£50 Giftcard GIVEAWAY- Feel Unique, Topshop, ASOS or Boots!

There's something about receiving a gift card that makes shopping that little bit more exciting; I don't know whether it's because it doesn't feel like real money or because you're limited to what you can buy and it's therefore the perfect opportunity to buy something a little more special or even something you've had your eye on for a while but don't really need, but I love it, and so when I was given a £50 Feel Unique gift card to spend online, I couldn't wait to get browsing to see what I could treat myself to.

I decided to order a few essentials, rather than one single product, as I wanted to make the £50 voucher go as far as possible and so whilst flicking from page to page, I came across three products that I've had my eye on for a while and know I will get full use out of. 

Whenever I shop online at Feel Unique, Xen Tan is a product that always ends up in my basket as has done now for the last few years. It's my go-to online store for all of my fake tan needs and so I decided to pop an all time favourite in my basket, Xen Tan Dark Lotion, as both a summertime essential and a back up.

I'm a huge fan of Real Techniques brushes and so when I recently saw the limited edition Duo Fibre Collection, I knew it wouldn't be too long until I eventually caved in and purchased it. I have built up quite the collection of brushes as of recently, so was in two minds about whether I needed it, but like I said, spending a giftcard is the perfect opportunity to justify wanting over needing and not owning too many duo fibre brushes anyway, I added the set into my basket without any real hesitation.

 Essie is a brand that over the past few months, I've had quite the love affair with. In the process of building up a Nude collection, I couldn't resist adding another into my nail polish drawers and decided to make up the £50 (though going a couple of pounds over) I would add in Essie Marshmallow, which although I've not heard too much about, looked like a milky White dream, perfect in my mind for Summer and a more au naturel manicure look.

AO very kindly provided me with my £50 Feel Unique Voucher and even more kindly have provided me with one £50 voucher to giveaway to one of my blog readers.

To be in with the chance of winning a £50 voucher to spend at Feel Unique, ASOS, Topshop or Boots, simply comment below telling me where you would spend your voucher and what you would buy.

Extra entries will be counted if you:

-Follow Belles Boutique on Bloglovin'

-Follow @lauraleighblogs on Twitter

-Tweet "I have just entered @lauraleighblogs £50 Giftcard Giveaway (Feel Unique, Topshop, ASOS, Boots) at www.belles-boutique.co.uk"
-Follow Belles Boutique on Instagram and like my giveaway photo.

Just leave your user names, twitter handles and email address along with your comment below.

-Giveaway will end on Friday 19th July 2013.

 -Winner will be picked using random.org

-If you're under 16, you must have a parent or guardians permission to enter

-Only one voucher available to win courtesy of AO to spend online at either Feel Unique, ASOS, Topshop or Boots online.

-Giveaway open worldwide.

Good luck! 

Read more

Xen Tan Dark Mist Intense

 I mentioned in a previous post that Feel Unique were so kind as to send me a little box of treats and fortunately for me, this was one of the products.

Xen Tan is my favourite fake tan brand ever and I am constantly recommending and raving about it.

It's one of the more expensive brands, but for the past couple of years I have purchased my Xen Tan Dark Lotion from Feel Unique, as it's a lot cheaper on there than anywhere else. Funnily enough though, always going straight to repurchase that, I never have even given this product a thought.

To be honest, I never even knew that this product existed- which is weird, because I know my fake tans. Well, at least I thought I did!

This is the Xen Tan Dark Mist Intense weekly self tan, which like all of the Xen Tan products I have used, falls in to the dark range.

Unlike the others that I have tried; Xen Tan Dark Lotion and Xen Tan Absolute Luxe, this is in a spray formula, which I must admit is probably my least favourite when it comes to fake tan formulas.

I would say that this product falls between the two, with the colour and lasting power of the Dark Lotion (my fave) and the Vanilla scent of Absolute Luxe, but is most similar to the Dark Lotion.

The colour I achieve from using this is the same Olive colour that I get from using the Xen Tan Dark Lotion, although that's maybe after a couple of uses rather than after the initial application. This does too, have an immediate colour/colour guide, but it isn't as visible. I'm not really sure how I feel about that. I like to see dark full tan immediately.

It's a very light pump spray, and although I imagined that this would be quicker to apply, I actually find it takes a little longer, as I find myself spraying my body and then applying the mitt to rub in and so forth, whereas with the lotions I can apply the to the mitt and go from there. I don't like to spray the mitt, as I feel it could soak it up and you could potentailly lose so much product that way. 

