Every year as Father’s Day rolls around I ask myself, “What should I get for Michael?” Since he rarely seems to shop much for himself, the kids and I always brainstorm to come up with some ideas for cool things that he would love and use. Over time, we’ve found the winning formula is to buy him a couple practical items we know he will like and then mix in a couple items he may not even know he needed!
My annual gift guide shares ideas for products or brands that my husband has loved in the past, along with things I have stumbled upon recently that I think are cool, in my quest to find the perfect prezzie!
Whether you’re shopping for your own dad or the father of your children, check out my short list below to get him something he is sure to enjoy for Father’s Day!
Imperia Caviar
Use code glowgirl12 for 12% discount with your order in addition to a free gift set (one Mother of Pearl spoon, tin opener & gift bag). During the checkout the complimentary gift set will not be visible but the discount code will be used by the people of Imperia Caviar to trace your orders and add it when shipping your order.
LiefRoyal CBD Oil 1250 mg
Counterman Collection by Beautycounter
Get a free bottle of Whisker Oil with your purchase of the Olie x Melissa Meyers Golden Ray Glow Drops Father’s Day Bundle
Olie x Melissa Meyers Father’s Day Bundle. Click below to get deal.
Olie Biologique Citrus & Spice Beard Oil for Men
Chef's Choice Trizor XV M15 Electric Knife Sharpener, Platinum
Tommy John Second Skin Sleep Pant
Caddis Eye Appliances Bixby Readers
Swet Tailor Father’s Day Bundle
Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
FLOOM Father’s Day Flowers and Gifts
MasterClass Online Classes
Stone Island Grey Pullover Hoodie
Axel Arigato Clean 90 Low-Cut Leather Sneakers
Vilebrequin Moorea Micro Ronde des Tortues Turtles Swim Trunks
Below are some of my personal favorite gift picks from Black-owned businesses. It’s incredibly important that we consciously use our power as consumers, and these gifts are perfect for Father’s Day!
Mateo New York Pearl Candle
Off-White Black Arrows Suitcase
This amazing book by Remi Adeleke: “Transformed: A Navy Seal's Unlikely Journey from the Throne of Africa, to the Streets of the Bronx, to Defying All Odds”
Uncle Nearest Whiskey
I hope you find the perfect gift here to give to a special man this Father’s Day! What are some of your favorite things to give? I’d love to hear your ideas too so please let me know in the comments below.
xxMelissa
With two of my favorite guys (hubby and Dad) at The Butcher’s Daughter on Abbot Kinney Street in Venice LA.
Click the images in the carousel to shop my Father’s Day picks!
Mother's Day Gift Guide: Stay At-Home Edition+Who What Wear Features
Quarantine-life definitely has a way of making all the days blend together. Because each one feels a bit like Groundhog Day, you may not even realize that Mother’s Day is right around the corner on May 10th! I keep losing track of time…how about you?
With non-essential stores closed this year, shopping at the last minute is not really an option. We now ALL have to find “the perfect gift” for mom online. No worries—my bestie Janet (The Grateful Gardenia) and I have you covered! In our recent monthly column for Who What Wear, we’ve created the perfect gift guide to help you find mom something special. And, I’ve also added to the original article to give more options to choose from. You may even see something on this list that you’re coveting, so star your favorites and send it to your husband or kids as a hint!
Relax at Home
SLIP SILK PILLOWCASE AND MASK SET
The perfect way for mom to Slip into a good night’s sleep.
PAJAMAS
Mom will daydream about slipping into the most perfect sleepwear.
SHOP PJ Salvage Super Soft Modal Pajama Set
ROBES
Made for lounging and luxury.
SWEATS
A chic and comfy way to hang around the house or run to the grocery store.
Sweatpants by Monrow (SOLD OUT). SHOP the brand!
DIFFUSER AND ESSENTIAL OIL
An instant mood shifter--perfect to help reduce stress.
SAGE Perfume
Gift mom her new favorite signature scent this year for Mother’s Day.
The best calming distraction, where masculine meets feminine.
The perfect accessory to hold her most prized necessity.
Give mom the most stylish four eyes in town!
Reading Glasses by Caddis
Simple, delicate and personal, she’ll never take it off!
SHOP from top to bottom: Personalized “Glow” Necklace by Tiny Tags, Glow Necklace by LOOMA x Melissa Meyers, and Heart Necklace by Sarah Hendler. Sunnies by Oliver Peoples. Earrings by Dior
Chrysmela’s got her back. A little extra something to make sure she never loses another earring again.
SHOP Chrysmela Secure Earring Backs
Small in size and easily portable to listen to her fave tunes, anywhere!
A farm to pod answer for grabbing a healthy smoothie before the next Zoom meeting.
