Morning Skin Care Routine

Hey Guys and Dolls

Today I'm sharing with you my morning routine.
 (Minus the incessant pressing of the snooze button and gentle screaming encouragement at my boys to GET READY FOR SCHOOL!!!)

It looks like a lot doesn't it?
I guess it is but it's all part of my bid to tame the queen of bitches that is my skin! Seriously it still hasn't decided if it wants to be sensitive, spotty, oily or flaky... often it can be all of those things at once!
LUCKY MOI!

I just know my Grandma will see this and say  (in your best Geordie accent please)
 "eeee al av ever used is watta nd a flannel nd av nivva had a spot yit, folk use owa much noo-a-days"

Clearly Grandma I've not been blessed with your genes!
Anyway...

CLEANSE
So basically I use a gel or foaming cleanser in the morning to freshen my face and help wake my ass up. Currently using Elemis Fresh Skin Gel Wash which is lovely and brightening and satisfyingly tightening! It's also aimed at younger skin so I find it a delightful little ego boost that it works well for me!... makes me feel all young and precious! 

I use the Clarisonic religiously and love the deep cleaning, pore emptying results it gives. That said I really must improve my attitude to replacing the brushes though... oopsie! 

QUIRK ALERT

I ALWAYS ALWAYS splash my face with cold water before allowing a towel to touch it. (or come within 10 metres of it actually... can't be too careful!)
 I've done it for years and it's an odd little 'quirk' but I was told many moons ago that ice water closes your pores and stops any dirt getting in. (I know i know) I'm set in my ways and it's too late trying to change me now :)

TONE

After washing  I give my face and neck a quick sweep of Clarins Exfoliating toner then Yves Rocher Clarifying lotion. I wouldn't be without the Clarins (I have stock) and the Yves Rocher is a mattifying gel that probably doesn't qualify for repurchase status.

OILS AND SERUMS

Tea Tree Oil is always a standard, I'm not sure I ever (EVAAAAH) have a day where there's not blemishes... yes plural *throws self on floor and sobs*  

If I'm having a no make up day then I use my Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules or my Decleor Aromessence Neroli Face Oil. I find these boost hydration and leave my skin supple. 

There's certainly nothing in the myth that adding oil to oily skin makes it worse... quite the opposite for me.

(That may of been another pearl of Grandma wisdom)

MOISTURISE

Sakare Eye Cream- I picked this up in London and the story behind it will require a post of it's very own. It's good though. If I can face the ordeal again I'd quite like to get another.

I rotate a few moisturisers at any one time (to keep my skin on its toes) and currently it's Elemis ProCollagen Marine Cream and Decleor Hydra Floral that are floating my boat. They are both UHMEZZING and PCMC is most definitely a holy grail product.

FINISHING TOUCHES

La Roche-Posay sunscreen- I always wear this if I'm doing the bare faced chic 'look' as I find it beautifully mattifying as well as being a shield against all the nasty UVAs and UVBs... apparently those guys penetrate even the darkest clouds on the coldest days so we aren't safe even if it's minus temperatures outside.

Bit dramatic like but that's how I roll!!

Aaaaand finally a bit of Blistex Relief Cream. The perfect lip protector. It smells satisfyingly medicinal so you know it's working. I do about three tubes a month. (excessive) 

So there we go. That's my morning routine which in fairness is keeping my complexion as near clear and flawless as I think I'll ever get, as finding the perfect skin care routine is something I'm yet to conquer. 

I've done it all, from just using face wipes to throwing triple the amount of products at my face!

Maybe there's a magic potion?Is there a miracle product out there? Is there? Is there?

I BET YOU I'VE TRIED IT :)

I know the answer doesn't lie within facial wipes though and I'll leave you with Caroline Hiron's theory about face wipes... they are for the THREE F's... festivals, flights and fannys!

On that note... Taaaaaaraaaaaa

Love 

k xxxxxxx

Ps  remember you can follow me on  bloglovin HERE and do keep in touch by following me on twitter here Oh and come over and see me on instagram HERE

YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation

Hello all you lovely people. 

Sharing the love today...

