Tag Archives: review
Vita Liberata | Luxury Tan (pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Lotion)
Winter is coming … so what better time than right now to inject some oh-so-welcomed sunshine into your beauty routine? For those of you like me living in a climate that’s beyond unpredictable (and sunlight levels dropping daily), one option is by using a self tanner to combat the pallor – but not just any product will do; introducing Vita Liberata Luxury Tan, a range of sunless tanning products made from natural origin as well as organic ingredients, with claims of providing a true-to-life sun kissed colour … and no noxious fumes. Fake bake, begone.
Hailing from Ireland and naturally pale-skinned, founder and CEO Alyson Hogg, was looking for a healthy alternative to achieving that gorgeous vay-cay bronzed glow. After disappointing efforts with other products in the market, she took matters into her own hands and created a range of self-tanners that not only give realistic results, but which also come with healthy skin benefits. The Vita Liberata line was then quickly picked up by some of Hollywood’s beauty insiders who use these tanners to prep many celebrities for the red carpet (among other events), and word quickly spread after that (hello, Sephora contract).
My personal experience with self-tanners is somewhat limited; being of Greek origin, I’m blessed with skin that tans easily & rarely burns, but unfortunately sun safety was not exactly extolled back in my youth – a fact for which I’m now paying the price (as in, minor hyper pigmentation issues). Next came the first versions of sunless tanners, all of which provided colour (think: Oompa-Loompa orange), stank to high heaven, looked 100% fake, and were basically the stuff that nightmares are made from (yet people still bought & used them. Go figure). That being said, the sunless tanners of today have come a long way since then, and I’m always up for testing products out. The things I do for you guys (and loving it) #humanguineapig.
Seeing as how I’m somewhat of a chicken where self-tanners are concerned, I decided to play it safe and opted to first test the pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Lotion (mini mitt included), from the assorted products sent to me for review.
Vita Liberata | Luxury Tan
Vita Liberata | Luxury Tan
Vita Liberata | Luxury Tan
Luxury Tan pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Lotion + mini mitt (CAN $65.00) | The Vita Liberata self-tanners come in either lotion, mousse, or bronzing powder (*review on the powder coming soon) formulas, allowing you the freedom to pick and choose the version which suits you best. The pHenomenal Lotion I chose to test out has the brand’s pHenO2 technology for ‘the longest lasting tan result with instant colour‘; other benefits include:
- Odour Remove™ Technology for zero self-tan smell
- Moisture Locking System for 72 hour skin hydration
- certified organic botanicals
Meant to condition your skin and offer hydrating properties while the colour develops, the pHenomenal Lotion claims to last up to ‘4 times longer than regular tans‘ (note: I’m not sure if ‘regular‘ refers to natural and/or bottled, spray tans), fading ‘perfectly with no patchy effect‘ and can also be used on both face and body. Other key ingredients include:
- lychee – refines and balances the skin, preventing imperfections
- raspberry – repairs, conditions and moisturizes the skin
- ginkgo biloba – anti oxidant that stimulates and firms for younger looking skin
As with any other self-tanner, proper prep is key in achieving optimal results; I began by exfoliating using my nylon loofah while in the shower, then after towelling dry I applied a very light film of moisturizer to key areas: kneecaps, elbows and heels (this is to prevent too much colour from developing on these thicker-skinned sections of the body). At this point, you may also want to don a pair of thin latex gloves to avoid any potential staining of the hands, although I personally had no issues; I just made sure to thoroughly wash/scrub my hands when I was done. The general rule of thumb is to start with larger surface areas first (the trunk, upper thighs), and work your way to the smaller parts last. Apply a blob (←technical name, lol) of lotion to the mitt and working fairly quickly, apply the product to the skin using circular motions to create a proper overlap for the most even-toned look (reapply lotion to the mitt as needed). I also enlisted my husband’s help to apply the product along my upper back, but I’m thinking that wrapping the tanning mitt over a long handled bath brush might work fine for solo use as well. Use the leftover product on the mitt to apply to your face, then do a light pass over the tops of your feet, hands, elbows, and kneecaps to finish.
