Review: Xen Tan Fresh Face Tan

So as part of another instalment of my tan reviews, I have chosen to review the Xen Tan Fresh Face Tan, mostly because when I was looking to but it I could not find much about it in the blogging world, so I thought I would give my two cents. (Is this a phrase? I am not too sure, but lets just roll with it) 

I decided to test this as I have never used a face tanner before I used to just use a body tanner on my face but then I realised it did not help my skin situation at all and since then I have just left my face bare and used foundation to match up. This is great until you want to go out without any makeup on and not feel like everyone is staring at you when your face is six shades lighter than the rest of your body. 

So before I carry on this is what Xen-Tan claim the Fresh Face Tan can do:

• Packed with anti-ageing vitamins
• Aloe Vera helps to retain moisture to soothe your skin
• Lightweight formula gives you a sheer, medium tan in just 3-4 hours
• Lightweight formulations guarantees it feels weightless and looks great with or without makeup
• Great vanilla scent
• Buildable sheer colour for customised tanning, Optimum Complex-30 means tan develops into a rich, natural shade
• Paraben free
• Suitable for all skin types 

Now that we know all about the product lets get on to the good bit - the review. 

Before I applied this I did my normal evening skincare routine and added this on the end after my moisturiser. Afterwards I washed my hands to make sure excess fake tan was not left there. 

When I woke up in the morning I did not really notice a difference. I thought oh well maybe I should try a second layer tonight. But when I came home from work and I was taking my make up off I noticed my face looked a bit more tanned than it usually did. This must mean that it take nearly whole day to develop on the skin to its full colour. It was not very dark but it did make me look a bit more tanned than my usual white self. 

The only down side of this product for me is that a couple of days after I broke out in huge under the skin spots. I know that it was this product as I had not introduced any other skin care products into my regime. This is unfortunate as I actually really like the colour it gave me. 

Have you got any face tan recommendations that won't break me out? 

Sorry for the lack of posts recently. I keep planning them but never actually write any. 

See you soon.

Jess

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Review: Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan Mousse

Since spring is officially here, and the sun has started to come out, it is time to get the fake tans out, to bronze up my pasty skin. During the winter I usually embrace my paleness, unless I am going out as I don't usually have my body out in the winter. 

First up to test is an oldie but a goodie, Cocoa Browns 1 Hour Tan by Marissa Carter. I have been using this for a good few years now and is my favourite for a quick and non-orange tan, which can be built up in a good few layers. 

Before I go any further on this product I am going to state what Cocoa Brown say this product can do: 

• Accelerating ingredients means that this revolutionary, speedy self-tan develops into a rich Cocoa Brown colour in just 1 hour.
• Once rinsed off, your tan will last 5-7days. 
• Signature Tahitian Gardenia scent - No fake tan pong!
• Moisturising and kind enough to be used on both face and body. 
• Easy to apply mousse, fast-drying, non-stick and fades evenly. 
• Vegetable derived DHA and no parabens = kind to sensitive skin
• As always Cocoa Brown tan is brown not orange!

Now that we know what is suppose to happen I can tell you my personal experience. As always I prep my skin by exfoliating my skin with my favourite Soap and Glory Smoothie Star Breakfast Scrub. 

Then I applied a generous pump for each part of my limps, I applied this with a Cocoa brown mit (essential for not getting extremely brown hands) in a circular motions starting on my arms and moving down my body, passing it lightly over patches that tan tends to stick to. 

Now on to the important part. The colour. 

After one hour there is not much of a noticeable difference, I look slightly more bronzed but this is probably due to how pale I am. 

After two hours I am looking a lot more dark. 

By hour three, you can definitely notice a difference in my skin tone, and this is where you are meant to wash it off. But I find that if you can leave it as long as possible the longer it seems to last. 

Here is what I think: 

Positives: 

• It does not streak or blotch in patches. 
• The colour of the product is very natural looking.
• It does start bronzing after 1 hour. 
• It's good for pale skinned people as you can wash off whenever you are happy with the colour. 

Negatives: 

• There is a slight fake tan smell. 
• It lasts around four days on me. 
• Probably not suitable for people of a darker skin tone.

For people who are more on the paler side, this is the perfect tan to make it look like you have spent a couple of weeks in the sun, it is also suitable for people who do not have much experience with tanning as it is very easy to apply. I think the tone of this is amazing and would love to try the dark one to see what that is like. 

Stay tuned for more fake tan reviews to see what I do and do not like. 

See you soon. 

Jess

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Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner Review

So recently I have seen a lot about Organix in the blogging community and after reading many a good review about it I decided to pick up a conditioner from the range. The amount to choose from is quite overwhelming when you go into boots, but I settled for the Moroccan Argan Oil one as I thought it would be the most beneficial to my hair. 

About Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner
A unique, precious blend of Moroccan argan oil which helps to instantly penetrate the hair shaft restoring shine and softness while helping to strengthen and create soft, seductive, silky perfection. 

How To Use
After shampooing with OGX shampoo, apply OGX conditioner generously to the hair, working through ends. Wait 3-5 minutes. Rinse hair thoroughly. For best results, use in conjunction with other OGX products. 

Ingredients
Water, Benhentrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycol Stearate, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Parfum, Argan Kernal Oil, Cocoa Butter Extract, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Aloe Leaf Extract, Panthenol, Tetrasodium EDTA, DMDM Hydanotim, Methylchlorothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Red 40, Yellow 5, Benzyl Benzonate, Linalool

Price 
£6.99 for 385ml bottle, although there are always discounts. 

Review and My Experience
I have quite thin wavy hair. This means I do not require that much conditioner as it can get weighed down by product. As I said before, I have heard a lot about this range and as people also rave on about argan oil I thought why not try both, surely I can't go wrong with that.

This comes in a plastic blue bottle with a flip lid, which I like, but the size and shape of the bottle make it inconvenient to travel with although I think you can buy a 60ml size too. This conditioner is actually quite thick, so I have to be sure that I have washed it all out. It also has a pleasant fruity smell to it.  

After using this I would definitely like to try different products from the range and would defiantly repurchase this.  

See you soon. 

Jess
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Review: The Body Shop Drops of Youth Wonderblur

If you are looking for something to make your make-up last longer then The Body Shop Drops of Wonderblur may be for you. When I seemingly seemed to run out of all my skincare at the same time, I went to The Body Shop and picked up the whole of the Drops of Youth range (well I think all of it anyway). 

Product Description (Taken from The Body Shop website)

This lightweight blur instantly smooths skin texture, visibly reducing fine lines and pores for an even, flawless finish. 

• Smooths the appearance of fine lines
• Flawless finish
• 12-hr hydration
• With Edelweiss stem cells

My Thoughts About It:

This is a clear gel primer which is good due to my oily complexion I don't really like primer that add dewiness as I find that I can't ever mattify it. I wouldn't say that it makes the skin matte I would just say that it primes the skin ready for foundation.  

This is a silicone based primer, which means that if you are using a lot of other silicone products at the same time, for example the rest of the Drops of Youth range then you will have to make sure that it is properly applied to your skin as otherwise it will roll off the skin, this however, is the only negative of the product. 

I find that using this primer my makeup will last a couple of hours longer than if I didn't but that is all I need my makeup to last longer. I don't really need it to last twelve hours. I have tried this at the gym to and if does not last when working out so if you are looking for a primer for the gym this is not the one. 

Would I recommend it?

Yes, but is nothing special. 

What primers would you recommend? Still on the look for the perfect one. 

See you soon. 

Jess

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Review: Lush Mask of Magnaminty Self Preserving

So after reading many different reviews about the Mask of Magnaminty by Lush I decided to buy it as some people have rave reviews about it clearing up there acne and this is definitely what I need right now. Although I have tried some skincare from Lush before I don't think I have tried any of their masks. Anway...here is my review: 

This product is a face and body mask, although I have yet to try it as a body mask (but probably should, who wants bacne) as I find it hard to apply it myself to my back without getting it everywhere. I also bought the self-preserving formula as I didn't know if I would be able to use a fresh mask in the time that it says you have to use it within. I think I am right in saying that you have to keep the fresh ones in the fridge but knowing me I would almost certainly forgot I have it. I purchased the 125g version which is £5.75 but there is also a 315g which is £9.95 but I only wanted to buy the small one just in case I didn't like it or didn't get on with it. This is also a product that is suitable for vegans. 

Now on to the actual product, the first thing you'll notice when you open this up is the overwhelming scent of mint, I know this may seem obvious from the name, but I am actually not a big fan of mint flavoured things, but I will let it slide if I really like a product. 

Now on to the ingredients, I am actually extremely fussy with which ingredients I will put on my skin, even with Lush products. I have one too many bad experiences to not afford to look at the ingredients. My main ingredient that I tend to avoid is perfumes, I have had some horrible outbreaks from them. And although this product does contain perfume it is the second to last ingredient and so is not very concentrated. The last one I tried it was in the top five ingredients. 

The top ingredient is honey which is antiseptic, next is kaolin which is a type of clay deeply cleanses and draws out any impurities. And the third ingredient is Bentonite Gel which deeply cleanses and gently tones the skin. 

I have used this mask a couple of times now on my face. All I do is cleanse my skin, dry it with towel and then apply the mask. Leave it for five to ten minutes (or if you are me the length of a YouTube video) and then wash it off with a flannel. 

