Galway Races..Ladies Day Guide, To-Do List: Part 3 "Skincare & Tan"

Hello Dolls,

Part 3, already! I hope you all enjoying this series. For me they are posts I love reading and also gives great ideas, so I hope you are too.

For me it is so important to get your skin right for your makeup and tan. Your skin is your canvas and it needs to be in good condition so that your makeup will last all day or your tan will come out even. 

If you are having problems with your makeup being patchy or staying all day or night and you do not have any sort of skincare, then maybe that is where you need to start. Also knowing your skin type. I will link my post on all different skin types at the bottom of this post.  So I will go through what routine and what I think you need to add to your routine so that your makeup lasts and also a run through before your tan and also what tans are out their and how to maintain it so it lasts. Lets hope this does not become too long. HA! Sorry in advance! :)

"Skincare"

Like I said above, your skin is your canvas. If you have dry skin patches, or oily skin, you will want some routine to keep everything at bay. Again you need to figure out what your skin type is.  As using something that is oil riched for oily skin, will make your skin worse and nothing will sit or using a mattifying cream on dry skin will only dry your skin our more. Usually most skincare products are stated on the products, its just knowing where you fit in. 

Once you get that sorted, getting a routine is important. So what you need to do?

Cleanse

Get the cleanser that suits your skincare. Why cleanse? Well, you are removing any dead skin and dirt and oils. So it is important. Whatever cleanser you do get, it will have ingredients that will help and benefit your skin also.  So thats STEP 1!

Tone

Toning completes your cleansing process. Toning can be considered an important step. It removes any debris, oils or dirt that where missed during the cleansing. Also the toner helps restore your skin`s pH balance. STEP 2- DONE!

Moisturizer

The purpose to apply moisturizer is so it reinforces your skins natural barrier. It will also help reduce itchy, dry and flaky skin. With cleansing and toning you are taking the moisture and oils from the skin, so you need to add moisture back into your skin. 

YOU SHOULD CLEANSE, TONE & MOISTURIZE DAILY!

Exfoliate

Exfoliating is important as it removes any dead skin from the top layer of the skin. It also helps remove and lessen blackheads. So all good stuff :) Unlike cleansing, toning and moisturizing, I would do this once a week only, unless you have either very dry or oily skin, then maybe twice a week. It is great, because with the mild abrasive your skin it being penetrate gently, so fresh new skin!! Now who would`nt want that!! :)

Some products I love to use are the Botanic`s range from Boots, Garnier, No7 & Clinique. 

If you can get a facial, that will also help your skin...

"Tan"

Ohh, the glorious tan! Every Irish girls must for any event! It can go so right or so wrong. Here`s hoping it goes right!! :)

So what prep do you need to do?

Before the Tan!

The night or morning before you apply any tan to your skin, you will need to Exfoliate. I love using a sugar scrub.  I am loving the Ziaja Cocoa Butter Shower Scrub, as my skin feels amazing. I do this before I shave my legs as it makes it so much easier. 

So next, shave/wax your underarms and legs. Once exfoliated it should be a smooth shave. Exfoliating will also remove any oils and dry/flaky skin so your tan will not be patch and sit well. 

Once you are finished your shower, Moisturize your skin, so concentrating on the elbows, wrists, ankles, heels, this will also make sure no tan clings to these areas and also that your skin is smooth and not dry when applying. 

Tanning!

So you need to decide where you want to get your tan done or are you going to do it yourself? If you do get it done at a salon, make sure that you get a skin test, to test for allergies the day before if it is your first time. Usually with these tans, the get darker during the day, so depending on how dark you want to be, give it 7-10 hours and lightly shower the top layer of tan. This is just a film on the top the skin and underneath the tan will be developed, and even after the shower it will develop a little more. So don`t worry your not washing it away!

If you are going to DIY it, pick a tan you can trust. instant is usually the most popular. Last thing we want to see is a pool of tan, especially if it rains! ha!