This particular formula can be dialled up for an almost customized look; 1 application gave me a whisper of colour but you can also wait about 4-8 hours before showering and reapplying, in order to deepen the colour. My second application gave me a gorgeous sun kissed glow, while a 3rd & final application (done the next day) raised things up a few notches for that ‘I just got back from vacation’ look. The best part? NO NASTY ODOUR. In fact, it smells rather citrusy (to me) and quite pleasant. Another bonus was that the colour dried relatively quickly on my skin, and while I wasn’t brave enough to fling myself on white sheets for testing purposes, I can say that within an hour I was pleased to see that there was no colour transference on either my white face cloth, or clothing.
With regards to lasting power and without subsequent applications (I wanted to get as accurate an impression as I could with my testing process), I’d say that my ‘tan’ was pretty solid for about 7 days (even with showering in between) and I started to notice fading by day 11 (but an even-looking fading, no blotchiness) – perhaps a far cry from the afore-mentioned 4 weeks, but then again, you can always reapply the product for continuous maintenance, if desired.
Vita Liberata | Luxury Tan pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Lotion
Vita Liberata | Luxury Tan pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Lotion
Vita Liberata | Luxury Tan pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Lotion
Vita Liberata | Luxury Tan pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Lotion & Tanning Mitt
Vita Liberata | Luxury Tan pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Lotion with mini mitt (included)
Vita Liberata | Luxury Tan pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Lotion (comparison mitt sizes)
Luxury Tan pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Lotion on mitt (left) with swatches before (middle) and after (right)
So we probably all know by now that while a little sun exposure is good for you, too much will have an adverse effect. That being said, I don’t mind embracing the paler version of me, but for those times when I need want that Summery glow, I’ve been reaching for the Vita Liberata Luxury pHenomenal Tan lotion – it’s the tan version of having one’s cake and eating it too. And you know what else? The colour looks real enough to fool people into thinking you’ve just returned from a beach-side getaway. Just make sure to have the details of your story straight, if questioned ∗grins∗.
Vita Liberata Luxury Tan products are available through Sephora & sephora.com – find more information via www.vitaliberatacanada.com
Product samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration/post may contain affiliate links
CHANEL Les Beiges | Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02
In 1913, Mlle. Chanel opened her first store in Deauville, France where she revolutionized the fashion world by using a fluid fabric (jersey) to liberate women from the constricting styles of the time – in 2013, LES BEIGES were created in the spirit of that freedom, espousing the concept of a natural, glowing, healthy-looking, and unfussy makeup look:
‘With LES BEIGES, natural is now a style’
Joining the LES BEIGES lineup of face powders and drawing inspiration from the designer’s love of sailor’s stripes, the two limited edition versions for 2015 are Marinière N°01 (not shown) bearing rose & honey hues, and Marinière N°02 with its tan bands of colour in deeper and more bronzier tones. Enriched with white rose and cotton flower plant cells for skin soothing and protective actions, as well as shea butter and a Vitamin E derivative for optimum hydration and comfort throughout the wearing, both powders are also fortified with an SPF 15 as well. There is a soft and lovely rose/floral scent to this powder which seems to dissipate soon after application, but still worth noting for those with sensitivities.
*Please note that the presentation box shown was designed for press/media only and that the powder is not sold this way.
CHANEL | Les Beiges Collection 2015
CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15
Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15 (CAN $72.00) | Housed in the brand’s iconic lacquered square compact with the double C logo on top – bearing a full-size mirror on the inner lid as well as an included demi-lune natural bristle brush – the LES BEIGES range of products are made unique by their light beige outer casings. The two bands of colour (camel/beige and deeper tan) of Marinière N°02 are wide enough that each shade can be picked up individually – but only if used with either a narrow brush or with the top of the demi-lune brush; in my opinion, the beauty of this product comes through when both shades are combined (I use a large fluffy brush for overall initial application, followed by a denser brush in areas I wish to emphasize – such as where the sun would naturally hit: upper cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose and slightly along the top of the chin).