Aaaah you know when you fall head OWA heels and have the butterflies, the excitement and the overwhelming sense of contentment? Well I have all of those things right this second. 

For.A.Foundation. 

 Actually in all fairness I have a lot of love for a lot of foundations (fickle). Which one I go to depends entirely on my fettle (fickle AND flighty). At the moment I have a few on rotation... Benefit, Laura Geller, Perricone and Bourjois to name drop a few. 

BUT

YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation has been a favourite a good few months now and since Autumn kicked in with it's winter-esque temperatures I've found myself reaching for this more often.

I'm putting it down to the rosy undertones brightening my complexion.

This is radiance in a perfectly packaged bottle. BELIEVE.

It blends in effortlessly and feels weightless on the skin. My skin isn't perfect by any stretch but this gives as close to a flawless finish as I've had and that's before the concealer and powder come out to play!

Oh and it has a pump too so none of this spatula or pouring out nonsense that seem to dominate 'posher' brands. 

I have the shade BR10 which is a pinky toned porcelain. For me this works beautifully as I'm paler than your average polar bear and my skin tone isn't what you'd describe as warm. Think Snow White or an Ice Queen and you're on the right track.

 (Hoying myself a few compliments in there... got to love yourself before anyone else will love you n all that!) 

I'd say this is medium coverage, it's certainly not heavy or cakey but it offers more perfection than say a tinted moisturiser or BB cream. 

The finish is dewy, luminous and perfecting.

J'adore

The picture above is me (hiya) wearing the Teint Touche Eclat Foundation, I've swept on a bit of blusher and MAC Soft and Gentle on my cheek bones. No concealer or powder so you can see the how magic it is. 

 A laaaaaverleeee finish don't you agree.

The obvious draw back of this is the price tag, you can get this at Boots for £29 so it's definitely a high end sort of affair. I was lucky and got mine through Miss Make Magpie's (legendary) blog sale. I'll certainly be re-purchasing.

A little goes along way though I tend to use more if I'm being all profesh and applying with a brush. Maybe I'm doing something wrong!!

Have you tried this? Have I tempted you? What foundation makes your Holy Grail status?

Love

k xxxxx

Ps come see me on twitter here or instagram (link on sidebar) mwah xxx

Mac RiRi Boy Lipstick

Let's cast our minds back to the 20th June 2013... What were you doing? I remember it well as from about 11:40am I began to hit the refresh button on the MAC home page in (obsessive?) anticipation of Rihanna's second RiRi Hearts Mac launch. I had already snared RiRi Woo back in May (which was a happy accident! totaaaally unaware of the coveted hype!) and now my eyes were set firmly on RiRi Boy.

I knew I needed to be prepared. 

Let’s picture the scene.

Me surrounded with the laptop, Iphone and Ipad.  

Tapping the refresh key on each device, willing the collection to go live so I could order and relax!

DISCLAIMER

I say I was 'tapping' the refresh key and that's true so long as the term 'tapping' covers repeatedly and frantically press press PRESSING the enter key at a rate that mirrored my pounding heart beat!!! BANG BANG BANG! 

Girls feel the urgency here and imagine the crazy look in my eyes! All I was missing was a whistle and some back up

(Think Friends when Monica goes wedding dress shopping... yes!)

BUT... twas worth it though as I got her! And ain't she beautiful?

(I also got the bronze and blush duo in Hibiscus Kiss but that was really in the interest of free delivery!)

Despite having this lipstick since June, I've only just started wearing it. The RiRi embossed bullet looks so good I couldn't bring myself to even swatch it and spoil it! And then there's the putting off using it because you haven't taken the photos yet... BEAUTY BLOGGER PROBLEMS THOUGH!

RiRi Boy is described as a 'matte vivid lavender' with a retro matte finish. They certainly weren't lying when they said VIVID mind. The colour is intense and I loved wearing it. For me it's a true purple, it's bright but deep and because it's a matte finish it's entirely opaque.

Looking at comparison swatches RiRi Boy is Matte version of Mac's Up The Amp.

Purple lips and dark nails... Oh and a berry coloured beanie hat. This can only mean TAAAARAAAA SUMMER! 

I 'do' the colder months better. I find them less hassle and love feeling cosy.

