Product Review: Cate Ruby Nail Polish in Lollipop;

As most other girls, I love a good nail polish, and have more than I dare say – yet I am always on the lookout for new polishes, in new fabulous colours. Here are my thoughts on the *Cate Ruby Nail Polish in the colour Lollipop;

What They Say:

"Salon quality high gloss, chip resistant, long wearing lacquer is a must have for all women. Regardless of your age, shape or size Cate Ruby Nail Polish will always fit!"

RRP: $17.95 (15ml) - Available through select retailers and select online stores

What I Say:

Having never before heard of Cate Ruby Nail Polishes, as always, I decided to do a little research, and I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that Cate Ruby is an Australian owned and made brand of nail polish. The company was started in late 2009, and now there are over 50 colours in the range, and the polishes are sold by over 40 stockists.

What sets the Cate Ruby nail polishes apart is the stunning diamante encrusted band around the rim of each handle. This stretchable band is removable and can also be worn as a ring. The bottles simply look so glamorous.

 

The colour Lollipop, is a fresh and bright pink. It has nice formula and along with the wide brush, it is very easy to apply evenly, although there are some brush strokes, which makes it necessary to wear two coats – but usually that’s the case with most polishes, isn’t it! So in this picture I am wearing two coats. It may be a little difficult to see in the picture, but the result is a nice glossy result.

 

The nail polish dries rather quickly, but I guess most nail polishes do dry quickly these days. And it’s perfect for me as I’m usually a little impatient, and if it takes too long for a nail polish to dry, I usually end up scratching it up, and having to start all over!!

After about four days, the nail polish started to chip and wear a little at the edges, but the shine of the polish remains as if the nails have just been painted. And as I – as always wash my hands very frequently during the day and tap away on the keyboard during the day – I never treat my polished nails kindly either. And the four days wear of wear is without wearing a top coat (or a base coat for that matter), so I am sure that with at least just a top coat, I would have managed to get another couple of days wear out the nail polish.

And then there’s the gorgeous diamante encrusted band that sits around the lid of each bottle. Stretchy so it will fit most finger sizes. How dazzling is that sparkling ring! And how unique too.

The Cate Ruby nail polish does have a slight chemical smell, which luckily does fade rather quickly.
The nail polish is 3-free – that is, it is free from DBP, Toluene, and Formaldehyde, which does make me give it bonus points, as I do prefer my nail polishes to be free from these chemical nasties.

At $17.95 for a 15ml bottle, it is about standard price for a good quality nail polish these days, so all in all the Cate Ruby polishes really are of such fantastic quality, and absolutely worth their price tag.


I am just sad that I’ve only just discovered the brand now. I’ll definitely hope to add more Cate Ruby colours to my collection in the near future!

I have one more Cate Ruby to review … stay tuned!

 * Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

Have you ever heard of Cate Ruby nail polishes? And what do you think of the colour Lollipop? What’s your favourite nail polish brand? And colour?

 

As always, if you like what you see, leave a comment below!! Make sure you follow me on bloglovin' or GFC (see buttons at the right of this page) so you don't miss any upcoming posts! And of course, don't forget to enter the Dr. LeWinns giveaway....link on the top right of this page..

 

Industry News: Estée Lauder Launches French Nudes Pure Color Nail Lacquer Collection by Tom Pecheux

As most others I love Nail polishes, and I have more colours dare to admit. And as many of you know, I absolutely love Estee Lauder products, so I was excited to hear that the brand is now launching a French Nudes Pure Color Nail Lacquer Collection by Tom Pecheux.

"I chose these shades to suit every type of woman – her skintone, her personality, her point of view". - Tom Pecheux

Following the bold, neon hues of summer, get back to basics with elegant and neutral shades for nails that complement every woman’s uniquely beautiful skin tone – introducing Pure Color Nail Lacquer French Nudes Collection by Estée Lauder and Creative Makeup Director, Tom Pecheux. Ranging from fair to dark and warm to cool, these flattering flesh tone shades provide nails with a subtly feminine, barely there look.

Just as each woman has the perfect foundation shade to suit her complexion, so too exists the perfect nude nail colour to flatter each woman’s skin tone and help her achieve a naturally elegant look. Estée Lauder and Tom Pecheux have drawn on their colour expertise to create a selection of shades that will ensure every woman finds her perfect match.

