MONTEIL . ÉLIXIR MÉTAMORPHOSE . PRO DNA SERUM

After finishing, and falling in love with my current serum, the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, I didn't think it was possible to find joy elsewhere. The Vinoperfect Radiance Serum had everything I had every wanted in a serum, and yet given my insufficient funds I wasn't able to repurchase it. So I set out on a mission to rummage through my stash to find something equivalent in order to maintain my glowing, even complexion. Low and behold I stumbled upon the Monteil Élixir Metamorphose Pro DNA Serum ($95) and was instantly taken by the luxurious packaging. 

I've heard of Monteil Paris over the years, but chalked them up as a luxury french brand that targets those looking to fight anti-aging with products that feature high price points. And while I still maintain this outlook on the brand I couldn't help but fall hard and fast for the Élixir Metamorphose Pro DNA Serum – the high prices are real, but so is the luxury behind the products. For instance the active agent in the Pro DNA Serum is based on results from Nobel prize-winning research, preserving the youthfulness of skin. I may only be 25 with little to no signs of aging, but I do believe that to have beautiful skin as you age means taking proper care of it while you are young. This serum reinforces that fact, as it protects the DNA in the cell's nucleus, thereby prolonging the life cycle of that cell – woahhh science! 

The serum itself feels absolutely amazing on the skin. I have a hard time describing the feel, and the only way I know how to do so is to say this: You know in the movie Uptown Girls where Brittany Murphy's boyfriend sings 'Sheets of Egyptian Cotton'.. well the feeling I associate with the Pro DNA Serum is the same whimsical feeling I feel when I envision sleeping in sheets of Egyptian cotton – soft, velvety, and the utmost relaxing. It's dispensed via a dropper, but I only need half of the product collected in the dropper to cover my entire face, which also prolongs my time with this wonderful serum. I can't really tell if it's made a difference in my skin since switching from the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, but it also hasn't caused an adverse reaction or reversed the effects of the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, meaning it's currently filled the void in my skincare regime. 

If I had an endless supply of money I would repurchase the Monteil Élixir Metamorphose Pro DNA Serum time and time again.

What is your go-to serum at the moment?

AM¥     XO

[*]The items in this post have been sent to THE PRETT¥ VAIN for purpose of review. All views expressed reflect my own opinion on the product. For additional information please see the Disclaimer.

THE GAME CHANGERS OF 2014

My views on beauty, blogging and life have changed a lot over the course of 2014. As most of you have probably already noticed I've been the most indecisive person, with everything from the blog to love. I changed the name of my site then reverted back to THE PRETT¥ VAIN within a week, stopped blogging entirely for two months and was absolutely stunned that you all stuck by my side.  I'm entering 2015 with a much clearer mind, and a focus on the aesthetic I've been sharing with you over the past few weeks. But 2014 wasn't a complete rollercoaster ride – there were a number of products that stuck with me through thick and thin, along with a handful of new releases that completely changed my beauty game.

SKIN

At the age of 25 I finally cemented a skincare regime that I've grown to love. My focus this year truly was on my skin – ensuring it looked flawless without an ounce of makeup. And while I'm not completely there, I'm pretty damn close. I owe that perfected skin to one product in particular, the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum. This serum is highly concentrated with Viniferine, which helped to reduce the appearance of dark spots caused from those pesky period pimples I get around that time of the month. It also improved my skins overall radiance, giving me a fresh and bright complexion. I also enhanced my complexion through the use of face masks, which I tried by the hoards. Two of my absolute favourites were the Boscia Luminizing Black Mask and the Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask. They both give my skin an instant pick me up when it's looking dull or I've partied a little too hard.

Complete reviews can be found here: luminizing black mask, pumpkin enzyme mask

MAKEUP

For makeup I kept things classic and polished with a focus on finding the perfect foundation – and I somehow ended up with three I can't live without. I was hooked to the Make Up For Ever Face & Body Liquid Makeup all spring/summer thanks to it's lightweight, long-lasting formula, and fall/winter has been all about the Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream, which came as a complete shock to me – you can see my full review here. The final foundation I've been addicted to is the Marc Jacobs Beauty Marvelous Mousse Transformative OilFree Foundation – nothing perfects my skin like it, unfortunately it's matte finish has a drying effect on my already dry skin meaning I can only wear it once or twice a week.

