Lauren's Way Darker Than Dark Tanning Range

Due to starting a new job with crazy long hours on top of busy weekends I haven't been able to find time to blog over the past month. However, I'm finally back with a post about one of  my favourite products to blog about: fake tan.

Lauren's Way tan* by Lauren Goodger is a tan I've used for a couple of years, I started off using the Glam Tan which you can see me wearing here (a long time ago) but after trying a sample of the Darker Than Dark tan I got in a goody bag it soon replaced Glam Tan as my favourite. After I used up the samples I never got round to buying a full size bottle so when I was offered to review the range I jumped at the chance.

Lauren's Way tan is blended with cocoa, rose petal, jasmine and passion flower and the hint of citrus gives it a sort of orange scent which I really like. It comes in both a mousse and a lotion so you can choose which formula you prefer, personally I prefer mousse as I think it's easier and faster to apply. Before I apply my tan I like to go for a shower and exfoliate using exfoliating gloves and a body scrub to make sure most of my old tan has came off and also to buff away any dry skin. I then moisturise paying particular attention to my elbows and knees then I apply the tan to both my face and body using a tanning mitt. I always use a mitt to apply my tan as I think it helps make it nice and even and also I'm not left with orange palms.

As you can probably tell by the name, the Darker Than Dark tan is the darkest in the range and is a great option if you have an olive skin tone and prefer an intense colour. Also, make sure you're an experienced tanner as it's very dark! I've used fake tan since I was about 13 (yes, really) and apply it 3 times a week so this is perfect for me. I usually only use the Darker Than Dark tan for the weekend and a slightly lighter one for during the week.You can also get medium and dark shades if you prefer a more natural colour or don't wear fake tan often.

If you want to see photos of my wearing Darker Then Dark tan I'm wearing it here and here. I love this particular shade as I only need to apply it once and I'm ready to go! I usually put it on at night then wash off the guide colour in the morning which isn't very good for my white bed sheets but the guide colour is a bit too dark to wear out of the house! You can wash it off within 4-8 hours so if you're having a day in the house then you could also put it on then.

The 150ml of mousse costs £19.95* and the 250ml of lotion costs £17.95* and you can buy them online here. I usually spend an average of £20 on fake tan so this is the perfect price for me. Overall, this is still one of my favourite fake tans and if like me you love a deep, dark tan then I really recommend it.

Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan

As you all know, fake tan might just be my all time favourite beauty product. I wear it every single day and apply it about 2-3 times a week which can be a bit of a pain but I'm pretty dedicated to my tanning routine. I've tried loads of different brands over the years and a few have stood out, however there has always been one issue: I have a last minute night out and my tan has to be worn for 4 hours before I can shower. This situation always ends up with me out without washing the guide colour off and smelling like a biscuit all night (not attractive). 

That's where Cocoa Brown one hour tan* comes in! This new innovative tan by Marissa Carter promises natural, bronzed skin in just one hour. Yep that's right, after just one hour you can shower and wash the guide colour off leaving you with a glowing tan for up to 5 days. Also as an added bonus this mousse dries super quickly and doesn't have that horrible fake tan smell. 

I have to admit, I've used this tan roughly 5 times over the last 2 weeks (told you I was dedicated) but you can just apply it once a week making sure you exfoliate regularly. I'm absolutely loving this tan, it gives a gorgeous natural colour after one application however if you like a deeper tan like myself I apply it two days in a row or even leave it on for 3 hours instead. I did however end up in my usual situation and wore it out without washing it off on Saturday (I did my makeup and didn't want to ruin it by showering again) but this time I didn't smell like a biscuit as it has a sort of floral scent when you first apply it which eventually fades and becomes odourless. 

I find fake tan mousse much easier and quicker to apply than a lotion and use a tanning mitt for an even application (orange palms are not a good look). I know a lot of people don't like to, but I apply fake tan to my face as well (every second day as it fades faster on my face) and Cocoa Brown tan seems to agree with my skin as it hasn't broken me out. 

Overall, this tan is definitely a winner and I can see myself forever repurchasing it. It's quick and easy to apply, a lovely colour and it's inexpensive, what's not to love? I also think this would be a great tan for first timers or someone who isn't very confident when it comes to applying fake tan. Cocoa Brown tan can be purchased at Superdrug, Boots and Primark (to name a few) for only £7.99. Is this something you'd consider purchasing? 

