Come, Look At My Trash #5!

Yes, it's that time again. I've set aside all of my empty beauty containers for the last few months and now I have this little box crammed with used up skincare, haircare and a little smidge of make-up! I truly love a good empties post. It fills me with a great sense of wellbeing once I've finished a product, which, granted makes me sound unstable but it's just about that small sense of achievement really! I also love reading other bloggers empties posts because if they finished it and loved it then you know it's good and worth getting yourself!

Bioderma Make-Up Removing Micelle Solution

I got this at the launch of Bioderma in Ireland last year (review HERE) and loved it straight away. It removed all of my make-up easily, quickly and without any stinging or drying sensation afterwards. A great option for travelling, the gym and for after a night out- a much better alternative to face wipes. Sometimes I use this as a first step cleanser before then using a balm or a gel cleanser but that really depends on how lazy I'm feeling! 

I have already repurchased a new one and I've even bought one for my sister, such is my love for this cleanser. 

YSL Le Effet Faux Cils Shocking Mascara, Soap & Glory Archery 2-in-1 Brow Filling Pencil & Brush and Make-Up Forever Smoky Extravagant Mascara.

I've spoken so many times now about my favourite mascara from YSL that you're no doubt weary of hearing about it but here's another one finished. I get these in double packs to save money whenever I'm in the airport so I pretty much always have one on the go. It's kind of ruined me for other mascaras now because I'm so obsessed with the big false lash effect of this one. I'm still searching for a high street alternative though!

I tried Archery as an alternative to Anastasia Brow Wiz and you know, it's a pretty good match! I really liked the shade of this (I had blondeshell, although the writing has completely disappeared) which had no red undertones, it was easy to use and lasted well. Would definitely repurchase!

I received this sample size mascara at a MUFE event and I actually really liked it. The brush is cone-shaped, interestingly and does add a nice bit of volume to the lashes. I would buy a full size but I'm currently trailing about three other new mascaras so I'm sorted for the moment!

Soap & Glory Orangeasm Body Wash

This was one of the big bottles I got in last year's Christmas S&G set (HERE) and it has lasted until now. I did try out a couple of different shower gels while using this one too but also, this is a 500ml bottle and each pump goes a long way! I really liked this scent and like all S&G products, this works well and is one I would recommend. I just need to use something else for a while, you can get sick of the same scent day in day out!

Cien Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover

This was a couple of euro in Aldi, if memory serves me correctly. I'd actually tracked this one down because it has a handy pump built in to it, like in nail salons where you press your cotton pad down on the top and it pumps out the nail polish remover onto the pad. Handy! This one works really well for removing varnish and I like to think that the acetone free formula is saving my poor nails (but it probably isn't). I will say though that the pump function stopped working as well the longer I had it and my hand got covered in the stuff once or twice but it's still not a huge complaint for the price and overall efficacy of the product. Would buy again.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

The actual state of the tube in that photo. These are possibly the worst make-up product on the market, packaging wise. All the outside wipes off and the lid goes gungey but sure lookit, it's relatively cheap and cheerful and it is a great concealer, that can't be denied. I tend to pick one of these up every so often when I'm in between concealers cause it's an old favourite and so it's reliable! I don't think it's the best concealer ever but it's definitely up there. 

Nivea Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Serum Pearls

I reviewed a few bits from this range last year (HERE) and particularly liked this serum at the time. I liked it the whole way through to the end of the tube too and would definitely buy this again. I'm not sure that it's had any long-term effects but I definitely liked it while I was using it. 

Paese Automatic Eyeliner in Brown Glam

I used two of these in quick succession and meant to review it because I really liked this shade (smoky but slightly shimmery dark brown). It applied easily with no dragging and has a little rubber tip on one end for smudging on the go, which I greatly approve of! It is relatively cheap as I recall but unfortunately gets used up really quickly so I feel like you're not getting a whole lot of bang for your buck. The first time I bought it I doubted myself and thought maybe the pencil had broken off at some point so I got a second one to be sure, but no. I would buy it again though if I'm honest. It's a really good shade for lining blue eyes- I find black to be too harsh sometimes and this brown is a bit more flattering plus the pencil itself is a great formula.

