Dust off your fedora and pull out your cutoffs: festival season is upon us again! Here is your go-guide on this year’s best music-lover looks.

It’s a mistake you only make once. Too much makeup at the start of the day, ending up in a sweaty, panda-eyes mess by the time the headliner kicks off. This time round, go less is more. Look for foundation, mascara, liner and lip products that are going to last the distance. Words that’ll clue you into their longevity including longwear, waterproof, 24-hour and (lip) stain.

Or take a leaf out of our book, and put in your pre-event tanning prepwork first. You’ll need less makeup, and be photo-ready right through until the end.

This year’s celeb-packed Coachella saw all the big names go for two trends. Firstly, for festival-fanatics like Kath Bosworth, Diane Kruger and Alessandra Ambrosio, it was all about minimalist boho. Floaty, comfortable dresses paired with easy to stomp around in all day ankle boots.

On the flip side, Katy Perry and Dree Hemingway schooled the rest of the festival-goers how crop-top chic is done. If you were ever itching to give this trend a try, there’s no place like Falls Festival to get your crop on.

The dancefloor/moshpit/festival tent is no place for glamorous brushed out waves. Take notes from the SS14 runways at shows like Diesel and Peter Som. Opt for a textured topknot, embellish up a simple pony with floral adornments, or try your hand at braiding, that’s going to last the distance.

Mark our words: eccentric sunglasses are the new reflector shades. Hit the grass running with some eye-catching embellished sunglasses to finish off your festival chic. And while you are at it, this season’s bag is all about size. Downsizing, that is. Compact, square, over the shoulder bags are perfect for hitting the dance floor – they’re hands-free and won’t kill your back with unnecessary handbag items we all manage to justify carrying with us for “beauty emergencies.”

[Images via Pinterest]

Now that Spring is here lets talk about the 5 must have accessories this season.

Fact: nobody does airport chic better than Rosie Huntington Whiteley. And the statuesque model never hits the tarmac without one of her signature coloured felt hats. But this style piece is so much more versatile than that. Leave the classic straw fedora for your next tropical vacay and up your travel, brunch and cocktail outfits with this on-trend trans-seasonal number.

Every style blogger is sporting a pair of these as spring/summer’s answer to queen of the “It shoe” Isabel Marant’s legendary wedge sneakers. You know the ones… But for those of us not wanting to splash mortgage repayments on (essentially) glorified flip-flops, look for footwear pieces in similar styles of half gladiator-esque height, studded finishes and wooden heels.

This season, necklaces are making a statement in a different way. Chunky, full neckpieces are being retired in favour of delicate chains and romantic pendants. Don’t let them take the backseat to your outfit though. Stock up and pile up on silver and gold pendant chains that layer up and finish at all different points down the décolletage.

Statement bags are taking a new direction this season – it’s all about the box. Keep your day bag angular and structured; the boxed look is all about clean lines. After dark sees clutches shrink and tiny little Perspex box purses rule the bar.

Spring’s all about shedding the layer and showing some skin without resorting to high summer’s uniform of cut offs and caftans. Enter the espadrille. Easy to slide on and off, hides an over-due pedi job and keeps feet breathable when the temps start to heat up.

Say goodbye to winter, pack your bags and take off for a road trip.  We give you our top beauty picks for the perfect weekender…

Fresh, open air can do wonders for your skin so here’s the opportunity to let your skin breathe from heavy foundations and opt for a lighter finish.  New technology BB creams offer it all:  a skin-perfecting primer, long-lasting hydration and ample coverage.  Really great BB creams also target pigmentation and tones issues as well as blemish-fighting properties.

The perils of packing:  you are inevitably going to leave something of absolute necessity behind.  So now’s not the time to be making important decisions about the party eye shade you are going to be wanting to wear on your girl’s weekend Saturday night.  Your multi-shade eye palette is a godsend:  save the bronzy-beige neutrals for daytime sightseeing, and take your pick from the fun shades when it’s time to hit the town.

We’re going to safely assume you’ve done all your tanning prep before you left, so maintenance is key here.   Take care of both your body moisturising and tan extending by applying a gradual tanner each morning.  Post-shower is the best time to apply hydration products, just after towel drying when your skin is most receptive to locking in moisture.

Try MoroccanTan Luminous 3 in 1 Extender and Gradual Tan. $22.41

You’re all barrel curls and tight twists during the week; now’s your chance to let your hair loose for a spell.  Whether you’re on a beach vacay or not, let your natural texture take over and work a surf-scrunch look for a change.

While we should be SPF-ed up to our ears all year round, you need to be extra diligent on your getaway.  Surf, sand, road or mountains:  chances are you are going to be out in the sun more than usual and the opportunity for UV damage greater.  Look for a sunscreen that is Broad Spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB rays) – UVA rays have been proven to penetrate glass so can still hit you on your weekend road-trip.

