If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

The Internet is constantly buzzing with the best glowy products to use to achieve the look of sun-kissed skin, from instant bronzing drops you can mix in with your moisturizer to blendable contour sticks that will melt seamlessly into your foundation. But nothing beats the natural look and longevity of self-tanning face drops, which are extremely easy to use and won’t break you out—should you choose carefully.

Luna Bronze’s Good Night Face Bronzing Serum is a safe and effective choice—the brand’s products contain natural Australian ingredients like lemon myrtle, vitamin C and orange blossom that nourish the skin while they deposit color. As the product name suggests, the serum is meant to work its magic while you sleep, with a noticeable difference prevalent in just one application. The serum contains 12 percent DHA (the natural tanning active) which is quite higher compared to the brand’s tanning mist, which has just 2.5 percent DHA and takes up to three applications to reach peak color. 

Luna Bronze

Good Night Face Bronzing Serum

You can apply the formula just like a serum or mixed in with your go-to cream. Just keep in mind: the more drops you use, the deeper color you’ll see, so begin carefully and wash your hands after use. 

The face tanning drops have sold out on multiple occasions since launching, according to the brand, and are one of its best-selling products because of it. Shoppers love that the serum doesn’t irritate or inflame their sensitive skin, and some even compare their quality to that of more expensive, popular options.

RELATED: Supergoop! Launched a New 2-in-1 Illuminating Setting Powder With SPF, So Obviously We Had to Try It

“I stumbled upon Luna Bronze on Instagram and fell in love with the ingredients in the night serum,” wrote one shopper who described themselves as a “pastey, freckled ginger” in their review. “I found the magical drop number for me is 4 drops and I get a beautiful, soft tanned glow. No orange whatsoever or streaks! It looks so natural as opposed to Isle of Paradise. No shame if that brand is your go to, but Luna Bronze nailed it with this serum! It is a bit pricey but I will definitely be re-purchasing forever!”

Another person raved about it, writing “I just got this serum last week and I am obsessed. I have sensitive skin so I was worried about how it might react, but my skin felt amazing the next morning with no issues. I have fair/pale skin and I mix around 4 drops with my night cream for my face and do similar for my neck/chest. It gives me just enough glow to feel confident in my own skin. I barely need makeup now! Highly recommend.”

Luna Bronze’s Good Night Face Bronzing Serum is available starting at $14. Grab the contour brush to create natural looking shadows on your face.

My neighbor, Heidi, recently told me, “I’ve forgiven my mother, but I won’t go to her funeral.” My friend Lynne has not communicated with her mother in 30 years. She occasionally trolls for a death certificate because, as the only child, there might be something left, but definitely not love.

I hope my children have forgiven me and the poor choices I sometimes made surviving as a single mom one step away from foreclosure. My son remembers when I sold all my jewelry. My daughter remembers me forgetting to pay for gallons of milk. Both of them remember me not eating dinner till they had eaten and had their fill. They both remember the third glass of wine.

Yet, Thank God, they remember growing up in a home where their friends could come over and swing from the trees, nature and art camps in summer, baby lambs by the woodstove, stories I read to them and made up, swimming in the Shenandoah River and my dogged determination to survive and thrive, which they all, in their own ways, have modeled.

Somehow, they love me, despite my flaws, and they occasionally remember me on Mother’s Day! But a success I take responsibility for is they know how to love.

Lillian Butryn, 1922-2010

I found a book I hand-made for my mother on Mother’s Day with a lion on the cover and the words, I roar over you. I think we made these gifts at grade school. I worked very hard for my mother’s love. Her love came in subtle ways when she was not in her room with a migraine, yelling about some maleficence, reminding me that I wasn’t the daughter she wanted because her perfect daughter had died of leukemia at 14 before I was born; you know, the stuff that keeps therapists in business.

Heidi, Lynne and I had similar mothers – self-absorbed, critical, probable mental illness, neglectful and abusive. Lots of pills and doctors for illnesses. We all broke away from our mothers.

