12 Days of Giftmas - TanOrganic ¦ Giveaway

On the second day of Giftmas my true love gave to me, a healthy glow made easy...

If anyone knows me at all, they know that I'm not a fake tan person. I just don't think it suits me. However, I am still a fan of a fake tan brand...bizarre, right? TanOrganic, are an Irish brand that make the only certified organic fake tan in the world which would be reason enough for me to admire them but I also love a lot of their products. The tanning oil is my go-to when shopping for my sister and their exfoliating mitt and argan oil are my must-haves for soft, happy bodies and hair. In fact, I use their products on the daily. Which is why, even though I don't tan, I am 100% behind this brand and why I had to include them in the 12 Days of Giftmas.

"But what, pray tell, might this 12 Days of Giftmas be?" you're probably asking.

If you didn't read yesterday's post about Lush, let me explain it again!

The 12 Days of Giftmas is a project that occurred to me last week. An idea that I ambitiously decided to go through with very last minute - I must be a lunatic. It's a sort of advent calendar for me and my readers, a way of saying thank you for reading and rewarding you in a small way. For the first 12 days of December, I will be writing a post every day on a shop, brand or item that would make good gifts. This is instead of the long gift ideas posts I've done in the past and offers a more in-depth look at some amazing companies and things. To complement each post, I've also teamed up with these fantastic brands and will be giving something away each day! So, the 12 Days of Giftmas will give you some gift ideas and the potential to win something for a loved one (or yourself!).

Christmas means parties, right? And, for a lot of Irish people, party season means tanning. Obviously, for the skincare conscious like myself, I don't think there's any other option than a fake tan, if you want one. It's not worth hurting yourself over! TanOrganic offers a healthy glow without UV damage or exposing yourself to skin cancer, it also provides an organic, healthy, safe glow!

So, if you're tanning for this part season, you need to hit up TanOrganic. And, if you have pals doing the same, this is where to get them the perfect gift. I promise you, once they try it, they'll be ruined for any other brand!

They have a few different tanning options as well as products for those less interested in tans and more into healthy skin and makeup. Their original Self-Tan (€19.99) offers a streak-free, odourless, non-orange tan which has enough product for 5-6 applications and guarantee you'll be looking glam rather than like an extra in a certain movie about a chocolate factory.

The Tanning Oil (€24.99) which also is without icky, typical fake tan smells, doesn't go orange and offers the same amount of applications but has the added bonus of being moisturising, fast-drying and doesn't budge off your skin once applied - so, you won't have any horror stories about butt prints on walls like I heard of in college...To complement these is the Luxury Tanning Mitt (€5.00) which, I've been told, is the way to make sure you get a perfect, even application. 

For removing remains of a tan or for getting rid of dead skin cells the Tan Erase (€14.99) exfoliator mitt is fantastic. This is a holy grail product for me that I repurchase again and again. Their OilArganic dry oil (€24.99) smells like lemonade (in the best way possible) and makes your skin and hair super happy and hydrated. Again, an item I repurchase and reach for each day.

Finally, their Bronzer Duo (€29.90) has long been my go-to bronzer and one of my favourite highlights is the other half of said duo. It's a great option for vegan and organic makeup fans and is pretty, flattering and in super-cute wooden packaging with a mirror. Pretty much everything you want and need from a bronzer!

Hopefully, you've gotten some gift ideas/party prep inspo from all that! But let's get to the important part - the giveaway! Here's the deets:

1. Sadly, I can only keep my giveaways open to Ireland this time around. I apologise to those who might disappointed but I have to keep the generous brands that I'm working with in mind!
2. The prize is one TanOrganic Self Tanning Oil and a Box of TanOrganic Caramel Chocolates.
3. All you need to do is comment below with who you'd give it to - or if you want it for yourself! However, you must be following me on at least one platform (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin', Tumblr), let me know which one in the comment!
4. Competition closes a week from now on the 9th of December 2015 at midnight Irish time.
5. Winners will be chosen at random.
6. I will then comment below the winner's comment and ask you to email my official blog email address.

And that's it! Good luck and see you again tomorrow for the next brand and giveaway!

(Thanks to TanOrganic for working with me!)

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How I got my Dream Hair.

So, the last year or so has been pretty key to my skin, body and haircare education. And, as a result of all this new knowledge, all three are looking better than ever. Not being vain here, it's just that I can visibly see the results of taking care of myself. And it was about time that I started really. My skin can be a bit crazy and temperamental at times because hormones tend to wreck all my good work once a month. Goddammit. Hair and body, however, are much more dependable. My skin below the neck is consistently pretty hydrated and perfectly clear. And my hair is doing good things almost every single day at the moment. I genuinely think I've had about two bad hair days in over six months.

It's the hair I've wanted my entire life.

