Vita Liberata - Product Launch at Montecito

 

The timing couldn't be better for the launch of Vita Liberata's latest additions. The weather has been dreadful as of late :/ and no doubt has taken a toll on most Torontonians' complexions!

Last night was especially chilly but well worth the outing :) Another great presentation by Vita Liberata founder, Alyson Hogg whom I've had the pleasure to meet last fall for the launch of her luxury self-tanning products at the Thompson Hotel ~ see products below:

Back to last night's festivities ~ This time, the event was held at Montecito Restaurant, chosen by host Langton PR and situated in the gorgeous upper floor lounge. The perfect venue to compliment the equally chic products showcased to the room full of beauty experts.

The first product demoed is a pretty revolutionary one in the realm of bronzers. This is the first time I've been introduced to a loose mineral bronzing powder with the additional benefit of leaving a lasting tan on the skin. The tan develops over a 4 to 8 hour period and lasts 5 to 7 days! The DHA is in crystal form and gets activated by your moisturizer and or foundation.

I'm a big supporter of clean ingredients in makeup & skin care and this is definitely one I plan to keep in my stash! The minerals are finely milled so it goes on very smoothly ~ the ultra soft kabuki brush included in the package also helps to create a flawless finish. Another key feature is the universally flattering shade of buildable bronze that's far from the orangey hues we all try to veer away from. When applying the product, use light sweeping motions starting under the cheekbones, forehead & jawline for a contouring effect. Then apply a sheer amount all over your face and neck to create a veil of colour.

The second item of the night was another multi-tasker. A night-time moisture mask that doubles as a gradual tanner so you can literally get up and glow! The base ingredients include sunflower seed oil & shea butter which both boost the skin's resilience against drying elements along with other nourishing ingredients like vitamin e and kiwi seed oil. It's naturally scented with essential oils of chamomile & bitter orange flower oil ~ both aromatherapeutic: Chamomile calms while orange oil relieves stress and insomnia - a perfect combination before bedtime!

To sum it up, I would place both products at the top of my list of gradual self-tanners! I've already incorporated the moisture mask to my nightly routine and saw immediate benefits this morning :D I'm also excited to demo the mineral bronzer on my clients and provide them with a flawless golden look!

Many thanks to Vita Liberata for the generous swag & the Langton PR crew for having me. You guys did an awesome job hosting!

You can check out Vita Liberata at Sephora or Click HERE to view their full range of products ;)

The Down Side of Sunshine - Sher Beauty Tips

 

We’re at the mid point of summer and by now I’m sure you’ve had your share of fun in the sun!

One thing people may not think about while soaking up those rays is the long-term effects extended sun exposure has on our skin such as wrinkles, sun spots and worse, melanoma :(.

Although most people wear SPFs these days, and many are familiar with the terms UVA / UVB, not everyone knows the meaning behind the  acronyms.

SPF ~ Stands for Sun Protection Factor

• The higher the SPF the better. Since the number represents the theoretical amount of time you can stay out in the sun without getting sunburned. E.g. SPF 20 would allow you to stay in the sun 20 times longer than you could without protection ~ meaning if your skin reddens within 15mins of sun exposure without sun block, you can stay in the sun for about 300 mins with an SPF 20 given that it hasn’t washed of.

UV ~ Stands for Ultra Violet Rays

• A good way to remember UVB is to associate the B with Burn. These rays affect the upper layers of the skin, activates melanin production and causes the skin to burn when exposed to the sun for too long. Note: SPF only applies to sun protection factor for UVB rays.

• I associate the A in UVA to Aging. These are the longer rays that affect the deeper layers of our skin ~ the damage shows up on the surface many years later. E.g. wrinkles & age spots.

That being said, it’s important to get a really good sunscreen with a high SPF that shields you from both UVB and UVA rays. Although the SPF number won’t determine the protective factor for UVA rays, many natural based sunscreens contain ingredients like Zinc & Titanium dioxide that create a physical block which prevents UVA rays from penetrating. And of course opt for waterproof if you’ll be engaging in water related sports and activities ;)

If you want to avoid the sun altogether but still long for a glowing golden skin tone, then go with Sunless Tanners as an alternative. There are so many new ones on the market in various intensities that either work gradually over a few days, instantly within an hour or washes off when you want.

If your skin is already showing signs of cumulative sun exposure, such as wrinkling or dark spots, there are also products that help minimize the damage.

I have to confess that even though I’ve learned a lot of this info working in the beauty industry, I’ve been guilty of not wearing sunscreen religiously :/ but when I do, these are some of my faves in the sun care category:

• Before Sun:

1. Coola Cucumber Mineral Sunscreen  /  2. Coola Mimosa Spray Sunscreen Sport  /  3. Elizabeth Arden Lip Balm with SPF 15

• After Sun:

4. Hampton Sun Aloe Mist  /  5. St. Tropez After Sun Lotion  /  6. Hampton Sun After Sun Moisturizer

• Sunless Tanners:

7. St. Tropez Bronzing Lotion  /  8. St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse  /  9. St. Tropez Gradual Face Tan

• Post Sun Damage:

10. Clinique Dark Spot Corrector  /  11. Kora Luxurious Rosehip Oil   /  12. Mela-D Pigment Control

Photo Credit: Kristof Arasim  |  Makeup by: Sherlyn Torres  |  Styled by: Janet Han aka GetJanet  |  Model: Lina Shekhovtsova @ Sutherland Toronto