SHOP Vejo Pod Blender
USE promotional code GLOW8PACK &
receive a free 8 pack of blends with the purchase of a starter kit
Get Some Fresh Air
Show mom you care with this I Love You clutch. The perfect holder for her keys and phone, while taking a walk in the hood.
SHOP Parker Thatch Heart Man-Lee- Hot Pink Strap
SHOP Parker Thatch Heart Man-Lee- Hot Pink Strap
The perfect face-framer for those daily walks.
A lightweight scarf to wear out on a walk, dress up a bag handle or use as a chic mask.
SHOP Franne Golde x The Grateful Gardenia Scarves
Mama needs new comfy-chic shoes.
Look good, do good and stay protected with Ripley Rader fashion masks. Buy one and two are donated to the medical community!
SHOP Ripley Rader fashion masks
SHOP Ripley Rader fashion masks
SHOP Chok Chok Skin Bio-cellulose Hydrating Face Mask
OLIE X MELISSA MEYERS GOLDEN RAY GLOW DROPS
Just in time for Mother’s Day…order a bottle for mom and get a free make-up bag and sample size with purchase!
Use promotional code GLOWGIRL 15 for $15 off
One word, for those who are challenged with doing their own hair, game-changer.
Mom’s done so much for you, now send some good vibes to her.
SHOP The Urban + Mystic Boxes
For the mom whose motto is “always be prepared.” Also, one of Oprah’s favorite picks!
These retro Nike Cortez have the perfect cush for mom’s precious feet.
Chic leggings and a cropped hoodie always hit the mark for working and exercising from home.
SHOP Carbon 38 Escape Luxe Cropped Hoody
Motivate mom to get her fitness fashion game on with this Carbon38 gift card!
Style meets function. Definitely a favorite fitness find that mom will love this year.
SHOP Weight Lifting Stimulator Wrist Weights
Help her stay hydrated all day long with this super stylish and self-cleaning bottle!
I hope you find something special for mom (or for yourself!) from this guide. Keep in mind, with so many people shopping online this year, there may be shipping delays, so don’t wait until the last minute. Now more than ever, moms are working overtime to keep their families balanced so show your appreciation by getting her a special gift this year!
xxMelissa
Click HERE to check out the original article on Who What Wear!
Who What Wear Feature - Top 7 Natural Non-toxic Self-Tanners for the Most Perfect Sun-kissed Glow!
Just like wearing the perfect outfit or a great hair day can make me feel fabulous, having a golden tan does the trick for me too!
I love having sun-kissed skin, but as I’ve gotten older I have become more conscious of minimizing the effects of sun damage, so I turn to self-tanner to get my 24/7 golden glow. While I’ve tried countless brands over the years, in 2019 I made a commitment to clean up my beauty routine. In my latest feature for Who What Wear, "7 Nontoxic Self-Tanners That Deliver Glowier Results Than the Actual Sun,” I share my tried and true favorites, as well as tips to make a tan look natural and last as long as possible.
With a new year (and a new decade) upon us, it’s the perfect time to hit the reset button, create intentions and detox your beauty routine. Why not start with your self-tanner? Read on to see my recommendations in the full article and make 2020 your most glowing, nontoxic tanning year yet!
I love sporting a healthy, tanned glow all year round! A great tan magically seems to improve the tone, texture and color of the skin—plus it does wonders to camouflage imperfections. Gone are the days where you had to bask in the sun for hours to look like a bronzed goddess or use a smelly, toxic self-tanner that turns your skin into looking like a roasted turkey!
Over the years, I’ve road-tested countless self-tanners and have decided this year to try some of the non-toxic ones to see how they compare. These products have exceeded my expectations big time so I’ve put together a list of my favorite clean-beauty, self-tanning products that are not only safe to use but also provide the most gorgeous, naturally bronzed skin.
In order to get the best, most natural and long-lasting tan, make sure your skin gets some TLC before and after tanning! The most important tip I can share when it comes to best practices for self-tanning is to exfoliate beforehand to ensure even coverage. I like to use the Dermasuri Exfoliating Scrub Mitt from head to toe in the shower. Unlike loofahs or bath sponges, this mitt’s unique fabric texture removes surface layers of buildup and dead skin cells instantly! I use the mitt with water, or with my favorite body scrub.
The botanical-based self-tanning products listed below are all derived from organic ingredients and formulated without any harsh chemicals, preservatives, parabens, or unnatural fragrances. And, the best part, orange skin is nowhere to be found; all of these suggestions offer the most natural, golden look! Also, I only tried products that went on clear or white and did not stain clothes or sheets.