When you are applying this to the skin you will notice that there are little exfoliating beads inside of it which are evening primrose seeds and aduki beans which helps to exfoliate the skin whilst you are taking it off. I applied quite a thin layer to my skin as I did not want to try it out too much. Just to warn you too, this mask is a little messy. 

One thing I found that with taking the mask off is that it actually left my skin rather red, although it felt great. I think as I usually use an acid toner instead of a manual exfoliator my skin is not used to the abrasiveness of it. It did however bring some of spots to a head which is a good thing. I will have to see if with repetitive use whether it gets rid of them completely like some people claim it does or just keeps bringing spots up. 

All in all, I have not made my mind up on this yet, I am going to carry on using it and will have to get back to you on whether my skin has improved or not. 

See you soon. 

Jess
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Zoella Beauty: Kissy Missy Lip Balm Review

Some I know this may come as a shock to you, especially hardcore dedictaed YouTube fans, this is the first Zoella beauty product I have ever tried, although I was intrigued by the line when it came out I didn't actually go and purchase anything, mostly due to the swarms of young girls in front of the counter, but one weekend just before Christmas I was feeling spendy so I bought this along with a couple of other things including the Tanya Burr Nail Polish in Duvet Day. 

Although I haven't heard a lot about this product beforehand I didn't really mind with a small price tag of £3 it wasn't going to break the bank. The packaging I must say is adorable although kind of appeals to a younger audience, I mean it doesn't look the most sophisticated when you are getting it out of your work bag. 

This lip balm is part of the Tutti Frutti Collection, when I saw Zoella explaining it on her channel I imagined it to smell similar to the Estee Lauder Bronze Godess perfume, I don't know why I just did. Just to warn you, it doesn't. I don't really know what it smells of but I am not the biggest fan.

Now on to the actual lip balm, when I applied this to the lips it didn't feel very moisturising, it almost felt a bit greasy on the lips. Although I do have to admit it does give a good colour, so if you are looking for a lip gloss, this may be for you. For me personally, however, when I am applying a lip balm I want my lips to feel extra nourished and not greasy and chapped. 

I weary to give this a bad review, as Zoella is one of my idols and I have been following her for six years now. (I think). But this product is just not for me. 

See you soon. 

Jess
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Review: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

So this is not the first time I have had the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, the first one I had, mysteriously went missing and for a while I didn't need a new one telling myself I didn't really need it. But when I kept going to get it to apply my make up on more than one occasion I realised I could not be without it. So I went to Boots to buy a new one and it was the last one left. It was a sign. So I thought I would do a little review for you, although I am sure you know how it is going to go already. 

Having never tried the actual beauty blender I can't do an actual comparison between the two. But for now this is good enough for me and achieves the look that I want. 

I tend to use the sponge when I have a lot of time on my hands or for special occasions, it just gives a much nicer finish to the foundation than stippling the foundation into my skin, which I find can leave me brush marks on my face. (If anyone knows a solution for this please let me know). 

I have tried normal cosmetic sponges in the past but the this miracle complexion sponge is ten times better. I don't know what it is maybe that it holds a lot of water in it but application of foundation just looks a lot nicer. 

The sponge has three different sides to it and I tend to use it damp. When it is damp I would say it doubles in size and makes it light and bouncy, makes it sooo much easier to bounce the foundation into the skin.

I feel like with this sponge I can achieve flawless foundation and concealer. It is perfect lightening up your under eye as your not really blending it is just blending the edges to get flawless under eyes. 

What do you think of the RT Miracle Complexion Sponge? Let me know.

See you tomorrow. 

Jess

Maybelline Dream Bronze BB Review and Swatches

Maybelline Dream Bronze BB (£6.99) is an 8 in 1 BB cream that adds a sunkissed glow to your skin, this sounds perfect to me as someone striving to always look bronzed. Let's have a closer look...

Dream Bronze claims to give you eight benefits in one product: 

1. Illuminates
2. Warms skintone
3. Evens
4. Veils imperfections 
5. SPF 25 protects
6. Hydrates
7. Smoothes
8. Refreshes

It comes in two shades: light/medium and medium/deep and I went for the light/medium as I have quite a fair skin tone. I was quite pleased that there were two shades as a lot of the time there is a "universal" shade which is always certainly too dark for me. 

When you first apply it to the skin I feel that it comes out extremely dark, much darker than my skin tone is. 

This is what it looks like indoors, as you can see it had a bit of an orangey tone to it compared to my skin tone which is not necessarily a bad thing as long as it is not too orange. 

Here it is against my skin tone here a little more blended out, it is still looking rather dark and not very natural. 