L'Oreal Expert Volumetry Shampoo

I mentioned the conditioner of this in the last empties (HERE) and I really liked this set from the L'Oreal professional range. These are designed with fine hair in mind to add volume. I really liked these and would definitely get them again.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream

I reviewed this little pot of Charlotte's Magic cream HERE. For a sample size it lasted a surprisingly long time. I really liked this when I first started using it and I do still like it now; it feels quite soothing for dry skin but I'm just not sure it's worth a whopping €90! 

Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan 

I'm a big fan of Cocoa Brown, which you probably already know by now. This has everything for me; a great formula, application is a doddle, good wearability, and all at an excellent price point. My only gripe with it is that the nozzle on the cans can sometimes be a bit temperamental so I think I'll be getting this travel version (it's travel friendly because it's plastic and not an aerosol and it's within the limit for liquids and air travel) in future as it seems to be free of that issue.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum

I bought this last year along with a La Roche Posay moisturiser (HERE) to sort out my poor Winter-ravaged skin and this was great. It's a light serum that feels lovely on but can take a little bit longer than you'd expect to fully sink in and be absorbed. Having said that it got on great with my dry skin so I would get it again!

The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Body Butter

I was sent a few bits from this range last year (HERE) and I LOVED them. I was very fond of this gorgeous body butter and the body scrub that was in my last empties post, HERE. These smell amazing and because they have a nourishing oil in them, they're great for dry skin. Would definitely buy again!

And that is the lot, for the moment! 

Have you tried any of these? What did you think?

To the comments!

XX

My Get-Party-Ready Tan Routine

As I've mentioned before, I am a total tanning re-convert. If that makes no sense, let me reiterate. Back in my teen years and early twenties I wore a lot of tan. Back then, it smelt awful and I probably looked a state and thankfully a lot has changed since then. For one, you don't have to spend a small fortune on your tan to get a high quality result. I rarely if ever spend more than a tenner on a fake tan now because I've tried them all and I know the good from the bad. I also have my tanning routine down to a fine art. 

So, here it is, prepare yisser selves! And as it's party season, there's no better time to perfect your own tanning routine! I have daily steps listed to bring you from today right up to New Years Eve on Thursday!

1. So first up, I exfoliate the bejaysus out of myself. I'll be doing this part today as I generally do this the day before I tan so my skin is smooth and calm by the main event.
I'm always trying new exfoliators so in my shower at the minute are; Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub. This is a brand new tub cause I'm using up another as we speak but this fella is a well known classic so you probably don't need a run down but here goes; it smells incredible and is a nifty little body scrub. I would eat it if I could but my brain has a built in life-preserver so here we are.
Next up is The Body Shop Coconut scrub. I've used several different Body Shop scrubs and they're all excellent. Generally they all smell wonderful and contain fair trade ingredients so you're on to a winner. Lastly, I'm loving this scrub from Kiehls. I'm a big fan of the brand and this has a gloriously comforting scent. It's more like a shower cream that has a very fine exfoliator in it so it's a pleasure to use and it smells vaguely like holidays which is always lovely. I usually dry exfoliate first; this means I apply the scrub to dry skin first with a circular motion, then wash it off while using a circular motion again. I also do any shaving that I need to during this shower.

2. I lightly moisturise. 

By this I mean I use a light body lotion, again I'll be doing this today. I want my skin to be moisturised after the exfoliating but I don't want so much moisture that it leaves a residue and causes streaks when I apply the tan. So, at the minute I'm using this body lotion from Victorias Secret, which is lovely and smells delightful. It adds enough comfort to my skin so that it's no longer dry and itchy but not so much that I feel greasy. Yay for not feeling greasy!
A long term favourite is the Ginger Rush Body Cream from Origins. Although this has a light texture, it's still deeply moisturising and it smells unbelievable!

3. Tan! Tan! Tan! 

So you have loads of options here but I promised a bargainous post, so:

At the minute I'm loving St. Moriz. Truth be told I never tried this brand until a couple of months ago I was sent these to try and I was pleasantly surprised. These are really, really good. My absolute favourite is the Instant Self Tanning Lotion in Medium. It says Instant but it also says to leave it for 4-6 hours so I leave it overnight. It has a guide colour so you can see exactly where you're putting it, I've never had a streak from it and it smells lovely. 

