Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan & 'Lovely Legs' Bronze Spray

We've all been there.  You find yourself invited to a spontaneous night out or event and mild panic sets in when you realise that you haven't fake tanned.  No instagram filter is going to disguise your milky pins and you have less than 24 hours to sort it out.  It's happened to me many a time let me tell you - which is why I always like to have some form of 'quick fix' tan always at the ready in my bathroom cabinet.  As much as I love being bronzed, I really do hate the whole process of fake tanning and if there's anything I can do to shorten it, I will.  When a great number of fake tans take up to 8 hours to develop, it really can become a bit of a chore and there's been many a time I've found myself planning my day around it before a night out which is ever so slightly ridiculous!  The only time I really have to fake tan is after work - so something super quick, easy and fuss-free is a must for me - as well as a product which offers the same colour pay off as any normal fake tan would.  Enter Cocoa Brown's One Hour Tan... a product which promises beautifully bronzed and radiant skin in just one hour.  

Cocoa Brown | 1 Hour Tan | £6.99* | Link  This product has gained cult beauty status since it was launched as well as winning a number of industry awards - I've read so many good reviews and features and really couldn't wait to try it.  I hold my hands up and admit I was very sceptical to begin with - there's no way a one-hour fake tan could offer me the same results as an 8-hour developer, could it? I have to say I was so impressed when I first tried this tan.  Not only does it give such a natural, bronzed glow to the skin, it applies so smoothly and evenly - it's effortless.  The mousse is really creamy and feels luxurious and almost moisturising to apply, giving a flawless finish from head to toe. The scent is really unique too - there's no whiff of fake tan whatsoever thanks to the delicate floral hint.  Once applied, the mousse sinks in really nicely and doesn't leave a sticky residue, meaning you aren't stood around like a lemon for ages whilst you wait for your tan to dry.   After an hour or so, the tan washes off to reveal a lovely, natural glow - not a hint orange in sight - it gives that natural 'caramel' sort of colour which is so flattering on the skin.  It's not the darkest colour I've ever achieved but it's such an amazing 'quick fix' and does exactly what I want it to do. I find it to be quite buildable too - so I'll often apply it two nights in a row mid-week and I'm sorted ready for the weekend.  It's also a nice product to use if you want to 'top up' a tan you already have. 

Cocoa Brown | Lovely Legs Spray | £7.99* | Link  I've only really dabbled in leg makeup sprays once or twice in the past so products like this are fairly new to me.  Although I don't think they're a necessity, i do think they make a fabulous addition to your evening out routine or simply used as an alternative to standard 'instant' tans.  If you've ever tried Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs then this is very similar.  The spray is quite scary when you first apply it as the colour comes out quite strong, but once it's buffed in with a mitt it provides a smooth, even finish with an additional bit of coverage to help smooth and perfect the skin's appearance.  I had a small mark that just wouldn't budge on my lower leg for a while (shaving incident - I'm sure you'll all relate...) I used this spray on a couple of occasions and it helped to smooth out the skin-tone on my legs, covering the mark whilst adding a slight bronzed glow.  It's not something I'd use all of the time but it's definitely a nice product to have in my stash - it comes in very handy for special occasions when you'll be taking a lot of photographs as it gives such a perfected look to the skin.  I'm off for a weekend away with the boy soon and this is most certainly going to go in my suitcase. Used sparingly, it looks really natural and deepens the tan you already have.  Paler skins might find it slightly muddy and difficult to work with, but if you've already applied your tan (or if you're a lucky so and so and are sporting a natural one) then it's a nice product to finish off with before a night on the tiles.

Overall, I've been really impressed with Cocoa Brown.  For less than a tenner, the one-hour tan really is worth having. If, like me, you struggle to find the time to tan it's so super quick to apply after a day at work - all you need to do is hop in the shower before bed and you're sorted - hardly any effort needed!  You can find Cocoa Brown range in Superdrug stores here.

Have you tried any Cocoa Brown products? What did you reckon?  