Try California Tan SPF 8 Sunscreen Lotion, $20.90.

Everybody, it’s time to breathe a little easier again.  We’ve ploughed our way through layers, heaters and hot chocolates and finally come out on the other side.  Hello, summertime!  But before you go baring it on the beach again, follow these steps to getting your summer skin mojo back on the up!

How many different shades of foundation do you wear throughout the year?  Hint: it should be more than one.  Your face will naturally develop a warmer, bronzed up tint during the summer season (even when you’ve been diligently applying your SPF daily) so your summer foundation should naturally be a shade or two darker than what you’ve been using June to August.

Summer is also a great time to give your skin a break from wearing heavy foundation and experimenting with lighter skincare/makeup hybrids like tinted moisturisers, BB or CC creams.

The cold temps, high winds and all-round weather flatness of winter call for richer skincare formulations and heavier moisturisers, but when the sun starts to shine again you can switch to a lighter model.  Gel moisturisers are a great option for après sun, and can be kept in the fridge which has the added benefit of keeping the product fresh longer (due to delayed oxidation).

There’s no hiding them any longer – it’s time to get your legs out again.  Hopefully at Adore Tanning we’ve drilled into you the benefits of exfoliation pre-tanning, but what is better to scrub up with?  Sugar or salt?  Neither is essentially better than the other, it all comes down to personal preference.  Sugar scrubs are fine-grained and generally dissolve upon application, so are gentler on skin and therefore better aligned to a sensitive skin type, whereas salt (made up of rock, marine and dead sea salts) can be more abrasive so must be used with a much gentler technique, however have mineralizing and detoxifying benefits.

A good exfoliated skin is just begging to be tanned upon.  We love classic favourites like California Tan Instant Sunless Lotion that uses a lightweight gel formulation for an all-over flawless golden colour, and the handy Norvell 360° Tanning Spray that uses a custom technology that allows for upside application in hard to reach places.

All about keeping the tan going and going?  Try adding Aviva Shower Glow into your morning routine.  This foaming body cleanser uses active tanning ingredient DHA to impart further colour and prolong your radiant glow.

How to achieve an exotic sun kissed holiday tan – right in the comfort of your own home

It’s around that time of year again. You know the one; the time where those fortunate enough to save all their pennies jet set off to all corners of the world to indulge in some much sought after rest and relaxation. So how do we achieve these overseas holiday tans that these jet-setters come back with and flaunt amongst all the fair skinned Winter folk back home? Well, it’s easy if you know where to look!

Moroccan Tan

The Kingdom of Morocco; one of three countries that has both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. Picture spice market smells, a vast array of rich colours, a perfected combination of Middle Eastern magic and European flair. Now add in some luxurious Argan Oil sourced from the country’s southwest regions and combine it with a deliciously dark Mediterranean tan that will have everyone turning their heads. The carefully selected ingredients in this product range not only achieve a lavish longer lasting tan, they also ensure the skin is left feeling soft, nourished and hydrated.

Aviva City Express; Miami, Hollywood and Vegas

America; the motherland. Each ‘City’ in this range provides a vastly different tone depending on what you are wanting to achieve. There’s the Caribbean warmth of Miami; a city that conveys the balmy Spanish skin tones and rich latino tans from South beach. Or perhaps desert inspired colours from Vegas, picture city lights, showgirls, glitter, feathers and deep, dark tans. If neither of these are the holiday tan you wish to attain, then there’s of course Hollywood. Imagine Hollywood Boulevard, Beverley Hills, high end brands, big sunglasses, flashing cameras, short shorts, famous celebrities and their fabulous Hollywood glow.

California Tan

Looking for that classic beach tan synonymous with the sun baked beaches of America’s West Coast? California Tan can accomplish this holiday glow confidently. Renowned for the endless amounts of sunshine California offers, you can apply this tan with the goodies the product range; rich in vitamins, moisturisers and nutrients and the perfect for a golden, flawless tan.

OzTan

You would be surprised, sometimes the best kind of tans come from our very own backyard. The sun drenched Australian beach skin is very sought after. Whether you want to achieve a Bondi bronzed colouration, or are wanting a good ol’ fashionAustralian sun kissed appearance, then this range is for you.

It always seems no matter what we do we suffer in Winter; runny noses, dry itchy skin and the risk of Winter weight gain are all part of life in the colder months. So here are the five most common winter health mistakes people make and what you can do to minimize your suffering and remain healthy until summer returns.

Skipping breakfast – Though it may be tempting to stay in bed a bit longer and just grab a coffee on the way to work you must make time each morning for breakfast. Your metabolism slows down while you sleep; eating breakfast ensures your body is burning energy rather than trying to store it.

Ignoring your skin – The rules of good skincare still apply in Winter no matter how cold the bathroom gets. Keep your showers short and don’t dry out your skin by having the water too hot. Be sure you use tanning extenders to maintain your tan and then tanning remover when it’s time to reapply. Once removed take the time to exfoliate and moisturize your skin before applying a new tanning solution.

