A Glowing Review: Vita Liberata’s NKD SKN Medium Tinted Tan Mousse

             Yesterday, January 8, 2015, will forever go down in history as the day that I tried self-tanner for the first time. I gathered all of my materials together, which consisted of the Vita Liberata NKD SKN Medium Tinted Tan Mousse (100ml) and Tanning Mitt. I must admit, I was terrified. I am not naturally tan by any stretch of the imagination. I have a rather fair skin complexion and I was worried that the product’s easy four-step claim to perfect NKD SKN was just another typical marketing ploy. In my mind, I fast-forwarded to a few hours later where I could just imagine myself looking unnaturally bronzed, with the streaks to prove it.

             I have heard some self-tanning horror stories and certainly witnessed enough “orange” skin tones to be warded off trying self-tanner before. However, I am very happy to report that Vita Liberata was the perfect companion on my first self-tanning trial run. It really is as simple as following four steps, which I will show you below. I made a few rookie mistakes, but overall, I emerged from the painless experience pleased with the results and definitely not orange! I used the self-tanner all over my body, except for my face. I wanted to ensure that my foundation still matched my skin tone, but I have no doubt that the end result would have been a radiant touch of color. I chose a jeweled dress with vibrant white, emerald, aquamarine, and teal hues to emphasize the tan. To top it all off, I wore a fluorescent bubblegum pink lipstick, because neon colors complement a golden skin tone. Have a look for yourself…

Before

After

             In the dreary winter weather, our skin could use a pick-me-up. As I was applying the tan mousse, all I could think was how natural and glowing it looked. I would say that this Vita Liberata product is foolproof, because it’s impossible to end up with an undesirable result! I was left with some patchiness, especially in the crease of my elbow and on my feet, but I blame that on my first time self-tanning. Streaks were kept to a minimum however and were relatively easy to fix if I noticed them in time. The medium tint worked wonders on my skin, because it didn’t look fake. It gave the illusion that I had just returned from some hot island destination when, in all honesty, I was in Manchester over the Christmas period. When I say Manchester, I am referring to the northern city that tends to hold a permanent spot on Britain’s Top 10 Wettest Cities List...

Step 1. "Scrub Up! Exfoliate all over, especially around elbows, knees, and ankles." I really like the Soap & Glory Smoothie Star Breakfast Scrub. The maple scent is heavenly and leaves you with soft, touchable skin. Do not moisturize prior to applying self-tanner.

Step 2. "Mitt Up! It's simple...protect your hands by always using a tanning mitt!" Pump Vita Liberata's  foamy NKD SKN mousse on to the tanning mitt, spread the product evenly on the mitt, and then apply it to your skin in circular motions. Use less product on hands, feet, knees, and elbows, wiping these areas with a damp cloth after application.

Step 3. "Tan Up! Always tan bottom to top - a simple rule so you don't smudge your tan by mistake!"

Step 4. "You've got perfect NKD SKN!" Before using Vita Liberata's NKD SKN Medium Tinted Tan Mousse (left) and After (right)

             Vita Liberata’s philosophy is to provide self-tanning products that are easy to apply, dry instantly, and fade naturally (with a tan that lasts up to seven days). All of the products are odorless and made with natural extracts. I was slightly concerned about whether the self-tanner would stain my clothes, so I aired myself out for 10 minutes, waiting just as impatiently as when I apply nail polish. You saw the white dress that I chose above, but it was left completely stain free, as the mousse does dry instantly on application! That’s a definite benefit to this product, especially if you are in a hurry or need to start getting ready for a night out. That does mean that you need to be quick during the application process however!

             In order to reach the trickier areas of my body, such as my back, and to check the evenness of the color, I enlisted the help of my flatmate. An extra pair of hands should probably be added to the materials list as an essential! All in all, my first self-tanning experience took under an hour to complete and I will definitely be using the Vita Liberata NKD SKN Tinted Tan Mousse again. I've since been reaching in my wardrobe for skirts, dresses, and sleeveless tops. As my flatmate jokingly asked me this morning, "Have you been on a tropical vacation lately, Laura?" In the midst of winter, a tan (even a fake one) is enough to help get you through to the warmer months, where you can start planning your summer holidays and replace the bottle with rays of sunshine. 

Vita Liberata's NKD SKN collection, photo courtesy of Vita Liberata

             I am still very much a self-tanning novice of course. I sit here and Google random and probably pointless things such as, "Can I shower when I have self-tanner on?" and "Can I wear perfume with self-tanner?" The answers are of course yes and yes after you've allowed the product to settle for a day. After that, it's up to you what you do with your tantalizing self and your NKD SKN! 

           
             Get ready for the weekend with luxury tanning brand, Vita Liberata. NKD SKN is their newest collection and includes five products which promise the most natural tan. The products are available exclusively at Superdrug stores and on the NKD SKN website here. Vita Liberata has very kindly offered a 45 percent discount on NKD SKN products if you enter the promo code DREAM45 online at the checkout. The offer expires on February 2nd, so hurry and click your way to skin that looks naturally sun-kissed. We won't tell if you won't! Browse more of Vita Liberata's products here. 