Lauren's Way | Darker than Dark 'Glam Tan' Spray

Lauren's Way | Darker than Dark Spray Tan | £19.95* | Link

Summer creeping around the corner can only mean one thing. Yes ladies - it's time to start waving goodbye to the trusty opaque tights and hello to weeks and weeks of  regimented hair removal - waheey!  If the thought of getting your less than summer-ready pins out makes you shudder in your fluffy slippers, a layer or two of the ol' fake tan never fails to perk them up in a jiffy.  Just recently, I've been testing out this offering from Lauren's Way.  I've always been intrigued by the range - I'm forever reading fabulous reviews and comments on Twitter about just how great it is and the fact I'm a self-confessed TOWIE fan only added to my excitement.  As soon as I tried it, I loved it.  In fact, I'm going to throw it out there - I reckon I've found my new favourite fake tan.  It featured in my monthly favourites a couple of weeks ago (you can have a read here) so it just goes to show how much I love it as I thought it needed it's very own post. 

Firstly, I have to say I'm slightly surprised at just how quickly I warmed to using a spray.  I've always been very much a mousse-y kinda girl with the odd lotion thrown in here and there - St Tropez and Xen Tan have to be the only 2 fake tans I've ever really liked. However, Lauren's Way is SO easy to use the guide colour means that it's really easy to see where you've been - and it isn't messy or hard to apply in the slightest. You can either spray directly onto the skin and blend with a mitt, or apply onto the mitt beforehand and then buff into the skin - either way works equally well and it's really easy to achieve a smooth, even colour.  I'm completely and utterly sold on the spray version and I would 100% repurchase the spray again - I find it's actually much less effort than a lotion or a mousse - and it dries almost instantly.  It's also really quick to apply as there's no real 'massaging in' routine that's needed like there is with a mousse or lotion - you literally just spray, buff in and go.  I can easily do my entire body in 10 minutes.

Just one coat is enough to give a deep, even tan. The colour is quite dark - but it's not orangey in slightest. It gives the same colour to my skin that I'd achieve if I'd been in the sun for a few days - very olive toned and natural.  One of the main selling points for me though, is the fact that this tan doesn't seem to smell like typical fake tans to me (which is what puts me off doing it as I can't stand smelling like a digestive!).  It has a very light, fresh scent when you first apply it, but once it's on you can hardly smell it whatsoever. Perfect! It also seems to last much longer than other tans on me - I find I don't have to 'top up' half as much - and I'm always happy with the colour it gives after just one application (finally, a tan I don't have to layer up!) I would have posted a 'before and after' photograph - but to be honest, I've been wearing this tan non-stop since I got it so I haven't had pale skin in a good few weeks now. Hopefully, you get the jist of the application from the photos above.  Overall, I have to say I love Lauren's Way - and as soon as I run out of this bottle I'm going to be ordering another pretty swiftly! It really is as good as everyone says...

Have you tried Lauren's Way?

Monthly Favourites | February

You know when you have one of those months where you seem to switch up everything in your usual routine and find a tonne of new products to get your mitts into? Well, February was one of those months for me.  I fell in love with yet another contouring product, discovered that I actually do suit pink blush and I found an amazing alternative to endless root-backcombing. Waheyy! Sounds like a jolly good month, I hear you say? Without further ado, I shall get cracking with my February favourites. Grab a brew - there's a few ;)

Mac Lipstick in 'Fanfare'

I've finally found my perfect 'every day' pink lip. The kind that isn't so nude it looks barely there or washed out, but just vibrant enough to make an impression - Mac's 'Fanfare' really is such a stunner.  I wrote a full post on this beauty earlier in the week (you can have a read of that here) and I really cannot live without this in my handbag at the moment.  It brightens up my complexion in a flash and is so super creamy and pigmented.  It seems to work really well against my skin tone.

Nars Blush in 'Deep Throat'

I don't usually reach for pink blushes.  I tend to opt for corals, peaches and oranges purely because I feel safer with them and I often think my skin tone works best with a warmer flush of colour. However, this month, I've fallen head over heels for Nars' 'Deep Throat' - a beautiful pink with slight coral undertones (which is why I think it works so well for me).  It's so warming and brightening on the complexion and is super buildable and easy to blend.  I adore it. I wrote a full post on this blush earlier in the month (you can find it here) so if you fancy reading more on my thoughts, head on over!