As it develops, there is a hint of a fake tan scent but apparently it's not that obvious because the first time I used it my husband said "did you put tan on last night? You look tanned but there's no smell". If a man notices, you know you're on to a good thing.
Also in the range are the Instant Self Tanning Mousse and the Instant Self Tanning Mist. I really like the mousse but feel I have less control with the mist. Either way, your end result is a natural bronzed glow- no orange tones here. If I want to be a bit darker, I put two coat on the night before. Otherwise, just the one. I'll be doing that tomorrow night.

4. Extra bronze & sparkle.

This isn't a necessary step but if I wake up on Thursday morning and feel like I was too light handed with the overnight tan, there's Rimmel Sun Shimmer Instant Tan.
This is the matte version but you can get it in shimmer too. I've been using this one since I was a teenager and it's pretty much fool-proof. Plus it has a lovely scent that makes me reminisce about going out back in the day in ridiculous get-ups that you need the confidence of youth to pull off. 

I'm also liking this Instant Tan Bronzing Gel in Shimmer from Cocoa Brown. This product came out just a few months back and comes in a matte version too.
Lastly, I usually add a bit of powder bronzer to my clavicle and neck and then up onto my face for cheekbones to die for. I love the Charlotte Tilbury Bronze and Glow but it's a bit too light for when I have tan on so there's also bronzers from; St Moriz, Chanel, and Florimar.

So that's that. Have you tried any of the products I've mentioned? What's your preferred tanning method?

XX

*This is not a sponsored post but does feature some products I was sent for review. All opinions are my own, as always! 

Bourjois Parisian Summer: For ALL Your Bronzing Needs!

Bourjois are my all time favourite high street cosmetics brand and this Summer they have all sorts of amazing new products at reasonable prices to tempt us. Today I'm showing you four new bronzing products from their Parisian Summer range; Sunlight Elixir Tinted Dry Oil, Mat Illusion Bronzing Powder, Sun Illusion Blur Skin Perfector and BB Bronzing Cream.

Sunlight Elixir is a shimmering, tinted dry oil with an SPF 15. Being a dry oil, it has all the benefits of a regular oil; it's moisturising and adds a healthy sun kissed glow to the skin but because it's a "dry" oil it's also non-greasy and sinks in quickly. Also, it smells INCREDIBLE (actually, all the products in this range do). Like a mixture of coconuts, vanilla and sweet heavenly goodness. This is ideal for those with a tan already or if you're me, a lovely false tan. It enhances what's there and leaves a radiant shimmer that's very Monte Carlo esque. Ideal for Dublin then, wha? This is €16.99. Oh and you can use it on your face too!

Next up is the Mat Illusion Bronzing Powder, designed to smooth the skin, refine the pores and leave a sun-kissed effect. This fella is ideal for those who need anti-shine control and prefer a matte finish to a shimmery bronzer. Although it's part of the Summer range, it's recommended for use all year around. I really like this bronzer; it's super soft, so it's very easily blended and is a perfect shade for us paler folks (I have light glow, it also comes in dark glow). This is €10.49.

The Sun Illusion Blur Skin Perfector has almost a bouncy, mousse-like consistency so it's very light and blends in easily. It has the benefits of a primer in that it evens out, softens and smoothes the complexion but it also leaves a golden glow like a self tanner would. Two-in-one for the win! 

I have the shade dark glow to try out which I was worried would be too unnatural for my skin tone but actually it's very wearable, especially when I have tan on my neck already. 

I brought this to Rome to try out while I was amongst all the beautifully tanned Italians and loved the soft glow it gave me underneath my foundation. I wouldn't say I looked quite as bronzed as the locals but it certainly made me feel more confident! I would liken this to the Clarins Instant Smooth Golden Glow- both provide a bronzing primer effect but this one is obviously much more affordable at €11.99.

