St Tropez Gradual in Shower Tan : The Review

If you were as intrigued as I was to try this and you live in the UK- hurry to the shops now and pick up a copy of In Style as this month they are giving away a 50 ml sample.

The bloggerspere seems to be overflowing with reviews for this new, innovative product and as someone who usually caves to pressure, I thought I should give it a go.

If you aren't aware how this guy works- it's the first faux tan of its kind that you apply in the shower..sounds weird huh.

So, I followed the instructions -

I jumped in the shower, washed with my usual shower gel which I made sure I thoroughly rinsed off.

I turned off the shower and slathered myself in this stuff, from feet to neck, rubbing in circular motions so I could get as even coverage as possible.

Now you have to wait 3 minutes. I can understand if its winter, freezing and 6am before you rush off to work- this isn't really going to make your day, but as it's been fairly warm these last few days I wasn't bothered at all.

So shower still turned off, I rinsed my hands in the sink (always important) and played a song on my phone (Maroon 5's Sugar, if you must know) which is roundabout 3 mins.

After this I rinsed myself thoroughly and patted dry. I also didn't follow with lotion as this fake tan is meant to be moisturizing enough.

The Verdict : Meh. After application it takes a few hours for the tan to develop, but I have now finished this little tube and I really don't have anything major to report.

I didn't find it moisturizing enough to miss out on lotion so that's a bit of a downer, but I have built up quite a nice tan using my Clarins Glow Booster so I was hoping using this would help prolong the results...but it was just a bit of a nothing.
I felt like swapping the Clarins for the St Tropez only resulted in my tan fading, which is not really what I wanted. 

I think this would work if you are on holiday and you have a natural tan going on and you just want to boost it with this, but on it's own, if I was as pale as I am normally I don't think this would really scratch the surface.

Also, I know this is a smaller bottle but I had to use quite a lot each time so I imagine that even if I had bought the full size it wouldn't last too long.

I love the idea of this, it really is one of a kind and maybe I'll try it again in the future, but for me, the Clarins Radiant Glow Booster reigns supreme. 

Read more »

Finally a Volumising Product that Delivers...

I had all but given up on anything that could bring volume and life to my flat straight hair until I picked this up on a whim in Boots a couple of weeks ago.

I have seen rave reviews on this but it ever appealed to me. The Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder is, as you guessed it, a powder and I found the idea of pouring powder in my hair kind of gross and unappealing.

I can't stand super powdery dry shampoos so I thought this would be somewhat similar to them if not worse, but my curiosity got the better of me so I picked up the mini bottle.

This is the best volumising product I have ever tried. 

My hair is straight and quite fine but I have a hell of a lot of it, and its long as well so whenever I have used products like this in the past- whether it be a spray or a mousse, it will look great for about ten minutes and then literally my hair falls leaving it more limp than before as it is weighed down by extra product.

I had pretty much sworn off these kind of products as they just made my hair feel dirty and I can't be doing with that, especially as washing my hair is really not my favorite pass time.

This little guy has been used almost daily and I am addicted, when it runs out a full size purchase is happening.

My hair is at its flattest after it was been washed as it's just so silky.

What I do is, wait for my hair to fully dry (I never even use a hair dryer...I think I use it once a year, I just can't be bothered) then I section my hair on both sides of my parting and put a little bit of powder on both sides and also I part under my hair at the back and then I rub my hands quite vigorously through it for a couple of seconds.

I honestly thought I would be left with white powder all over my dark brown hair, but no! It totally disappears! It does have dry shampooing qualities so I can use it on third day hair, but my favorite way is after I have just washed my hair so it has some movement and body to it. 

It also smells lovely. Kinda like honeysuckle.

It doesn't weigh my hair down, make my hair look crispy or make me look like I have dandruff.

I have made the mistake of over using it and then things can get a bit heavy, but just a couple of taps into the roots and I am the owner of hair that looks much thicker and bouncier. 

Thank you B and B for restoring my faith in volumsing products. 