So once you have applied your tan let it develop, unless it a pop on and go tan. I myself always like to wash the top layer of developer off, as I feel it looks way more natural and less fake looking. 

Whether its a salon or home tan you do, remember to wear loose clothing. 

If you are naturally darker or sallow, a gradual tan might just be all you need , so build it up daily till you are happy and get the glow or colour you want.

Maintain your Tan!

So it`s either D-Day or the next day or that week and you want to keep your tan looking fresh and glowy. Moisturize! Your skin can dry out from the chemicals in the tan, so to stop your skin flaking and the tan getting patchy, it is important. Gradual tan in a moisturizer form is another good idea, As it will give you some colour and its a good idea near the end of the week when its looking a little worse or you have showered again and its fading. 

How to get it off!

One word! Exfoliate! You can use a scrub or a mitt or both. This will remove the dead skin but also remove the colour of the tan on the surface. Depending how dark the tan is, it may take  two goes! 

My Tan Picks:

Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan in Dark.

Now a beauty cult favourite, even Kylie Jenner loves Marissa Carters creation. I love the formula, the colour and event the scent. You can leave it on for up to 3 hours + for that deep colour. 

Fake Bake

There is so many to choose from in the range. My favourite is the mist, that is 60mins. Again like the coco brown, you can leave it on until you get the shade for your. 

Vita Liberata

Probably one the most sought products lately. I have used vita liberata and have to say if you are able and want to pay a little more for a tan product, it is worth it. The colour and formulas are great and their is a product to suit everyone. 

I hope  I met some of your needs in this post and you picked up some tips or ideas.

Any questions on skincare or tanning, please let me know and I will share what I can with you. 

Below are the links to my skin types posts..

Normal

Oily

Dry

Here is also my tanning post : Tan

Tomorrow is PART 4..:) "The night before preparations & Essentials for the day"

I hope you stay reading!

Until tomorrow!!

*Disclaimer: I was not sponsored to do this/these posts, they are all my own ideas and thoughts. Images are from Google search*

Salons Direct- Autumn/Winter Beauty Guide

Hello Ladies,

I was contacted by Ava, from Salons Direct to take there survey and have a look at their Beauty Guide. I have to say I was draw in....The beauty addict in me!! 

When I took their survey, they asked me some questions like,

Do I work in the beauty industry? What is my role within the industry? Do you think our experts have predicted the most requested beauty trends of the season?

I answered Yes for the first question and as a Part time Freelance Makeup Artist for the second. For the third I answered Yes. My reasons where simple, as after looking at the beauty guide it was detailed and full of this seasons trend must haves. 

Some examples of what is included in the Beauty Guide are:

Nails..

Trends like going from a Nude/Neutral/Bare colours to Vampy/Wine/Dark colours on this seasons nails. 

Salons Direct got advice and more detail from Marie Louise Coster, Owner of all out mi- industry expert, chairperson Habia, SkillsActive Advisory Committee, feature writer Guide News. 

She talks about the textures, bases, and the colours like barely there nude, darker, vamp colours like wine, purple and dark plum. I am totally on the dark vamp looks. I have been wearing these for the last few week and love, love, love them!! 

Lashes & Brows..

Salons Direct also talk about those Lashes and Brows. Fuller, softer brows are in, all thanks to the gorgeous Cara in 2010. Catwalks wear bleached brows, in the real world, soft penciled brows. I love this trend, I have tried the over plucked look and it was not a good look! But now that the thick , groomed, soft brows are in, I am on board.  Lashes now are taken the focus from the lips. 

Salon Directs got Lisa Stone-Salon System educator to take trends for lashes and brows. She speaks of bolder, dominating brows and lashes to be more volume 2D, 3D and 4D, depth and volume. 

Tanning..

According to Salon Direct and their experts, deep intense bronze has been shelved and a natural glow is totally in, which I totally agree. I have never been an intense bronze girl, I love a glow, soft and subtle colour, so this trend suits me so much.  Natalie Roche-founder and managing director of Natalie Roche.com, speaks on behalf and as a distributor for Xen Tan and the other brands on the market, what are the biggest watchwords for Xen Tan, and what customers expect from tans. 