"This collection is like foundation for nails," stated Tom Pecheux. "It’s all about enhancing nails, rather than making a big statement with color." The chocolaty brown, creamy cocoa, milky beige and soft pink hues of these clean and sophisticated nail lacquers are a subtle and monotone, yet versatile array of shades. There are natural shades that perfectly match skintone to extend and elongate fingers or shades that contrast skintone for a more dramatic and daring nail look.

Evoking the relaxed and casual nature of springtime in Paris, Pure Color Nail Lacquer French Nudes Collection is a fresh and modern way to wear nail that redefines the notion of sexy simplicity.

The new Pure Color Nail Lacquer French Nudes Collection includes:

Bittersweet

Diabolique

So Vain

 

 

Nudité

 

 

Ballerina Pink

 

 

The French Nudes Collection will be available at an RRP of $38.00 each, at all Estée Lauder counters nationwide and at Estée Lauder Online from May 5, 2013.

Ok, $38 for a nail polish is a bit pricey, but I also believe that you are getting a fantastic quality. I am sure that this nail polish collection has essentially been made and launched for the European spring and summer – but being a bit of a conservative girl, I often I have never gotten tired of the French nail polish look, so this is right up my alley – even during the Australian autumn and winter. I want one of each!!

What do you think of this collection? Are you up for nude nails during winter? Or are you more for bright or bold nails?

Product Review: Nivea Visage Pure & Natural Moisturising Day Cream

As I have previously mentioned, I have grown up with Nivea, and believe that it is one of those value-for-money brands that you can always rely on. But being pregnant, I am increasingly aware of the ingredients in the products that I use, so I was excited when I heard that Nivea had launched the Pure & Natural range that contains 95% pure ingredients. Here are my thoughts on the *Nivea Pure & Natural Moisturising Day Cream for Normal to Combination skin;

 
 

What They Say:

"Nivea Visage Pure & Natural Moisturising Day Cream supplies normal and combination skin with 24 hours of intensive moisture with its infusion of argan oil and aloe vera".

RRP: $12.99 (50ml) – Available from Supermarkets, Priceline, Myer, Target, Kmart, Big W and selected pharmacies.

What I Say:

Previously tried the Nivea Pure & Natural cleanser and toner, as well as the Pure & Natural Hand Cream, and really liked all of those, as they were such great products at a great bargain price. Consequently I also had very big hopes for the Nivea Pure & Natural Day Cream.

Having combination skin, which has always been prone to breakouts, I do like it when companies make moisturisers especially for combination skin – you would like to think that would minimise the greasy feeling and look, and not to mention wouldn’t cause the skin to breakout, right!

I really love the fact that Nivea has launched this range of products made from 95% pure ingredients,  as well as it is free from parabens, silicones, colourants and mineral oils.

 

The cream is a nice thick consistency, and only a tiny amount is needed for my full face and neck. It takes a little while to absorb into the skin, but once it has, my skin is left thoroughly moisturised and soft.

It works as a perfect base for my makeup, but sadly, by the early afternoon, my skin starts to look and feel greasier than normal. Even without wearing makeup on top, do I feel that my skin is greasier than normal, so I reach the conclusion that in spite of the cream being formulated for normal to combination skin types, it is simply too heavy and concentrated for my skin. So consequently I start using the cream as a night cream only. And for that purpose it suits my skin perfectly, as my skin simply seems to be ‘thirstier’ and can tolerate heavier creams at night.

And the next morning, my skin is feeling and looking nice, soft and moisturised, so clearly it agrees better with my skin being used as a night cream. And after now having used it for several weeks, I am also happy to say that it has not made my skin break out. In saying that, it is a basic moisturiser, which has merely keeps the skin moisturised and soft – and sadly I have hit the age where a little more help in the form of anti-ageing ingredients are required.

The actual cream comes in a simple but heavy glass jar. And while I do like that I can see how much moisturiser is left, I do generally prefer moisturisers in pump bottles, or alternatively squeeze tubes, as I simply find it more hygienic than constantly having to dip my fingers into the jar.

The cream has a nice fresh scent, but I have to admit that it is a little more perfumed than I thought it would be – especially seeing it is made from 95% natural ingredients, it would have been nice if it had also been free from added artificial perfume. But in saying that, I really do like the scent, and as I do not have sensitive skin that does tolerate perfumed creams, it doesn’t bother me at all.

Unfortunately this moisturiser does not come with SPF, which I find a shame, as especially under the harsh Australian sun, that is a requirement. But having said that, considering I’ve been using it as a night cream, I have preferred that it did not contain the SPF!