Lastly we have the BB Bronzing cream, an 8 in 1 to provide a flawless and natural looking tan. You're probably wondering what the 8 are, yes? Well, you've got:

1. Golden glow effect 2. Even skin tone 3. Radiance

4. 24 hour hydration 5. Tan enhancement 6. Fresh effect

7. SPF 15 and 8. High resistance.

I have this in light glow (it again comes in dark glow) and is a good match for my skin tone. The formula is super light, you'd hardly know it's on your face actually. I tried this on its own and the overall look of my face improved immediately. I looked a bit healthier, like I'd been soaking up the Vitamin D and had gotten a decent nights sleep. I had in fact, done neither of those things, so yay for BB bronzing cream! Having said that, this is nowhere near enough coverage for me if I was going somewhere- It's perfect for a no make-up day, doing the groceries or going for a walk but I would still need something a bit more foundation-y for everything else. This is €11.99. 

Obviously none of these are blended in the photo, I just wanted to swatch them so you could see the consistency.

These are all currently available. If you want to see more you can find them HERE from Feel Unique.

What do you think of Bourjois Parisian Summer?

Anything catching your eye?

XX

*Products contained in this post were provided for review. All opinions my own, as always. 

Tan Organic Self Tanning Oil | Review

In the past couple of years I've become a complete self tanning convert and was intrigued by the concept of a tanning oil. I know what you're thinking- "tanning oil as in lathering yourself in baby oil and lying under the sun, a la what they did in the 80's when they were all mad??" 

But you'd be wrong. 

This is in fact a moisturising dry oil that, once applied, develops into a natural looking sun-kissed glow. Tan organic is the world's first self tanning oil* and contains a unique blend of 8 different plant oils, including Borage seed oil, Argan oil and Orange peel oil. 

In other good news, it's certified organic and contains no synthetic colours, parabens or preservatives. 

Hurrah!

Colour wise, on me this is a pretty noticeable shade of tan but then again I am quite pale naturally. The brand suggest that this is lighter than their original tan but darker than a gradual daily tanner would be and also suggest that you don't need to use a glove to apply. I disagree with that; I always use a glove for applying all types of tan, including daily gradual tanners. it's the best way to avoid any hint of orange hands and I find it also gives a more even finish to your application. 

What I truly love about this tan is that you can apply it straight after a shower, instead of moisturiser. This cuts out a whole skincare step for me which is a huge time saver. It's also very moisturising, so it's ideal for drier skin like mine. It sinks in quickly and I've had no issues with streaking or uneven tanning- every time it's developed into a natural looking, flattering shade of bronze. 

One layer of tan, the morning after application. For reference, I'm normally the same colour as Casper the friendly ghost.

I'm only wearing one light layer of tan in the photo as that's my personal preference but if you wanted to you could go over your tan with an extra layer for a darker finish. I leave mine for 6-8 hours to develop fully so I usually apply after a night time shower. Scent wise, it has a citrusy lemon aroma in the bottle, which is quite pleasant. As it's developing, it does smell more like the classic "fake tan" scent but not as strongly as some other tans do. 

Price wise, this will set you back €24.99 for 100mls but given that you only need a few drops per limb, your cost-per-use actually makes this fairly bargainous. 

This gets two definite thumbs up from me, it's quick and easy to apply, takes good care of my dry skin and leaves me with a gorgeous Summer glow. Love it.

Have you tried Tan Organic's Self Tanning Oil? 

Is it something you'd be interested in?

You can find out more about the brand HERE.

XX

*Press sample, gratefully received. All opinions my own, as always.

What's In My Trash #3!

It's that time again! The time for me to save up my empty beauty containers and show you all my trash. A time honoured beauty blogging tradition.

Vichy Idealia Serum. I really liked this during the summer, it's a nice light serum with an illuminating finish so it sits well under make up. I've scraped every last bit out of this one but I'm using Vichy Aqualia Life serum at the minute so I probably won't get this again.

J'adore L'Or perfume by Dior. Himself buys me this as an anniversary present every year, which is great for him as it means he's sorted for life for a gift idea and it's great for me as I'm a little bit obsessed with this perfume. It still has undertones of the original J'adore (my wedding perfume) but is much stronger and perfect for the whole year round. Love, love, love it. I already have a new, unopened bottle, ready to go! Read a full review with base notes and all that jazz HERE. 