They also give a great brief on what Xen Tan does. Xen Tan has many key ingredients and benefits. 

Green Tea: fight free radicals, neutralizes UV light and antioxidant and soothing. 

Vitamin A: antioxidant, vital for growth, maintenance and health of skin.

Vitamin E: balance skin, prevent cellular damage.

Shea Butter: moisturizer, cellular restoration, healing properties and elasticity.  

Gingko Bilboa: strengthen fragile skin, increase collagen and balance texture.

Moroccan Oil: moisturize, skin protection properties.

Peptides: stimulate skin to build collagen for firmness and prevent wrinkles. 

Some celebs that have been wearing Xen Tan are : Holly Willoughby, Mollie King, Una Foden and Kimberly Walsh. 

Here is a link to the Beauty Guide Autumn/Winter 2014/15 . So do go and have a look, as it is so worth a read and gives great ideas for the festive season and gets me excited for the beauty prep for the season. 

If you have any questions or want to get in contact with me, Comment below or

Email: nataliekeanemua@gmail.com

Facebook: Natalie Keane MUA

Twitter: @Natke05

Instagram: nataliekeanemua

Until next time beauties

Toodles..

Natalie xx

*Disclaimer: I have not been sponsored, but asked to give my opinion and thoughts on Salon Services Beauty Guide. *

Preparation for the DEBS (Prom/Grad)

Hello there girls!

I know I am probably a tad bit late for some of you for the DEBS season, I do apologies. 

For any one that does not know, DEBS are the same as the PROM and a GRAD. It is a night spend with your class mates before you separate and go your own ways to college, work etc..

So for the ladies that still have to go to their DEBS, this is for you.

A helpful Preparation guide, for all those Questions and Queries for before that day arrives to the day itself.

image from www.dressesie.com (google search)

Treatments:

Every girl leading up to the day is thinking about what to get done, and when to have it done, soon as the dress is got. 

Eyebrows: Possibly not the most thought of until you sit down on the makeup chair or therapists chair. There are so many options you can get done to help groom those brows. You can opt for a traditional wax or go for threading. There is also tinting the brows and HD Brows. All of which range from €10 -50 and upwards. But stick to your BUDGET. I do reccomend getting the brows Waxed PROFESSIONALLY! Your brows frame your face and you will see such a difference. 

DO NOT get your eyebrows done the morning of your DEBS, as the area will be red and it will take the day to settle and makeup will not be able to cover it flawlessly. I recommend getting your eyebrows done 2-3 days before your debs. Always get a test done before your appointment to make sure you are not allergic to the wax. 

The Legs:  Whether you wax or shave your legs (again if waxing do a tester), do this the morning the day before your tan, so 2 days before the debs. You cannot shave/wax the morning of the tan, as your follicles will be open and is not goo for hair growth and it will look patchy. 

Tan:  An Irish girls must have! I do recommend for your debs to get it done by a professional to ensure the colour is right for you and that it is flawless. Book your tan the morning the day before your debs, not that day as you will need to wash the developing layer off 8 hours after the tan and if you dont you will start getting darker by the hour. 

The night before moisturise your elbows, wrists, knees and ankles, this is so the tan does not cling to these areas and appear darker. 

Ask your tanning assistant for what your looking for whether its light-medium or dark. But remember you want a healthy glow, not to change your appearance. 

Always have a tester done before hand also incase you are allergic to any ingredients in the tan and be sure to tell your therapist if you are. 

The morning of the tan, wash your hair (as in the evening your cannot use soap). Wear loose clothing and if you have a strapless dress, where a strapless bra or a bandeau so you do not get any lines. 

Shower about 8 hours after the tan, with no soap and pat dry! Dont worry if you see tan down the drain, thats the developing layer and the tan will redevelop to the permanent tan colour 1-2 hours later. 

