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?