.I recommend wearing loose, dark clothing to the tanning appointment because the cosmetic bronzer in the solution can rub off on your clothes.

TFB: How should someone come prepared for a tan? What should they wear?

A: To prepare for the tan you want to exfoliate your skin so it’s nice and smooth, concentrating on elbows, knees, feet and anywhere you might have a rough patch. You also want to do all of your hair removal before the tan. This includes waxing, shaving and depilatory creams. If you plan on getting a mani/pedi, a facial or a massage, do them before the tan, too. All of these services can remove the tan or make it streaky. The day of the tan, try not to use lotions, oils, or perfumes. You will want to bring loose, dark clothing to your tanning appointment. You don’t want to rub the tan off with tight clothes. Flip-flops are helpful so you don’t get sock or shoe “tan lines”. You can wear a bathing suit, a thong or panties, or nothing at all during your tanning session. I have disposable thongs at the salon for my clients to use if they want.

TFB: What products do you recommend? Which ones do you carry? I know I like the bronze buffer.

A: I’m a product junkie so I have lots of recommendations. First, you need a sulfate-free body wash when you have a spray tan. No bar soap and no Dove! I like the California Tan Sunless Body Wash. Second, you need to moisturize well but you can’t use anything with mineral oil. I use the Norvell Body Butter. It’s thick and has a light lime scent that’s great in the morning. I also use plain Aveeno lotion at my boyfriend’s house. It works well with the spray tan and doesn’t smell “girly” so I can share it with him. Third, you need a good tan extender. They are lotions that have a little self-tanner in them so it gives your color a little extra “oomph”. I love the Norvell Venetian tan extender because it’s a bit darker than most and I can see results after just one use. And finally, to fix any trouble spots I also love the Bronze Buffer. It’s like a Magic Eraser for self-tanner! I carry the Norvell line of tanning products, as well as Coola organic sunscreen and the Bronze Buffer. But I will try anything once:)

TFB: How often do your typical spray tan clients come in? Do they use self tanner on their own in-between appointments? Do some people come in only for special occasions, or is it more of a regular thing?

A: Clients who want to maintain a healthy glow all year round come in about every other week. Some come in just for special occasions like weddings, vacations, and charity galas. I do have many clients who use tan extenders between appointments. I also have some who choose to use self-tanner at home but I warn them to not use it until a week after getting a spray tan. Too many layer of sunless tanner can take on an orange-y look.

TFB: What’s one thing you tell all of your clients?

A: The one thing I tell all of my clients is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! It really does help to hold the tan longer and allow it to fade more naturally.

TFB: What’s on your vacation checklist?

A: I always like to get a pedi with a bright polish before I go on vacation. The vibrant colors look great against my gold Tory Burch sandals. Of course getting a bikini wax and a dark spray tan are also on that list. I usually bring my Unite Beach Day salt spray to give my hair beachy waves. A trashy novel is my required beach reading and I keep my Olympus TG-4 camera ready to snap pics. Laura Mercier SPF 20 tinted moisturizer is what I use on my face and Coola Sport SPF 30 spray in Pina Colada for my body.

TFB: What’s your personal skincare/tanning routine?

A: Being an aesthetician, I’m pretty into skincare. I love using cutting edge stuff. My skin is a little sensitive so I wash with the SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser. I’ve been using the Osmotics Blue Copper 5 Firming Elasticity Repair to moisturize day and night. When the tan on my face looks like it’s fading, I’ll substitute the Norvell Clear Complexion Gradual Facial Tanner & Moisturizer for the Blue Copper. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 is my go-to sunscreen. And lately I’ve really gotten into the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer in Radiance. It has a slight shimmer that makes your skin look lit from within. To keep my skin from looking it’s age, I also get facials and light chemical peels. Enzyme peels are my favorite! And for good measure, I get Botox from Dr. Godin a few times a year. As far as my tanning routine goes, I get my boyfriend to give me a spray tan every other week by bribing him with dinner. Yes, I had to teach my BF how to spray tan:) I also use tan extender every few days so I never get too white.