Illamasqua Sculpting Duo

Oh look! Another contouring product is featured on Beth's blog... I have written a full post on this product here, so I won't go into this one too much - but I think I may have found my new favourite contour powder.  The highlighting shade is simply stunning - honestly, I can't even begin to explain how much I love it.  Just the lightest touch of a brush is all you need and it brings light to the face without going all 'disco ball, jazz hands and glitter' - perfect! The contour shade leans ever so slightly grey - making it the perfect companion for scultping out those cheekbones.  Slightly pricey - but worth every penny if you're a contouring addict like me.

Lauren's Way Glam Tan - Darker than Dark Spray*

I must admit, I wasn't expecting to love this half as much as I do.  But I'm addicted! I'm planning on doing a full post on this soon so I won't say too much - but it really is such an amazing fake tan and I can see why it receives so much hype on Twitter! I usually opt for mousses or gel-like consistencies when it comes to my fake tan, but I reckon Lauren's Way has converted me to a spray.  I simply spray a few pumps onto a mitt, or onto my skin depending on where I'm tanning, and blend away.  It's easy to see where you've been and it's so easy to blend - honestly, it's fool proof! No streaky business here! What I love about it though is the fact it doesn't smell whatsoever. Seriously?! Has anyone else tried this and been super impressed at the lack of biscuit aroma?! Blow me down with a feather - I'm amazed! I usually put off fake tanning purely because I can't stand smelling like a digestive for an entire night/day - but I could quite happily let this develop for the 8 hours without getting a whiff of fake tan whatsoever.  The colour is also really natural - it's quite dark, but it's very olive toned and doesn't look false at all. Hats off to you Lauren - your fake tan really is as good as everyone says.

Benefit Gimme Brow*

Again, I've already written a full review of these earlier in the month (link).  They received a rave review from me and I'm still loving them just as much.  They've completely altered my brow routine and for someone who's brows lack in the volume department, they're a god send.  I love the fact they're so buildable and provide such natural results. My eyebrows have never looked so defined! They really do stay put all day as well.

Lord & Berry Smudge Proof Liner in 'Smoke'*

Why wear black when you can go grey?! I've discovered a love for grey liner this month - it provides definition to the eyes without looking too smokey or heavy for day time.  I usually find black can look a little heavy and has a tendency to smudge on me - but Lord & Berry's 'Smoke' pencil stays put all day without fail and gives my eyes that much desired definition without looking too 'OTT'.  I received this in one of my Love Me Beauty boxes (post here) and was impressed with it from the start - the texture is quite waxy but it's very easy to apply and it lasts amazingly well.

Loreal '#TXT' Volume Supersizing Spray

Again, another product I wasn't expecting miracles from but I was pleasantly surprised. This stuff is seriously good! It beats any volume powder I've tried by a mile.  It smells beautiful and fresh too.  Just a quick spritz of this through roots/mid-lengths of my hair and a quick 'fluff' about,  and I'm left with  a seriously voluminous barnet in a jiffy.   It doesn't last amazingly well, however, it's perfect when you need a bit of a boost and it puts some much needed 'oomph' back in when your hair has lost it's mojo.  I take this everywhere with me now. I couldn't live without it. . I've had this can for a few weeks now too - so you definitely get your money's worth. 

Sanctuary Skin Comforting Body Butter

I know body butters aren't the most exciting product to speak about but I reckon I've found a new favourite.  I adore the texture of this one - it's so moisturising and blends and sinks into the skin like an absolute dream. It smells really pretty - like almonds, milk and powdery-freshness (fab explanation there, Beth...) I'm going to dash out and repurchase another tub as soon as this one runs out - I really recommend trying this if you're after a richly moisturising body butter.  It leaves the skin feeling so baby soft and smooth.

Organic Surge 2 Minute Moisture Mask*

I have a lot to thank this hair mask for, I really do.  It is so easy to use and works a treat on thirst-deprived hair.  It leaves my hair feeling silky, smooth and easier to manage and gets rid of any frizz.  I was actually sent this a while back (you can read my review here) and I will 100% be grabbing myself another tub now that I've finished this one. 

Have you tried and loved any of these products as much as me?

