My top tanning and bronzing must haves!

Having bronzed skin throughout the summer is a trend that will never grow old, but as we become more aware of how harmful the sun can be to our health and to the condition of our skin, it has never been more important to take care on those beautiful sunny days, leaving beauty gurus like myself to search for affective alternatives for women looking for that healthy glow!

Of course, sitting in the sunshine has it's health benefits but too much can be damaging for our skin - it may only be a burn now, but this is causing permanent damage to our skin that will become more noticeable in the future! So although many take to the sun for a non-patchy, all-over tan, I thought I'd show you a few of my healthy alternatives in a can/bottle to get that glow all year round without the risks!

Garnier Ambre Solaire dry body mist - 

This is a fairly recent purchase for me and I have to admit, my laziness when it comes to applying fake tan was the driving force for this buy. The idea of being able to quickly spray gradual tan on your body without having to wait ages for it to dry or that awkward stickiness that cream formula tans bring, is great, but of course it has its downfalls. As I was spraying myself with this new purchase, whilst dancing around my room and getting prepped for going out that evening, I suddenly thought - wait, this was way too easy.. surely there's a catch? It wasn't until 3/4 hours later that the catch became evident. STREAK ALERT. It's very hard to apply dry mist tans liberally and without missing a spot or two - or hundreds in my case - so it's probably best to apply this a day before actually going out to an occasion or event, because after a second coat it seemed to all blend in and look socially acceptable.
The colour was great though, natural and not too orange and even though I did have a little disaster on the first application, I think I will get to grips with it after a few attempts. The easy application makes it still very attractive for someone like myself who hates that stickiness of tanning lotions, but be warned! Expect to visit streak city until you get the hang of it - unless you're a tanning mist expert in which case, please comment some tips!!! : - )

Cocoa Brown by Marissa Carter - 1 hour tan mousse: 

I actually love this tan, and I have to say, it's really wiped out my ol'faithful Garnier Summer Body tanning lotion off the top of my holy grail list. I usually leave my favourite till last but thought I'd mix it up for you guys and keep you on your toes!! hehe. Of course it's a tanning mousse so application is quite fussy, but its so worth it for the beautiful result! It's such an affordable alternative to more expensive tanning products on the market but its finish is just as good!
Simply apply all over your body and on your face for an all over bronzed look - don't be alarmed by how dark the product looks, it needs to be washed off after a couple of hours (I usually leave it for 3/4 hours) but after you've hit the shower, the colour and evenness of the product is lovely and really natural. And in case you're wondering, Cocoa Brown is made from a vegetable derived tanning agent, it's suitable for sensitive skin and it's moisturising and kind enough to be used on the face - WIN! This saves the trouble of having separate tanning products for the body and face which I know many brands haven't sorted out yet for people on a budget like myself!
I've really fallen in love with this tan and I know other big names in beauty like Tanya Burr have raved about this product too so it's definitely worth checking it out - and in case you're interested, this tan saved me from my little palaver with the previous tan I mentioned so I managed to leave the house with an all over, streak free tan! : - D

Garner Summer Body moisturising lotion:

I mentioned this product on my blog last summer and it's still up there with my favourite tanning products (it's been knocked off though by Cocoa Brown.. sorry Garnier!) but it's still a very reliable go-to tan for me because most of the time if I've prepped - exfoliated and moisturised the day before that is - it develops evenly leaving me with a nice deep but natural looking tan. However, the smell is very love it or hate it. I know some people who don't mind the smell of fake tan, but I happen to fall in the 'hate it' category and it becomes unbearable sometimes. However the even finish makes this product worth it and I think it's a definite must-try for anyone on a tight budget and wants a fuss free tan.

Click HERE if you want to see my other review and some other thoughts on this product from last summer!

Now onto bronzers! I know sometimes it can be a little daunting applying fake tan onto the face because it's harder to cover if something goes wrong and a lot of tanning products (apart from Cocoa Brown) are not suitable for face application and can sometimes cause break outs. So, to be safe, I like to apply a nice bronzer to match my fake tan to the colour of my foundation, and there are plenty of options out there to try and explore! Here are my two favourites right now : - )

 Hoola by Benefit:

Hoola is every girls best friend, and no she's not a human or a tub of ice cream, she's an old faithful bronzer that has graced every beauty gurus vanity table at some point. I can only describe this as your basic matte, fuss-free, brown bronzer. No shimmer or glitter or all hues of orange - just a brown powder. It's like a LBD for example, every girl needs one! I think the simplicity of Hoola is what makes it so popular; it's easily blended into the skin and perfect for an all over bronzed look when swept across cheekbones, nose and forehead. The fact I've hit the pan as you can see in the photograph is a BIG thaaaang, normally products don't even make it to being half empty before I'm bored and interested in searching for better or more exciting alternatives!

