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.

SUNDA¥ PAMPERING ESSENTIALS ..OO1

Ahh Sunday, how I look forward to you – it's the one day each week where I devote time to truly pamper myself. And this week it couldn't come soon enough.

I've never had a set regime for my 'Sunday pampering sessions' – partly because I never know whether the day will call for an indulgent bath or simply an extended shower. And partly because the products vary based on what samples I've collected throughout the week – if I've stumbled upon a sample I deem 'decadent' or 'exciting' it will definitely be thrown into the mix. But regardless of what products I'm using I know that once it's all complete I'll be left feeling calm, moisturized and ready to catch some blissful Zzz's. The regime I'm sharing today is one that I've come back to time and time again when I'm in that 'shower mood' – most likely because it features a lot of vanilla and apricot scented products, my true kryptonite.

No matter what Sunday regime I choose there are two products that are sure to be incorporated; the Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo and the Bumble and Bumble Creme de Coco Masque. Each week I refresh my locks with the Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo – it's ultra-clarifying formula removes product build-up giving my hair a much needed detox. However, with such a clarifying formula it can leave my hair craving moisture, which is why I always follow it up with my Bumble and Bumble Creme de Coco Masque. The rich, nutty scent is what first attracted me to this mask, but it's the deeply conditioning formula that keeps me coming back – it's the type of mask that sinks into the hair, almost disappearing the second it's applied. The combination leaves my hair feeling silky and smooth with a beautiful shine. For body care there are only a two things necessary; exfoliation and hydration. This week I've turned to the Cake Beauty Milk Made White Sugar Scrub, which scrubs away dead skin while filling the shower with the scent of vanilla and raspberries. The scent doesn't linger on the skin, meaning that I can bask in my all of my Vanilla Apricot moisturizing glory. My weapon of choice? The Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter in Vanilla Apricot followed by the Josie Maran Infinity Cream Intensive Creamy Oil to provide extra hydration to any of my 'rough bits'. I then slip into my favourite Zara sweater before giving myself an at home 'facial'. 

The facial portion is truly my favourite part of my sunday pamper nights – there is simply nothing quite as relaxing. I begin by cleansing my skin – this week I'm sampling the First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser with Red Clay. I was a little naughty this week and slept with a full face of makeup more than once so a deep cleanser is just what the doctor ordered.  I then follow it with a trio of masks – but don't freak out, they each have a specified purpose. I begin with the GlamGlow YouthMud TingleExfoliate Treatment – I'm currently using a sample, however I love this mask so dearly that I've repurchased the full size twice previously. And it's not the only GlamGlow product found in this regime, I also use the GlamGlow BrightMud Eye Treatment to instantly rid my eyes of dark circles. Together, these products leave me bright-eyed and glowing. Although, they lack hydration, which is where the Origins 10-minute Mask to Quench Skin's Thirst comes into play – another apricot-scented beauty. To maximize hydration when using this mask I tend to simply wipe of the excess with a tissue rather than washing it off completely – it also means that I'm left to inhale the heavenly scent as I sleep. And sleep I will. 

What products do you like to pamper yourself with?

AM¥   XO