After blending it in completely it looks a lot more natural in colour but one thing I can tell you and unfortunately the camera hasn't picked it up very well is that is has particles of glitter in. This is definitely not what I was expecting or looking for. The one look I was not going for was a sun kissed version of Edward Cullen. Although I am impressed of how well it has blended out baring in mind the initial colour. 

So if you want a bronzing bb cream with glitter particles in then this is for you, if not maybe try something different.

Does anyone know of any dupes of this? Let me know. 

See you tomorrow. 

Jess 

Benefit Watts Up Highlighter Review

So today I am back with another review for you, a Benefit Review. As the weather is so rainy and dim at the moment I still want a pretty highlighted look whilst my actual skin is still looking dull. With this in mind I went on the hunt for the perfect highlighter and the Benefit Watts Up highlighter has come to the rescue. 

As I have said before in some blogposts I am always looking to get a glowy look (check out a different post I did here on steps to achieve it) and this is the best I have found so far to achieve the lit from within look. The fact that it is in a stick formula makes it easy to apply over foundation and does not disrupt the make up underneath, even when I am wearing powder it seems to work fine. 

I have been absolutely loving this on my cheek bone, my brow bone and down the bridge of my nose. This is perfect for work as it does not look like too much and lasts all day without making me look like a grease ball. 

What are your thoughts? Do you have a favourite highlighter?

See you on Monday.

Jess
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Back on the Lip Liner Train

Towards the beginning of the year I started to fall in love with lip liners. I love what a difference they can make to your lips and make them appear much more juicy than they actually are. But for some reason towards the latter part of this year I just stopped using them. I don't know whether this was because I had become lazy or whether I just didn't want my lips to look like that any more. 

In comes the Maybelline Colour Sensational Lip Liner in Midnight Plum, this is the perfect lip liner for the winter season, it matches nearly all of my dark lipsticks and also lasts a very long time, even when may be my lipstick hasn't lasted as long. It also has a great consistency not so soft that it just breaks but not so hard that it hurts to put on. Now that I have this one I tempted to go and purchase the rest of them at £3.99 you really can't go wrong. 

Have you got any lip liner suggestions for me? 

See you tomorrow. 

Jess

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Review and Swatches: Two Concealers

Hi!

Trying to find the perfect concealer has become an absolute quest for me over the last few months. As there is nothing worse than having a concealer that does not match my exacting standards. So, here are my reviews on a couple that I have been testing.

Barry M Flawless Light Reflecting Concealer in 2 

I am in love with this concealer, and it has replaced my love for the classic Collection concealer. It is nice and light but has a good coverage to it and it does not cake up or crease. On the down side I think there are only two or three shades so not so good for darker skin tones. 

Maybelline Anti-Age The Eraser Eye 

Again, this has become one of my favourite concealers for under they eyes as the name would suggest. On a side note I have tried this on spots and red patches and although it is not terrible I feel there are better ones out there, such as the Barry M. This concealer I would recommend to literally everyone it is perfect for covering those dark circles.

So there we have it, short but sweet I suppose. I don't like to try too many new products at once as my skin is super sensitive. 

Do you have any recommendations? 

See you tomorrow!

Jess

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Four Cult Classics: Review

Hello!

Today I am going to review four cult classics and tell you whether they are really worth it. Sometimes with cult classics I find that people can get caught up in the moment and it is hard to determine whether something is good or not or whether people are saying it as everyone else is too.

Here on my verdicts on four of them:

Real Techniques Buffing Brush - Although all Real Techniques brushes I think have the status of cult classic, I feel as though the buffing brush is one that everyone raves about. I have had my buffing brush for a good few years now and I feel especially for the price, that it is of good quality. The only downside is that you have to buy it as part of a set.

VERDICT: YES

YSL Touche Eclat - Now I don't know if this is just me, or whether it is my skin but I do not find this well renown product to work on me. Maybe it is due to my pale skin tone but it just seems to do not very much for me - neither working as a highlighter or a concealer. I much prefer dupes from L'oreal or Maybelline.

VERDICT: NO

Shu Umera Eye Lash Curlers - I have to be honest here I don't have the most experience with eye lash curlers with the only previous ones before this being from Primark. (Which I don't have any more). When I do curl my eye lashes I do notice a slight lift but noting too outrageous. I would say maybe it isn't worth spending the £20 on them and to try some cheaper ones first.

VERDICT: MAYBE 

Nuxe Rev de Miel - Last but not least is the Nuxe Rev de Miel lip balm and as far as lip balms go this is pretty good. I put it on at night and can still feel the reminiscence of it when I wake up in the morning and my lips are feeling pretty juicy. Although I did not know before buying this that it was honey scented, despite the countless reviews that I have read, although this doesn't put me off.

VERDICT: YES

Are there any cult classics that you can think of that I should try? Would love to hear?

See you tomorrow,

Jessie-Lou
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