I have become a slight pro in the art of tanning, and have nailed my tanning routine to just a couple of minutes- amazing right? But with this I do find it a lot more lengthy, so would probably recommend this as more of a top up tan for in-between? 

It rubs in really easily, and dries super quickly. Quicker than the lotion does, and although I don't have any issues with Xen Tan lotions, it doesn't feel sticky in the slightest so is absolutely perfect for a top up and go.

Something I love about Xen Tan products, is that they are also designed to wear on your face. A lot of self tanning products don't recommend it, but Xen Tan is for the face and body. I do find that they don't take amazingly to my face like they do my body, but they work enough to give me a healthier glow.

I find this mist not to be as even as the other products, but I think thats just a case of me being so used to them and finding a spray harder to work with. I have had the unfortunate streak or two, which I must admit, is a little strange for me. But again, if you was to use this as an in-between or a top up, I doubt there would be much of a problem.

I do like this product a lot, but I will continue to stick to my favourite product in the range which is the Xen Tan Dark Lotion. I prefer the Marzipan sweet smell to the richer Vanilla scent of this, which I have mentioned in previous Xen Tan raves and the consistency of the product. 

  

My previous Xen tan product and service reviews are here (Dark Tan Absolute Luxe), here (Dark Lotion- more recent), here (Dark Lotion) and here (Xen Tan Spray Tan)- did someone say fan girl?

This product is available on Feel Unique here for £17.50 with free delivery (which I must add is always very quick for me).

For more information on all of the products, visit the Xen Tan Website.

  

Have you tried this or any of the other Xen Tan products? What are your opinions?

xx

Read more

Xen Tan Dark Lotion- The new look

In December 2010, I posted about my favourite fake tan ever (here) and can you believe that I am still raving about the same product? Since, then I have tried so many self tanning products but Xen Tan Dark Lotion is the one I always find myself going back to. 

Every single day, I am tweeted with questions such as "Whats your favourite fake tan?" and every single  time I reply with the same answer, and continue to make Xen Tan tweeter blush with my love and raves for this brand.

I ordered this one last week, and when it came I was a little terrified as I saw the bottle had changed, and for a few moments I was pretty terrified that the formula may have too. 

Fear not, it's still the wonderful sweet marzipan smelling tan that I have loved for all this time and it still gives a beautiful, long lasting colour to your skin- without leaving you all patchy like most self tanners do.

When I saw pictures of the new packaging online, I was really excited and thought it looked a lot better but in real life, I must say, I am a little disappointed. I thought it would look a lot more expensive and luxurious, but my thoughts are quite the opposite. I prefer simple looking bottles and the fancy font changes aren't my favourite. 

In terms of the olive based colour, I have found a few tanning products that give slightly similar (not too orange) colour but overall none come close to lovely shade Xen Tan Dark Lotion gives you and so if you haven't tried it already, then I highly recommend that you do. 

The texture, the smell, the colour guide and the quick drying formula cannot be beaten in my opinion and so I will continue to be Xen Tans top fan. 

This award winning tan retails for £28.99 in stores and on the Xen Tan website, but I purchase mine from Feel Unique, as I have done every few months for nearly two years where it costs only £17.99 and is delivered in a super quick time.  

For more information about Xen Tan Dark Lotion and a little more in depth review, see my post here. 

xx

Read more

My Fake Tan Collection

Hi dolls,

So this week I've been all about the tans again- shock horror!

This afternoon @MariaFowler from The Only Way Is Essex tweeted her tan collection and I can't believe she didn't have any Xen Tan in there- so I tweeted her and she returned asking which one was the best..obviously I replied Xen Tan Dark Lotion. Anyway, it occured to me that I suprisingly haven't ever shared my Fake Tan collection with you so I whipped them all out of my box to share with you all.

This is my current collection, some of its old and I only use in emergencies or for a certain colour and some of it only has a tiny bit left.

Before I get tons of comments about how much Xen Tan I have 1. Most of the bottles only have a little bit in 2. I didn't realise how much I actually had and 3. I panic buy and end up with loads. Whoops.

From front to back..