This is a great cream, and at just $12.99 it comes at a bargain price too, also considering the high contents of natural ingredients which often come with a higher price tag. However, as I feel this is a ‘basic’ moisturiser, I would recommend it to those with young and normal to dry skin types as opposed to those with combination skin, as I simply found it too heavy to use during the day on my combination skin.

*this product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

Have you tried any of the products in the Nivea Visage Pure & Natural Range? Are you concerned with skincare containing parabens and other chemical nasties? What’s your favourite day cream?

My Top 5 Favourite Lip Balms

I love lip balms, and always carry at least one around with me in my handbag, have one in the car, and have at least one on my bedside table. Frequent use keeps my lips soft, and means that any lipstick or gloss will go on nicer and last longer too!! Here are some of my all-time favourite lip balms;

Burts Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil.

This lip balm is another one that is made from 100% natural ingredients, which I really like. It comes in a typical lip balm tube. It is infused with pomegranate oil to help replenish and hydrate the lips, making them feel soft and moisturised, yet without feeling too greasy. Because of the pomegranate oil it also has a beautiful fruity scent, while it has no flavour. In the tube the lip balm looks quite red, but once on the lips it only gives the lips a slight hint of colour. I really like this lip balm, as it is so comfortable to wear, and I like that it gives me that hint of colour on the very casual days where I don’t feel like wearing a lipgloss or lipstick. At $6.95 this is a great bargain buy for a natural product!

 

*Neutrogena Neutrals Lip Balm

This is another lip balm that I made from 100% natural ingredients, and without using sulfates, parabens, dyes, and phthalates, which I really do like.

It comes in a clear frosted tube which makes it easy to see exactly how much is left. The lip balm contains natural flavour, but this is very minimal, and actually quite difficult to say exactly what that flavour is. It has a slight peppermint scent and also a slight cooling sensation, which I kind of like.

It contains beeswax and shea butter, and once on the lips it is smooth and creamy, and it leaves the lips soft and moisturised. It goes on clear, with very little gloss or sheen, so it great for use under a lipstick. At $4.99 this is another fantastic bargain buy. If you’ve missed my full review of the Neutrogena Neutrals Lip Balm, you can see it here.

 

 

*Nivea Lip Butter in Vanilla & Macadamia

I love Nivea products, as they are always such great value, and you can always rely on the quality of the products. And this Lip Butter is no exception. It comes in a cute little flat tin that is easy to carry around in the handbag. It has the most gorgeous scent of sweet vanilla and macadamia. It is very concentrated, and the thick creamy formula instantly moisturises dry and chapped lips, keeping them wonderfully hydrated, lasting for quite a while too. And at just $5.49, it is an absolute bargain buy. If you’ve missed my full review of the Nivea Lip Butter, you can see it here.

 

 

Trilogy Everything Balm

As the name suggests, this balm really is suited for absolutely everything, including treating dry nails and cuticles, as a lip balm, for very dry areas including dry hands, feet and elbows. It is so gentle that it can even be used on babies!!

I love the fact that the Everything Balm is free from preservatives and contain nothing but natural ingredients including among others rosehip oil, olive oil, evening primrose oil, honey and vitamin C.

It has a very natural scent, which I personally don’t mind as it is obvious that it comes from all the natural ingredients in the balm. It comes in a large 45ml jar, and I have had it on my bedside table for so long now, and you can hardly see I’ve used it. At $18.95 it is one of the more expensive products, but again, the jar is huge.

And because the jar is so large, I also find that it is more suitable for the bedside table than carry around in the handbag!! It is truly such a wonder product!!

 

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Skin Protectant.
This is another true multi-purpose product that helps relieve chapped, cracked, dry skin on the face, hands, lips, nails and cuticles – anywhere. It also helps soothe irritations and redness and helps store skin, as well as it is fantastic to help relieve windburn or skin that is peeling from too much time in the sun. It contains among others beta-hydroxy and vitamin E.

The cream comes in a large easy to use tube with 50ml, and as it is so concentrated it will last you forever!! It has a very distinct scent,

This cream has been on the market since 1930, which I believe is a true testament to the quality of the product. It is a true cult product, I love it, and always have a tube on my bedside table. To me it is well worth the $38.

 

So there you have it, my top five favourite lip balms!!

 

*These products were kindly provided for consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

What’s your favourite lip balm? Or in case you’re like me and always have numerous ones on the go at the same time – what’s your favourite lip balms? And how much money do you usually spend on a lip balm? Do you save, or do you splurge?