Cocoa Brown Gentle Bronze is one of my favourite products and I'm already on to a new bottle. I use this throughout the week for a tan top-up, it gives a natural looking glow without the need for full-on tan application and has a built-in moisturiser, plus it's great value. Such a good product.

Garnier Ultimate Blends 7-in-1 Dry Shampoo. I got this last year to try out when I found it on special offer and because I was wearying of the chalky white after-effects of Batiste. Low and behold, I love this one. It smells strongly of vanilla and won't do much by way of adding volume but it really will give you another day out of your unwashed hair, without leaving a powdery residue on your scalp. Already onto a second can. Review HERE.

YSL Shocking Mascara. My go-to mascara, I generally wait to pick this up on offer in the duty free cause it is rather spend for a mascara but it is also worth it. I've talked about it before HERE. 

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer. I love this concealer, it's my all time favourite but I'm trying to hold off on a new one for the moment, in favour of a cheaper high-street brand, namely Maybelline's the Eraser. Unfortunately, I can't find that in my shade anywhere so I may have to bite the bullet and cough up for the Nars again. Eep. Full review HERE.

This sample of Benefit's "That Gal" lasted me for ages as you only need a small amount each time. This is a primer that has a glowy finish but also leaves a smooth base, ready for foundation. I had a full size of this before and really liked it, I would definitely repurchase this but the price is putting me off.

Eve Lom cleanser (review HERE). I had been rationing the end of this but was afraid it would go off so I made concerted effort to finish it over the last couple of months. I love this cleanser and would definitely buy a new one if that didn't involve me being stoney broke afterwards.

Bumble & Bumble thickening hairspray. I got this free with a magazine last year and although I like it, I'm not 100% sure it's the best out there for adding volume, so onwards and upwards now it's empty!

This sample of L'ancômes La Vie Est Belle has also lasted me a really long time, even though there was only about 5mls in it. I feel like this has some similarities to Victor & Rolf's Flowerbomb (one of my all time favourites) and I'm not alone as several people have asked me if that's what I'm wearing when I have this on. I would definitely buy a full size of this, it's a beautiful scent.

And that's my lot. Have you tried any of these? Any of your own favourites in there?

XX

A Blogger Recommends- A Cherry Sue Tag Post!

I love a good blog tag, it gives you the opportunity to see what a variety of bloggers think about a specific topic. The lovely Sue over at Cherry Sue Doin' The Do created the A Blogger Recommends tag where you share your ultimate favourite products. You know, those ones you always repurchase, you make sure you've got a back up of and are perennially close to hand. I've narrowed mine down to six although if I'm honest, since I made the little collage below I've thought of a couple more. Doh! 

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow Palette

I became a contouring queen this year and although there's plenty of excellent alternatives on the market, for me, this is my number one. The bronze has no red tones so is perfect for my paler skin and provides a subtle yet obvious cheekbone effect, where none existed previously (god bless you CT!). Equally, the highlighter provides a warm glow with a softening effect- no glitter here, that's for sure! You can read a full review HERE.

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm

If anyone ever asks me what to do for chapped lips, I recommend this fella. Costing around €12 per little glass pot, I've heard several people exclaim that it's rather pricey for a lip balm. However, this will last you an entire year, only a small amount is needed to leave your lips soft, smooth and in tip top condition. I use mine every night as a treatment and then during the day if needed (although that night time application will actually last over an 8 hour period so I generally find I don't need to use it throughout the day). Full review HERE.

YSL Shocking Mascara

My all time favourite mascara, which is saying something as I've tried many at this stage. This gives the illusion of false lashes without any of the hassle or added, well fakeness and doesn't leave behind clumps or flakes. Again this is pricey but I find that it just works for me and changes my entire look. Love it!

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth cleanser

It doesn't matter how many cleansers I try out, I always come back to the is one. I've used LE for years now and my skin still loves this. It's unbelievably comforting after a long day to take off your make up and soothe your skin with this beauty- the scent is delicious, my skin feels super soft after use and squeaky clean too. Perfect for dry/dehydrated/sensitive/older skin types. Full review HERE.

