SUMMER HOLIDAY PREP

It's coming to that time of year that some of you may be jetting off to somewhere sunny on a mini break or a holiday, (I am going to Madrid soon, which I am very excited about), and so I have been starting to think about how I am going to prep for the getaway, so why not make it into a post... Brace yourselves, it's rather lengthy.

Tanning: I am quite lucky when it comes to tanning, I tan easily even with SPF50 on, but sometimes if your legs have been stuck in jeans for a long time over the previous seasons you may be reaching for the faux glow in an attempt to avoid blinding everyone with your limbs. I have 2 offerings for you, a pretty hardcore one - the Vita Liberata pHenomenal Long Lasting Tan Mousse Medium*  which supposedly lasts for 2-3 weeks but has a lengthy application process. For me, this is quite dark, but I wouldn't say it isn't natural and it fades nicely anyway.. For something more hydrating and gradual I have been soaking up the Garnier Summer Body Sun Kissed Look Moisturising Lotion (these two get the awards for longest product names), but honestly I love the subtle hint of tint this gives.

Manicure: I hate feet, so this'll make me cringe typing, but there is nothing you want less than cracking out the sandals and having chipped nails, so you want something long lasting. I recently got sent the Fuse Gelnamel Set* but wasn't happy with the results (they looked dull and thick, and I ended up peeling them off in sheets the next morning), so I suggest opting for a good topcoat instead. Throw on some cuticle oil like this Sinful Colours one (which smells divine) and some Soap and Glory Heel Genius and you are good to go.

Body: Removing the hair on your limbs is a good way to start, and I prefer waxing as it lasts longer for me, but if not, take a razor and a mini shaving foam - the Satin Care Apricot offering smells amazing, and you should be able to avoid looking like a yak on your holidays as well as being able to sort out any patches you may have missed beforehand... we've all been there. 

Skin: If your ditching the makeup in the daytime when poolside, you want your skin to be in good condition. Get yourself into a good routine a few weeks before - using a serious mask like the Origins Clear Improvement the night before will most likey bring all the blemishes to the surface, and also use something like Effaclar Duo [+] from La Roche Posay as a further treatment if need me.

So, prep sorted, now time to scour the mini's in Boots and depot all the skincare stash...

PARTY SEASON TANNING AND PREP

I am not a fake tan user myself, but as the party season is emerging once again, and most of you will enjoy getting dolled-up, wearing tan, and buying pretty dresses, this post should cater for you.

Prep: To prep the skin, exfoliating and moisturising comes a one or two days prior to doing the whole tanning thing. My chosen exfoliating scrub is the Leighton Denny Sun Believable Expert Tan Body Exfoliator* or a Hello Kitty Liberty one, which works brilliantly at removing any dead skin which could make you look really patchy when the tan settles. Then, I moisturise with the E45 Nourish and Restore Lotion* or a H&M Citrus Passion one which I got a while ago. I prefer the unscented option as it won't irritate with the tan. 

Tanning: I want something quick and easy. I have only used this once, mainly to try it out for this post. This is the Tantastic Instant Spraytan* which for me is simply too orange and noticeable, but for those who really love getting a good helping of tan for the party season, this one is for you. 

Throw on some killer heels, dig out the shimmery pigments, (miss out the alcohol if you are underage, like me), and have a good time this Christmas. 

 

 

LEIGHTON DENNY SUN BELIEVABLE EXPERT TAN BODY EXFOLIATOR

Long product names aside, it seems that in a few days I am going to brace myself and fake tan for the first time. I am most certainly scared, I have never done it before, and I am hoping to come out looking more glowy, and less Dorito - a look that was somehow a trend a few months back....
This scrub has been helping me prep for tanning, to make sure my application is the best it can be.

The scrub itself is very thin in the base gel itself, a very runny consistency, but then the exfoliating beads a quite large, which makes it appear thinner. It is almost tinted a brown colour, like a watered down fake tan, but it doesn't transfer any pigment when you actually apply it.
It does seem to remove the dead skin cells without aggravating the skin by being too abrasive, which is why I think it is a great pre-tan product, as it won't irritate anything.
This really is such a great product, and you can get this is in a bigger size (200ml I think), in a nice jar/pot which I think would look even nicer on the body care side of the bath!

Although I haven't every tanned myself, this will definitely be something I use to stop myself looking like a patchy wotsit...