My relationship ended when I tried to run her over in my car. The next day my father and sister helped me find an apartment. Within one month my grades were A’s and I wasn’t depressed, cutting myself, or suicidal. I didn’t go home for a year.

Look Homeward Angel

But I did go home again, and having broken my mother’s control, the distance allowed for healing, and it changed our relationship. First, my mother cooked for me, inviting me to Friday fish dinners because we were Catholic and always making my favorite fish.

When I graduated college, worked for the government and my anxiety went through the roof causing me to lose 25 pounds, my mother came and took care of me. Later, when I brought home inappropriate men and husbands, she didn’t reproach me. It was only one man that she had a direct opinion on; a rich man that I thought would meet my parent’s approval, but she knew me. “You won’t be happy with him, he won’t let you be you.” She was right.

When my whole family was ready to disown me for buying a broken-down farm in the Blue Ridge mountains, my mother kept saying, “She is happy here, so I am happy for her.” When my daughter was colicing at two months old, my mother drove around with me from store to store trying to find something, anything that would help.

And she was a good grandmother to my daughter who spent many afternoons seated beside her at my mother’s vanity applying lotions, makeup and beauty treatments, and shopping for girly dresses, the type I never would wear.

Lillian’s Lessons

• A man does not want to see a grumpy face when he walks through the door.
• Put on some lipstick; you’ll feel better.
• A man won’t buy a cow if he can get the milk for free.
• Once you go all the way you can’t go back to holding hands.
• Don’t yell or you’ll sound like a fishwife.

What I did take away from her was her sense of tailored style and looking put together when leaving the house, cut flowers all year round, decorating for holidays, stoicism, reading and going to the library each week, enjoyment in female friendships, writing. And in her younger days she was naughty and a rule breaker, climbing out of her bedroom window late at night, dating three guys at once, playing field hockey and graduating college in the 1930s.

Her mother was a stern woman who talked in a loud voice that made it seem like she was barking in Polish. I never saw her smile or kiss me or my mother.

I remember my mother. I remember her rocking me in the rocking chair her father made and singing me lullabies in Polish, taking me on walks in the woods and making me chocolate pudding. It has taken me a very long time to remember these things.

I returned those favors when she was ill and dying. Cleaning her, picking her up off the floor, wiping her mouth and the bedside vigil.

She may have been one of the main causes of my therapy bills, but I have forgiven her and learned how to love her while she and I were still alive. That is grace.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What is the state of your relationship with your mother, if she is still alive? If she has passed, did you part as friends? Do your children celebrate Mother’s Day with you? What mother-daughter stories can you share?

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

Summer is right around the corner, which means SPF is about to become your best friend (if it isn’t already). We’re big fans of Supergoop!, a brand known for its popular Unseen Sunscreen and Glowscreen, so when we heard they just launched a new product that helps incorporate SPF protection into your makeup routine, we had to be one of the first to test it out.

Supergoop!’s new (Glow)setting 100% Mineral Powder  is the latest 2-in-1 makeup setting powder and SPF to step onto the scene, and it’s available direct at the brand’s website and at Sephora for $35. Although, you can snag it for even less at the brand’s website right now during a rare sale; use code SPF20 at checkout to score any SPF offerings for 20 percent off, including this mineral powder.

This product drop is a seriously good SPF-infused setting powder; compared to Supergoop!’s original (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder Sunscreen, the new and improved (Glow)setting Powder acts as an illuminator that leaves a slight golden peach toned shimmer upon application.

Supergoop!

(Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder Sunscreen

To test out exactly how well it works, I first started by applying Supergoop!’s Glowscreen to give myself a base sunscreen for a day at the beach. Once the Glowscreen soaked in, I slid down the clear plastic sleeve that keeps the brush’s bristles intact, twisted the base of the brush to allow the product to dispense and then started tapping the brush on my hand until I saw some shimmery powder flow through onto my skin. 

Image: Karalyn Hoover.