(Give me a week before I'm on here whinging and whining asking for a bit sunshine again!)

FICKLE.

Throw in a mohair cardie and some buckled ankle boots and we've got autumn sussed!

Do we like? Is RiRi Boy on your list come the 3rd of October??? I don't know what's on mine yet but I can already imagine any logic or self control going ooot the window.  In fact I'm still waiting on it coming back!

I reply to all comments and you can catch me on twitter and instagram too (links on home page) 

See you over there :)

Love and kisses

k xxxxxxxx

August Monthly Haul

Hello, Hi, Hey and Hola

It's September, I'm back from my Summer Holiday and I needed to wear a cardigan the day I arrived home. A sure sign autumn is upon us. Well actually it's not quite upon as (annoyingly) the sun has persisted on shining the odd day or two! I'm so ready for boots, tights and chunky knits. But don't want to be looking all cosy and wrapped up if the weather changes its fettle half way through the day! I'm also majorly excited to shop for the perfect winter coat and I'm just in the mood to hoy the fake tan to the back of the cupboard and become lax with regularity of hair removal.

From the #bbloggers chat the other night it seems as though we are all excited for the new season and my September haul is already filled with berry shades and nourishing moisturiser. BUT back to today... today I bring you my August purchases.

Ooh I must also add that lots of you have requested full reviews of certain products and they will posted in the next week or so... 

Alpha H Liquid Gold

 This is a much raved about product that promises miracles in transforming your skin. I won't say too much as I've actually written a full review about my results with before and after pictures (seriously scary stuff!) What I will say is notice there is TWO bottles and I restock what I lurrrrrve... 

Eau Thermale Avene Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover

Ok so despite spending almost three figures in boots before I went on holiday (I went in for sun cream and toothpaste) I found myself in Germany without anything to take my mascara off...  

Cooling, gentle and effective, it even dissolves they're real! What a prize for being disorganised!

Eau Thermale

Just because I'm incapable of buying only one thing at a time and the fact I've read like a million ravey reviews about it. I'm yet to use it but I think it will be ideal for refreshing and setting my make up on long days at work.

Perricone No Foundation Foundation-

This is a repurchase and I absolutely adore the trousers off it. It's like a second skin and I cannot express how much I love it. I've written a full review with swatches and stuff so if you are thinking of buying I hope that it's helpful as I often read that people find 'the one shade fits all' doesn't really fit you if you are pale.

Me? I'm like translucently blue and I think it's fine on me but maybe I'm swanning around with a tide mark? I'm pretty sure I'm not but the mirror can sometimes lie, I mean it used to tell me my unplucked mousey eyebrows were totally acceptable!

Anyway if you found the No Foundation Foundation too dark then worry not as they are releasing the LIGHT option at some point this month.  

Guerlain Meteorites Perles in Teint Rose

First off, apologies for the rubbishy blurry picture, I'm putting it down to shaky hand excitement as I was so dazzled by their beauty. 

Again I have a full review coming up of this delightfully pretty finishing powder.

Mally Easy On The Eyes Collection

 Anyone who reads my blog regularly will know that I'm a bit of a Mallynista (QVCers will get the reference) and I bought this kit whilst it was the TSV. I had been umming and ahhing over the Urban Decay Naked Palette for some time (see I am capable of exercising some level of purchase control) so I was in the market for some eye shadows...  aaaand the rest is history :) 

Mally's Palette in Buff has a primer plus 11 neutral shades which can be used wet or dry so in essence you get 22 colours to play around with. The kit comes complete with three BULLET PROOF eye pencils, mascara and some under eye brightener (which is also known as 'sunshine in a jar' ooh!). Not to mention a 60 page booklet with step by step instructions so you can create a whole spectrum of gorgeous looks.

YSL Touché Éclat

I've always lusted after this and for as long as I can remember beauty magazines have hailed it as a 'must have' and told me that I need it in my make up bag. I never took too much notice as dark circles aren't something I suffer from (blood shot eyes, yes, spots, yes, sensitive skin, yes, oh the list goes onnnnn!) but I thought I'd give it a whirl and see how it works as at covering blemishes.  (Of which I have many!) 