TFB: What’s in your makeup bag?

A: My makeup bag has lots of goodies in it! MAC eyeshadows are my favorite but I also have some great ones from Bobbi Brown and Too Faced. MAC Mineralize Loose Powder Foundation is what I dust over my Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, followed by bareMinerals READY Bronzer in Skinny Dip. Benefit Erase Paste is the best under eye brightener. It actually makes it look like I got sleep! MAC blush in Dainty and Nars blush in Orgasm are what I use to give myself a flushed look. And I love my Smashbox SoftLights highlighters in Shimmer and Prism. My mascara routine is a bit weird but I’ve been doing it since high school and nothing seems to work better. I layer Lancome Definicils mascara over L’oreal Voluminous. It gives me volume and length and doesn’t run very easily. Finally, I use Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF30 to keep everything where it should be.

TFB: I know I met you through social media. Do you think social media has helped your business? How do you promote your business?

A: Social Media is a wonderful tool. I personally use Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for my business. I think it’s a great way to connect and engage with my clients. But when it comes down to it, good old fashioned word of mouth is what gets me the most new business. And Yelp. I’ve gotten quite a few new clients from Yelp. I try to also promote my business through community involvement. I was a sponsor for RVA Fashion Week, Cinderella Dreams, and I’ve donated time, services, and products to local charities such as American Heart Association, Massey Cancer, and Richmond Animal League. I enjoy giving back to the city I love.

Alison is having an event at Malibu Tans this weekend featuring a makeup artist from Bobbi Brown. Come check out her salon and get your makeup done! Details here.

I love getting spray tans. (look out for part-two, where I interview my favorite spray tanner, Alison of Malibu Tans). They are such a pick-me-up and make you feel great in photos for special occasions or on vacation. When I went to the Outer Banks this summer, I got a spray tan the day before we left so I’d be tan for the trip.

On regular days, I use self tanners at home. They’re perfect for maintaining a little bit of a glow throughout the year. I’ve been in the same self-tan routine since March, and I’ve been getting  questions about what I use and how it works. So, I thought I’d do a little post about it.

What is it? I use a foaming self tanner called NKD SKN Tinted Tan Mousse. It’s not a makeup, and it doesn’t wash off. It gives the appearance of a tan, and gradually wears off. I use the dark shade, but I’ve tried the light/medium one. I prefer this one even though I’m fairly pale. I’ve also used St. Tropez, Vita Liberata and Tan Towel. I used St. Tropez pretty regularly before I found NKD SKN, and I definitely think it’s great. I prefer NKD SKN because of the color (it’s hard to explain, but it looks really natural, almost olive-toned), the smell (the best smelling one I’ve smelled) and the price – $19 .50 for 3.38 ounces vs. $34 for 4 ounces. I’d still St. Tropez too, it’s great. But, NKD SKN is my favorite.

How do you use it?  I use this mitt from St. Tropez to apply it all over before before bed. Heads up, it can look really dark when it first goes on.  I make sure I don’t have any lotion or sunblock on. When I take a shower in the morning, just enough comes off so that it looks natural. If I have streaks or if I get some on my fingers, I use this remover. For the most part though, it’s pretty fool-proof.

How long does it last? I’d say it’s in full effect for about 2-3 days, and then it starts to fade a little so I do another coat.

How much is to/Where do you get it? $19.50 from Elements Beauty Shop. (Get 10% off with the code TIRAMISU)

Does it get on your clothes and sheets? Yes, if you’re not careful. I wear dark pajamas the days I use it because it does transfer, but once I shower in the morning, none gets on my clothes for the day. (Speaking of pajamas, I’m dying for these ones from one of my favorite local boutiques.)

What about your face? I don’t usually use it on my face, but it depends.NKD SKN doesn’t  break me out at all, but it’s not really meant for the face. That’s been a tricky part about using self tanner. Sometimes, I have to think about and make sure my face/foundation matches the rest of me. I use one shade darker. I think this stuff is fabulous. I also use Clinique For Men bronzer. (This is a great product, actually – not just for guys!) and Too Faced Chocolate Soleil to warm up my face to match my body.  Sometimes I’ll take a tiny amount on the mitt and rub it on top of my face, but I usually skip that step. I also love to use Becca shimmering skin perfector on my cheeks for a complete bronze-glow look.