Read more »

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Beau Brun : Swatches and Review

If you have seen this post you will know that I love these little liquid lipsticks.

This is my 6th and probably not my last...

The formula is smooth, easy to apply, comfortable and long wearing. Honestly I think they perform just as well as some other liquid lipsticks that are three times the price.

I have the shade Grand Cru and that was a major disappointment and definitely the odd one out as the others are great...so I was hoping this had the same consistency as the other 4...

I am so glad to say that it does!

Beau Brun somehow manages to surpass the others and the application is even easier and long lasting. 

What drew me to this one was the shade...it is so hard to describe...sometimes it's a brown 90s shade but then its orange and red at the same time...it's incredibly unique and if you have any idea what I should call this shade please let me know! 

I'll let the swatches do the talking :

There's also some pink in there...god knows what this shade is, but it is now my favourite of my little Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet stash.

Do you have a favorite shade?...I'm kinda feeling like I need to own the entire collection...recommendations are so, so welcome 

Read more »

Skincare/Haircare : The Empties

I have been hoarding my empties for a while so I thought it was about time to do a post so I can actually get rid of this stuff!

Colab Dry Shampoo London Fragrance : This is the original formula and probably my 6th empty can.

I really like this dry shampoo- all the scents are perfectly pleasant (Monaco is gorgeous, definitely my favorite) but they all do a fantastic job of drying up some of the excess oils in your roots leaving your hair feeling really refreshed. 

It doesn't leave that horrible, heavy powdery texture that some dry shampoos do. 

It's cheap as chips as well. Just make sure you give this a good shake before you use it. 

Charles Worthington Volume and Bounce Spray : I don't to tend to have a lot of luck with volumsing products and this hair spray was no exception. I have had this for ages and to be honest I am quite impressed  that I actually finished it! It's not awful- it does add some volume but made my hair feel crispy. I wont be repurchasing this.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm : This is a very rich cleansing balm that is loaded with essential oils. I didn't particularly enjoy using it in the morning- I prefer it for a night time cleanse after I have removed my make up as it does a good job of really getting any make up residue/dirt/grime etc off your face.

I do like this, but I don't think I will be repurchasing. If I use it too much it can be a bit too rich for my skin and leave me a little blotchy

I have found my favorite cleanser which is over a tenner cheaper than this, so I will be sticking with that.

Body Shop Chamomile Silky Cleansing Oil : This is easily my favorite make up removing oil. It's fairly cheap, doesn't irritate my skin in anyway and manages to remove all my make up- foundation/waterproof mascara- just everything. It's brilliant, I dispense about 2 pumps into my dry hands and massage onto my dry, made up face and it helps to loosen everything. I then wipe off with a warm flannel.

These last me for quite some time too- I have got through about 5 of bottles and I am already onto my 6th with another as back up in my cupboard.

Body Shop Vitamin E Facial Mist : You can see I really get through this stuff huh? This is a lovely gentle toner that doesn't make any outrageous claims, it just adds anther little layer of moisture. It is refreshing and although I prefer my Orico toner this little guy is a lot cheaper and more easily accessible, so again, I have back ups waiting for me.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads : I love these, for a full review click.

Garnier Micellar Water : 9 times out of 10 I will remove my make up with my Body Shop oil, but on days when I don't, I use this. I like this a lot more than Bioderma- I find it to be non irritating and it does do a good job of removing make up without drying out the skin.

I only ever use it to remove make up and then I follow with a proper cleanser. It's decent stuff and I am on my second bottle.

Percy and Reed Hair's Best Friend Totally Intensive Treatment Oil+ : This oil smells AMAZING. I wish this was a perfume because I would literally douse myself in it, it is so fresh and beautiful.

I really love this oil, somehow it manages to be incredibly light whilst moisturizing my hair and making it easy to comb and detangle. It's also silicone free so it doesn't make you hair feel coasted or heavy. 

I adore this and one hundred percent recommend. 

