HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY, IT'S MY BIRTHDAY! I've probably said this a gazillion times today but I just can't help it; it's the one day of the year that being a complete diva is acceptable! 

But I've been an incredibly lucky girl this year and I feel truly blessed for all the lovely and thoughtful birthday messages and presents, I have the best family, boyfriend and friends ever. 

This post is dedicated to my pretty presents and purchases that I couldn't help but treat myself too… after all, IT'S MY BIRTHDAY! 

Clinique chubby stick: 11 two ton tomato

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Elixir

Hello girlies! I've been excited about this one for a long time; I have finally got round to trying the apparently 'indestructible' tan which promises to last 2 WEEKS, with no streaks and no smell. Sounds too good to be true, right? But whilst the advertising provides promises that no other can make, the end product fell a little short. 

The new elixir tan has just as many positives as negatives.There is definitely a fake tan smell as soon as it's applied, although it's not as prominent as when you wake up in the morning smelling like biscuits… being a bit of a tan-a-holic myself, the fake tan smell is definitely something I try to avoid- looks like my mission to find a odourless tan isn't over yet!

However, I love the colour after a few applications (when applied for three consecutive days, the tan is supposed to last 2 weeks). I've been a little bit of a wimp and haven't tried all three applications because I fear I will be too orange to be seen and not judged in public; two days gives me enough of a noticeable glow.
BUT- whilst the colour is oh so pretty on the day of application, the product only went and migrated to under my arm pits, knees and elbows- it left me looking so streaky my boyfriend started calling me bacon. The elixir in the tan absorbs into the skin really quickly, so it's hard to find any missed spots (WARNING: PUT YOUR TANNING MITTS AWAY, USE HANDS FOR SPEEDINESS).

Without a lot of time spent exfoliating and moisturising the day before, L'oreal's Elixir tan falls incredibly short. After learning to moisturise my elbows and knees, the patchiness isn't as bad *sigh of relief as money isn't wasted*. Depending on how carefully you apply the product, will depend on the evenness and quality of the final product; do not go into this process half heartedly- be prepared!!.

On the plus side, it leaves skin feeling so soft and moisturised and it does last a very long time. However, it's incredibly annoying if a few pesky patches appear; it takes a long time to scrub off!

The colour, after two applications, lasted over a week which I was really impressed with. I swim a couple of times a week, and any budding swimmers would know that chlorine obliterates any effort you put into tanning or moisturising your body.. BUT parts of the product did remain in place! So in that respect, I am impressed. 

FINALLY: L'oreal does state that the product can be used on the face as well but I'm too scared to try! I guess a patchy face would match my patchy body but I have to step down from my role as a hardcore beauty blogger, I cannot risk it!

Okay, so there may have been a few more negatives than suggested at first, but I would probably repurchase again if I came across this unpredictable little tan on the shelves… and if it was on sale- what's life without a little risk ay!

The Body Shop Seaweed Skincare

Hello my lovelies! Hope you are all enjoying the sun- sorry if it's not sunny where you are, it's rare for the sun to be shining over Essex! But I just wanted to do a quick post on my new The Body Shop purchases which I love love love at the moment.

The natural properties of the bladderwrack seaweed extracts balances excess oils and is an excellent treatment for oily to combination skin. My temperamental skin can be a pain sometimes, especially when I wake up with lots of shine and oil around my t-zone. Since using the Seaweed Clarifying Night Treatment it has balanced my oily skin fabulously whilst keeping it hydrated and moisturised.

When used after applying Tea Tree Skin Clearing Lotion- also from The Body Shop, it creates a thick serum which I love using because the mixture of seaweed and tea tree acts as the perfect acne treatment.; not too strong that it dries the skin but strong enough to feel the products soaking deep into the skin and clearing imperfections! I'll do a separate post soon on the Tea Tree Clearing Lotion; I wanted to focus on the seaweed range this time round!

Secondly, the best thing I have done for my skincare routine is swap my Simple toner for the Seaweed Clarifying Toner! If you have acne prone skin like I do, I would recommend finding a range of skincare products that target your skin type/problem i.e. The Body Shops seaweed or tea tree range. I love the clarifying toner; it refreshes, refines pores and removes impurities and yet again is another product that you can FEEL working into the skin. It slightly stings once applied after thoroughly cleansing, but that is just because the product is working into the skin and getting deep into the pores to remove impurities.

However, naturally, the seaweed extracts dries the skin and tackles oil so apply a reliable moisturiser or serum straight after to maintain skin hydration.

I'm loving The Body Shop at the moment and I had no idea they now do student discounts; get down to your nearest store and get your discount card and many other bonuses!

If you've tried these products or try them after reading this then let me know what cha think my lovelies!