What else do I need to know? Make sure you exfoliate before you use the tanner. This is what I always hear. I don’t know if this makes a huge, visible difference in the appearance of the tan, but I do think it would help it last longer. I just discovered this super scrub from Derma Doctor, with Polylactic Acid Glycolic Acid, and I’m on my third jar of this one from 80 Acres. If you’re in a pinch and wearing dark clothes, you can apply this in the morning and be fine. I’ve skipped applying it out o laziness at night and then rubbed it on my legs and arms before throwing on a black dress for work.

Happy Tanning! Do you use self-tanner? What’s your favorite. What are your tips?

PS: Make sure to use the code: TIRAMISU at ElementsBeautyShop for 10% off NKN SKN, the Bronze Buffer, and anything else you get!

Bvlgari Rose Essentielle | $95 | Nordstrom:  Floral notes of ottoman rose, prelude rose, jasmine and violet, combined with the spicy base notes of sandalwood and patchouli. This is the perfume I’ve had for the longest time. I first asked for it for Christmas one year, and I’ve been repurchasing ever since. It’s rose, but

Chloe Roses de Chloé | $70 | Sephora:  Fresh Cut Roses, Bergamot, Rose Essence, Magnolia Accord, White Musk, Amber. I get the most compliments on this one. It smells like pure roses to me, and it’s very strong. I was hesitant about getting it at first because I already had the Blvgari, but I’m so glad I did.

Chanel N°5 Eau Premiere | $100 | Nordstrom: Modern, airy interpretation of the the classic N°5. Rich, warm, intense floral scent. I just bought this one with the latest Saks beauty coupon after nursing a sample for a few weeks in my makeup bag. It smells powdery and wonderful. It’s not as strong as Coco Mademoiselle, but it’s just as elegant.

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle:$95 (Purse Spray) | Nordstrom: Bergamot, orange, jasmine, rose, patchouli, vetiver, white musks, vanilla. This is the strongest scent I have and I love how elegant it seems. I like spray it once in the morning and it lasts the whole day. It’s easy to overdo it with this one, so I make sure to only spray it once. I love the refillable purse spray.

Jo Malone Red Roses | $65 | Nordstrom: Composed of seven types of roses from around the world with a heart of crushed violet leaves and hints of lemon and spearmint. This is a pure, rose scent. It’s similar to Roses de Chloé, but I find it to be a little lighter.

Caswell-Massey Exlixr of Love | $40 | ElementsBeautyShop.com: Perfume-grade oils of Jasmine, Lavender, Egyptian Musk, and Passionflower and a secret herbaceous ingredient. I love this scent. It’s very unique, and the only thing I wish is that it lasted longer. I carry it in my purse to reapply, and I’m on my second bottle.

One of my favorite makeup artists to follow is Lisa Eldridge, and she raves about the skincare she picks up from pharmacies on her trips to Paris. When my wonderful friend Deb told me she was going on a trip to France for her business school program, I begged her to bring me home some skincare products. This is what she came back with! It turns out these are available in the US (See the photo below. It’s even on sale!)

The Avene spray perfect for when you’re doing full coverage makeup (for a special event or going out), and your makeup can look heavy right after you apply it. The spray gives the affect of a few hours wear, when your makeup has settled in (in a good way) and looks more natural. My favorite sprays are multi-purpose (COOLA, which gives SPF and Make Up For Ever, which “sets” makeup and makes it last longer), but this one is nice too.

I LOVE Bioderma. This is actually something I’d bought on Amazon, but I wanted to include it since it’s French. This is my favorite cleansing water. I use it every night to remove my makeup with one of these cotton pads, before my Erno Laszlo oil/treatment bar.

The Vichy serum smells wonderful -almost fruity, but I haven’t used it enough to see how well it works. The moisturizer is light and gentle.

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I must have these Tortoiseshell pumps.