Clinique Smart Serum : I know this is only a little bottle- but I actually had quite a few of them so I did give this a good test.

I don't believe in its claims- I don't know how a serum can actually be 'smart'- Clinique say that the reason for the naming is that this serum has the ability to work out what you skins needs and then adjusts to those needs. Hence making it a serum that all skin types can use, thus it helps those with oily skin by helping reduce excess oils/blemishes but then adjusts itself for those (me) with dry dehydrated skin by deeply hydrating and adding in the much needed moisture.

I disagree.
The first few times I used this I liked it, I felt like it really help with the dehydration lines that I sometimes get around my eyes, but after a couple of weeks of using this alone morning and night my skin felt desperate for a drink. I was craving my Kielhs midnight oil and the moment I put it on my skin I felt immediately better. I definitely wont buy this, I feel its quite expensive when it didn't really do anything for me. Also it felt quite silicone heavy so I almost felt like I was putting some sort of primer on my skin. Its a no from me. 

Hydraluron : This is a much hyped/blogged about product so I had to try it. It has the highest concentration of Hyluronic Acid so I thought I would love it....but it's kinda....meh. 

I used to use it under my moisturizer and it did feel hydrating....but I don't know. I just didn't love it. I think its the texture that I can't really get on with.
I don't think my skin looked that much better for using it and I feel like its more suited to oily skin types as it has a very sticky consistency that seems to vanish immediately into the skin. 

I am glad I used this and finished it, but I wont be re-buying. I have other products in my stash that perform this task so much better. 

The Body Shop Hand Hemp Protector : I love this and I am already using the larger size of this. There is a full review here.

Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream : This is my favorite moisturizer and I repurchased it as soon as I could. I can't cope without this in my life (a tad dramatic I admit) so I bought the jumbo size. For a full review click here.

Morocco Hair Oil : This tiny little bottle seems to last forever even though I use it pretty much every time after I wash my hair. I always repurchase this- it helps to detangle my wet hair whilst smoothing and conditioning it.
I can always tell when I have used this as my hair looks so lovely and sleek.

Nuxe Rev De Miel : Favorite Lip Balm of all time- click on this little guy if you want to read a full review. 

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Body Cream : This is a lovely rich body cream that smells absolutely divine. I have the hand and body lotion as well so I am going to try to finish that up too! This is very pricey, but a lovely treat.

La Roche Posay Serozonc : I am on my second bottle, for a review click here.

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel : This is my favorite cleanser! Believe the hype on this one, its a beauty. For more info click here. 


Phew that was a long one! Thank you if you stayed with me! 

Read more »

Lip Liner : The Essentials

I love a good lip liner, I can be pretty cack handed when applying bold lipsticks so I find lip liners make the whole process a lot easier whilst also acting as a good base for the lipstick which helps with longevity.
I have narrowed my favorites down to this bunch here- I feel like I have all the bases down so whatever lip shade I am wearing, I have a liner that works with it.

You do not need to have an identical liner to every lipstick you have.

Mac Lip Liner in Soar : Soar is a pinky brown shade that is very easy to apply and due to its natural colour and matte finish it can you help you achieve a slightly fuller pout if desired.

I do find this drying though so I don't often wear it alone, but it looks beautiful under a lot of lipsticks. My two favorites to pair with this are Macs Mehr and Bobbi Brows Rose Brown.
Soar is also very long lasting. 

For a full review click here 

Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Venom : This is the only lip liner I have tried from UD but I am keen to pick up more. This is very long lasting and comfortable to wear.
 I don't find it works that well as all over lip colour - I can get it to spread, I find it very easy to draw a neat line which is super helpful for a bold lip but i find if I wear this solo all over the lip it can cling to some dryness I might have.But I love using it to outline my lips when I use any dark shade.

I find this works with Charlotte Tilburys Night Crimson and Love Liberty - anything that is rich/deep/dark/burgundy/purple, this has me covered.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Lip Liner in Coral : I bought this purely on Sali Hughes recommendation. I love her, she is unbelievably intelligent, chic, beautiful and she knows a hell of a lot about beauty.