To prolong your tan, moisturise and your should get a week out of the tan. 

Hair: As mentioned in the tan section, wash your hair before your tan, the day before your debs. Do not add too much conditioner or any product, let to air dry and do not style or add heat to it, as you are taking any texture you have to help create the style you want for the DEBS. I would book your hair appointment (if available) about 4-5 hours before you set off. And if you have any photos or ideas be sure to take them with you or show your hairdresser a week in advance in case anything extra is needed. 

Makeup: Again when you go see your makeup artist, bring photos and share ideas a week before if you can, also take a photo of the dress, so colours can be matched and compliment the style and colour of your dress. Book your appointment 2-3 hours (if possible) before you leave. Tell your makeup artist also if you are allergic to anything, so you do not get any breakouts or reactions. 

Lastly some Tips/Advice:

- Eat before you go, whether its a sandwitch or a salad, have something in your stomach. Its very easy the day of your debs to forget to eat or be nervous to eat. But if you plan to have a drink its important to have something, as it will be a long time from morning till evening till your meal. 

- Pack a lippy and gloss in your bag. Whether its the same shade as the Makeup Artists or a just a nude lippy and a clear gloss, it will help keep you topped up for those pictures. Also carry a liner and powder.

- Some little extras, is a saftey pin, YOU JUST NEVER KNOW, when a button may pop or zip may break and it is so easy to pop in your bag. Lastly Flats/Flip Flops, your feet will thank you while you are dancing to Lady Gaga! (ha)

-Also dont bring any important items, like cards and excess money. Be sure to look out for your stuff.

OVER ALL.....ENJOY YOUR NIGHT!

Tag me or send me your pics on TWITTER @Natke05

If you have any questions or want to book me heres where to get me:

Email: nataliekeanemua@gmail.com

Facebook: Natalie Keane MUA

Twitter:  @Natke05

Instagram: nataliekeanemua

Till next time

Toodles!

Natalie x

Bridal Guide

Hello MRS-TO-BE

First off Congratulations!

So whether you are a day in or a whole year into your engagement, I know you probably have 100 things you want to do at once. Between the wedding cake, the flowers, the dress and the reception, they are never ending. 

So here`s where I come in to help. This guide is a time frame and some suggestions to make the thought process a little easier. 

(image from Pintrest)

Preparation

Skincare:

The important base for your makeup for your BIG DAY , is your skin. So preping your skin months in advance so you get the right products and routine so insure on your day your skin is in tip top order. You need to find out what your skin type is, (ask your therapist or makeup artist or me :) ) Next step is getting products that suit your skin and getting into a routine, I would start this 6months in advance, to insure that the products suit your skin. Keeping hydrated and eating good clean food can also help your skin.  Food and drink can aggravate the skin so recording what breaks you out will help you stay away from them foods leading up to your wedding day. 

Tan:

Most brides like to get a sunkissed and a bitta colour before their day, to insure they look glowing. Make sure you Trial your tan, as you may get a reaction or you may not be happy with the colour. I recommend a light natural glow, not to dark. Also the day before the tan, exfoliate, shave and moisturise the  knees, elbows, writs and ankles so the tan doesnt cling heavily to those area.

Hair:

Step one find a Hairdresser you trust. One that will listen to what you want. Have photos of ideas on what you like. Make sure you are comfortable and dont be afraid to say no or ask to change things. 

Makeup:

When booking an Trial with your makeup artist, book 3-4 months in advance. Take looks you like and inspirations you feel you would like to recreated for your day. I would recommend bringing the people like your Bridal Party and Mother of the Bride to the appointment to get opinions and discuss looks for them on the day. Take a picture of your dress and bridesmaids dresses so that the makeup ties into the theme. Before leaving ask about the lipstick the makeup artist will be using so that you can purchase it to top up during your day.

THE BIG DAY!

Timing  and Lighting is the key on the day!