YSL Rouge Volupte Shine in #18 Prune In Fire 

Right let's be fair. Does this lipstick not scream sexy? Everything from the sleek and seriously beautiful packaging to the vampy purple loveliness... Aaaah it makes me melt. 

Leighton Denny Colour Cocktail Collection

I also bought this as a QVC TSV as I can't resist anything Leighton related. The kit contains four colours plus two 'cocktailing' shades that transform the base colours to create a new shade with plenty of shimmer. If I'm being totaaaaaaally honest, I'm not a huge fan (anxiety set in as I typed that). It's simply a personal preference as I prefer a nice block of colour to make a statement. The shimmery sheerness of these shades just aren't really 'me'.

The Essential Remover Pot, the Diamond Buffer and Lip and Cuticle Balm were worth it alone though.

In other news, after buying like a million Nails Inc Remover Pots I've fallen out of love with them- a brand new pot dyed my fingers a dirty greeny grey. Tres ugly.

OPI San Francisco Set

 Now these little beauties were a bit of a surprise. I ordered the OPI TSV (are we seeing a home shopping addiction here?) back in March and I selected the auto-delivery option which basically means you get a further delivery with new colours but held at the special discounted price. I wouldn't of actually ordered these but kept them as I needed a new nail envy and you can never have too much avoplex oil!

I need to remind myself that the surprise auto-delivs aren't actually gifts though! Oopsie!

SBC Collagen Gel

How bad is this...? This arrived and I had absolutely no memory of ordering it! I now have a vague recollection of doing it whilst half asleep! I think I saw the pretty pink gel and thought it'll look fabulous in the bathroom if nothing else! Perhaps I was drunk on tea and jaffa cakes? I haven't used it yet BUT it does indeed look beeeeeeowdifal in my bathroom!

The pictures below are repurchases which I've enthused and rambled about on previous blog hauls. The Decleor set was bought primarily to get my casper white mitts on their gradual tan again. You can read about why I LOVES it here 

My Elemis pots of joy are the Pro Collagen Marine Day and Night Cream- the ultimate in moisturising goodness. Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules are in the big pot and if you fancy reading about why they are loved like my children you can do that here

The ABC Skin Care Set for me is a must have. Espesh the HEEEEOWGE body wash which lasts for months (unless one of  your children 'plays' with the pump and fills the bottle up with shower water...) and it keeps skin clean and clear. The shampoo and conditioner smell amazing, well all of these products smell amazing if you happen to love the zingy fresh tea tree aroma? If not then (why not?) just skip to the next picture. 

The Pure Tea Tree Oil is perfect for adding to bath water or when you want a nice deep cleansing steam. I tend to dispense onto a cotton pad and wipe over blemishes (yes plural!).

The blemish sticks contain witch hazel too and they have a roller ball application, perfect for slipping in your bag to target them nasties that get bigger and angrier as the day progresses. You know the ones right? They often crop up on Friday ready to spoil your weekend!

The wipes are in my car and will probably be used a glorified baby wipes! (Think sticky fingers on a three year old!) Oh I is Glam!

Maybelline Baby Lips

Well I just had to didn't I? Absolute bandwagon purchase and unlike many they don't incite any strong feelings in me either way. A lip balm is a lip balm, tinted or not right? Cherry Me gives a gorgeous juicy flush of colour and Hydrate is fine to slick on as you would any lip balm. I did also get Pink Punch but I gave that to my sister in law who wears it far better than I ever could- plus these aren't available in Germany so I felt like I was bringing her treasure!

Organix Brazilian Keratin Shampoo and Conditioner

I like a high end shampoo and conditioner, Kerastase, Ojon or Aveda often take residence in my shower. In my pre-holiday panic I ended up 'settling' for the Organix set as I was rushed, in boots and needed something quickly (usually order my shiz off the net). I'd also read a rave review from Allana Beau and believe me when I say that girl takes some impressing! 

Emma Hardie Moringa Balm, Day and Night Cream (pictured on first picture). I forgot (bad blogger) to take a photo of these individually but essentially it's a repurchase as I need plenty of stock of the cleansing balm. The moisturiser I don't use regularly (Elemis loyalty for you right there!) but the odd occasion I have I did notice it was rather thick. Perhaps ideal for the colder season?