If she likes something, I'm going to try it.

I saw a picture of her on her Instagram wearing this with the Nars Audacious Lipstick in Lana (for a review click here) and I became obsessed.

I am pleased to report that I love both and this works fantastically with any orange based lip colour- it suits Lana, The Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Hot Pepper, If you are looking for a long wearing coral that also works all over the lip, this is great. 

.

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk : This is hands down my favorite of the lot and if I were to only keep one liner, it would be this. 

This is my second and when this runs out, I will without question order a third.

If you are only going to get one thing from CT - get this, or if you can't be bothered with endless lip liners, this one has you covered as it works with everything.

That's the thing, you don't actually have to have a matching colour, a nude lip colour works just as well. I mean yes you can't go in after and add red liner to were there wasn't before, but this liner still adds definition and a base.

The colour is a beautiful natural pink mauve and it is long lasting whilst being creamy. It is comfortable whilst lasting- not like Soar which can end up being quite drying after some time. 

I get a lot of wear out of this and I often wear it alone. It's always in my make up bag. I totally love it and have yet to find someone that doesn't.
I use this will a whole multitude of lipsticks- it's my safety liner so I would never go without it. I use it with Charlotte Tilburys Penelope Pink and Bitch Perfect, Nars Barbara and Anita, YSL Fuchsia in Rage- as a base, Mac Mehr and Plumful, Urban Decay Fiend and Rapture. To be honest- anything. 

Mac Lip Liner in Cherry : This was one of my first ever lip liners and I bought specifically so I could use it with Macs Ruby Woo. 

This lip liner lasts for days on the lips and although can be drying is still a lovely red to add to your collection.

I don't feel the need to buy any other red liners as this has be covered. I use it with CT Red Carpet Red, Ruby Woo, Night Crimson if I want to redden it up, Bourjois Hot Pepper- it's a suit all classic red.

If you need one red liner- this is your guy. 

Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in East End Snob : I love this almost as much as Pillow Talk and this is also my second. 

Again I will keep repurchasing it. 

This is another mauvy pink but with a touch more purple to it.

I love using this on its own- the angled cut of the nib makes it ridiculously easy to use and hard to mess up.

It is so creamy and comfortable, I cannot believe this thing sells for under a fiver. This is by far my favorite Rimmel Product.
 This does a very similar job to Pillow Talk but it is a lot cheaper.

The colour is very similar to Nars Anita. 

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pink Venus : This is noticeably more pink than Pillow Talk and East End Snob. 

This is a lovely warm pink shade that also possess the long lasting rich creaminess of CTs other offerings.

I like to use this when I want to warm up or lighten my nudes. It adds just an extra touch of pink to Bitch Perfect making it look so effortless and summer ready.
This is a lovely pink accompaniment for UD Streak Lipstick as well. 

L-R : Venom, Cherry, Coral, Soar, Pillow Talk, East End Snob and Pink Venus

Read more »

Caudalie Premier Cru The Elixir

When I was in SpaceNK a while ago, I was given a sample of this.

Having never heard of it before I thought I would give it a go and just follow the instructions and apply it to the skin, I wanted to blind test it to see how I got on with it. It was instant love so I immediately ordered it off Escentual the moment I had run out. 

This oil spreads very easily on the skin so a little goes a long way.

I use the pipette to dispense three drops onto the palm of my hand, I then gently rub my palms together- only so both palms have the product on them and then gently massage all over my face.

The smell is divine so it is a very pleasing experience over all, but it was the instant glow giving qualities that caught me off guard.

My skin is on the more dry/dehydrated side so this felt very comforting on my skin. It's not one of those oils that sinks in immediately I had to work it in for a minute or two and then I was left with hydrated, smooth, radiant skin. 

I find some oils absorb into the skin, but once they are gone, they are gone.  This oil is different because I actually felt like it quenched my skins thirst.