The rest of my look has maintained an ease and simplicity that I've really come to enjoy. I've developed a stronger brow game thanks to the Anastasia Beverly Hills DipBrow Pomade, a quick 2-minute Mary-Kate Olsen eye thanks to the Make Up For Ever Aqua Matic in Diamond Golden Grey and Satiny Warm Brown, and found the perfect everyday lip colour in MAC's Lipstick in Lipblossom. And although I'm not entirely sure whether it's appropriate to include in this years game changers, as I know it's going to be a sell-out for 2015, the Smashbox Double Exposure Palette has given me everything I could ever want in an eyeshadow palette and more. Fourteen shadows that transform to twenty-eight with the simple addition of water! I could say more... or you can read my full review of it, seen here.   

HAIR

My hair game was turned upside down this year when I decided to chop it all off – and with the chop went my incessant need for hair products. But there were three products that made my life a little easier and my hair a little sleeker. For starters I gave myself a weekly hair routine – a deep cleanse with the Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo to rid my locks of any excess product, followed with the Bumble and Bumble Creme de Coco Masque to help restore it's moisture. On days when I decided to blow-dry and heat-style my hair I turned to the Living Proof Prime Style Extender. It is simply the best at keeping frizz at bay, smoothing ends and extending your style – an absolute must have for, well, anyone with hair. I can't decide whether I'll be growing or trimming for 2015, but these products will most definitely stick with me.

ETC

Sometimes the etc is the most important part, completely pulling a look/vibe together – and that couldn't be more true for these three stunners. First, an innovation in self tanning that has kept my pins bronzed and my shimmer level high, the St. Tropez Self Tan Luxe Dry Oil. I've spoke a lot about the Karora Express Bronzing Mousse, but this luxe oil is great for overnight use when you want to wake up to glowing, 'post-vacation' skin, and has been my go-to before parties – you can tan as you dance, and the shimmer makes your skin look radiant from a distance. The other ever important etc is your signature scent. I've been drawn to sensual, dark, verging on too masculine perfumes this year, and topping my charts are: Nirvana Black by Elizabeth and James and Atelier Cologne in Vanille Insensée Cologne Absolue. Both fragrances offer a different vibe, while still containing my favourite notes, vanilla and wood.

Safe to say I've allowed the minimalistic, 'homie' side of me come out in full effect this year.

What are some of the products that changed your beauty game in 2014?

SHOP MY FAVOURITES

AM¥     XO

G¥M POSER . WORK OUT BEAUT¥ MUST HAVES

I'm working up the willpower to make the commitment to the gym again – I'm still in that hazy phase where you set your alarm each morning with intent but never make it out of bed on time. This overwhelming feeling of lazyness needs to end and this week I've taken matters into my own hands – and by that I mean I've bought some new workout gear, created the ideal playlist and assembled my very own post-workout beauty army.

THE GEAR

Getting the courage to go to the gym for the first time in a while can be daunting – you want to look the part and fit in seamlessly. When it comes to gym wear I tend to stick with brands like Lululemon, Addidas and Nike – their products last the test of time and keep me stylish as I sweat. Lululemon is my true kryptonite. Just one look at the Cardi All Day ($178) cardigan, made of merino wool and you'll understand why. I've also recently become obsessed with a new water bottle company called bkr – their simplistic design mixed with edgy editorials and vivid inspirations make them a brand to know. Below are a few products that are currently on my gym-wear wishlist.

THE PLAYLIST

Now that we've got the look down pat it's time to focus on the music. I spend days at a time researching what songs to add to my playlists because I hate the feeling of begrudgingly listening to a song I dislike while running – it's completely demotivating. The genre that gets me moving: trap music. I've found so many great trap playlists on 8tracks – a site similar to Spotify that let's you explore pre-made playlists. The playlist from 8tracks on days when I'm too lazy to create my own is called Okay Work, found here. It features strong women like Rihanna and Queen B to empower you as you work out and even offers some profound advice: Do your damn squats, wear red lipstick and tell boys to fuck off.