Nars Radiant creamy Concealer

I searched for years for the perfect concealer, one which would take care of both under eye bags and blemishes and I finally found it with this one, from Nars last year. I've been through several tubes at this stage and my love for it has yet to wane. Full review HERE.

Cocoa Brown One Hour Tan

And for that matter, Cocoa brown Gradual Bronze. I've been using this now for about two years and although I was previously not a big fan of self tans, I have been converted by this. I couldn't in all honestly recommend a tan unless I myself found it easy to use and that really is the case here. No streaks, no dodgy patches, no horrendously awful smell (it does have a scent as it develops but it's not a traditional "soggy biscuit" aroma) and most importantly; no orange after-effects. I've recently graduated to the darker version for events or nights out and really love that too. For a lighter glow I use Gradual bronze at nights, applying just like a daily moisturiser. For me, I feel more confident when I'm a bit less blindingly white and I always get told I'm looking great when I'm wearing tan. When I'm au natural people often tell me I look tired..funny that! I've gone through cans of Cocoa Brown and will always be well stocked!

What are your ultimate beauty buys? Would any of these make your list? Let me know in the comments! Also, fellow bloggers- please do your own post on this too if you'd like! There's too many of you whose blogs I love reading for me to tag!

XX

Summer Skin Saviours 2014

I wrote a similar post last Summer and I'm sure some of the products mentioned will be the same but sometimes things are classics for a reason.

1, 2 & 3: Sun Protection!

I tend to get a new bottle of sunscreen ever year, himself and I use up a whole tube/bottle on our travels and this year is no different. This fella from Garnier was half price in the Merrion Shopping centre pharmacy there two weeks ago and we're already half way through it! Some weather we're having! This has a high SPF of 50, I always wear 50 because I don't tan, I only burn so I prefer to wear a stronger SPF and this has worked perfectly. No burning and it sinks in easily. The only issue I have with it is that it's odourless, I prefer a coconut-y scent during the Summer (I'll get to that later!) but it's not a big deal.

I always wear an SPF on my lips and face so I wear the EOS lemondrop lip balm, as it smells like sherbet and contains SPF15 along with my Chanel facial lotion, containing SPF 50. The latter there is a pure luxury item, there's plenty more reasonably priced facial sunscreens out there but himself bought me this as a present last Summer and to be honest, it's one of my favourite beauty products so I'm rationing it like crazy! It smells amazing and leaves my skin feeling really soft. Most days during the Summer I just wear this and the EOS on my face and that's all that's needed! Perfect!

4: Cocoa Brown Gentle Bronze*

Again, I'm almost finished this as I use it practically every night. This is a moisturiser with a built in gradual self-tanner, I apply it regularly to maintain a nice, even, healthy glow. I've had no issues with streaks (like all CB products, it applies like a dream), it smells like chocolate (yum!) and it's actually a really good tan- I mean you need to wash your hands well after use because you will have tanned palms in the morning! I use a tanning mitt for application to be on the safe side and because it's a gradual tanner, you don't need to wash it off the next morning so it's a handy product and I wouldn't be without it at this stage. I'll be picking up a new one as soon as this is empty.

5 & 6: The Body Shop Coconut Body Scrub and Body Butter

Here's that coconut I was talking about! Is there anything nicer in the Summer than the scent of coconut on your skin? It's such a warm, gentle scent and invokes the beach and more tropical climes so I reach for this every year when the temperatures start to pick up a bit. These are brand new tubs..I'm sure other skincare fanatics can appreciate this image:

I just wanna dive in!!

7: La Roche Posay Eau Thermale/Thermal Spring Water Facial Spray*

I love this refreshing can of goodness! It's particularly wonderful during this scorching hot weather we've been having, especially as I've been having trouble getting comfortable at night. A spritz of this instantly cools the skin and helps take care of that awful prickly heat. For extra coolness, pop it in the fridge first. I also rate the Avene and Vichy versions quite highly, so whichever takes your fancy really but regardless, this is a good one to have about.