I am still trying to get through my Kielhs Midnight Recovery Oil facial oil so I only use this in the mornings on top of my serum and before moisturizer. 

Sometimes towards the end of the day my skin can start to look a little dehydrated and in need of a good cleanse and moisturize, but I don't have that problem here.

It makes my skin feel soft and supple all day.

I have never tried anything from the Premier Cru line but after the success of this I am looking into it.

This oil promises to smooth the appearance of wrinkles and firm the skin- I am still young at 24, but the fine lines I do have around my eyes do look and feel a bit smoother.

This oil also contains an ingreident called Viniferine which helps with the production of melanin and thus helping to protect the skin from free radicals.

Although I don't believe this oil contains Hyluronic Acid, it helps optimize the natural levels that already exist in your skin- so no wonder this feels like a big gulp of water for your face.
This plumps up my skin whilst imparting some radiance. What's not to love?

This is gorgeous- if you have thirsty or lackluster skin, I think you will really enjoy this. 

Read more »

If You Buy One Thing This Month....Clarins Radiance - Plus Golden Glow Booster

I must confess that I am in no way a fake tan connoisseur. 

I have tried a few brands here and there but I find fake tanning such a faff, it's such a mission in itself and I really don't enjoy smelling like a foot for eight hours in order to have what will inevitably be a patchy fake tan.

I love being brown and when I tan naturally I can achieve a nice golden glow but I find sunbathing quite boring and I don't want unnecessary skin damage. 

The facial version of this glow booster came out last year and I was intrigued to say the least but it was such a tiny little bottle and as much as I love a golden complexion, it's my pasty neon white legs that I am more concerned about. I want to be tanned head to toe. 

The moment this little guy came out I picked it up and I am so over the moon with it. Finally something that works beautifully and doesn't smell! 

I have had this for 3 weeks now and I have used it probably 4 times a week and I am nearly half way through. I am using quite a lot each time so I am sure you can stretch it out more. 

My justification is that when I have bought previous tans such as the L'Oreal Sublime Bronze, I can get about 5/6 applications out of it and the result is never right anyway. This may be double the price but you get a hell of a lot more use out of it. 

My favorite thing about this is that I can mix it with whatever body lotion I like and then the fake tan takes that smell on. So I have fake tanned smelling of Chanel Chance or Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir- which is infinitely nicer than smelling like a foot. 

My skin is left feeling super moisturized and brown. Seriously, what a win Clarins.

Well done.

As for-mentioned, I have super white legs and it is hard to achieve colour on them so I use a squirt of my body cream and tap in 3 drops of the glow booster (the base of the bottle has a little button that you press which gently releases the tan- brilliant as well so you don't waste anything) that usually covers over my knees and then I go in with another 3 drops for the rest of my legs and bum. 

It is up to you how brown you want to be- I wouldn't recommend going in immediately with ten drops as you will get through it very quickly and it might look a bit overwhelming. 

Start off with a couple of drops and see how you like the results and take it from there. 

The ratio I go by is three drops to one dollop of body cream and then I go to bed and I wake up with a lovely glow.

Also not a mark on the bed sheets. 

I have used this during the day and sometimes after a good few hours I can smell a very faint hint of fake tan- but it's so faint it could never put me off. 

Every few nights I add a couple of drops to my facial moisturizer so my face gets a bit of glow too. 

It's just never patchy or streaky and I don't end up with the tell tale orange palms. I dont know how it works so seamlessly, I just know that it does.

Make sure you wash your hands properly after application just in case.

 Honestly people give this a go, when this runs out I will pick up another. It works so well for me I know I will always have one in my stash.

I have just got my hands on the new St Tropez in Shower Tan- purely because I am so intrigued to see if or how it works, but I doubt it will come close to this.

Watch this space.

Also just a note-  I am lead to believe that the face version has the exact same ingredients- so it is makes more economical sense to pick up this body version as it's twice the size.

It doesn't cling to dry skin nor does it dry the skin out.   

If you are going to buy one thing this month, make it this. 

Read more »