-Xen Tan Dark Lotion

-Lauren's Way Tanning Lotion Dark

-Lauren's Way Mousse

-St Moriz Instant Self Tanning Lotion

-St Tropez Instant Glow Face Lotion

-Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs- recently theres been so much hype around this product- I have been using it for years and love it for them emergency occasions when your legs need a little pick me up.

-Fake Bake Beyond Bronze Matte Medium Instant

-Boots Leg Make Up Medium

-Fake Bake Beyond Bronze Self Tanning Mousse

-St Tropez Instant Glow Body Lotion

-Fake Bake Beyond Bronze Self Tanning Lotion- old tan, but I managed to some how get hold of one that was in date on eBay..

-Fake Bake Beyond Bronze Self Tanning Lotion- reformulated version, but this has also been changed I think.

-L'oreal Waterproof Glam Bronze Spray Foundation for legs in Medium

-St Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mist

-Australian Gold Bearly Legal- Sunbed cream with bronzing accelerator and hemp.

-Boots Soltan Tan Prolonger

-St Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse- Dark

-St Tropez Bronzing Mousse

-Lancaster Tan Maximizer After Sun- Face and Body

-Primark Flawless Legs Spray on Tights- Used once and I remembering it being the same as Sally Hansen, Boots and L'oreal. Maybe not as good but for £2 can you complain?

-Fake Bake Xtreme Darkest Self Tanning Gel

....and breathe!

I'm getting my tan on today so I'm beautifully bronzed for my birthday on Wednesday. As promised it will be Lauren's Way Mousse and I will be sharing the results with you.

What do I need to add to my collection?

Hope your all fantastic

xxx

Read more

What make up I'm wearing..

MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC37

Mavala Eyebrow Perfector- Brown

Benefit Hoola

New CID Cosmetics i-glow Coral Crush

No7 Exquisite Lash Mascara

2 Medium Eylure Individuals and one long on each outer corner

MAC Snob

Xen Tan Dark Lotion

xx

Read more

Xen Tan Dark Lotion Weekly Self-Tan

By no means is this a new product; nor is it new in my collection of lotions and potions. It is however, my favourite.

I've waited a long while before writing up my review on it for a few reasons, mainly because how highly I felt about it when I first tried it- I wanted to be assured that it really was as good as it seemed by the end of the bottle. Bottles later, and I'm talking bottles later, I still love this.

I haven't kept this a secret from anyone and have mentioned it many-a-time but feel now is the moment to share my feelings in a little depth.

What they say.

"Dark Lotion gives you a rich, natural olive tan that looks great for up to 10 days. Easy to apply, it goes on evenly, smells delicious and instantly creates a gorgeous streak-free finish you'll love."

True.

The colour you gain from applying this beautiful product is a deep olive brown. Theres no hint of "orange" whatsoever with this self tan. First applied, it has colour that can be worn straight away- it is subtle, but it is great to use a guide for your tan application to avoid any disaster streaks if you haven't mastered it yet.

It applies incredibly easily, its very smooth and isn't a sticky product so applied with both your hands or a mitt- it goes on just wonderfully.

Left over night, the colour transforms beautifully. Once you have showered- a lot of product will have washed off, but fear not, underneath is a dark glowing yet natural colour.

Every time I put apply this product, it fills the air with a divine smell. Not that yuck biscuity smell that is unbearable, just a sweet marzipan like smell. If you could eat it- I would.

In terms of the tan looking great for upto 10 days, I'm not sure. I reapply every couple of days- purely because its apart of my normal routine, but theres no doubt in my mind that it would last.

The price does hit some people as a little bit steep, with each 236ml bottle retailing at £25.95 but I really do believe its worth it. I've used high end self-tans that cost similar prices and leave you very orange.

Each bottle is said to last for about 6-7 full face and body tans;

I think Xen Tan may be covering themselves a little here as I think it possibly lasts longer than that.

I haven't put in any photos of the results on this post because unfortunately my laptop is playing up.

However, I have worn it for months now and I am wearing it in all of my photos throughout the last 6 months or so on my blog.

If your a tan-a-holic or are purely just looking for the perfect fake tan, look no further.

A few little personal tips:

• Avoid oil based products, this includes moisturisers and exfoliators.
• Exfoliate at least 12 hours before.
• Don't ever apply tan immediately after shaving/waxing etc. Ever.
• Shower rather than bath.
• If possible, ask someone to wash your hair for you if want your tan to stay lovely on your hands.

xx

Read more

Xen Tan Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe

Introducing the long-awaited, beautiful bronzed and fabulous addition to my life- Xen Tan Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe.