So that was August... Done. Dusted. Gone. 

September marks the end of the summer and the end of my haul. 

Any products you're loving? Ooh or have you seen anything and thought BIG MISTAKE KATE? 

Let me know if there's anything you'd like to see a thorough review on as I'm more than happy to oblige :)

Oh and slightly off topic but you know how I mentioned I'm super excited to go shopping to find the perfect winter coat? I don't why I said that as I've never ever actually found one. Each winter it's a constant disappointment where I trawl around the shops searching for perfection before buying something I actually hate and then spend the rest of the season having coat envy when I see girls who just get it right! 

Anyway

Looking forward to reading your comments and don't be shy, come say HIYAAAon my TWITTER

I also have a giveaway running to win a Mac Lippy or Paint Pot of your choice, click here if you're feeling lucky?

Love 

k xxxxxx

July Haul

Happy August Amigos!

I've been absent from the blog for way too long so today marks 

my return. I mean like proper return, the sort where I schedule posts and take photos as I go. Rather than... procrastinating like it's going out of fashion!

And mind I really do procrastinate.

Hence my July Haul being posted on 14th AUGUST *shuffles awkwardly and avoids eye contact* so without any further delay (friends is on the telly and my attention span is struggling) lets delve straight in to my rather tame month of buying.

SBC 4 Piece Arnica Cleanse, Calm & Soothe Collection

So this little set was bought from QVC (who do not sponsor me by the way... although perhaps they should seen as all products in this haul were ordered from there unless stated otherwise!) 

I hadn't tried SBC prior to this but the brightly coloured gels have always caught my eye. Yes that's all it takes!

 So three gels with three different promises, Arnica for aches, pains and reducing

 bruising, Propolis for dry chapped areas and Aloe Vera (Hello Vera. sorry!) for calming and soothing.

I'm really liking these and the aaaah feeling when you slap that aloe gel on after waxing, delightful!

The cleanser hasn't had a look in yet as I've already got about four other brands on the go!

Smells nice though.

Decleor 4 Piece Skin Radiance Collection

Right if I had done a 'monthly favourites' post then Decleor's Aroma Confort Gradual Glow Body Milk would so be featuring!

It's a gradual tan that is ultra moisturising and leaves skin silky soft. There's no heavy depositing either so no weird white triangles where you bend your arms (just me? oh!) and the colour is super natural and oozes radiance. Utterly gorgeousness!

What I would say is the pump dispenser is SHITE as it doesn't automatically pump back up so it's a nightmare when you're frantically applying post shower. I guess the fact that I love it so much despite the problems dispensing speaks volumes about how amaze the product is.

The Aromessence Nerolia is an award winning exlixir that is 100% natural, I'm just about to introduce this into my daily routine so I'll let you know the results.

Also contained in the set was Hydra Floral Moisturiser and Hydra Floral Mask which I'm yet to sample... cute lil bottles though!

The Tans 

Eeeee such a tanning floozy me... one can never have to many in the stock cave though.

Leighton Denny Sunbelievable Set, Hightlight Me, Bronze Me, Accelerate Me and Tan Me. You can read and SEE my amazing results with Tan Me HERE

The He-Shi Instant Bronze I actually won from the lovely Grace  in a twitter comp, I adored it so much I obviously ordered more! Ideal for instant non streak colour... haaaaalllow bare legs!

The Toners

So the first half of July I was without a toner would you believe? It would seem I  only stockpile nail varnish, cleansers, make up, moisturiser, tans, conditioner, well pretty much everything other than toner. Not only do I not keep stocks replenished I also systematically forget to buy it each time I'm in boots or where ever!

So,

La Roche-Posay Soothing Toner is something my husband chose upon receiving an "urgent" text from his easy going wife to "go to boots and get a toner, a decent one not cheap" bless him he is often instructed  requested to buy the Pore Effaclar Duo so I guess he stuck to the brand he knew was deemed acceptable by me! 