There appears to be the lightest hint of reddish undertones in the base of Marinière N°02, which helps to promote a healthy flushed appearance to the skin (so much better than yellow undertones, which can make skin look sallow) and the shimmer is ground so fine, that is serves to impart a radiant illumination that only gets better as the powder fuses with your skin’s natural oils and warmth. In fact, I’ll even go as far as saying that this product looks better after a few hours of wear. The pigmentation is excellent and when the two shades are swirled together, the colour you get is multi-tonal and so natural appearing, although you could probably dial it up by concentrating more on the darker portions, if need be. Those with fair skin will find this to be an excellent bronzer – but I suggest using a fluffy brush for a more diffused dispersal of colour, while darker complexions can go in with a denser-headed brush (such as a kabuki brush) to add luminosity and evenness to their skin (just don’t expect major colour).
As with all bronzers that have a ‘developing phase’, start with a light hand and wait a few minutes before adding more, so that you don’t risk overdoing it. Staying power is excellent, and I’m able to get an entire day’s worth of wearing without any fading or settling into fine lines.
CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15
CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15 (macro)
CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15 (ingredients)
CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15 swatch
CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15 swatch (alternate light)
Even more impressive than the regular LES BEIGES range of face powders, Marinière N°02 offers up not just light coverage, but a sun-kissed warmth and that ‘lit-from-within’ radiance to the skin, thanks to CHANEL’s unique formula and ultra finely-milled shimmer. Bronzers come in so many varied forms and while I enjoy having choices, I frequently find myself layering them (usually a matte with one that bears more shimmer) to achieve a natural effect – both qualities that can be found in just this one compact. The only downside, is that this is a limited edition product which is a shame, as CHANEL has certainly hit it out of the ballpark with Marinière N°02 and should definitely look into making it permanent (as well as offering up a few more shade options, while they’re at it). Verdict: absolute LOVE and totally backup-worthy.
Available now but for a limited time through The Bay and thebay.com (direct link included for your convenience), and all other CHANEL counters across Canada. Find more information via chanel.com
Press sample kindly sent for my unbiased consideration/post contains affiliate link
Charlotte Tilbury | Cheek To Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy
The hype is real, my lovelies: when the Charlotte Tilbury range makes its official debut later this month here in Canada, I predict that there will be a veritable beauty feeding frenzy – with the blushes being some of the first to sell out. And with good reason, if this Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy (CAN $50.00) that I was kindly sent to try, is any example.
Or as I like to call it, the bullseye of beauty.
Charlotte Tilbury | Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy
Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy | With 6 powder blushes in the lineup (although something tells me that more are bound to follow), Ecstasy is housed in a slim profile oval case in the brand’s signature maroon with rose gold detailing. The two complimentary shades are a warm peach (outer ring) and rose pink (centre) and can be worn either separately, or combined for a multidimensional flush of colour. Paraben and fragrance-free, the formula also contains corn & rice starches (perfect for those with oilier complexions, due to these ingredients’ natural mattifying and oil-absorbing properties), as well as:
- Light Flex Technology to capture light and re-emit it for a luminous complexion
- Colour-rich pigments that are rolled into finely crushed pearls which help smooth & buff the skin for excellent blendability & perfect colour uniformity
This powder is exceptionally finely-milled and so buttery soft, making it feel almost creamy to the touch. With zero kickback upon swirling my brush through the pan, both shades bear enough pigmentation to show up, but not so colour-saturated that they need a careful hand; this is a bonus, as it makes either hue buildable for better application control. The outer ring is large enough for the shade to be picked up on its own, although you’ll need to use a narrower blush brush – or risk picking up the secondary shade as well.