Rodial Brazilian Tan: Light

If you don't already know I'm a huge tan lover, whether it be real or out of a bottle. I wear fake tan all year round and there will very rarely be a day where I don't have it on. The only time I don't wear it is when I've been on holiday and have a real tan from the sun. My skin tans really well and my natural skin tone (before picture) isn't that light so fake tan takes to my skin well and I'm always looking for the darkest one. I've tired a lot of tans during the years and my motto is 'the darker, the better' so I was a bit skeptical to try the Rodial Brazilian Tan in Light*.

Rodial's Brazilian Tan range has been re-formulated to leave the skin glowing and glossy and is enriched with pomegranate ellagic ingredients that help tone the skin every time it's applied. It comes in different ranges including dark, light, daily and facial tanning. The 'Light' tan is designed for lighter skin tones to provide a natural glow all year round. The formula is a light-weight, tinted gel that promises not to block pores and keep the skin hydrated for a longer lasting tan. It gives an instant caramel tint when applied and then develops in to a natural tan in 4 hours. It also smells like caramel which I love - no horrible fake tan smell!

I found this really easy to apply as it was tinted and it dried quite quickly without leaving me feeling sticky. From the photos above you can see that it has given me a really subtle tan. However, every time I purchase a fake tan I always go for the 'dark' option (or when it comes to the one I'm using right now, 'Darker Than Dark') as light doesn't usually make much of a difference to my skin. To be honest this tan just doesn't make enough of a difference to me and personally I prefer my tan to be much deeper and darker. I know some people might think I'm crazy and be like, what?! but it's just my own personal preference.

If you are naturally really pale and are looking for something to give you a really subtle glow then this is the tan for you, however if you already have quite dark skin or prefer a deep tan then I wouldn't recommend it. I was going out the next night and quickly applied a darker tan over the top which I felt more comfortable with. It also comes in Dark though so maybe that would be better for me. The Brazilian Tan Light retails at £35* and can be purchased online here.

Have you tried the Rodial Brazilian tan range or is this something you'd be interesting in trying?

Getting My Faux Glow Back

Throughout the Winter I kind of neglected my fake tan unless I was going on a night out, but now it's Spring time I decided I need to up my game and get my glow back. I was looking back at photos from my holiday in Ibiza last summer and I was SO tanned it upset me at how pale I am right now so here are some of the fake tans that I rely on...

• The Instant Tan: My favourite instant tan has to be Soap and Glory Glow Getter. This is just an instant tan, sort of a body makeup that I like to put on my legs if I'm wearing a dress or skirt on a night out. I discovered this tan about a year ago and have used it ever since. I like using this when I've already got a bit of tan on so it gives me a gorgeous airbrushed look. I actually did a post of this way back when I first started my blog, (cringe) If you'd like to read it (don't laugh) you can here.

• The Gradual Tan: I used this gradual tan a few years ago but when the lovely Christine who I work with mentioned it again I decided to pick one up. I went for the deep one as I'm not that pale to begin with and I do love a dark tan. I apply this when I get out the shower and it has a lovely apricot smell that reminds me of summer. I've only used this twice and I already have a gorgeous, sun-kissed glow. I also love that its a two in one - moisturiser and tan (since you know I always neglect my body moisturising) and it's under a fiver! This is definitely a tan I'll continue to use every day during the Spring and Summer months. 

• The Weekly Tan: If I've got a night out or special occasion planned I like my tan to be that little bit darker. I usually use St Moritz which is a really cheap tan that gives me an amazing colour but right now I'm loving Sienna X Dark Glowing Self Tan. I love the colour this tan give me, a deep golden brown colour and not orange at all. I apply this with my tanning mitt before I go to bed because you need to have it on for 8 hours before you wash off the guide tan. It lasts about 5 days which is really good and doesn't come off patchy if I exfoliate every couple of days. It also has a lovely scent which is always a bonus - none of that biscuit fake tan smell! 

I've also decided I'm going to buy the Clarins Liquid Bronze facial tanner when I get paid on Friday and will definitely be doing a review on that once I've tried it out. What are some of your favourite fake tans?