The Body Shop Honey Bronzer - 02:

And last but not least, The Body Shop's Honey Bronzer has been in my makeup bag for a little while now and it's compact mirror has become a must-have for my handbag and it's always on hand when I'm out and about. In my opinion this is a a great alternative to Hoola for girls with fairer skin and want a lighter bronzed look, because sometimes when I haven't applied tan, Hoola can be a little too dark for my skin tone. Yet again it's a matte brown powder which isn't too pigmented so perfect for anyone who wants a light bronze or a buildable bronzer for any makeup look. You can probably tell that I'm not into all of the shimmery bronzers out there with crazy patterns and blocks and wheels of pinks, yellows shades etc. A basic brown powder allows me to control and personalise my makeup so much easier with my choice of highlighter if I fancy injecting a little brightness into my makeup look! 

I hope this has given you an idea of a few tanning products to try this Summer ladies and please let me know in the comments your holy grail bronzing and tanning products so we can look like effortless bronzed goddesses! : - )

P.S: I also reviewed L'Oreal's Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Elixir last summer and it claims to be 'indestructible', lasting for two weeks with no streaks or smell!!! See what my thoughts are after I put it to the test! Click HERE to read my review. 

Get summer body ready!

So it's summer and even though British weather can be unreliable, us girls always have to be prepared.
For my skin I have always relied on the Garnier Body range- pocket friendly and does the job brilliantly! Being a bit of a tan-a-holic I have spent so much time and money finding the right gradual tan for me and the Garnier Summer Body moisturising lotion is the only one that has fit my criteria- and my budget.
Yes, you will still wake up smelling like biscuits but I guess every tan on the shelves at the moment will leave you smelling like a tasty snack (although I'm planning on trying the new L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Elixir which promises to have no self-tan smell and last two weeks!- if anybody has tried it please let me know what you think!) However, I love the natural glow it gives me rather than the typical blast of tangerine and when applying, it smells all summery and apricoty.. (if that's even a word). Streakiness can be avoided by applying with a tanning mitt and the glow can last up to a week if looked after properly! If you want a natural looking tan without splashing the cash, this is definitely the one for you!

To look after my tan and avoid streaks, I love using Garnier Intensive 7 Days Ultra-Replenishing Lotion with Shea Butter. Not only does it smell fresh, but it really does fulfil its 7 day promise- although I have recently been using it more than once a week, so my skin has been feeling amazing! It's  important to moisturise skin before applying any form of tan because streaks are usually caused by the product clinging to dry skin; it's best to moisturise 24hrs before otherwise your tan will not develop!
I've only been using this product for about two weeks but I'm loving the results! My skin feels nourished and has a glow that lasts for days!

Exfoliators are also crucial for glowing summer skin and can keep a tan looking even and natural. I recently found this Clarins Soothing Body Scrub For a New Skin in my draw (along with plenty of other beauty products I never knew I had) and I thought I'd give it a try.
I'm pretty lazy when it comes to looking after my body so I thought I'd see what all the fuss was about. After the first use, my skin felt instantly smoother and when teamed with the Garnier Ultra- Replenshing Lotion, I literally wanted to show off my summer skin to the world- very rare considering an over sized baseball top is my best friend. It's also very rich and luxurious so I wouldn't use it regularly, I'm thinking I need to search for a Soap & Glory scrub for a summery treat and for more regular use!

Another reliable Clarins beauty product that I always carry in my purse is Beauty Flash Balm. It's a must have for any time of the year, but particularly when on holiday for a fresh faced, natural look. It can be used as an intensive moisturiser when skin needs a splash of hydration and it's a perfect base before applying makeup. A must have for tightening and brightening, buy and try for yourself!

Before completely my uni exams last week, I felt really nervous and apprehensive so my lovely mum went into town and purchased these beauties for me to cheer me up! I was soooo excited to use them because Benefit is my favourite beauty brand and even better- it's for tan-a-holics like me!

This really cute 'totally tantalising' kit came with Benefits oh so famous Hoola bronzer and Bene Tint, my new favourites as they add a tropical holiday vibe to any look.
They say to sweep Hoola bronzer across chin, cheeks and forehead for a natural looking tan, but I just go crazy… I mean crazy. I also sweep it across my neck, chest or maybe even to highlight non-existent abs (don't judge me) for when my bikini makes an appearance.
It's a new and permanent addition to my makeup bag and I can't wait to take it on holiday! Even though I won't be wearing much makeup, I can still achieve a glowing summer look.

