FUN IN THE SUN: Reviews of Becca Etc Swimwear & Tanee Tan Corrector Pen

So it’s officially the unofficial start to summer. LOL.

With the temperatures in the tri-state area hitting the 90s the past few days (seriously if it is this hot already, what’s it going to be like in August?), all I can think about is spending time at the beach. Who wants to be stuck indoors when you could play all day in the sun? I know I don’t.

Not too long ago, I got to test drive my beach time while I was in California. I got to spend an afternoon in Santa Monica with Black Latina & Fabulous‘ Amaris Acosta and Tanya Sotillo of the amazing new lifestyle portal, Luxe Colore. With the three of us based in New York (which at the time was still on the cool and damp side) we wasted no time getting acquainted with the sands of the Santa Monica Pier.  My California trip also the perfect time to figure out what was going to be my staples in my beach bag this summer. Definitely a great opportunity to review some a new product and a new swimsuit.

So what’s going to be in my beach bag this summer?

BECCA ETC  BLACK CROSS BACK HALTER WITH BUCKLE W/ DRAPED BIKINI BOTTOM

Plus size bikinis are all the rage thanks to bloggers like Gabi Gregg of GabiFresh and Chastity Garner Valentine of Garner Style: The Curvy Girl Guide, rocking “fatkinis” and looking fabulous doing it. Now I admit, I am not always the most daring of girls when it comes to showcasing her curves in an itty bitty bikini, but I have to say that I will gladly due it in this fabulous bikini from Becca Etc.

Designed by Rebecca Virtue, the 2013 collection for Becca Etc is all about options (something that girls of a certain size didn’t have until recently). Full of prints, vibrant colors and interchangeable options (for cut and length), the collection features perfect vacation inspiring names like Sanctuary, Zanzibar and Havana. My black bikini came from the Color Scheme collection which also comes in Peacock (Blue) and Hibiscus (Fuchsia).

What do I love most about this swimsuit? Hands down…the fit. With a fuller figure, my biggest worry always centers around fit. Because my top and bottom are two different sizes I have a hard time finding the right suit. If you’re like me, bikinis/tankinis are actually the best option as they allow you to customize your size. I also have a fear of reprising Nipplegate (Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction during the half time show at the Super Bowl a few years back), I always look for optimal coverage and with an ample top, that can be hard. But the cross back halter from Becca Etc, takes care of all of that. With an adjustable back and support all through the top, the girls aren’t going anywhere! Giving the top a more fashion forward appeal are shirring in the bust and some antique finished hardware (double heart buckle).  Ladies you have a choice of bottoms including skirts, boy shorts and full coverage panties. I opted for the draped bikini bottom which provides a full coverage bottom for comfort without sacrificing style. Retailing for $144 ($86 for the top and $58 for the bottom), this Becca Etc bikini is a must have for the summer.

PS, did I mention that this was the first time as an adult that I wore a bikini????

Shop the 2013 Becca Etc swimsuit collection here.

TANEE TAN LINE CORRECTOR PEN

Now what’s going to beach without getting an awesome tan (yes even me with darker skin loved the bronzing effects of the sun)? After spending what seemed like a never ending winter in doors, I was definitely ready for some fun times in the sunshine. I love how healthy sun-kissed skin (with the right protection of course) looks but I HATE tan lines. They just seem to mess up your whole look afterwards.  But, have no fear…there is a fix for that. Introducing Tanee— a revolutionary 2-in-1 bronzer and sunless tanning liquid that comes in a compact cosmetic pen. This little miracle in a pen will temporarily disguise unwanted tan lines until you get a chance to get back in the sun again.  It’s super easy to use– seriously it works just like a marker and it works. Let me just say that if you are a little darker, it may take a few applications to work but it will work on all skin tones.  So no more worries about having tan lines from your day at the beach and trying to figure out how to cover them when you head out that night. Tanee is definitely going to be a staple in my beach bag this summer. Retailing for just under $6, you can’t go wrong.

Want one for yourself? By the Tanee here.