Xen-Tan Moroccan Tan

When Xen-Tan launched their Moroccan Tan I was dying to get my hands on it. For me when it comes to fake tan, the darker the better and I was really interested in the fact it had Moroccan oil in it. I never usually spend a lot on fake tan and religiously use St Moritz which is always on offer in my local Savers or Semi Chem for a mere £3.99 (and it works like a dream). However, after rave reviews from my sister, I really wanted to treat myself to one of Xen-Tan's products. Before I had the chance to order it, my sister already had so I thought I'd wait and see what she thought of it first.

After my sister had used it once, she decided she didn't really like it because it was too dark for her so she kindly passed it on to me (my skins a lot darker than hers). So, on to the basics...Moroccan Tan is meant to give a deep instant colour, dry quickly as well as have a lovely tropical scent. Personally, I do agree with everything it says on the tube but I just did not get on with this product at all.

I'll start with the positives. This tan smells absolutely gorgeous and reminds me of being on holiday, you know that coconut smell you get when you slather on your oil (or is that just me)? Definitely the best smelling tan I've used. Also, I really loved the deep dark colour this gave me however, it could be a little dark and unnatural looking if you're already quite pale.

Now for the negatives - it dries too quickly. I know that sounds like it would be a positive but it literally dries less than a minute after you put it on which makes it a nightmare to apply. I found blending this extremely hard and just couldn't get it to look even on my skin. I though that maybe it would be okay once I washed off the guide colour but it just looked a bit patchy. Being a regular user of fake tan, I've never had that problem with any of the other tans I've used.

I've seen a lot of positive reviews of this product but unfortunately it gets a thumbs down from me - gorgeous colour, terrible to apply. Have you tried this tan yet, what did you think?

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June Empties

(sorry about the bad quality pic)

1. Clarins Eye Makeup Remover Lotion - I wear a lot of dark eye makeup, which is a pain to get it off, but this eye makeup remover is great as it helps it come off really easily. Also, it doesn't sting my eyes like a lot of others.

2. Benefit 'They're Real!' Mascara - This is one of the best mascaras I've used. I got it as a birthday present when it was new out and was really impressed with the results. The brush is a thick comb that coats all the eyelashes and it gives amazing length without looking clumpy. After my Dior has ran out I'd probably repurchase this.

3. MAC Matte Bronzing Powder  - One of only bronzer's I've ever fully used up (three times). I don't like my bronzer's to have a shimmer in them, so this is perfect as it's completely matte. It is also a lovely brown colour and doesn't make you look orange. I'd like to try Nars - Laguna next as I've hear its quite similar.

4. Lauren's Way Glam Tan - After so many great reviews about Glam Tan, I purchased it. It has lasted me a good few months and gives me an amazing colour. My new favourite tan! I usually use St Moritz as it's cheap but when I want to treat myself I buy this. A must have.

5. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Daily Moisturizer - Eight Hour Cream is a necessity in my makeup bag. It's definitely my favourite skin care range. This moisturizer doesn't make my skin oily and keeps it hydrated all day. I also love the smell of eight hour cream, which is unusual as most people don't (that's why there's now a fragrance free version).

6. Garnier B.B Cream - There has been a lot of reviews on this particular B.B cream (mostly negative) and many people find it too oily. I personally like it as a makeup base but wouldn't wear it on it's own. Garnier have now brought out an oil free version so I think I'll have a try at that.

Have you tried any of these products?

Melissa

xxx

Soap & Glory - Glow Getter

"She was sunny and beautiful and bronzed - she was real"

One of my favourite 'going out' products to use right now is Soap & Glory 'Glow Getter' face and body sun powder spray. It is an instant tan that gives your skin an airbrushed look and it really works! It comes in a spray canister that's really easy to use.


 I apply it by spraying it on and rubbing it in gently with my tanning mitt (it doesn't need rubbed in a lot). I usually wear it over my usual weekend Lauren's Way or St Moritz tan, but it can be worn on its own too.I love using it on my legs most, but I also spray it on my face before I put on my foundation which gives a really good base.  This has definitely replaced Rimmel - Sun Shimmer in my life because if you spill a drink or if it rains it doesn't go streaky or give you those white rain drop marks!! It does wash off in the shower, but only if you use a lot of soap! 

Here's a picture to show you the difference in my legs once I applied it. The right one looks so much more airbrushed and it's covered all my blemishes, which is what I love most about the tan!

For a while this was sold out EVERYWHERE and I eventually had to order it from the Harvey Nichols website. Now you can get it here for £10.50 for 100ml or in boots stores. Will you be trying this airbrush tan?

Melissa 

xxx