 

 

Product Review: Australis Highlights Mineral Face Highlighter

I have only just recently discovered the difference a good highlighter can make to your look. Previously I’ve always thought that they would make my combination skin look even shinier and greasier, but for a good highlighter that is far from the case. Here are my thoughts on the *Australis Highlights Mineral Face Highlighter;

 What They Say:

"Australis Cosmetics Mineral Highlights contain skin illuminators to reflect light, leaving the complexion looking fresh, radiant and glowing. Moisturising properties act as antioxidants to prevent premature ageing, while botanical extracts accelerate cell renewal for smoother, younger looking skin. The highlighter accentuates the cheekbones, brow bones and décolletage to help enhance the complexion's radiance. Available in two shades: Pearl and Gold".

RRP: $14.95 (15g) – Available from Priceline, Big W, Kmart, Target and selected pharmacies

What I Say:

I have been using the Highlights Mineral Face Highlighter on top of my usual foundation on the high points of my cheeks, and underneath my brows, and it instantly gives my skin a nice but still subtle sheen and glow – great way of faking a good night’s sleep!

Some highlighters are too glittery making you look like an 80s disco queen, but with the Australis Highlights Mineral Face Highlighter, that is far from the case, as it is more shimmery than glittery. Just the way it should be.

Unlike other highlighters, the Highlights Mineral Face Highlighter also doesn’t highlight beginning lines and wrinkles, nor does it settle into the lines during the day exaggerating the lines, making me look and feel even older.

Rather it gives my skin a nice sheen and glow – something is much needed at the moment where a bad night’s sleep is a rare occurrence. As the name suggests, the Highlights Mineral Face Highlighter is mineral based, as well as it contains vitamin E and botanical extracts making it light reflecting.

This illuminiser is a lightweight cream, and it is easy to spread and blend across the skin, and the sheen can easily be up slightly by adding more of the highlighter.

I have also tried to blend a tiny bit of the highlighter into both a foundation as well as a tinted day cream, and it works perfectly to brighten dull and tired skin.

The Highlights Mineral Face Highlighter comes in an easy to use black pump bottle with a bright pink glossy lid. And I really like that it comes in a pump bottle, as it makes it so easy to use and dispense just the amount of product needed.

 

It has a strange chemical floral scent, which is a bit difficult to describe, however as it is so subtle and it quickly fades once blended into the skin, it doesn’t bother me at all.

The Highlights Mineral Face Highlighter is available in two colours, Pearl and Gold, and I have been using the colour pearl, which perfectly matches my medium skin tone. I could imagine that the colour Gold is a little ‘warmer’ in the colour, and hence it would be more suitable for those with darker skin tones.

The highlighter is very concentrated, so a little goes a very long way, so the 15g bottle will last you quite a while, so at $14.95 it is a great bargain!

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

Do you use a highlighter? Which one is your favourite?

 

 

Blog Anniversary Giveaway - Win Dr. LeWinn's Skincare packs

I have just passed the 6 month anniversary of my blog. How time have flown.  I started my blog in order to distract myself in a period I was personally facing a hard time with a lot of stress (you can read about that here!) and I had never in my wildest dreams imagined that I in such a short time would have so many lovely followers  – but it really has happened. When I started out I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to gain from the blog, but all the support and the constant support of lovely comments makes me want to keep going, and has in fact turned me into a bit of a blog’aholic! Believe it or not, but this is also my blog post no. 201!

So to thanks my lovely Australian readers, I thought that I would hold a GIVEAWAY – and the lovely people at Dr. Lewinn’s has sponsored two lovely prizes.

Firstly I am sorry, but this giveaway is only open to Australia, but I promise that I will do another international giveaway very very soon…so stay tuned!

Before I list the prizes, I'm going to list the key rules of the giveaway (for full details, see the T&C’s in the Rafflecopter widget), so please read them:

1. The giveaway begins today, the 25^th April 2013, and ends on the 17th May 2013.
2. To enter use the Rafflecopter form at the bottom of the post - make sure you complete the mandatory entries or you will be disqualified, and add as many other options as you like for additional entries.
3. The first winner drawn will win Prize 1, the Line Smoothing Complex S8 gift pack, and the second winner will win the Ultra R4 gift pack.
4. If you are the winner, I will send you an email if you are drawn as a winner, and you must get in touch within 48 hours or I will pick a new winner.
5. The giveaway is open to Australia Only.
6. Note, Dr. Lewinn’s will send the prizes to the lucky winners. I take no responsibility for lost, misdirected or damaged mail.