8: Yes To Cucumbers Daily Gentle Cleanser*

After those hot, sticky nights with practically no sleep (minds out of the gutter, dirt birds!), I like to use this cleanser first thing in the morning as a bit of a wake-up call for my face. I love the smell of cucumber anyway, it reminds me of salads, afternoon tea and Pimms, so it's the perfect Summery scent for a cleanser ever! This is a gentle cleanser that you massage in and then wash off and is suitable for dehydrated, sensitive skin like mine. It also contains Aloe Vera, green tea and vitamins A and C, so if you've overdone it in the sun then it'll help for that too!

What are your go-to Summer skin saviours?

XX

*Press samples, gratefully received. All opinions my own, as always.

Cocoa Brown Lovely Legs | Review

I'm sure everyone knows by now that I'm a big Cocoa Brown fan. It's changed how I feel about self-tanners; for years I avoided them completely because they were just too much hassle but with the arrival of One Hour Tan, I grew to love being all bronzed again. My legs however are always a bit of a struggle. They just don't seem to take the tan the same way the rest of my body does and I've no idea why! Am I alone in this or does anyone else have the same trouble? First world problem or wha'?

Anyway, now Cocoa Brown have Lovely Legs; a "medium bronze tanning make up for flawless pins". It comes in a spray can that you give a quick shake to, spray onto a tanning mitt and apply to your legs, blending well. 

Like all CB products, this applied like a dream, I had no streaks and had both my legs done in about ten minutes, maybe less. 

It has the same "Tahitian Gardenia" scent that all CB products have, which is always very nice and in appearance is a bit like the Sally Hansen Spray On Legs, which I actually don't use so I can't compare the two.

I can say that I much preferred this to regular tan for my legs, which I apply at night time, meaning I generally don't notice til the following morning that it's all patchy (regardless of exfoliation and moisturising the day before) and by then it's too late. Lovely legs is instant and is a wash off tan so if you were to make a mistake, it's easily fixed. It's basically fake tanning for dummies, if someone were to write such a book.

And here's the results:

Love it! I actually think it looks really natural, it gave my skin a nice glow and a healthy tan which is going to be perfect for Summer. 

The only problem I can foresee is getting stuck in a rain shower or some randomer spilling a pint down your legs of an evening. But that's true of all wash off tans and if you're living in Ireland I guess you just have to take that chance! 

You can pick yourself up a can of Lovely Legs from Penneys and selected pharmacies nationwide now for €7.99.

Have you tried Lovely Legs yet?

XX

*Press sample, gratefully received. All opinions my own, as always!

Exciting New Launches Ahead From Cocoa Brown!

If you've been reading this blog for a while you'll know I'm a big fan of Irish tanning brand, Cocoa Brown. You should also be able to guess then how excited I am about the new products the amazing Marissa Carter has lined up for us:

I can't wait to get my hands on the Lovely Legs spray and the Gradual Tan and I think that limited edition gift set on the right containing two of my favourites; Chocolate Whip and Tough Stuff would make an excellent gift (and a bargainous one too at only 9.99!).

The new additions will be in all Cocoa Brown stockists from March the 13th.

Expect reviews of the newbies when they land!

Anything catching your eye?

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'ManhaTan', The New Irish Tanning App!

As you've probably noticed if you've been reading this blog for the last while, I am a big self-tanner convert. I used to love it when I was a teenager but grew to hate the hassle; the streaking, the smell, difficulty with removal and at times the orange tones from certain brands. I changed my mind with the arrival of Cocoa Brown last year and have been trying out a few other brands since then too. So I was happy to get the heads up about a new free app, ManhaTan, created by four Irish, tan-loving, transition-year students for their mini business project, launched last month. 

The purpose of the app is to provide information on leading tan brands, such as Sally Hansen, Wow Brown, Rimmel, Fake Bake, Garnier Ambre Solaire, St Tropez, Karora, Clarins and of course, Cocoa Brown. It gives you a list of tips for application, which formula to choose, prices, stockists and a map of nearby salons (currently Dublin only), where you can get a professional spray tan.

At the moment the app is only available for the iPad and iPhone but there are plans to expand it to android and also to display the salons where a spray tan is available across the whole country.

Personally, I think this is a very clever idea, I know self-tanner is one area that a lot of women struggle with and if you're new to it then it could be very helpful in finding not only the right product for you but in getting all possible help in order to get it perfect at home yourself.

What do we think? Is this something you'd use or recommend to others?

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