THE POST-WORKOUT BEAUTY ARMY

Before we get into the powerful little post-workout beauty army that I've assembled let's talk about my pre-workout regime, which consists of simply one detoxifying cleanser, the Tata Harper Purifying Cleanser[*]. It's lovely. The Purifying Cleanser deeply cleanses my skin removing all traces of makeup and even imparts a cooling sensation that feels great pre-workout. Post-workout I like to cleanse my face and neck using a cleansing cloth –  currently the Olay Fresh Effects S'Wipe Out. However I find them slightly irritating. I'm dying to try out the Philosophy Purity Made Simple One Step Cleansing Cloths or the new Korres Greek Yoghurt Cleansing Wipes. Once cleansed I give my face a quick spritz of the Caudalie Beauty Elixir for a boost of radiance before moisturizing with whatever sample has peaked my interest that week. This week I've settled on the  Eve Lom Moisturizer[*] – so decadent, and so spa-worthy ahh.

My post-work makeup regime needs to remain quite simple because personally, I'm likely to be running errands or simply headed home to nap/binge on chocolates. The best errand running foundation I know of remains the Benefit Big Easy – it delivers light coverage, enhancing your skins natural beauty and hides any signs of the workout with it's matte finish. I then simply fill in my brows using the Benefit Gimme Brow, add a few coats of mascara and bring some life to my face with a pretty pink lip courtesy of the adorable Royal Apothic Tinties Lip Butter[*] in Pink. Although another great lip/cheek product to add colour and warm up the complexion are the Josie Maran Coconut Cheek Gelées – I used the shade Pink Escape while vacationing in Miami and absolutely loved the natural effect it delivered. Et voila, ready to face the world.

What keeps you on track before and after the gym?

AM¥     XO

*Some of items in this post have been sent to THE PRETT¥ VAIN for purpose of review. All views expressed reflect my own opinion on the product. For additional information please see the Disclaimer. 

KEEPING ME WAV¥... #1

1. Study Of Pose, 1000 poses by Coco Rocha

Last week my bestfriend got me into the #PartyWithFlare Event with Coco Rocha for her new book, Study Of Pose, at World MasterCard Fashion Week – that's a lot in one sentence. Not only is Coco stunning; she also has this beautiful, welcoming personality – which, she probably gets from her parents, who were at the event as well. She discussed the troubles of getting a book featuring 1000 poses signed, but thankfully it happened – this thing is the 'model bible'. It's completely blacked out (page edges included) with small gold accents, and inside, 1000 glorious pages featuring Coco in a leotard striking a different pose each time. This is the ultimate coffee table book.

2. Bossy bitches like Chynna Rodgers

Life can fucking suck. But when you listen to a 19 year old like Chynna Rogers rap with so much confidence, and well, no fucks given, it's hard not to get in that same mentality. She's hard and has a song called Glen Coco. Enough said. Check her out here.

3. Flawless, matte skin

Whenever I want to look like a little porcelain doll and embrace my ghostly-ness I reach for my Chanel Vitalumiére Aqua Cream Compact. This high coverage foundation evens out my skin tone, completely hiding any imperfections. It is also extremely long-lasting, but I find that since my skin is so dry I need to refresh my foundation with a spritz of the Caudalie Beauty Elixir every few hours.

4. The glossy nude/pink lip
I love a lip that can go with anything, and the glossy nude/pink lip is just that. My favourite pairing of the moment is my YSL Rouge Pur Couture Pure Colour Satiny Radiance in Blonde Ingenu – noted as Lana Del Rey's nude lip of choice, alongside the YSL Golden Gloss in 10 Golden Peony (released in a LE set). This lipstick is gorgeous and it feels like you have nothing on!

5. Smudged lashes

When I first purchased the Dior DiorShow Mascara it was for my Mom and she hated it. And then it was passed on to me an I hated it. But for some reason I was brought back to it and over time the formula has dried up slightly, meaning it's coating my lashes in thick, sometimes clumpy mascara – and I'm loving it. I also love when I smudge the mascara a little too close to the lash line... am I going crazy?

What's keeping you wavy this week?