Now onto the prizes up for grabs; There are two fantastic Dr. LeWinn’s gift packs up for grabs.

Prize 1:

 

- Dr LeWinn's Line Smoothing Complex S⁸ Eye Recovery Complex 

- Dr LeWinn's Line Smoothing Complex S⁸ Double Intensity Night Cream

- Dr Lewinn’s Private Formula Line Smoothing Complex S⁸ Hydrating Day Cream

The line smoothing complex range contains the powerful anti-ageing peptide Snap-8.

The Line Smoothing Complex S⁸ Hydrating Day Cream is an anti-ageing treatment moisturiser that has the slow release power of the Hydro-Boost Micropatch and the rich nourishment of Caviar to help minimise the visual signs of ageing and provide continuous hydration throughout the day.

The Line Smoothing Complex S⁸ Double Intensity Night Cream is a rich anti-ageing treatment moisturiser containing Snap-8, and a synergistic blend of 12 highly potent ingredients that minimises visual signs of ageing, providing intense moisturisation and nourishment throughout the night.

The Line Smoothing Complex S⁸ Eye Recovery Complex is a light and effective formulation with Snap-8 and Coenzyme Q10 to actively reduce the appearance of expression lines.

This Dr. Lewinn’s Line Smoothing Complex S⁸ gift set full sized prouducts and has a total value of $189.95

 

Prize 2:

 

- Dr LeWinn's Facial Polishing Gel

- Dr Le Winn's Ultra R4 Eye Repair

- Dr LeWinn's Ultra R4 Regenerative Night Cream

- Dr LeWinn's Ultra R4 Restorative Cream

The Facial Polishing Gel provides gentle, yet very effective exfoliation action to the skin's surface. The Ultra R4 range smoothes out fine lines and wrinkles and increase the skin’s firmness and suppleness.

The Ultra R4 Eye Repair Cream is formulated to address the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, bags, puffiness and dark circles around the eye area.

The Ultra R4 Regenerative Night Cream is an anti-ageing night cream that diminishes the appearance of lines and wrinkles, increases skin firmness and elasticity and improves hydration and texture

The Ultra R4 Restorative Cream Contains "collagen" peptide, which is considered to be alternative to collagen injection, and it is formulated to address the four major aspects of skin care – rejuvenation, repair, radiance and refined texture , and to smooth and firm the skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

This Dr. Lewinn’s Ultra R4 gift set contains travel sizes and come in a gorgeous red cosmetic bag. Valued at over $100

 

I’ve reviewed a couple of these products recently, so if you have not yet seen these reviews, you can see them here;

Dr LeWinn's Facial Polishing Gel

Dr LeWinn's Line Smoothing Complex S⁸ Eye RecoveryComplex 

Dr Lewinn's Private Formula Line Smoothing Complex S8Hydrating Day Cream

Good luck to everyone!

  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Product Review: OPI Nail Lacquer - Can’t Find My Czechbook

In March OPI launched its new Summer 2013 collection Euro Centrale, pays tribute to the new trendy fashion hotspots in central Europe; Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania. Here are my thoughts on *Can’t Find My Czechbook;
 

What They Say: 

"Euro Centrale Collection nail lacquers contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application".
RRP: $19.95 – Available from David Jones, Myer and selected beauty salons


What I Say:
 
I really love the OPI nail polishes, as you can always rely on the best quality and a continuous stream of amazing colours. And I really love, and give the polishes bonus points for being 3-free – that is, for not containing DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde.

The collection Euro Centrale by OPI is "a celebration of one of the world’s richest sources of creative talent for centuries, and especially one of the areas of cultural awakening emerging from this region: fashion. Gothic historical churches alongside modern public buildings punctuated with vibrant graffiti murals are the perfect backdrop for modern fashion design to make its entrance. Young designers present their most avant-garde creations at fashion shows held in museums, designs to rival anything from Paris or Milan."

"The collection boost a wide variety of shades, ranging from pale nude to deep midnight blue and aubergine; from shimmery copper to aqua blue; from high-end metallic hues to playful bright shades in periwinkle and pink".

Can’t Find My Czechbook is a lovely aqua, which is gorgeous for spring and summer wear, - and although we’re now heading towards autumn here in Australia, I will still enjoy using it to brighten up my otherwise dark clothing.

I love how the name plays on the Czech Republic – and regards to the checkbook – maybe it is also a reference to the Tiffany & Co trademark colour, and that a big fat checkbook is required to satisfy most girls dreams at Tiffany’s…!