The Bene Tint is lush- a very much needed change after overusing my Sleek powder blush for so long. The girly posy pink compliments Hoola perfectly and they are quite the pair; particularly for a fresh faced look with minimal makeup; the liquid tint adds a pop of colour.
However, for those girls who like to spend a long time on their makeup, you'd be surprised by how speedy you need to be to apply this product. If it isn't blended seconds after it's applied, then you may have to sport two clown-like circles of unblendable blush- not a good look and a lesson I have sadly learnt.
However, I love the results and this kit is definitely a must have for this summer; a brilliant way to try both products in one go!

If you have any summer favourites or newly discovered must haves then let me know! 

Which Moisture Match are you? Beauty MUST HAVE of the week!

Garnier Skin Naturals have promoted their latest development in moisture technology; a range of moisturisers that match your skin type depending on the look you want to achieve and the changing seasons. Acknowledging that different skin types have different needs, the new range provide 24 hour hydration with a variety of specialised textures and carefully selected ingredients, each moisturiser is customised to match specific needs. Which Moisture Match are you? 

I have never been able to find a universal moisturiser that suits me all year round. The condition of our skin is forever changing alongside our moods, the seasons and environment. Garnier have managed to create a range of moisturisers suitable for all skin types, for any situation! Whenever I find a brand of moisturiser that works for me, it never provides the same standard of hydration for other skin types which can lead to an inconsistent and ineffective beauty routine. 

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My skin has always been naturally oily and annoyingly spot prone- that's why the 'Shine Be Gone' moisturiser works best for me. Mattifying and fresh, it hydrates for 24 hours and keeps my skin oil free all day- goodbye future breakouts!

Whilst the product co-ordinates with the condition of my skin, I know that I can rely on Garnier to provide the same standard in moisture balancing when summer arrives. The specific moisturiser I use already is perfect for hot summer days- stopping oil from coming to the surface and mattifying all day long, stay in the sun for longer and remain fresh and shine free! 

You can also do this with 'Protect and Glow'- a moisturiser combined with SPF 20. Illuminating and hydrating, achieve that beautiful summer glow whilst protecting from the sun at the same time! 

However, as Christmas looms and the frosty weather dries out your skin, who wants to be sporting the flaky look at the Christmas party? Not flattering. That's why 'Start Afresh' and 'Goodye Dry' have been formulated to target dry/ very dry skin- fighting the flake and restoring skin to its natural moisture level. These ultra- hydrating rich creams will keep your skin looking fresh, hydrated and beautiful come the New Year! 

On the other hand, of course there has to be a moisturiser specially targeted for the mornings you wake up and feel.. urgh. Worry no more and lather on 'Wake Me Up'- perfect for dull skin that needs an injection of life. Packed with revitalising hydration, nobody has to know what you got up to the night before!

You can't change your skin, but you can change your moisturiser!

 Not sure what Moisture Match you are? check out http://www.garnier.co.uk/_en/_gb/moisture-match/home.aspx to find out!

Beauty MUST HAVE of the week!

Garnier BB Cream "Miracle Skin Perfecter" Eye Roll-on

SAY GOODBYE TO UNDER EYE CIRCLES! 
My first ever "Beauty must have of the week" has been dedicated to Garnier BB Cream Eye Roll-on!

This product is perfect for women who naturally have circles under their eyes- like me- or after a night out that you want to hide the evidence of.
Nobody has to know you were the one dancing on the tables all night!
Incorporated into your everyday beauty routine or for just a quick touch up, the Eye Roll-on will make your eyes appear brighter and more awake after using it for just a few days!

Before

After

For the first time,"Garnier combines haloxyl, an active ingredient known for its efficiency to help treat dark circles, with mineral pigments to unify and smooth out the area under your eyes in just one step!"
With long lasting skin care combined with make-up, this product protects your skin in the long run alongside instantly masking your circles.

I swear by this stuff! Being at uni 5 days a week and with plenty of late nights under my belt, I needed a product that would disguise my tiredness- particularly because I naturally have circles anyway. Instead of the usual "Laura are you tired?" question all the time, I got: "Your eyes look beautiful!" after using the product just once.

To apply the product, just roll it under the eyes after your usual skin routine; in gentle circular motions- the ball cools and freshens the skin.
I like to leave the cream to set for a minute or two so that it sinks into the skin but the way you do it is up to you! Using a light, soft brush, gently dab the excess product into the skin to blend and smooth the appearance. Then just apply the rest of your make-up as usual, although I usually like to apply a tiny bit of concealer on top to create a matte finish (I will post my make-up/skin routine in a few weeks).

The before and after photographs show how the Roll-on worked for me, so get rolling and see what it can do for your circles!