The sleet is hitting my front window. The snow is a glittering blanket of white fluff mixed with shiny bits. We are one week away from Spring and I am off from work today due to a “snow” day!
This is the blanket I woke up to today–and it wasn’t warm and fuzzy either!
I don’t know who was more relaxed and chill this morning—Chippy, or me, as he snuggled up against my thigh.
Sure. He snacks on my cosmetics and makes an entree out of my beauty sponges–but look at that face. That is the look of love–or he’s the ultimate con-man dog!
And instead of thinking about taking the warm-weather clothing from their storage containers, and envisioning my vacation wardrobe, I’m pondering which fuzzy, warm, toasty sweater, wool trousers and waterproof boots I’ll be wearing as I return to the office tomorrow.
Thoughts of this wardrobe type will have to be put on hold for a while!
My fish-belly skin needs some darkening—but I have a trip to the doctor in three days to check out another “thing” on my skin–which I hope proves to be “no” thing!
My gray roots are coming out of hiding. But I’ve been cutting down on the dye-time. Simply because with every wash, condition and root job, I lose more hair. I haven’t washed my hair in over a week. Yes. I am that slob!
And what better way to start this day off than to review a couple of new products I’ve tried!
In looking forward to the warmer weather and for a solution to keep my legs moisturized and fake-tanned, I tried the new “Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer”.
Now THIS is a glowing product!!
The purchase was made at Target. I spent a whopping $8.99 for 7.5 ounces and I’m sure it is less expensive at Walmart and other discount stores. Fact is, I saw this and really wanted to try it.
I’ve tried the trial size non-tanning Jergens Wet Skin moisturizer and was incredibly pleased. No filmy residue, it really made my skin soft. So, you can just imagine at how happy I was to see Jergens come out with a Natural Glow version. Oh, happy day!
The trial size Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer was an absolute winner. The e.l.f. product on the right was not.
I chose the “Fair to Medium”. It leaves a more naturally fake color–perfect for my Irish-American skin tone!
After my relaxing bath, I wrapped a towel around my dripping torso and applied. I didn’t need a ton of product, maybe about a quarter-sized moisturizer for each leg. There was no weird odor. In fact, 48 hours later, I just bent down to sniff my leg and nothing. That’s a good thing.
Sometimes my impatience gets the best of me. A couple of hours after applying, I was talking to Oona and told her I didn’t see a difference. Out of the mouths of babes—even if they are millennials. She reminded me that it takes more than two hours to see a gradual tan.
And with the patience of a saint, I waited. And the results! Great! The only issue was one mistake that I made a —human error. I was so hell-bent on getting a quick fix that I applied a bit unevenly and noticed a couple of spots that were missed.
My iPhone camera sucks–but you can see from the photo on the left that the color really is good. I messed up with application though. My feet are pale and I missed a few chunks on my legs. The back of my legs was more even. Next application I’ll take my time!
Lesson learned. Next time, go a bit slower and more methodically and a great fake tan will be had.
How do I rate thee? A+. The color is great. Not orange. No weird smell. Not too dark. A perfect color to enhance the legs so that I can go bare-legged…even in the snow! It moisturizes and hydrates the skin and does not leave that greasy film. You can wear the skinniest of jeans after applying and still feel comfy.
Oh yes I did! I’m wearing shorts too. But you can get a better look at my bare legs. I won’t need hose or tights anymore! I will also come down with a bad cold after this moronic move!
Next up is another product that I found to be quite intriguing. “Root Cover Up” by L’Oréal.
As you can see, this is a rather small spray can.
If you are a regular reader of this blog, you are well-aware of my issues with my hair. All three strands! I’ve read from a few sites on hair loss that this product also works well to cover thinning hair spots. Sounds like a great multi-tasker. Right?
Read on.
The price of this product was $9.99 at Wegmans. The price runs from $9.99 up to about $11.00 on other sites. This spray can is 2.0 Oz in weight. It contains no ammonia but I can’t even pronounce the rest of the ingredients.
Decent instruction and ammonia and peroxide free..but…
God only knows what the rest of this stuff is–and how can you NOT inhale it while applying?
I purchased black for obvious reasons—and was actually glad to see that L’Oréal offered a true black. Many other companies will pass the darkest brown off for women with black hair—whether naturally black or dyed. This was a good thing.
The directions are very clear and the little nozzle ensures that the product will stay where you spray.
Here’s what happened when I sprayed:
As you can see, the top photo shows off the white hairline. Below is the same hairline after spraying. It does work. However….
Ugh. This freaking iPhone camera. If you look beyond the freckles, you can see the spots where the spray product landed on my skin…
Gross but here’s a better view of the amount of product that I wiped off my face!