Wanting to recreate that “shimmering, youthful flush of excitement you get when you’re in love [love glow]”, Charlotte set out to create a blush that will “enliven dull skin with just a swish & a pop!” There’s this gorgeous luminosity to this powder – of the variety that merges with your skin to provide that lit-from-within type of glow, and not something that will just sit at the surface level. For a light wash of colour, a quick swipe of the outer ring shade is all you need; more impact is given when the centre hue is then applied to the apples of the cheeks for that ‘pop of colour’. Combining the two yields a unique and customizable shade, depending on how much of each colour you pick up on your brush. Personally, I’ve been wearing Ecstasy in all combos and can’t pick a favourite method – it’s THAT amazing a product. Wear time is approx 8-10 hours over foundation, slightly less on bare skin (albeit still visible at the end of the day).
Charlotte Tilbury | Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy (macro)
Charlotte Tilbury | Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy swatches (in sunlight)
Charlotte Tilbury | Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy swatches (alternate light)
Ingredients:Talc, Mica, Isononyl Isononanoate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Dimethicone, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Zinc Stearate, Carprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethiconol, Hexylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Silica, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Tin Oxide (Ci 77861), [May Contain/Peut Contenir (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77491, CI 77499), Carmine (CI 75470), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Red 6 (CI 15850), Yellow 5 Lake (19140)]
Charlotte Tilbury | Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy
And just like that, a new addiction is born: from the very first swipe, I was impressed spellbound and if you’re a blush fiend like me, you’ll be wanting to add these Cheek to Chic Pop & Swish Blushers to your collection. Ecstasy has turned out to be a perfect shade for my skin tone, and while the swatches shown here were done a few weeks ago when my skin was several degrees lighter, both shades work equally well now that I have a tan – without looking muddier or more diluted. I am positively obsessed with the soft glow this blush provides and how radiant my skin looks (think: JLo glow), never overt but totally & vibrantly sexy just the same. Sorcery … beautiful, beautiful, sorcery.
Charlotte Tilbury products are set to launch in Canada on June 24th exclusively at Holt Renfrew (Bloor St.) and July 6th (Vancouver). Find more information via charlottetilbury.com (link provided for convenience)
Press sample kindly provided for my unbiased consideration/post contains affiliate links
Dior Vernis | Sunwashed, Sunkissed & Tie Dye Top Coat, Summer 2015
The Dior Tie Dye Collection for Summer 2015 is all about that bohemian vibe (ahhh …those lazy days ahead …), filled with an eclectic mix of both brilliant and diffused colours. The two nail lacquers – 319 Sunwashed & 239 Sunkissed (CAN $28.00 each, with a 3rd shade released in Europe) perfectly exemplify this theme with their sun-faded tone, while the Die Dye Top Coat (CAN $29.00) helps to jazz things up with a splash of translucent colour.
If you’re unfamiliar with Dior polishes, you need to change that STAT, because this formula and brush rank as one of my absolute favourites and definitely sets the bar high for all other brands. The lacquer formula was given an overhaul a little over a year ago and now displays an increase in pigments & colour saturation, combined with a built-in top coat for a long-lasting gel effect shine – all courtesy of advanced resins and Techno-Polymers. The brush is made of unicorn hair, or at least that’s what it feels like (how cool would that be?); dense and rather bushy-looking, the slightly chiselled edge makes application child’s play: with just the lightest pressure, the bristles splay perfectly along the nail bed for a precise and effortless application. As a nail polish fiend, I can’t extoll its virtues enough – trust me on this.
*Note that both the lacquers and top coat are all limited edition.