Xen Tan have described this product as the "darkest, richest and most luxurious tan to date; one that offers a tan that will last longer than any other fake-tan product", and they couldn't get a more accurate description. I don't claim to have tried all of the Fake Tan's in the market but of all of which I have- this is by far the best.

I ordered as soon as it became available to buy and could't wait to cover myself in it.

It definately isn't the cheapest tanning product with an RRP of £34.95 for a 236ml bottle, but in my opinion its 100% worth it. There has been a little bit of an uproar on Twitter with complaints of the price and although I would love for it to be a little bit more friendly to my purse I do believe the price reflects the quality in this product.

The amount of product you need to use is minimal, and if your anything like me- buying fake tan all the time, then its worth the money in "cost per use" thinking.

There isn't any fake tan smell- which to be honest has never really bothered me anyway, but I do wish that maybe it had more of the delicous marzipan scent that Xen Tans Dark Lotion has, as this is more chocolatey and a little bit richer.

Please ignore the paleness and slight redness to my leg here, I had been cosey and tucked reading all of your beautiful blogs.

I just wanted to illustrate to you how little product you need. The colour guide isn't as dark as the Dark Lotion or any other colour guided fake tan I've used but Xen Tan do recommend this product to the "Experienced Tanner" and I believe this is probably why. If you struggle without the darker colour guides, the results that you will gain from the beautifully bronzed colour will probably leave you with quite a few visible streaks, so be careful!

The pictures below were taken after one application. I'm such a happy girl.

and this just to show you the intensity of the colour on a night out.

(Slightly worse for wear on the toilet floor in Tiger Tiger- Classy!)

I would definately recommend this product to anyone that adores a delicious, deep bronze colour and will 100% be repurchasing.

Happy tanning my little beauts- get ordering!

www.xen-tan.co.uk

xx

Read more

Fake Bake Beyond Bronze Self Tanning Mousse & Xen Tan Absolute Luxe

Hello my lovelys,

Its been a while since I reviewed a product but since the summers weather in the UK is a little bit dull I thought I'd return with a review of my favourite kind of product- Fake Tan!

A few months ago I was converted from Fake Bake to Xen Tan. I didn't blog about it because literally every blog I read, there was a review. But it was the Xen Tan Dark Lotion and it is to die for!

In the space of about 2 months I purchased two bottles and raved about it to possibly everyone I know.

In a state of emergency, with Xen Tan sold out in House of Fraser I picked up a bottle of the "New Improved Formula" Beyond Bronze by Fake Bake Mousse. Those of you that have read my blog will know that this used to be my favourite. But not so much now..

It was on special offer for £15 from about £23 in Superdrug so I thought why not, especially seeing as I was heading down the extremely pale route.

I'm not quite sure what part of this product is new and improved. I'm sorry if that seems rather harsh but I don't want anybody to be fooled. Its no where near as dark as it used to be, the results are extremely poor and leave a rather yellow looking colour, the consistancy is alot thinner and the bottle is ugly. I much prefered the results before, the pump bottle, the thicker consistancy and the darker colour guide. Its even gone up in price!

This is a little bit of a rant because I am actually so disapointed. It has been put to me whether I have just gone off Fake Bake because of my new found love of Xen Tan but to be honest, I think anyone that has used the old and the new Fake Bake would both have the same opinion.

Below is a few pictures I snapped on my iPhone whilst I was applying..

Okay so the colour guide colour isn't THAT bad, maybe a little more human than the darker colour that used to come out, but honestly- it all comes off in the shower. If it was an instant wash off, then it might work. But its not.

Theres not much to heart about it, but you can see in the little heart photo that the consistancy is just so watery and runny as soon as it touches your skin or mitt.

Thank god that this little beauty came in my post today..

Xen Tans NEW Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe. I've been waiting for its release for ages now and its finally here! I prepared my skin for it and I can't wait to apply it tonight. I promise I'll get a review up as soon as possible.

I'm sorry if this post seemed like I hate Fake Bake. I dont, I'm just really disapointed. However, I can say I have used the Instant Fake Bake since my last fake tan post and have grown to like it a little bit more.

I'd love it if someone could proove me wrong and just tell me I had a faulty/gone off bottle of the new mousse..Pleasee?

xx

Read more