When I was little, my Mam kept mine and my sister's hair at bob length to keep it manageable so I've been growing it out since I was trusted to care for it myself. That means I've been willing it longer for over a decade now. During my teens I had whims where I cut it short, added different kinds of layers, shaved a section, dyed it etc. This interrupted the growth and what I really wanted - damn distractions. And my hair is naturally slow-growing and quite thin. Around three years ago, I stopped cutting it bar trims to keep it healthy and began growing out my layers. Now, it's the longest by far that it's ever been, all one length, thicker and less dead-straight. All the things I've always wanted. And while I salivate over pictures of lobs, I know I'm happiest with what I have now.

It's my Dream Hair. But how did I get here?

First of all, I've grown up enough to distinguish between whim and what I really want. It's good to have fun with your look but you can't put hair back a week later. I'm dedicated to growing out my hair just a wee bit more and then maintaining that. I'm at waist-length right now.

Secondly, I realised that less is more. My hair is pretty healthy as I don't style it or use a lot of products and I let it air-dry almost every time. But I used to over-wash. I'm super-paranoid about being smelly and staying clean so I shower every day without fail but I no longer wash my hair that often. Every two to three days is enough and some will say even this is too much but it's as much as I'm willing to go to. I also brush my hair less often. Brushing can break up your hair and also spreads the oils meant to rest on top of your head through the entirety. Now I only brush my hair after washing to get all the tangles out and that's it.

When I wash my hair, I use less product and only condition every second wash. I also stopped conditioning the roots and only work the product into the ends of my hair. The shampoo and conditioner I use are both by Argan Oil and I also run a little Oil Arganic from Tan Organic through my hair before brushing it out. These products are all highly affordable with the Argan Oil available in all good pharmacies from €1.50 and the Oil Arganic is €24.99 and lasts for ages.

Twice a month I use hair masks or treatments. My current favourite is Garnier's Ultimate Blends The Glow Replenisher. It's great for making your hair shiny and only needs to be left in for one minute before rinsing.

And to improve my rate of hair growth and its thickness, I've been using the Viviscal Hair and Scalp Serum. After almost a month of use, I can say I've genuinely noticed that my hair is fuller. It's applied as a couple of drops to the scalp and worked in morning and night to dry or wet hair.

Day to day, I do basically nothing with my hair. I wear it down most days and keep a band on my wrist to tie it back when it gets in my way. A quick running of my hands through it is enough to right it. I now have the hair I want and its also unbelievably low-maintenance. Win. Win.

So, are you happy with your hair? Any secret tips?

TanOrganic Love and Use.

I'm not a fake tan kind of girl, I have to say. However, I do approve of the people who might be willing to burn, using it instead. I also approve of using an Irish product which is the only organic fake tan in the world.

At the launch of their new bronzer, I got a few products which have become major faves. The tan went directly to my little sister who has received many a compliment since using it. And I've been using the bronzer, Argan oil and exfoliating mitt religiously.

The Argan Oil, or Oil Arganic (€24.99), - so witty - has quite a dent in it already! I use it in my hair on almost a daily basis, just pouring a little into my palms and running it through. It's also useful as a natural way to tame fly-aways. And I have to say, after using it for a while now, my hair is a lot better behaved and healthier looking. And less with the knots too! Though it can be used on your hair, it was primarily intended for the body and I also use it as a moisturiser after showering.  It smells lightly of lemons and oranges which is a major plus as well.

The Tan-Erase exfoliating mitt (€14.99) is cracked out a few times a week and my skin is always noticably softer afterwards with the combination of mitt and Argan oil. It's also not too rough. It removes the dead skin without agitating my skin.

I was going to say that the serious coup is the Bronzing Powder (€29.90) but that would be unfair to how much I love the Oil Arganic. However, the bronzer is gorgeous. First of all, the wooden packaging (reminiscent of Tarte products) is majorly cute and a lovely touch. The shades are so beautiful - a matte cocoa brown and a shimmer sandy colour. This product is a great multi-use - something I always approve of. I use it for bronzer, contouring and eyebrows. 

Here's a quick outline of what I do.

1. Start with unadorned face as I did today.

2. Load a blusher brush with the matte shade.

And contour! I do a '3' shape on my face, starting at the temple, tracing down under the cheekbones and then around the jawline.

PS Sucking in my cheeks helps me find those wily cheekbones!

3. Using the same brush (I don't bother switching), I dust the shimmer shade over my cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, neck and chest.

Again, the silly face to make sure I'm on track.

Notice a difference yet?

4. Using an eyeshadow brush loaded with the matte shade, I fill in my brows.

5. I may also use this brush and shade to shape and contour my nose. I apply to the sides of the nose, up towards the inner edge of the brow and blend the crap out of it!

How about the difference now?

6. I then use a different eyeshadow brush with the shimmer shade to highlight the centre of the nose, under and above the eyes and the philtrum. If I'm not wearing full-on makeup, I'll use the same shade for a splash of colour on my eyelid.

All that put together looks like this.