I have to say it ain't rocking my world, I mean it's OK and my skin hasn't reacted badly but I'm not too sure what it's doing for me other than being 'step 2' of the old routine?

Clarins Exfoliating Toner

I'd heard much love about the Clarins Exfoliating Toner so I thought hey this could be our time to start a new relationship (seen as my boat wasn't floated by the aforementioned toner) So off I trotted to Fenwicks and parted with £25 cute ones for this coveted number. As I was paying, the lovely helpful Clarins girl asked if I knew how to use the product. I was all like "uh-huh course I do" *smiling and thinking OBV it's a toner, ammma beauty blogger y;knaaaa*. 

BUT

what I actually should of said is "no sorry, I'm not too sure" BECAUSE (as you all probably know) unbeknown to me, it ain't no toner, it's a liquid exfoliator that use at night twice weekly. 

I was home by the time I realised therefore missed another opportunity to buy a decent toner. 

All was not lost though and no regrets as my skin looks so much fresher and brighter the mornings after using it.

 AND due to me having little to no self control I've been slapping this on at least five times a week because more is more right? 

Benefit How To Look The Best At Everything

This kit is sweetness personified. I actually have a vision of how I want my bedroom to look which is totally inspired by the Benefit Make Up Counter! Thinking a vintage, retro and kitsch sort of feel, I'll let you know when I get round to doing it! (Judging by the rate I churn out blog posts I wouldn't be holding your breath)

Upon opening this little book you find all the potions and powdery magic to create a poreless flawless complexion. 

Ooh and a mini They're Real too!

Laura Geller Magic Of Colour Collection 

I bought this from QVC (who'd of guessed) and I was well hyped for this collection airing. I was sharp off the mark with ordering too, and I tapped the app at like a minute past midnight (it launched at zero hundred hours) and it was a good a job I did as Porcelain had sold out by 10.30am!

I'd never tried Laura Geller make up but she comes highly recommended and I've heard it said her baked products rival Mac's. GAUNTLET DOWN.

Ooh and I also ordered her Spackle which is her lingo for primer, I actually meant to order the champagne shade but in my haste I ended up with bronze. It's worked out well as on good skins days I use it alone with a touch of highlight... good to go!

(the champagne shade has since been ordered too... oopsie!)

Leighton Denny 8 Piece Colour Collection

How lushy are these colours though?  My favourites are most definitely Paparazzi which is the ultimate red, Femme Fatal which is a deep glossy khaki green and Get Your Cote which is the most beeeeeeowdifal blue from the Riviera Collection.

These lil babes also came complete a wrap around leather pouch, which to my bitter disappointment wasn't a belt I could wear around my waist! Think I'd envisioned striding around like a celebrity hairdresser or make up artist 'on set'.

Such delusions of grandeur me.

L-R paparazzi, honey trap, femme fatal, little thief, get your cote, bubblegum, angel dust, sophisticated

Barry M

I'm a bit of a nail snob and I likey my brands and willingly pay the price for things that are quality and work for me... think leighton, nails inc and opi and we are on the same page.

BUT the Barry M Gelly Paints have continually called my name so hey I obliged... I bought Prickly Pear and Lychee from Superdrug and I must say I have mixed reviews and intend on blogging all about it!

Oh and Nail Art Pen, because it was 3 for 2 and pink was the only colour left.

lychee and prickly pear

Tangle Teezer

I am TEAM TANGLE TEEZER! 

I can't love this enough, I have long long long wavy/curly hair that tats easily when wet and this just fixes it!

 I also have two sons that have rock star hair and this makes my life easier and theirs less painful!

I've ordered two more as can't be dealing with the world ending stress when it goes AWOL... "CIARAN WHERE'S THE TANGLE TEEZER" can be heard in my house each evening at approximately 6pm!

I've ordered it in blue for the boys and in zebra print for spares because I'm em... ?classy! (ha)

So there we have it! July done and dusted. Not a huge lot in comparison to other monthlies BUT my August pile is already looking terrifying!

Any thoughts? Anything you love or loathe? Or fancy trying? Ooh and any toner recommendations?