1. Whish
This natural self-tanner is at the top of my list--it hydrates the skin and the scent is an incredible combo of coconut milk + verbena! The streak-free formula goes on just like your favorite body butter and can be used every day. After the product develops, the tan is a perfect golden brown. It’s free from parabens, sulfates, DEA and TEA, with naturally sourced organic ingredients that also firm and moisturize. I’m so obsessed with this product that I shared it with my husband and daughter who both have fair and sensitive skin. They are huge fans now with bottles of their own!
An amazing gradual self-tanner, this is my fave for a buildable tan. Its super-natural color is great even for fair-skinned girls. They use DHA that is naturally derived from sugar which is a safe, non-toxic alternative to naturally brown the skin. Free from harmful chemicals, it has a pleasant spa-like scent and is great to use year-round. Leave it to Miranda Kerr to create a certified organic self-tanner that’s a true winner!
3. Botanic Tree
Great for sensitive skin with no fake tan smell, it’s vegan-certified and free from anything toxic. The quick-drying lotion goes on white and is also streak-free, with natural ingredients such as jojoba, avocado, apricot, grape seed, and coconut. This formula can also be used on your face and is perfect for all skin types. I found the tan to be very natural and gradual so it’s good to use daily if you want to build up a rich glow.
Say hello to perfect sun-kissed skin! This tanning product does a great job of covering up natural skin imperfections and leaves you with a glowing, golden color. I love that the simple, natural and organic ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and Japanese green tea leaf extract, leave my skin looking and feeling fabulous. It’s is also a great alternative to the top brands that sell chemical filled tanners. I’m not the only one that thinks so—you can check out the 4700 five star reviews on Amazon too!
I am extremely picky when it comes to self-tanners for the face and found this one to be amazing with its color-correcting technology! Just add the clear drops to your fave moisturizer and integrate into your regular skincare routine for a perfect sun-kissed glow. You can feel confident putting this on your face since it’s cruelty-free, 100% vegan and made using certified organic ingredients. It has low pH levels, non-sensitizing and hypoallergenic ingredients, and pure oils. There are no mineral oils, petroleum, gluten, GMOs, or toxins. This formula offers light, medium, and dark tan options. I like to use medium as it gives me the perfect amount of glow every time!
I wrote about this self-tanner on The Glow Girl blog in the summer of 2018 when it made its debut. This invisible foaming tanning water is super-fast drying and perfect when in a hurry or you have to get dressed quickly after applying. It also leaves the skin with a great natural glow and will never stain even the whitest clothing or sheets! It’s also contains certified organic ingredients and made with natural extracts like pomegranate, papaya, aloe vera and licorice to enhance skin with no tell-tale self-tanner scent. Tip: I like to wait 4-8 hours before showering off to make sure to get the full effects of this tanner!
This self-tanner was developed using a unique DHA derived from sugar beets, which is an Ecocert-approved ingredient from one of the UK’s best natural, cult clean-beauty brands. All of their products are 100% non-toxic and between 90 – 99.9% organic. Their formula comes in a glass bottle pump and goes on as a natural-colored lotion leaving skin with a gorgeous bronzed glow as it develops. The scent is mild and it blends easily, leaving skin super moisturized.
The Best Moisturizers to Take Your Tan to the Next Level
After your tan has made its debut, it's important to moisturize and keep skin hydrated to help the color last as long as possible. Below are my clean beauty favorites that will surely extend the longevity of your gorgeous glow…
Eighteen B Hydrate + Restore Rich Cream
I just discovered this face cream and I’m obsessed! Made with B-silk protein which is known to improve skin texture and firmness, I use this on my face to keep it moisturized after I tan. With ingredients like ceramides, leaf extract, and sunflower seed oil offering fantastic hydration, it also softens my fine lines and makes my face feel smoother.
Golden Ray Glow Drops Face Oil
I love to use oils to keep the skin on my face deeply moisturized and to prolong my faux tan as long as possible. I’ve been using my newly launched face oil daily (in partnership with Olie Organic Face Oils), with its incredible active ingredient, French Marine Algae! This natural ingredient not only builds collagen but also locks in hydration for the best moisture retention.
This organic body butter smells incredible, with ingredients that are safe enough to eat. It’s an all-natural, deep moisturizer--because it’s so hydrating, my tan lasts much longer if I apply it after the tan is freshly developed. A little bit goes a long way so the jar lasts a while!
I have been working on this article for months and have personally tested each and every product listed above to give you the best options for a clean beauty tan that will leave you with the safest and most beautiful natural glow all year long! Whether you want to look like an exotic sun-worshipper or just enhance a sallow-skinned winter look, I’ve got you covered!
xx Melissa
Check out the full feature on Who What Wear HERE!