Friday 25 February 2011

To ST Tropez or ST Moriz... To Fake or Bake?

"Sunless tanning (also known as spray tanning, self tanning, fake tanning, or UV-free tanning) refers to the application of chemicals to the skin to produce an effect similar in appearance to a more traditional suntan"
ST Tropez tan


'A more traditional suntan'- this is what we all want during the dark sunless months, which happens to be most of the year if you live in England.  But is this 'traditional suntan' what we get when we have to use other methods? 
I see nothing traditional about streaky legs, patchy necks, black knuckles and knees, that nasty biscuity smell. Oh, and not forgetting that colour an Oompa Loompa would be proud of. 

So which are the best fake tans to use?



Old faithful, ST Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Lotion is my all time favourite.  However I am not a fan of its price- £30.64.  (200ml bottle).  There are websites where you can get it for less though.  The best one I have come across is http://www.beautyflashshop.co.uk/ selling it for only £22.


When I first used it, I was petrified what the results would be.  It goes on streaky, the colour is so dark it looks like you've been rolling in a mud bath, and you have to sleep in it over night. 
Wake up, wash it off and admire your tan!  No streaks, no smell, and a colour that looks like you've been on holiday.  (I use the same one for my face as well)  It lasts for a good few days and the first place for it to go I find is my neck, so really moisturise to avoid this.  Apply more coats if you want a deeper tan or every other day. 



ST Moriz - could it be the new ST Tropez?   For the amazing price of £2.99 for a 200ml bottle, you can't go wrong.  Or can you?   I purchased a mousse that promises a streak free golden tan.  It has a tint so you can see where you're applying it and develops over 4-6 hours.  I am a firm believer of "you get what you pay for".  So am I going to come out the shade of Kat Slater?
I would love to do a before and after shot, but the before is so hideous I resemble Voldemort in the morning.  So the after shot will come tomorrow once I have done it tonight!

On to FakeBake - The website stated above does good prices if you do want it cheaper. 
I was really impressed with the line they sold at fashion retailer New Look over Christmas, but could only get hold of the colour for "Fair Maidens".  It only costs £9.99 and creates a sun-kissed look, and the best thing is that it has no parabens or artificial preservatives.  This is perfect if you are pale and want  a hint of colour.  Like the ST Tropez, you sleep in it and wash it off.  I found it really left your bed sheets marked though, unlike ST Tropez. 


Wash On...Wash off

The Best

Sally Hanson spray on legs
- covers freckles, stretch marks and looks like you're wearing tights.  Spray it all over the body!ST Tropez - instant wash off glow spray (my personal favourite) don't be shy with it, go for it and you will be pleased with the natural looking tan.  Even coverage with no streaks, a life saver for nights out if you're feeling pasty.Fake Bake Pasty to Tasty - a wash off tan that does wash off! You won't be left in the shower for ages with a bucket of soap and a sponge. 

The Worst
Tanning wipes - Don't use them - they streak, they smell, and the colour, well - who wants to look like a Simpson.Instant glows with a sunshimmer - you do not want to look like you've doused yourself in chocolate, rolled in sparkles and glitter glued your eyebrows on.  Rimmel

Let me know any other "best and worst" that are out there
http://www.beautyflashshop.co.uk/
http://www.lookfantastic.com/
http://www.feelunique.com/
http://www.johnandginger.co.uk/



Thursday 24 February 2011

The Savvy Shopper

1. to know; understand.
adjective
2. shrewdly informed; experienced and well-informed; canny.
"Savvy" is slang derived from the French word "savoir", which means "to know".

We all want to know how to save money and shop like a pro.  And when most of us are still feeling the pinch, our hopes of buying that Herve Leger dress seem even further away then before. 
But why should we have to save for something we want, when we can get it now.  For half the price or less. 

Such a bargain at only £492 when it was £1,200.
http://www.theoutnet.com/

I always envied the ladies who pranced around the shops with their Chanel or Miu Miu handbag, dripping in Moschino and pearls.  Well, I wasn't going to stand and watch with my knock off Prada from the looky looky man from Ibiza!  I had heard of sample sales, but how did you know when they were, where they were!?

Here are some of my favourite online outlets.    Happy Shopping Ladies!

http://www.brandalley.co.uk/
http://www.secretsales.co.uk/
http://www.theoutnet.com/
http://www.billiondollarbabes.com/

My recent purchase from brandalley

I am loving Chelsea boots at the moment.  But for those who are vertically challenged, like myself- just hitting 5"2, a bit of help is welcomed from a 6 inch heel.  And for only £3.50 you cannot go wrong.  Especially when they were somewhere around £60 to start with. 



Also on brandalley.co.uk right now - benefit lipsticks at only £6! At half price I shall be ordering one in every shade- chapped lips is NOT sexy.

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