Look forward to reading your comments, lots of love

love 

k xxxxxx

ps shortlisted for a cosmo... best new beauty blog, button to vote under profile pic :) thank yoooou xxx

SUN BELIEVABLE Leighton Denny Tan Review

Hellooo and it eeee my gosh hasn't it been tropical?? England has been transformed into the sort of place you normally have to board a plane and dig your passport out for! And in true 'brits abroad' style my eyes have been continually assaulted by bare bellied chested men, streaky orange legs and  and ravishing red strap marks falling out of maxi dresses... OUCHES!

Mind that said there are some girls (and boys) who can just 'do' summer. The girls that glide around emanating effortlessly beautiful vibes. You know the sort? Gorgeous healthy sunkissed glow,  perfect summer wardrobe and hair that falls into beachy waves??

 Are you that girl? Aaah I want to be you..

Well actually I'm good for the wardrobe and hair but what I really want NEED is that TAN, and true to form we always want what we can't have. 

That Melanin stuff that turns you brown? My parents were seriously lacking in this and what little they did have they saved and gave to my brother (RUDE) so I guess that leaves me in the 'pale is interesting' bracket?

 And yup I'm all for rocking the porcelain but the second the sun is out people can lose their filter of what's acceptable to say to another person and I'm met with gems such as "you need some sun" and "can you not have a few sunbeds"... 

Ummm yeah sure... pass me the tokens... 

Essentially though there are times when I want the 'edge' taken off, plus a tan can hide the multitude of sins I've clearly stored during the winter months!

My fake tan career started aged 14... and they didn't make them then like they do now- no guide colours or mitts, pure blind application with end result being orange tiger stripes... erm one for the archives me thinks! I'm pretty sure I've tried all the false tans out there, I really am.

So when Mr Leighton Denny brought out his Sun Believable range I just had to... would of been rude not to, (HEEEEEEOWGE Leighton fan).

 So today is a review of Tan Me which is the self tanning mousse.

Tan Me comes in two options that I can see, there's the medium which I used and the dark option which gives a deeper intense colour. 

READERS OF A SENSITIVE DISPOSITION MAY WANT TO LOOK AWAY OR VIEW THE NEXT IMAGE WITH SUNNIES ON TO AVOID THE GLARE OF THE PALE.

My goodness they are white aren't they? Scary crazy white!

Tan Me comes complete with application mitt and it's not your usually flimsy sponge affair, this is like a felty, velvety material that seems to buff and blend the product in perfectly.

Can you tell which leg has had the Tan Me treatment???

Above picture is with flash and below is without.

It was 1am when the pictures were taken, I totally procrastinate until the last minute and then have the 'urgh need to do a tan' feeling just as I'm dragging myself up to bed!

Now don't be shy to apply... it develops one colour so providing you cover everywhere you can't go wrong. TOP TIP :) Bend elbows and knees when tanning these areas, ensures no whitey bits or colour accumulation.

So it dried quickly, I waited 10 minutes before putting on my jarmies as I'm bit obsessive about smudging or leaving marks. It was actually touch dry after a couple of minutes. 

I woke up the next day feeling rather gorgeous, like I'd "just been sat in the garden", I wasn't what you would called bronzed but I was certainly sun kissed and glowy... and evenly so. 

No streaks, stripes or patches and even my hands didn't resemble orange monster claws (it has been known)

I could not get a photo that did the tan justice and I'm owing that to the heat wave and constant sunny funshine messing with my iphone camera posh camera photography.

It faded lovely too and the 'after' photo was taken 4 days after application.

A before example.... and the 'after' which was actually 4 days later after fading

I'd definitely recommend TAN ME in Medium for fairer skinned girlies such as me. For those who want a 'just been on holiday to Maldives' sort of colour then definitely opt for the Dark.

I've just started using the SUN KISS ME which is a gradual tan and so far so happy...

So what do we think? Are you a fan of the tan? Real or fakey?

As always I love reading and replying to all your comments.

If you've enjoyed reading and likey the bloggy then would be ever so grateful for a vote in the Cosmo Blog Awards (shortlisted for Best New Beauty Blog). Button is under profile picture on home page.

Love K 

xxxxxx

Ps... Pictures 2 and 3 were borrowed from the internet, they aren't mine :)