First of all, when I sprayed, I felt like I was using one of those products that burn warts off. It felt a bit burning and cold at the same time. I sprayed the four to six inches away as directed. It took a lot of product to cover my gray areas. And on the thinning spots, it really didn’t do the greatest job at all. However, this wasn’t meant to be a product to disguise thinning hair. I’ll give credit where it’s due.
Sadly, it did not cover my big bald spot.
It worked. But it didn’t work!!!!! It’s ok. It’s fine. It isn’t spectacular.
Why? I’ll tell you. For the cost per application, it’s expensive. I have very stubborn roots. My hair is coarse and porous and I do need a lot of product to cover the roots. I used half the can. I kid you not. Half. The. Can.
In addition, it was messy on my face. I had to wash the product off my forehead and my nose retained that same youthful glow as when I was 16. My nose looked like it was covered with blackheads.
To cover my hair loss, I’ll stick with Toppik. Yeah. Toppik is messy but in a different way. I have to clean the sink instead of my face. And although Toppik costs more money, $24.00 for .42 oz., the cost per use is better. One little shaker bottle of Toppik lasts me about 6 to 8 weeks. And you’ve seen my bald spots!!
For the money, Toppik is a better product for covering the roots. It DOES cover the gray and it DOES hide the bald spots and less product is used..
Same spots after Toppik.
These days I traipse around less and less wearing only my bio hair. But on those days when I don’t want to wear a topper or wig, I would have to say Toppik is my choice for covering hair loss.
On this snow day, it’s my bio hair with the blend of Toppik and Root Cover. (I did put a bit of eye make up on because I didn’t want to scare you!) Oh. And I haven’t washed my hair in 9 days. It still looks clean–that’s because it is so coarse and dry!
In all honesty, I don’t think I would use Root Cover-Up on a regular basis. I would, however buy a can to keep with my travel beauty supplies along with my Toppik, because the two products can come in handy while I’m away on vacation and when it’s too hot to wear helper hair.
..and I never travel without my beauty essentials–they are more important than the clothing. I’m at the beach. I only need bathing suits and sundresses!
How would I rate this? It’s hard because it does work but you need a ton of product if your hair is porous and for the price per use, it’s expensive. For me, this would fall somewhere between a B and a C+. For others who may not need as much product, it could have a higher rating.
Money is precious. And for those of us who fall way beneath the one percent, it’s important to find products that are a good value for the money. The key word is value.
I’ll be on the lookout for more products that offer a good value for the money. Are you with me? What are some products that you are a fan of—and at a budget price? I wanna know!
I’m smiling because I have a snow day. I will not be smiling when I drive to work on the slushy, icy roads tomorrow!
At this point I’ve surrendered to the snow. In fact, I’m sitting here singing this song to Chippy— “Let it Snow”! My man Dean! I can’t believe I’m posting this song a week before spring!
Interesting to read your review of the LÓreal-product, I dye my hair black and hate the mess I have to make in my bathroom every time. Think I´ll try it for some root-coloring in between visits to my hairdresser and hope it is a little bit less messy. About the tanning-lotion: you should send a bottle to your President, he needs better products to look less orangey:))
Hi Angelin, I have to tell you, I literally just wiped my hair back with my hand–you know, when your hair falls in your face and you wipe it back–my palm is now black from that product. It never happens with the Toppik so I’m really a bit hesitant to try this again. I have white sofas and if I get this stuff on my furniture I’ll go crazy…..
LOL–I wouldn’t spend a penny on anything for that filthy liar–his skin may be orange but his soul is burned. My tanning lotion is too precious to me!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!
Plus, he’s not your president, so there’s that… 😉
Hi Catherine…here’s a simple color removal from the skin tip from my hairdresser …hand sanitizer on a paper towel…works every time. Happy Snow Day. Warm Temps are coming…it is 75 degrees and sunny here in the delightful Old West. 🙂
Hi Jeanne. Are you kidding? OMG. That is an easy-peasy solution. I have both! Thanks for the heads up!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
I can’t believe that you went out barefoot in the snow to show off your tan! No wait, it’s you….I DO believe it! Lol. Me, I shoveled for an hour than gave up, too exhausted.
Hahaha! Lori–you know me like a book! I damn near froze my ass off. Bonaparte was not the least bit surprised!!!! I can’t believe it started to snow again!!!❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️
I tried the Jergens moisturizer you spoke about, and you were right, it is amazing! Now I need to try the tanning lotion, I need all the help I can get! Fun Read ~
Hi Witchy! I hope this reply goes through because I’m using my phone! I’m so glad you tried the regular Jergens wet moisturizer–it Really is great! I’m telling you–the fake tan one is fantastic!!!