319 Sunwashed | This is a soft buttercup-yellow shade in a mid-sheer formula with jelly-like tendencies, both in application and its cushiony glossy finish. Displaying a sun bleached and rather weathered tone, it holds that patented Dior ‘secret shimmer’ that’s not very visible to the naked eye (unless seen in direct sunlight), but which adds a lovely overall depth. On shorter nails, full opacity will be reached at 2 coats, while longer lengths will still show a slight nail line – but I personally love this translucent effect, as it makes yellow so much more wearable this way, not to mention perfectly in line with the whole laid-back hippie theme. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
239 Sunkissed | Just when I thought that Dior had created the perfect nude shade with Lady (reviewed), THIS comes along. Bearing a perfect mix of peach, beige, and pink tones in the base, 239 Sunkissed takes things a step further and displays one of the best formulas for a nude that I’ve ever come across. Streak-free, self levelling, über-glossy at the finish and holding traces of ‘secret shimmer’, this shade not only comes to a smooth opaque finish at two coats, but I’ll go on record as saying it will suit basically all skin tones across the board – and that’s not easy to do when dealing with this colour family. Well done, Dior. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
Tie Dye Top Coat | This is a more pigmented and deeper shade of rose than Dior’s Nail Glow, with a cooler-leaning tone due to the blueish tint in the base. This topper can easily be worn on its own, which is my personal preference, actually – and not only because I lack the necessary nail art skills to use it creatively, but for the candy-like look it gives nails: 1 coat provides a healthy wash of colour, with a deeper – but still sheer flush – at 2 coats. The formula falls on the thick side and has a tendency to spring back somewhat during application, but the glass-like glossy finish makes up for that slight drawback. Bonus: Relatively quick drying as well. Coats applied: 2, no other top coat
Applying the Tie Dye Top Coat straight up over 319 Sunwashed, gives the yellow base a peachier tone and due to the nature of this topper, it also provides a natural ombré effect; by varying the pressure of the brush along the nail, you can amplify this look quite easily (middle finger). Or, you can always get creative and use a dotting tool, a thin brush, or even bits of sponge to dab on patterns along the nails and create your own custom look. Finish off with a clear top coat to seal everything in, as well as to provide a smoother appearance.
Applied over 239 Sunkissed, the Tie Dye Top Coat provides a deeper pink colour that also takes this nude shade from warm into cooler territory (but still quite wearable just the same). Once more, you can easily create your own patterns using your preferred method – or experiment with new ways and see what turns up; random attempts usually create some fabulous designs (especially if you’re not a seasoned nail art pro, like me).
Dior surprised me with these; to begin with, I expected the usual brights, vivid, neons, etc and instead, there are just 2 shades in what initially appears to be rather lukewarm colours, and a cheery topper to add confusion to the mix. But looks can be deceiving; the second I began applying these shades, my love of deep hues was basically chucked out the window – they’re THAT fabulous (and I don’t even like yellow. Imagine that). Where things get a little tricky, is with the Tie Dye Top Coat; in theory it sounds amazing and the answer to every nailart-challenged person out there, but the application is not exactly there yet. Still, after playing with it for a few weeks now, I have surprised myself by finding new ways to apply it (not always successfully, mind you) and have realized that I prefer it solo. Please feel free to let me know how you’ve worn this – would absolutely love to hear! All in all, I don’t think it’s meant to take itself all that seriously – after all, it’s a SUMMER collection and that means: anything goes!
The Dior Summer 2015 Tie Dye Collection is available now through The Bay & thebay.com, Sephora & sephora.com, and Holt Renfrew stores across Canada (links provided for convenience). Fine more information via dior.com
Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration/post contains affiliate links
Guerlain | Terracotta 2015 Bronzing Powder 02 Natural Blondes
Guardian’s cult-fave Terracotta Bronzing Powder has been given a fashionable new outfit; created specifically for the limited edition Summer 2015 Collection (see preview), the bronzing powders now come with a silicone removable outer sleeve (CAN $62.00) – Riviera Turquoise for 02 Natural Blondes and Sunny Coral for 03 Natural Brunettes (not shown). Often duplicated but never imitated, Guerlain was the first to launch a beauty bronzing powder in 1984 and quickly gained a well-deserved reputation for its ultra finely-milled texture – one that imparts the most incredibly stunning faux glow you can achieve with a powdered product. Seriously.
