Fake tan Favourites!

Despite the fact that it is November and there is nothing natural about a glowing tan, I am still not ready to give up the fake bronzed look! Even though I don't fake tan as often during winter I still like to keep up that golden glow to my skin because I believe it looks healthy and more flattering! I have a few favourite fake tans which I always go back to despite trying many brands and formulas and thought I would share them with you as tan's can be expensive and I am always looking for the perfect one!

1. Xen Tan dark lotion

Probably my all time favourite tan, this lotion contains a truly olive tone which creates an even and natural looking tan. I like my tan to be quite dark and this gives enough colour but does not look orange or too strong on the skin. It smells lovely and glides on beautifully. Because it is a lotion it takes a little while to dry but is well worth it in the morning! I would recommend this for both first time and experienced fake tan users because I have never experience any difficulties or disappointment with this and the xen tan fake tan mitt is also a great product from the range. The latest product from Xen tan is morrocan tan which is apparently deeper and more hydrating so I cannot wait to try it! I tend to buy mine from www.feelunique.com as it is much cheaper there however the actual Xen tan site is easy to use and often has money off codes.

2. Sienna x dark glowing self tan

Another great lotion, this dark formula is probably the deepest in colour on my favourites list. If you are looking for that real holiday in the sun for a week look then this is the one for you. The tone is slightly more yellow than xen tan but still not orange or unnatural looking. I love this because it is hydrating, smells great and you are guaranteed a dark colour when you wake up in the morning. Even after washing off in the shower, the colour left behind is dark and glowing as the name promises! The other sienna x products including the gradual tan, body wash, body scrub and body balm are lovely too so this range has really impressed me. It is fast becoming my favourite go to tan and the fact it is anti cellulite is always a good thing! I buy mine from beauty wholesalers but it is available on www.feelunique.com for a good price too.

3. Famous dave's gold edition tanning mousse

This mousse is paraben free, full of anti oxidants and anti ageing ingredients and easy to use. Mousse tends to dry quicker so its great for topping up during the week and I tend to use it for mid week tanning rather than as the initial colour. It is quite dark but certainly not too dark for first time tanners. It is slightly drying because it is not as hydrating as a lotion would be so I always moisturise the next day however I love the natural colour of it and like xen tan it has that olive undertone which is so flattering. The mousse is a good size so as a top up tan the product lasts me ages. Famous dave's is now available in Boots but I buy online at their own site as they often do special deals such as a free tanning mitt.

4. St Moriz dark instant self tanning mousse

This cheap and cheerful fake tan is arguably not as good a colour or texture as my more pricey favourites however for £2.99 I cannot turn up my nose at this affordable decent tan. The colour is little more orange and the texture is quite drying on the skin but as a quick, top up tan it is an absolute bargain. It is available in Savers but I usually buy from Fragrance direct. I have only tried the mousse formula but I am keen to get my hands on the lotion. This would be a great tan for first time tanners because if you don't like the results you haven't wasted nearly £30 like most other tans. However I usually recommend it to those who tan often because the formula can cause streaky if not used correctly. Overall I can't complain about good results from such an affordable product.

5. Fake bake Bronzer instant wash off tan medium matte

This instant tan is amazing! It is my go to for nights out because it gives a rich deep colour which doesn't streak and glides onto the skin smoothly. It dries quickly and I have never experienced transfer onto clothing on running of product during bad weather! I haven't tried alot of fake bake in the regular tan range but if the colour is anything like the instant then I am definitely interested in trying. I use the product quite heavily but the colour would suit any skin tone depending on how much you apply. I would like a pump action because the tube doesn't really tell you how much to use but I tend to just squeeze a big blob out and hope for the best! It comes with plastic gloves inside which apply it well and stop any orange hand problems! I bought this on a whim at work but will be repurchasing for sure!

My latest fake tan purchase is Vita Liberata extra rich silken chocolate gel

I will be testing it out this week and will keep you updated on the results and see if it makes it onto my favourites list!

What are your fake tan favourites?

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Lashes lashes and more lashes!

I never used to wear false lashes but since starting with MAC I have become addicted to them! My own lashes are quite short and fine and despite using volumising and lengthening mascara's I can never achieve that truly fluttery eyelash look. I have tried many lashes from many different brands but I have to say that MAC lashes are incredible. There are lots of styles available, defined, fluffy, long, short but I have a few favourites which I always go back to!

7 lash

These have to be my all time most used lashes! They are defined and slightly tapered which elongates the look of the eye but in a natural way. I use these for everyday wear or when I want the eyeshadow to be the main feature because they give definition and length but don't distract. They are so easy to apply and the length of the strip fits perfectly onto my lash line. I always have at least 3 pairs in my personal collection just in case of lash emergency ;)

8 lash

Another must have for me, these bundled lashes are spikey and defined and focus on both length and volume. Despite their strong appearance they create a fairly natural look because they replicate the look of a very good mascara with evenly spaced clumps of lashes. They are ever so slightly tapered and the dark black works well with a smokey eye.

12 lash

If you are looking for a dramatic lash these are the ones for you! I use these when I am doing a dark strong smokey eye look on nights out. These lashes with a strong eye and nude lip are my favourite going out style. They are very fluffy, deep black and tapered at the ends to create a winged out look. I always pair these lashes with winged gel liner to create huge feline eyes.

34 lash

These brown/black lashes are a softer alternative to the 12's. They still have that fluffy tapered style but the brown is more wearable for daytime and look fantastic with a gold/brown smokey eye. They are great for people with few and short lashes because they are very long, fluffy and full with a winged edge.

36 lash

These smaller fluffy lashes were originally launched as Sultress lashes because they are sexy but still natural enough for daytime. They are a soft black with a natural tapered look and are my favourites for a vintage eye look. I often pair these with a matte cream eyeshadow and red lips. If you are new to a tapered winged lash then these are a great first pair!

48 lash

These long wispy lashes are my doll look lashes as they instantly open up the eyes and the length makes them quite dramatic so I tend to wear them for evenings. I like to wear these with a brown/bronze smokey eye because they have that soft black colour which is less harsh than the deep black of the 12 lash. If you are looking for both length and fullness these are beautiful.

The must have product that makes these lashes so successful is Duo Adhesive.

This latex white glue dries clear and holds the lashes on all day and night. I have never experience any lashes coming off with this glue and the tube lasts a long time. It is safe to use in the eye area as well as using for body decoration in makeup artistry. Don't be put off by the odd smell it really is the best lash adhesive I have found! 

I like to apply the glue onto the end of a cotton bud and slowly and carefully apply to the edge of the lash. I then wiggle the lashes with the glue on the create a subtle curve so that they apply onto the shape of the eye better. Wait a few seconds until the glue is tacky and then apply onto lash line, lining up with the length of the eye. If you have smaller eyes you may want to line the lashes up prior to glue and cut off any length as necessary. NEVER cut lashes once they are on your eyes! 

Some people like to put mascara onto the lashes however I usually apply my mascara first then leave the lashes as they are. I find that this way I can re-use the lashes more times (approximately 5) by just peeling the old glue off and starting again. You may find that you want to apply mascara though for a stronger look and it can help to create a flawless look between your own lashes and the falsies.

What are your favourite MAC lashes? Are there any other brands that I should try?

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