If I am wearing BB cream it goes on before any of this. However, if it's a light, s/s look I just add concealer to relevant areas and powder over the entirety. I'll also probably add a lip balm and some mascara. Which then looks like this:

So, there you have it - products I've been loving and how I use them. Sorry this post was so full of pictures of my face! 

Have you tried any of the above? What did you think? 

Luv from Luvocracy xoxo

So, I've mentioned Luvocracy briefly before - it's a unique online shopping platform that lets you organise your lust haves and share the things you're feeling (kinda like Pinterest or Polyvore) as well as shop online. And best of all, they find you the best prices online!

My latest Luvocracy Collection, "Spring Essentials", has been getting a lot of love. No surprises there, I've got great taste. But above is just a sample of what you'll find on there. 

I got a sample of Roses de Chloe a while back and it's the perfect flowery, delicate scent for Spring - definitely my fragrance pick for the season! The collection will make my obsession with Topshop nail polishes apparent and I've chosen my favourite colours as well as an iPhone case inspired by the bottle. SO CUTE. TanOrganic's Oil Arganic is THE BOMB. I recommend for keeping your skin and hair perfect for sun and sea. I'm still obsessed with Tony Moly's Bunny Balm Bars and want every flavour. EVER. The collection is home to my other beauty and skincare picks as well as the clothes I'm digging. Comfy pastels that are easy to style are so the way forward!

Luvocracy and I have teamed up to offer you the opportunity to win $15 Credit to shop their site (which can be paired with the $10 credit to use on purchases of $20 or more that you'll be given when you sign up)!

Here's what you'll need to do:

1. Sign up for Luvocracy but make sure to do so through the link to my collection: http://www.luvocracy.com/Wide-eyedandblind/collections/spring-essentials  (This is the essential part - you must make an account through this link in order to be entered into the draw!)

2. Sure, go ahead and find my account at http://www.luvocracy.com/Wide-eyedandblind/collections while you're at it and Trust me!

3. Follow me here on blogger and like the facebook page if you haven't already!

4. Share the competition if you feel so inclined!

Good luck xxx

*Giveaway ends Mon, March 24. Winners will be chosen at random by Luvocracy and notified via email on Tuesday, April 1 Giveaway rules. Non-US residents are now eligible (I made sure for you guys) but you must be 18 and a new Luvocracy member.*

Wide-Eyed and Bargain: Tangle Attack.

I have extremely knotty hair. It's been better since I started using Argan Oil in it but sometimes it's a real bitch to brush through. My friend used to brush it out for me with her Tangle Teezer when it was really bad and I always liked the product, I just think it remains over-priced.

The "Tangle Attack" (which is available in Ireland in the €2 Shop and, sadly, nowhere else as far as I'm aware) costs just €1.50 and is just as good as the Tangle Teezer, at around a tenth of the price. The design is slightly different and looks less like a dog brush. It also comes with a little travel cover with a mirror inside. The mirror is kind of pointless and too small to be very useful but the case is nice for throwing it in a bag without getting dirty. 

Overall, it's crazy-good value for money. So, if you were looking to invest in a Tangle Teezer, save yourself a few quid. 

I give it 4/5 Colettes. 

(How d'y'all like my new ranking system?)

Wide-Eyed and DIY: Sea Salt Hair Spray.

So, I've been a major sea salt spray (or S³) for a while now. Around three years, I think. It's hard to remember but I've had my bottle of Lee Stafford sea salt spray for a while. It's the only product I ever really use in my hair and even then, I do so sparingly. It has all sorts of alcohol and not-so-good-for-your-hair stuff in it. But it is my favourite look so I wanted to find a way to replicate the texture cheaply, easily and less harmfully so I could use it on the reg.

Research online showed lots of different recipes so I went through a whole bunch and recomposed my own recipe to my own tastes. Here's how to make your own.

You'll need:
Sea Salt
An empty spray bottle
Aloe Vera Gel
Conditioner
250ml of warm water

Optional Extras:
Essential oils for different problems you may have with your hair/for scent

1. Boil around 250ml of water. Set aside in a cup and allow to cool until warm rather than hot.

2. Pour into spray bottle.

3. Add a teaspoon of salt. Shake and allow to dissolve and settle.

4. Add a half teaspoon of conditioner and mix. I used an Argan Oil infused conditioner to be extra kind to my hair but you can equal substitute coconut oil here.

5. Add a half teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel - this can be replaced by hair gel as we're using it for hold. Aloe Vera has the benefit, however, of being natural and adding a nice scent.

6. Essential oils can be added at this point. I didn't bother as the aloe and Argan oil made it smell lovely as it was.

And there you have it! It gives a slightly more authentic beachy look to the hair but be aware that your hair will need to dry for a while after application. Unlike the store-bought stuff, this is made up of a lot more water and spray bottles like the one I used tend to disperse more of the mixture than the spray of a Lee Stafford bottle.

Let me know if anyone tries this out and what they think of it! I think this will work as a great lazy-but-lovely look for the S/S season. x