Terracotta Moisturizing Bronzing Powder in 02 Natural Blondes – Housed in the brand’s signature tortoiseshell-like case, this limited edition version comes with a silicone removable ‘Riviera Turquoise’ outer shell – perfect for transport/travel, as it adds a whole other level of protection (as well as looking very Summery and FUN!). The colour is a rich, almost russet-appearing bronzer shade that leans warm, suiting basically all complexions across the spectrum. Quite pigmented, a little goes a long way and as with all bronzers, Terracotta 02 Natural Blondes will ‘develop’ upon application; what that means, is that the colour will deepen within minutes of initial application as it mergers with your skin’s warmth and natural oils, and so I strongly suggest first applying with a light hand, then waiting about 5 minutes before going back in with more. The result you achieve is also dependant on the tool you use, with a large fluffy brush giving a more diffused look, while a denser-headed brush will provide a more intense, detailed appearance. I actually prefer to use both types of brushes per application, in order to achieve a more realistic and 3D effect upon the skin. With regards to staying power, it’s a little hard to determine an exact amount, as the product evolves over time and becomes a part of your made-up face; what I can say, is that after an entire day of wearing, I can still see colour upon my face, albeit slightly faded.
This moisturizing powder is meant to provide a natural feel to the skin, without any oxidation or settling into fine lines, merging subtly with your natural oils over time. The texture is the secret to its success: so finely milled as to fuse perfectly with the skin, without ever sitting at just the surface level. Then there’s that heavenly scent…
‘The top notes reveal a joyful and cheerful accord of bergamot and mandarin. The heart takes over with the sunny, feminine notes of gardenia, jasmine and ylang-ylang, which play off the lightness of honeysuckle. In the dry-down, vanilla, blended with woody notes, gives this legendary scent all of its character and mystery’ – Guerlain
To my nose, this fragrance is THE very essence of Summer which calls to mind the ocean, walking through the waves lapping along the shore & surrounded by the heady scent of suntan lotion (what can I say? I’m a total beach bunny) and while I personally love it, those with sensitivities should take note and try it at counter first.
For the record, the regular price of this bronzing powder is CAN $60.00 so basically you’re paying CAN $2.00 more for the outer silicone sleeve – an investment that’s actually not bad, considering you can reuse the sleeve on any other similar Guerlain powder, all while providing some extra padding to your compact case.
Guerlain | Terracotta Bronzing Powder 02 Natural Blondes (detail)
Guerlain | Terracotta Bronzing Powder 02 Natural Blondes swatches (in sunlight)
Guerlain | Terracotta Bronzing Powder 02 Natural Blondes swatches (alternate light)
Guerlain | Terracotta Bronzing Powder 02 Natural Blondes
I’m not really sure why Guerlain chooses to group their bronzers as either ‘blonde’ or ‘brunette’ – especially when one considers how many varieties of hair colour exist – but I’m sure they have their reasons. Nothing says Summer quite like a tan, and the easiest (not to mention safest) way to embrace this seasonal shift, is with any of Guerlain’s Terracotta bronzers – products which provide not only that coveted faux glow, but do so without any of the harmful effects of too much sun exposure. On my recent holiday, I had an entire arsenal of bronzing products with me and while all the varieties I brought along have their individual merits, I loved using the Terracotta 02 Natural Blondes Bronzing Powder for an effortless swipe of finishing colour to my skin. Then again, it could be the addictive fragrance … either way, it’s a win-win.
Available through The Bay store & thebay.com, Sephora stores & sephora.com, as well as Holt Renfrew stores across Canada – links provided for your convenience. Find more information via guerlain.ca
Press sample provided for my unbiased consideration/post contains affiliate links