Reply came through fine, and I ordered the Jergens wet tan from Amazon, and will let you know how it goes, not sure I’ll post photos though!! 🙂
After dealing with melanoma a few years ago I keep my white icky legs under wraps but…a girl wants wear a nice dress occasionally! I am going to try that Jergen’s product if I can lay my hands on it north of the border. Also the L’oreal product, although the contents are scary looking and I don’t like that you felt a ‘burning’ sensation. I have tried the root touch up by Nice and Easy, left it on too long and BLEACHED the roots of my dark brown hair…I like the idea of a spray on temporary product. We are only in for 15cm of snow here but down near Toronto/Niagara about 30cm:0 Hopefully, this is it for the winter! Keep warm and dry!
Hi Momcat! Bonaparte had two bouts of Melanoma and still goes out in the sun without sunscreen. Meanwhile, I had squamous on my face and will continue to sit under the umbrella and slather sunscreen all over my body! Definitely, try the Jergens and if you can’t find it, shoot me an email.
I’ve tried the Nice and Easy root touch up and it didn’t last long at all. I’ve also tried L’Oreal hair dye and it is absolutely awful on hair like mine. It fades within a week or two. I like the Age Beautiful dye that Sally Beauty sells..the color lasts for almost a month.
It finally stopped snowing but this is winter weather, the wind gusts are crazy and the temp is lowering and lowering…..XOXOXOXO!!!
Hi Catherine,
I used the Loreal root cover up a few days ago with great results! it covered my 1/2″ gray growth, didn’t feel stiff or “crunchy” like the mascara type cover up does… matched my dark brunette hair really well and looked natural in sunlight, yay!! I did spray a bit on my face and I’d wear gloves the next time (applying it… is kinda like a craft project!!..LOL). I have fine hair and only had to cover the grays, so maybe that’s why it worked well for me. I’ve also used “Color Wow” powdered root cover up and it does the job… but, at $30.00 it’s a bit pricey!! I’m off to buy the “Jergens Natural glow” thanks for the review!! Love that doggy of yours!! 🙂
Hi Renee. I’m glad you wrote your positive experience with the Root Cover Up. Maybe my hair is just too porous. I swear to you my hands are black from touching my hair where I sprayed! The one product I’ve been dying to try but for some reason eludes me is “Joan Rivers Great Hair Day”. I’ve heard great things about it but can never find it in my color! But yeah, the Jergens wet moisturizer is fantastic!! I think you will really like it a lot!!! Oh that doggy of mine! He’s snug in bed now with Bonaparte!! XOXOXOXO!!!
I’ve been curious about the Jergens product, so I’m glad to know it’s a good one, I’ll definitely give it a try. Thanks for the recommendation!
I don’t mind the snow, but ice is my nemesis, Getting back and forth to work tomorrow is gonna be a nightmare …
Oh God, Bridget. The wind is howling up a storm here. How is it by you? I’m dreading 422 tomorrow. Yeah–get to the drugstore and try the Jergens–it really is that good!! I just want the warm weather so badly right now!!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
As a super pale Aussie, my gradual fake tan of choice is Bondi Sands Everyday Tanning Milk
https://www.bondisands.com.au/gradual-tanning-milk-everyday
The colour is very natural (better than the Jergans I feel, and I have tried every single fake tan on the australian market), and the build up is lovely when used daily as a moisturiser. Very forgiving of blotches and missed patches because of the way it is used!
My damned computer. I can’t see who wrote this comment! This laptop needs to go! I need to checkout Bondi Sands to see if it is sold here! If you say it is better than Jergens, then I need to find this. Have you ever used TanTowels? They are pretty decent too! Thanks for the heads up!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
No, I haven’t, I will check if I can buy that brand in Australia! Have you tried any of the single wear wash off tans, I love them in winter when I can’t be bothered keeping up my faux tanning regime, but need a bit of colour for an event.
You can get the Bondi Sands gradual tanning milk on Amazon here in the US. I’m trying them both! ~
Just back home from a funeral, and sat down to have lunch and read your blog. Oh how you made me laugh and cheered me up – only you would go out in the snow in shorts and bare feet for the sake of your devoted followers!
Last year I started to wear a fake tan on my face – brilliant. However, I went on holiday and thought “great I won’t look pasty through the day when I don’t wear makeup”, but after putting on my sun protection my tan disappeared! Back to the drawing board for a presentable holiday face.
By the way you looked fantastic in your bikini a couple of posts ago. You never look overweight and your body doesn’t seem to have aged. Fab-u-lous.
Susan D
Hi Susan! You know, I’m glad that I was able to make you laugh after you went to that funeral. I’m still feeling the sting of my girlfriend Margaret. And with St. Patrick’s day tomorrow, I was reflecting on all the fun we had together on that day. So laughter is good!! And speaking of my going out in the snow..I posted that pic on my Facebook page and one of the guys I had gone to school with thought I was naked, I set him straight really quickly. You are brave my friend to put the fake tan on your face. I’ll only allow the spray tan lady to do that. I’m afraid to put it on my face due to my uncanny ability to miss spots!!! Thank you for the compliment on the bathing suit!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!