KARORA . WEEKL¥ SELF TAN ROUTINE

When I was younger I was a slave to the tanning salon. I bought membership after membership until one day the Tanning Mom, Patricia Krentcil, whose orange, leather-like appearance is gasp worthy, got her 15-minutes of fame, causing me to reject my addiction entirely. Given that I had been using tanning beds to amplify my beauty, I had completely disregarded the long term effects associated with them – wrinkles, cancer, etc... I've since started self-tanning to keep my skin bronzed during the winter, however it wasn't until this past December when I was introduced to Karora Cosmetics that I finally solidified my routine.

Karora is a line of self-tanning products, originally hailing from Ireland, that are formulated with natural botanicals to condition and soothe the skin. I was originally introduced to the line at a Murale event, which is where the brand is exclusively sold, and have since not only fallen in love, but I've also created the ideal faux-tan routine. It all begins on Sundays when I use the Express Bronzing Mousse to create a golden base. The mousse formula develops within an hour, however I've found that in order to achieve the darkest colour possible it's best to apply 2 coats, allowing it to develop for three full hours. Leaving it on longer is no hassle as the decadent formula contains aloe, acai berry, green tea, argan and bergamot oil to soothe and condition my skin. The colour fades gradually and naturally, giving me reason to apply the Gradual Tan Buildable Colour lotion once or twice throughout the week in order to maintain my colour. I first used this product on untanned skin a few weeks ago and was taken back by the rich bronzed colour I achieved after only a single use – it seriously blows the St. Tropez Everday Gradual Tan out of the water. And given that it's formulated with a blend of jojoba, coconut oil, rosemary leaf extract, vitamin E and argan oil it always leaves my skin looking and feeling hydrated and supple. And, of course, with a perfectly bronzed glow. 

How do you maintain a faux glow?

AM¥     XO

[*] The items featured in this post have been sent to THE PRETT¥ VAIN for the 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

N¥E . PRE PART¥ PREP

It's hard to believe that this glitter filled, champagne popping, slightly dreaded celebration, in which we welcome the new year, is already upon us. But it doesn't have to be dreaded if you go into the night with low expectations, surround yourself with great friends who you wouldn't mind kissing at midnight, and plan a party prep routine, complete with a badass playlist to set the mood and get you moving.

My morning prep began quite early – it was either my excitement or this horrid flu that wouldn't let me sleep in. I did a quick dry exfoliation of my entire body with my Merben Dry Brush to prep for my aprés-shower self-tanning session, followed by a long hot shower to cleanse my hair and shave all my bits and bobs – ever so important in case you find a cutie for midnight. I've been loving the Karora Express Bronzing Mousse for all my tanning needs – it gives a subtle hint of colour when left on for an hour or a truly bronzed look when left for three. I chose the latter time frame and while waiting for the mousse to dry, which usually takes 15-25mins, I applied my face savior – the boscia Luminizing Black Mask. This product is pretty harsh, and therefore not for everyone, but it gives my skin a fresh start, leaving my complexion smoothe, clear and bright – but beware of the redness that is surely to ensue (hence why I use it so far in advance of my party). The last thing I did for this portion of my party prep was getting my lips countdown-ready – aka I loaded on Lush's Popcorn Lip Scrub, ate half of it, and let the rest slough away dead skin. Don't worry the dead skin part won't be included in any of my pick up lines tonight.

Everyone rocks a different look for NYE, but there is one thing that is always incorporated, glitz & shine. And I have a group of glitzy faves that are perfect for the evening ahead – and truly any other party you attend this year. I incorporate glitz all the way down to my primer, which is the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer in Radiance – it leaves a subtle, healthy glow and ensures that my makeup will last through the dancing and champagne showers. Once I have my makeup look set, I like to go back in with a bit of my MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study to further highlight my face – focusing on the brow bone, down the center of the nose, inner tear ducts and of course cheekbones. Bare Study is the perfect middle ground between gold and silver, so it pairs well with any look I choose.  I also want to add some shimmer to my legs now that they are nice and tan, and I do that with a bit of the Gleam Body Radiance in Rose Gold – hint: applying it down the center of the legs and arms will help you appear slimmer. Once that's complete I'll slip into my dress, apply some Atelier Cologne in Vanille Insensée to lure in my pray, and stash my Josie Maran Argan Infinity Cream Intensive Creamy Oil in my bag to moisturize throughout the night.