If your makeup artist is coming to you house, have a room with good lighting and a chair facing the window along with a table ready for her and the stylist. Dedicate a room for this as it will make the process easier and nobody will be crossing over each other on the morning and you can take a little breath of relaxation and be pampered before you pop into your dress. 

I would prefer to start with the mother of the bride, followed by the bridesmaids and lastly the bride. I would take an hour to do the brides makeup to ensure it is not rushed and that they can relax before the whole day. 

I find it is important for the stylist and makeup artist to stay until the bride leaves incase there is any touch ups needed. 

TIP! Have your Tan done one day and then have your makeup and hair done the next so that you get the full look and effect. 

 

(images from Pintrest)

If you have any questions or want to book me for an appointment get in touch.

Here`s where to find me:

Email: nataliekeanemua@gmail.com

Facebook: Natalie Keane MUA

Twitter: @Natke05

Instagram: nataliekeanemua

Till next time

Natalie x

Tips for that SUMMER TAN!

Hello Ladies,

Planning to have a tan for the Summer or for a special occasion or for that holiday so you don`t look pale.

Here`s just my TIPS on How to get that Summer Tan, without sitting out in harmful rays or using one sunbed. 


                                




Pre-TAN:

- Shave, Wax tec at least 12 hours before a tan application. If you don`t do this , your tan will streak and be uneven, also the tan will get into any open hair follicles. 

- Exfoliate, your skin well, to get rid of any dry and flaky skin. This will insure a smooth and flawless application. 

- Moisturise, your hands, wrists, around the ears, elbows, knees, ankles and toes. Do this about 2 hours before your tan at least. This will insure that your tan does`nt gather in these areas and appear too dark and dirty looking. 



There are two types of tan that I will mention today and they are Spray and Home Self Tanning. 



Spray Tan:

- First, before your tan, get a patch test so you are not allergic to any of the ingredients. Do this a week before your tan. 

- When going for your tan, I would advise to wear loose clothing that is dark and open toe shoes. Also during your tan to wear dark underwear or an old dark bikini. 

- Tell who ever will be doing your tan what sort of colour you are after and also if you suffer from any medical conditions or allergies. 

- Have your skin preped, (see above) for your tan. 

- Exfoliate and moistuise your face, if you are getting an application on the face.

- After you get your tan, make sure to ask your tanning assistant, what the shower time is.
Usually for a Light tan it is 4-6 hours, Medium 6-8 hours and Dark 8 + or overnight. Be sure to check with assistant. 




Home Tanning:

- Lay down old towels where ever you plan to tan. 

-Get yourself a tanning mitt.

-Prep skin well (see above)

- Apply tan from feet upwards and apply in upward single stokes. I find rubbing makes the tan streaky. 

- My tip is to apply at night and shower off in morning for that long lasting tan. Make sure it is a quick shower with no soap and pat dry. 






*TIP for home tanning, use a coloured tan, so you can see where you are applying it, a mousse is great for that.


*Dont worry if you see your tan going down the drain with either a Spray or Home tan, that is the chemical and developer that lays on top of the skin, the  real tan is underneath.:)




POST TAN:

- To prelong your tan, moisturise.

- Don`t take long hot showers or baths, or use heavy soaps, as this will strip your tan.

- Use a tinted moisturiser to prevent patching, uneveness and to keep that glow.


REMOVAL:

- Exfoliate with a exfolating glove.



*If on Holidays, your tan will not strip in the pool if you are only going in an out, but it will if you are a long time in it.


*Home tanning top tip! If you do not want a ORANGE TAN! A tan that has a GREEN Hue, especially if tested and left for a day or two and turns black or green, means there is not orange yellow tint to it, so will give you that Bronze glow.! 


NATALIE`S FAVOURITE HOME TANS:

- St, Tropez
- St Moriez
-Coco Brown
- Fake Bake 60min tan. 

I hope this helps your in prep for your TAN!

Any questions or requests please let me know:

Comment Below, Email: nataliekeanemua@gmail.com. 

Facebook and Twitter

Till Thursday!

Natalie xx