AM¥     XO

MORNING SKINCARE REGIME

I haven't been able to consider myself a 'fully functioning adult' until earlier this month. Why you ask? Well up until now I've been seriously avoiding committing to a skin care regime. It's not that I didn't have great skin care products, I did, and skin care is one of my favourite categories to purchase from. I just couldn't get behind the routine of it all. But now, on the verge of 25, I've finally come up with a morning regime that takes less than five minutes and has left my skin rejoicing. I wouldn't say that this is my 'be-all and end-all' skin care regime – I'm still on a hunt for the perfect moisturizer – but it's pretty damn close.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser ($44)

Those of you who followed THE PRETT¥ VAIN pre-makeover will know that this is, and most likely will forever be, my HG face wash. I grew up using Cetaphil, one of the gentlest cleansers on the market, and now, years later, I consider Purity to be it's high-end older sister. The pH-balanced formula dissolves dirt and makeup with ease – I never feel the need to use a makeup remover – and never leaves my skin feeling tight. A great option for those with sensitive skin or anyone on the search for a gentle cleanser.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir ($53)

With a fan base that includes Liv Tyler, Karlie Kloss and Victoria Beckham you know that the Beauty Elixir simply has to be worth the hype. This part-toner, part-serum mist of essential oils and plant active ingredients instantly wakes my skin up leaving me refreshed and radiant for the day. It's not often that a skin care product can deliver such immediate results, but I truly notice lackluster skin on days when I forget to spritz. I even carry a travel-sized version with me at all times to wake me up when I'm looking bogged down.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum ($79)

This is the first full-sized serum I've ever purchased, and to be honest I probably would have doubted purchasing it more had it not come complete with a travel-sized Beauty Elixir in Caudalie's Instant Radiance Set. This highly concentrated serum is dispensed via a dropper and contains Viniferine, a molecule collected from grapevine sap, which is 62x more powerful at minimizing the appearance of dark spots than Vitamin C. I wouldn't say that I have an abundant level of dark spots, however during that dreadful time of the month I get pimples which always result in discoloration. I've been using the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum for about 3 weeks now and have already noticed a decrease in these areas, resulting in a more even skin tone. It also is brilliant at increasing radiance, which is my main goal in skincare and life – I was born to shine.

Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation Moisturizer ($48)

Sheer Transformation is the only product in my routine I'm still on the fence about. In some regards I absolutely love it; the oil-free, lightweight formula feels great on my skin, and completely disappears almost immediately. However, with a name like sheer transformation you would expect just that. Albeit loaded with potent ingredients like vitamin C, licorice, sugar cane and multifruits AHA's, I've yet to notice a difference in my skin that I can attribute to this moisturizer. It hasn't led my skin astray and certainly hasn't created any new issues but I know in my heart that this simply will not proved the protection my skin needs for the harsh winter ahead. I may revert back to my previous love, Origins A Perfect World, but I'd love to hear what moisturizer you guys suggest!

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado ($35)

A brief history on my life with Avocado: when I was in Grade 8 I was obsessed with becoming a biochemist and was constantly re-creating beauty recipes from the internet, my favourite was an avocado, honey and olive oil hair mask. Flash forward to University where my roommate got me addicted to avocado slathered on toast with salt and pepper. And now I use the Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado (of course) to help brighten my under eye region. The formula is truly unique; the look and feel of this treatment is that of a cream... until you start to work it into the under eye area, at which point is takes on a water-like texture, absorbing instantly. I've noticed a decrease in the darkness of my under eye circles and an increase in moisture, which means it'll be a few more years before I start noticing those dreaded crows feet. Thanks Avocado :)

GlamGlow BrightMud Eye Treatment ($76)

Some days it feels like a mountain of makeup is the only solution to tired eyes, but instead I turn to the GlamGlow BrightMud Eye Treatment. I don't use this treatment on the regular since it is quite a steep price point, but on days when I look and feel like a zombie it is the only product that will revert me back to human form. The treatment itself only takes 3 minutes and requires absolutely no water. You simply 'tap' it onto the under eye region, wait 3 minutes and wipe it off with a clean cloth. The brands Tapwipe™ Bioactive Mud works immediately to brighten and hydrate the under eyes to make you look and feel as good as new.

What products complete your morning skincare regime?

AMY     XO