I brushed the Supergoop! powder across my whole face, focusing heavily on my T-zone, where I know I tend to accumulate oil throughout the day. Once applied, it was as easy to put away as it was to open. I simply closed the base of the brush, pulled the protective brush plastic casing up and snapped the cap back on so I could take it with me on-the-go without worrying about spills in my beach bag. 

Though I’m someone who loves a dewy complexion, I’m always looking for products that won’t leave my skin looking shiny and more oily as the day goes on, which is exactly when a product like the (Glow)setting Powder comes in handy. It helped soak up shine from sweat and oil on a hot day, and added just enough shimmer to my makeup to give it a soft-focus finish. In just one day of wearing the (Glow)setting Powder on top of my everyday makeup routine, I received several compliments on my skin (which is a record in my book). 

RELATED: This $18 ‘Heavenly’ Body Oil Claims to Improve Skin Firmness Within a Month

While I can’t say how well the mineral SPF 35 worked on its own to protect against sunburns, for an everyday makeup touch up, I think it’s safe to say you can’t go wrong with a little extra protection on top of your regular sunscreen. Not only did the product look great on the skin, both with or without a makeup base, but it also left my skin looking sweat-free while soaking up the Florida sun in 85 degree weather. 

What’s extra cool about this new product is that just like its predecessor, you only need to buy refills instead of the entire brush system once you run out. It will save you $15 bucks every time. 

The new (Glow)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF 35 from Supergoop! may be the addition your makeup bag is missing for future days spent at the beach and beyond. Be sure to get one while it’s hot! 

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

I’m a big fan of taking control over your own body. That means staying prepared for anything, you know, like unexpected mistakes, unexpected malfunctions, or just wanting to be super sure that you’re controlling your own sexual health, no matter what. With that boss energy in mind, I want to help make it as seamless as possible to shop for plan B online, incase you ever find yourself needing it. I even picked up a few packages to keep under my medicine cabinet and to hand out to my friends just in case. Before we get into where to shop for the pill, let’s answer a few FAQs. We tapped Cristin Hackel, MSN, ARNP, WHNP-BC, and medical provider for Nurx to get the scoop.

“Emergency contraception is a great tool for preventing unwanted pregnancy and comes in two forms: a pill and intrauterine device (IUD),” says Hackel.  “There are two pill options for emergency contraception: Plan B and Ella. Plan B is an over-the-counter option (no prescription needed) and is effective for up to three days (72 hours) after sex. Ella (prescription required) is effective for up to five days (120 hours) after sex,” she tells Stylecaster.

I hadn’t heard of using an IUD as “morning after” pregnancy prevention, but Hackel explained further. “If the IUD is inserted within five days of having unprotected sex, it works by creating an inhabitable environment in the uterus so nothing will implant. It will not disturb a pregnancy that has already implanted in the uterus, and a negative pregnancy test is required before having the IUD inserted,” she says. Remember, emergency contraception (plan B, Ella) is different than an abortion pill. If you are already confirmed as pregnant, emergency contraception should not be taken. Here’s a quick FAQ, as answered by Hackel:

Is there a correlation between weight and emergency contraception’s effectiveness?

Yes – there is a correlation between weight and the effectiveness of emergency contraception. Ella, the prescription morning after pill, is recommended for women who weigh more than 164 pounds.

When do you need to take Plan B after sex for it to be effective?

Plan B must be taken within three days (72 hours) of sex in order for it to be effective.

What is the efficacy rate? What should you do besides/in addition to taking the pill to prevent pregnancy?

Plan B typically reduces your risk of falling pregnant by 88%. If you take it within 24 hours of unprotected sex, it prevents pregnancy in 95% of cases.

Ella is 65% more effective at preventing pregnancy than Plan B when it’s taken within 24 hours. If taken within 72 hours, Ella is still 42% more effective than Plan B.

The most effective method of emergency contraception is to have an IUD inserted by a medical provider within five days. This method isn’t impacted by body weight, and you can leave the IUD in for years as birth control.

When does Plan B expire? What is the shelf life?