Keep it clean – Flu season has arrived so it’s more important than ever to minimize your contact with germs. Take the time to wipe down the surfaces in your home and workspace regularly, particularly areas with a lot of human contact such as door knobs and computer keyboards. Make sure to wash your hands with antibacterial soap. Be sure to moisturize them afterwards so that your skin doesn’t dry out.

Oversleeping – Make an effort to get up at the same time each morning. Too much sleep causes issues with your body clock and will leave you feeling lethargic. The promise of a warm shower with a sweet smelling body wash as soon as you wake up will motivate you to get out of bed.

Stay hydrated – Not drinking enough water will make you feel lethargic and make your skin dry and irritated. Even in the colder months it’s important to drink at least eight glasses of water each day. This will keep your skin nourished and soft. A light winter tan will not only give you a warm Winter glow but also help to keep your skin hydrated.

What’s the biggest Winter health mistake you have made? Do you have any tips for picking the perfect winter tan? Let us know now!

The summer sun has well and truly gone and with it your motivation to work out. As tempting as it is throw your gym clothes to the back of your wardrobe and forget about them until spring you’ll be kicking yourself once summer rolls around again. Racing against the clock to get your body back into bikini form is never fun. So here are a few tips to help you kick off your winter workout regime and keep you motivated during the colder months ahead.

Routine: Plan your winter workout. If you pick a morning workout don’t hang around the house having breakfast first, just jump straight out of bed and go. Another alternative is to take your gym bag to work so you can head straight to the gym without having to go home first.

Work out with a friend: You are far more likely to stick to a routine if you have someone else relying on you. Work out with a friend and push each other to reach your fitness goals.

Food: It’s silly to face the cold each day only to undo all that hard work by eating winter comfort foods. Plan healthy dinners and make extra serves to have for lunch the next day.

Take time to unwind: It’s important to give your body plenty recovery time after your workout. Take the time to stretch and relax so that you don’t tire yourself out. Be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water a day and avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks as these can dry your skin out.

Look good to feel good: The winter months can be very harsh on your skin and working out in the cold can make this even worse. Take the time to care for your skin, keep your skincare routine up. Just because the sun has gone doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a warm summer glow and the slimming effects of a natural tan. Use a tanning product that contains a moisturizer to help keep your skin hydrated and you will look as good as you feel.

If you follow your winter workout and keep yourself motivated, your mind will be at ease this winter knowing you’ll be bikini ready come summertime. You’ll be toned, trim and ready to hit the beach without having to put in huge amounts of effort just so you can lose those extra kilos you put on over winter.

Want to treat yourself to celebrate your hard work? Or want to feel hot this winter without breaking a sweat?

Sun tanning is the easiest way to create an appealing bronzed glow, but the truth is: it has numerous risks associated with it. Yet, many Australians are addicted to getting a sun tan despite the dangers they are inflicting upon their skin.

Ultraviolet rays from the sun damages the skin and is the main culprit behind the many skin problems arising in sun tan lovers. Melanoma is the most common form of skin cancer caused by UV rays and it is one of the most deadly.

UV rays are also emitted from sun tanning beds, which many people use as an alternative during the winter period. Absorbing 20 minutes of these harmful rays is equal to spending a whole day under the sun! In Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia, the legislation has been tightened on the restriction of usage of these dangerous tanning beds so as to reduce the number of victims falling ill with melanoma.

This new law strictly bans all fair-skinned people under the age of 18 from using solariums. The law was created after a Queensland medical study showed that regular users of sun tanning beds under the ages of 35 had a 98% greater risk of developing melanoma.

Apart from melanoma, other side effects of UV exposure include sunburn, premature aging, actinic (or solar keratoses), eye damage (photokeratitis), and immune system suppression. The best way to lower your risk of skin cancer while still enjoying sun tanning is avoiding exposure to the harmful UV rays and opting for sunless tanning.

Fake tanning or sunless tanning is the application of lotions, gels, creams or sprays on the skin so as to create the appearance of a sun tan. It is the safest alternative to sun bathing as you are not exposed to the harmful effects of the sun. In sunless tanning products, the active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is added which reacts with the dead skin cells on the outermost layer of the skin and darkens them to produce an appearance of a sun tan.

The fake tan will not wash off but it will fade as the skin sloughs off. Sunless tanning is done professionally at salons and spas, but it can be tried at home with tanning products available both online and in-store.

If you love your bronzed glow, the best alternative for your health is sunless tanning, with lotions and sprays remaining as the most effective means, next to other options such as gels and pills.

These gels and pills contain tanning accelerators (tyrosine) which stimulates the formation of melanin and hence, speeds up the tanning process. Choose any of these alternative sunless tanning options to get tanned the safe way!