The Perfect Autumn Glow | Clarins - Liquid Bronze

I'm partial to having a bit of a sunkissed glow.  It's no secret that I'm most certainly a 'fan of the tan' and although i don't like to be too brown, I do like to keep a little bit of a glow to my skin all year round.  I haven't got the palest skin in the world, but in winter it can tend to look a little dull, and generally a little lifeless unless I give it a bit of a boost.  However, fake tan for the face is one thing I struggle with.  Most fake tans I've used to far have either been too dark, too patchy or too pore 'cloggy'.  Not a good look I'm sure you'll all agree - especially in winter when it's quite obvious that you haven't simply popped over to the Bahamas overnight - I like a natural, effortless glow.  Enter 'Clarins Liquid Bronze' - my new go-to facial tanner.  It's basically become somewhat of a 'cult product' amongst the beauty blogging world of late. It's easy to see why.

Clarin's Liquid Bronze is not your average facial tanner.  It's subtle, it takes a bit of building up and it certainly doesn't give you that 'just stepped off the plane look' - but that's why it's perfect for this time of year.  I won't pull the wool over your eyes - it will not give you a massive colour difference - it is extremely subtle and if you have an olive or dark skintone then this won't be for you. This being said, I don't have the lightest skin in the world (but it's fair to say I can look like a bit of a pale face at times) and I can see a noticeable difference after using it 2 nights in a row.   What I love about it is that it gives such a natural hint of a summer glow - it looks unbelievably smooth and gives your skin that slight 'olive' undertone and inner radiance that you might get when you've been out in the sun for a while.  You could easily use this every evening for a little moisture boost and never look like you've gone 'over the top' with the fake-bake when you wake up in the morning.  

It comes out of the bottle as a white liquid/cream which is fairly thin in consistency.  I simply smooth it onto my face and neck before bed using a cotton pad and let it work it's magic overnight. I find it sinks in really quickly - and leaves the skin feeling moisturised and smooth afterwards instead of sticky and 'heavy' like other fake tans I've used. It also doesn't have that dreaded biscuit smell; a lot of bloggers have said how nice this product smells and I have to agree - it's really fresh and fruity.  It actually reminds me of Fruit Salad sweets - anyone remember those?!  It contains Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to help soothe and soften the skin - so it does have added benefits and isn't merely 'just a facial tanner'.It's also worth pointing out that I have sensitive skin that tends to break out if I use products that don't agree with me - and although Liquid Bronze is fragranced, it hasn't caused me any problems whatsoever and I find it to be very gentle on the skin.

I bought my bottle of Debenhams online when they had free delivery and 10% off (link) - so it's worth shopping around as I often see this product discounted by a couple of pounds. Liquid Bronze retails for £18.00 - which isn't the cheapest of facial tanners out there but it is worth it if this is the type of thing you're after.  This product isn't for everyone, and if you're looking for a tanner that provides a deep colour this won't be for you.  But if you're after a subtle, even colour, have a very light, pale skin tone or are a bit of a 'novice' when it comes to facial tanning - this might be worth a shot. 

Have you tried Liquid Bronze? What were your thoughts?

Last Minute Holiday Buys

Evening my little cupcakes.  I hope you've all been enjoying today in the sunshine - it's sure been a scorcher i tells ya! I arrived back from London late last night so it's fair to say I've been absolutely cream-crackered all day. For those of you who don't know, I've been on a trip with uni to a big exhibition for 6 days and it's been so exciting to be showing my work - I've had lots of good things come from it including interest in my children's book and potential jobs for the future/placements for summer - I've even had my work featured on a very well known graphic design site so to say it's been successful is an understatement! I'm grinning like a cheshire cat right now (and a very tired one at that...that'll teach me to wear wedges for 10 hours straight ;)).  There's no rest for the wicked though - I jet off on holiday in the early hours of Tuesday morning, so I'm currently in the process of unpacking one case and packing another (nightmare! my floor has never seen so many carrier bags and clothes!) - I definitely feel as if I'm ready for a holiday - I really need to recharge my batteries. Anyway,  I took a drive down to the nearest retail park last week to pick up some last minute bits for my holiday as I won't have chance tomorrow and I thought I thought what better thing to do than show you what I picked up... Everyone loves a holiday haul right?