Most brands of the morning after pill last for a few years without being refrigerated if left unopened. This time frame will start from the actual manufacturer date, not the date it was purchased. After the expiration date, the potency and purity of the medication are not guaranteed by the company that has manufactured it.

Is the morning after pill legal in every state?

At this time, emergency contraception is legal and available in every state. Many pharmacies do not stock Ella which makes it harder to find, but Plan B or generics should be available in local pharmacies.

Is it bad to take a morning after pill multiple times per year?

It is considered safe to use emergency contraception pills multiple times a year. Ella is not recommended to use more than once per month, but there is no medical risk in doing so. Both types of pills can cause bleeding and make it hard to know what is a “regular” period and not withdrawal bleeding from using emergency contraceptive pills. What is most important to know is that emergency contraceptive pills are never as effective as using regular and consistent birth control.

The Best Places to Shop Plan B/Morning After Pill Online

Courtsy of Stix.

Restart™ Morning-After Pill

There’s no age limit or parental consent required to get this morning-after pill delivered directly to your door. Plus, sign up with your email and receive 15 percent off of your first order.

Courtesy of Wisp.

Levonorgestrel (Generic PLAN B®)

At Wisp, you can pick up generic plan B for 60 percent cheaper than if you were to shop it at a pharmacy. Unfortunately they only sell Ella for pick-up at your local pharmacy, but you can still grab it here for $22.

Courtesy of Amazon.

Ohm My Choice Emergency Contraceptive 1 Tablet (Levonorgestrel Tablet 1.5mg)

This is another generic Plan B option that you can pick up a few of to have on-hand, since they’re only $6.99 per box.

You can also get Plan B or Ella at Nurx, Pandia Health, and more, but you’ll have to create a profile and may incur membership costs.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

There are skincare products that target just about any skin concern, whether it be dryness, dullness, acne or visible signs of aging. But what if there was a product that could address all of these concerns at once? Let us introduce you to the new MVP of your skincare routine: the Skin Therapy Oil from Palmer’s.

This face oil truly does the most for your complexion and that’s thanks to its cocktail of skin-loving ingredients, including retinol, vitamin C, cocoa butter, an exclusive Cetesomate-E Complex from Palmer’s and 10 pure oils. Retinol works like magic for fine lines and wrinkles, while vitamin C brightens dark spots. Cocoa butter is great for softening and moisturizing the skin, and the brand’s exclusive complex is packed with essential vitamins and nutrients.

Palmer’s has been around for over 180 years, so creating amazing formulas with top-quality, plant-based ingredients is nothing new. And it comes as no surprise that this anti-aging face oil is the No. 1 bestseller in its category on Amazon.

The Skin Therapy Oil usually costs $19, but is currently on sale for $11 at Amazon. $11 for a product that is so multifunctional is a small price to pay for such great results. The oil recently sold out on Amazon, so scoop it up before it sells out again on National Vitamin C Day.

RELATED: Hailey Bieber’s Beloved $13 Face Oil Gives Shoppers ‘Baby Soft, Wrinkle-Free Skin’—& It’s on Discount Today 

Photo: Palmer’s.

Sure, this product’s ingredient list sounds impressive, but what about its actual results? The lightweight, non-greasy formula has earned a 4.6-star overall rating on Amazon, with over 28,000 shoppers giving it a perfect five-star rating. 

One wrote, “My skin feels so incredibly soft and hydrated. This is the first time I actually don’t mind going without makeup because it truly has brought back such a youthful look and feel to my 34-year-old face.”

“I’ve been rocking blemish-free, well-balanced, great-looking skin for weeks now. I’ve seen improvement in all areas, including improving the look of deep wrinkles on my chin and forehead,” raved another shopper. “Just three drops morning and night so this bottle has lasted quite a while. I will never go without this product again!”

Clearly, Palmer’s is on to something with its Skin Therapy Oil. The formula has a star-studded lineup of ingredients, and thousands of Amazon shoppers can vouch for its effectiveness. Add a bottle to your cart while the anti-aging oil still has a 42 percent discount.