How do you prep for the wild night ahead?

AM¥     XO

SKIN LIKE D'USSÉ . THE LATEST IN SELF TANNING

It's official, after weeks of minimal sun and a lack of tanning salons in the city I have taken on the skin tone of a vampire – pale and lifeless. Who am I kidding though, I probably wouldn't go to the tanning salon even if it was beneath my building. But with the holidays well on their way and parties popping up left, right and center I've found it difficult to dismiss my lust for skin the colour of D'ussé, Jay-Z's line of Cognac – the reddish bronzed hue is totally lust-worthy. Luckily, I've been introduced to two new tanning products sure to turn this pale beauty into a bronzed goddess – the Karora Express Bronzing Mousse[*] and the St. Tropez Self Tan Luxe Dry Oil[*]. 

When it comes to self tanning I'm a bit of a rookie, but there are two things I know to be true: always exfoliate your skin before hand and invest in a tanning glove. For exfoliation I've become slightly addicted to the Merben Dry Brushes, which I discovered at Fuzz Wax Bar's Queen St. West location – my favourite place to get waxed in the city. The brushes are meant to be used before getting into the shower, buffing away dry skin with ease [and a touch of pain] and leaving your skin feeling silky smooth – ready to be tanned. For application I've turned to the St. Tropez Applicator Mitt – it helps to provide streak-free colour and is so easy to clean.

THE LATEST IN SELF TANNING 

The Karora Express Bronzing Mousse ($40), hailing from Ireland, is one of the latest tanning brands to make it's way to Canada – arriving at Murale in-store and online come January. The Express Bronzing Mousse is unique because in just one hour you achieve a bronzed glow that is self-adjusting – meaning you and three friends could try it and attain different, customized results. And if you're craving a deeper bronze then simply leave it on the skin for an extra hour or two before rinsing it off in the shower. The mousse applies with ease and features a subtle hint of colour, making it easy to keep track of where you've applied it. But be prepared to bear it all for a prolonged period of time as the mousse remains sticky on the skin for about 30 minutes before drying. Don't let this scare you away though – the results are natural, long-lasting and fade evenly. Re-purchase worthy.

Already making waves [and selling out fast] in the self-tanning world is an absolutely exquisite tanning oil, the St. Tropez Self Tan Luxe Dry Oil ($60). Part self-tanner and part body oil, the Luxe Dry Oil delivers a truly unique tanning experience, leaving the skin unbelievably moisturized with a golden sun-kissed glow. The packaging truly embodies luxury and decadence – I'm left mesmerized watching the metallic bronzed oil swirl back and forth in the glass bottle. And the gold accents, oh my. Upon application, the oil imparts a subtle shimmer and fills the room with a fresh lemongrass scent. I was nervous that the application would be difficult and messy considering the consistency, but the use of the Applicator Mitt made it simple and the oil dried quickly. The colour develops in 4-6 hours, although I achieved the best results when I left it on overnight [8 hours]. The result? A streak-free natural tan that fades evenly over the next week. Plus the fact that it is a body oil means skin is left supple, nourished and conditioned for up to a week. Available at Murale in store and on-line April '15 – or beat the spring frenzy and pick yours up from Sephora. Ps. Act fast because it won't be long until St. Tropez is no longer part of the Sephora family :(.

THE RESULTS

Left leg shows the results of the St. Tropez Self Tan Luxe Dry Oil after 8 hours of development, while the right leg shows the results of the Karora Express Bronzing Mousse after 3 hours.

Left: Bare Skin // Right: Self Tanned - left = St. Tropez, right = Karora

How do you achieve 'skin like d'ussé'?

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.