| St Tropez Self Tan Dark Mousse |

Call me high maintenance, but one cannot simply arrive in a sunny country looking like a milk bottle on legs.  Whenever I go away, I fake tan beforehand so that I don't stick out like a sore thumb once I arrive.  St Tropez is my go-to fake tan. I find the mousse so easy to apply and fuss-free and I like the colour it gives.  I've never tried their dark version before but I thought I'd give it a whirl. I've since tried it and I have to say I think I prefer the normal version - the dark just looks a bit too muddy on me.  I can usually get away with not washing the guide colour off the normal version if I'm going out, but with this one I absolutely have to make sure it's off before I pop out as it looks too much. Oh well - atleast I've tried it.  I'll still use it but I much prefer my St Tropez normal mousse. 

| Tangle Teezer Travel |

I cannot live without my Tangle Teezer - me and that hairbrush are like the ultimate little dream-team and without it i simply can't function and my hair has a mardy.  I travel quite a bit, so I figured I'd whack the travel version in my basket.  It's really handy because it's slightly smaller and has a little protective case so that the bristles don't get damaged in your suitcase.  I took it to London with me and it was a little life saver - it kept my hair from throwing it's toys out of the pram and going all frizzy on me! Just what you need if you're a fellow traveller like me.

| Sanctuary Pore Refining Toner- Travel Size |

Ahh mini products... Every time I go away I relish shopping for mini bottles of stuff.  They're much more interesting and cute than normal sized bottles of stuff!  Sanctuary do some lovely skin care and this is my favourite of the bunch - their Pore Refining Toner.  It keeps my skin looking and feeling fresh and gets rid of any cack (Cack - be gone!) If you're in need of a good toner then it's worth trying this one. I loves it.

| Bourjois Bronzing Primer & Maxi Delight Bronzer |

I really tried not to get sucked in by Bourjois new summer offering. I failed.  Their new bronzing range is really tempting and as soon my holiday was booked I justified grabbing their bronzing primer as I've had my eye on it for a while.  It's said to be similar to the infamous Chanel Bronzer so we will see if it lives up to those claims (i own both so I shall be testing on holiday!)  Their products were on offer so I picked up the Maxi Delight bronzer too.  It's flipping huge. Honestly, the photos don't show the size but it's almost bigger than my head (slight exaggeration there...) I have a review coming up shortly of these 2 - I'm really liking the Maxi Delight at the momento.

| Charles Worthington Mineral Hair Rescue Masque |

My hair is partial to a masque or two.  I picked this one up for my jollydays as my hair tends to get a bit straw-like in the sun. Being blonde it often has the tendency to look really brassy too so I always pick up a conditioning treatment to use half-way through the holiday to refresh and revive my poor little frazzled ends. I really liked the sound of this one.

| Soap & Glory - Archery Brow Pencil |

I've never really tried Soap & Glory's make-up offerings but really wanted to give their eyebrow pencil a whirl.  It has a pencil on one end and a brush tip on the other that works more like a pen.  I really like this so far although I have to say the colour is really light. Now, I'm not a fan of a 'scouse brow' but I do like my eyebrows to look defined and the blonde version is possibly a touch too light - but I still like it anyway as the pen works as a great base for my HD Brows.  Nevertheless, I'd definitely buy one of these again - i really like it so far.

| Batiste - Conditioning Mist with Argan Oil |

When I saw this I had to grab it.  I'm a big fan of Batiste and I'm also a big fan of conditioning hair oil so the two combined was just a must-have! I often smooth a bit of oil over any frizzy-bits after I've styled my hair so this sounded like the perfect finishing touch without the risk of over-doing it with the oil.  I haven't yet tried this but I really cannot wait to give it a spritz - It's such a good idea and something that I haven't really seen on the market yet.  Thumbs up Batiste - you have pleased me.


And so that's yer lot! I have a few reviews coming up involving some of these products I'm sure - but these are just my first impressions.  I'm currently in the middle of packing my suitcase so wish me luck with that - I'm always always overweight with suitcases - give me a weight allowance and I'll bloody well use it (and more!).  Any tips on efficient packing for a girl who loves to take everything including the kitchen sink will be welcome...

Have you tried any of these products?