Product Review: The Umberto Giannini Glam Hair Range

A sampling of the Glam Hair range from Umberto Giannini

As women, we are all looking for that quick fix way to style our hair so that it looks as if we’ve spent hours on it. What we want is simplicity, and hair care line Umberto Giannini offers that expertly. I know that packaging often promotes products as being efficient and easy, but we all know how far from the truth that is sometimes. I would like to give a big thank you to Carmen Hubble for sending over a lovely bundle of Umberto Giannini hair products from the Glam Hair range. Now, allow me to show you just how effortless it is to incorporate these new go-tos into your daily routine.

Step 1. Wash and condition hair with Umberto Giannini Ditch The Dirt Volume Shampoo and Plump & Sexy Volume Conditioner before continuing.

If you would like to browse my review of the Grunge Glamour Tousled Salt Spray, which is also a part of the Glam Hair range, have a look here. Let me just preface by saying that I used the Ditch The Dirt Volume Shampoo and Plump & Sexy Volume Conditioner before applying any of the following products, so you should too! Consider this the first step to achieve any of the looks here. Staying within the same line of products will also optimize the final results.

I really noticed a difference by changing my shampoo and conditioner. These Umberto Giannini products work hand in hand to thicken and nourish my hair before I begin heat styling. Not only that, but they smell delightful. I can’t quite place my finger on the exact smell, but the first thing that comes to mind is of the beach – a clean, salty mix with hints of rose and vanilla that is girly but in the most sophisticated way possible. This is the way with all of the Glam Hair products, so interchanging them doesn’t lead to a scent discontinuity among which products you decide to use.

The only flaw in the packaging for the shampoo and conditioner would have to be that they don’t have pump or squeeze tops, but the product merely flows out. Due to this, it is easy to accidentally overload on the amount of shampoo or conditioner you desire. A nice touch to the shampoo however is that it is clear, but injected with silver glitter to amplify the elegant nature of the line.

While we are talking about packaging, can we just take a moment to appreciate the scandalous women that front these Umberto Giannini products? London-based Together Design thought up the very appealing “glamour girls” who cast their sultry gazes from the bottles. Combined with the matte black and silver color scheme, Umberto Giannini projects professionalism amongst shelves of products that scream for attention through bubblegum colors and overly intricate fonts.

Sex Bomb Massive Mousse

Step 2. After parting damp hair, apply Umberto Giannini's Sex Bomb Massive Mousse to roots.

This is the amount of product you should aim to use.

Step 3. Scrunch the product into your roots.

 Step 4. Blow-dry your hair upside down and the result should look something like this. 

Step 5. Get creative! Try styling this look with your hair pulled off your face, or...

 ...opt for a deep side part with swooping bangs.

Backcomb In A Bottle

Step 2. Apply Umberto Giannini's Backcomb In A Bottle only to your bangs to emphasize and boost your layers.

Step 3. Straighten the rest of your hair.

Backcomb In A Bottle: Look Two

Step 2. Spray Umberto Giannini's Backcomb In A Bottle all over hair. Section off the top half of your hair and pull it into a ponytail, but don't secure with bobby pins yet.

Step 3. Twist your ponytail as shown.

Step 4. Secure the top half of your hair with bobby pins while bumping it up slightly to achieve a bouffant effect. Backcomb In A Bottle essentially does this for you already!

Step 5. Twirl your remaining hair into a high bun on top of your head. 

Step 6. Keep your hair as is or accessorize with a bow (or other hair decoration), as I have done here.

Glamour Puss Crystal Mist

Step 2. Spritz Umberto Giannini’s Glamour Puss Crystal Mist all over hair as liberally as desired.

Here's what the product looks like – a fine coppery/golden mist that adds sparkle to your hair.

The finished effect is difficult to photograph, but I think the subtle nature of this product is what gives it its appeal. This product is perfect for a night out. Without being too over the top, it's dazzling and unexpected when the light hits your hair. 

Just a word of warning: don’t apply the product without draping a towel, or something else, around your shoulders first to prevent unwanted glitter. It goes everywhere, as you can see! 

Morning After Dry Shampoo

Step 2. This next product works most effectively on day-old hair, as I am showing here. My roots are looking rather greasy and the rest of my hair is a bit stiff and lackluster. 

Step 3. Spray Umberto Giannini’s Morning After Dry Shampoo to the roots of your hair from a distance and work it through the length of your hair with your hands. The result? Fresh, fluffy hair without any product buildup!

             Well, there you have it! I hope you have enjoyed my reviews of an assortment of Umberto Giannini products from the Glam Hair collection. Anyone could use them, and I am the living proof! My hair is probably what I spend the least amount of my time on when I get ready to go out or when I wake up in the morning, but I am confident in saying that these products are foolproof. The pictures I have posted for my reviews are as straightforward as they seem and I haven’t left out any steps, so I hope you get the chance to try the looks out for yourself.

Umberto Giannini is a sleek hair care company with a multiplicity of ranges for different purposes and hair types. The products are all easily purchased at any Boots store or online at prices that won’t set you back too heavily. I can attest to the fact that the Glam Hair range certainly lives up to its chosen name and I can’t think of a single woman who doesn’t want some added glamour in her day-to-day life. We all know good hair equals a good day, so don't compromise, ladies! 

             Discover Umberto Giannini here.