The nail polish has a nice formula, which is so easy to apply and due to the wide brush, just a few brushstrokes and the nail is covered. The nail polish covers nice and evenly, although there are some minor visible brush strokes, even with two coats. I am wearing two coats in these pictures, but I’m sure that an additional coat would get rid of the streakiness. 

 

And by the way, how gorgeous is this gemstone ring from
Emilia Rossi Jewellery..!

The nail polish dries quickly, which is perfect for me as I’m usually a little impatient. And it doesn’t have a strong chemical smell either, which I’m sure is because it is free from DBP, Toluene, and Formaldehyde.

After about three days, the nail polish started to chip a little at the edges, but I have also not been treating them very kindly, as always washing my hands frequently due to my two dogs, and not to mention tapping away on the computer keyboard. And the three days wear is without wearing a top coat, so I am sure that with a top coat I would have had another couple of days wear out the nail polish.

All in all, OPI nail polishes really are of such fantastic quality, and absolutely worth their price tag. And in spite of this aqua shade being intended for the European summer, I will still enjoy wearing It over winter, dreaming of the warm summer days to come.

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. 

What do you think of Can’t Find My Czechbook? Have you ever tried any of the OPI nail polishes? What’s your favourite nail polish brand? And colour?

Product Review: Le Tan Fast Tan, Instant Le Tan in Le Can

While I am always trying to be cautions and not spend too much time in the sun, this year being pregnant, I have been outside in the sun even less that I normally would have been. Ok, it has been an exceptionally hot and long summer here in Melbourne, but I have simply not felt comfortable in the heat, as it has made me feel I was overheating, and made me feel lightheaded. And that’s when it’s luck that self-tanners have been invented to at least give you a bit of a summer tan. Here are my thoughts on the *Le Tan Fast Tan, Instant Le Tan in Le Can;

What They Say:

"A Salon quality airbrush tan with the bronze colour and streak-free coverage that Le Tan is famous for. Le Tan in Le Can works at any angle with a 360c nozzle that gives you tanning control and delivers super fine mist spray with a gorgeous vanilla fragrance. Our formula is enriched with Vitamin E to give your skin an instant healthy glow and extra hydration. Available in Bronze and Deep Bronze".


RRP: $6.99 (45g), $14.99 (150g) - Available from Priceline, select pharmacies and supermarkets.

What I Say:

The Le Tan Fast Tan is very similar in style and use to the Le Tan Flawless Legs, except the fact that Flawless less is an instant tan that washes off, while Fast Tan is an actual self-tanner. But the actual application is very similar.

The Fast Tan comes in a spray bottle, which is makes it very easy to use, although it can be a little tricky to reach some areas of the body, and that’s where its handy having a friend help you out to ensure an even coverage and tan.

Using the spray does take a little getting used to, but after a few goes it does get a lot easier. The first time I used it, I did find that it was extremely messy in the bathroom, and it actually took longer to clean up bathroom afterwards than it took to spray myself with the Fast Tan, so on following applications I admit that I used it outside (making sure the dogs stayed out of reach, didn’t exactly want to give them a tan too!). But Le Tan also recommends on the back of the can to "cover floor and wall area to protect from overspray".

As also recommended on the back of the can, I do also recommend exfoliating and moisturising before use, as it really does give a nice and more even result, and not to mention, it does last longer too! Then after spraying your skin with Fast Tan, quickly rub it into your skin with your hands before it dries. I recommend doing one area of your body at a time, as it does dry very fast, and if you are too slow in rubbing it in, it will end up being a little streaky. But in saying that, the Fast Tan does have a tint too, making it easy to see where you have sprayed, plus it does give you an instant tan too. And of course make sure to quickly wash your hands afterwards to avoid getting stained hands.

I tried the Fast Tan in the colour Bronze, and it is a perfect colour for my medium skin tone. After about 4-5 hours, it develops into a nice natural tan, with no sight of orange at all. And the good thing is that the tan can easily be build up by adding another ‘coat’ the following day! And the tan lasts for about 4-5 days, fading evenly, so it still looks very natural.

Because the Fast Tan is also tinted and gives you the instant tan, I unfortunately did find that it rubbed off a little on light clothing, so I do also recommend using it on a day you are not wearing your nicest clothes.

The actual spray has a nice sweet vanilla scent, which is pleasant and subtle, and even after it dried onto the skin, this scent remains. However, as the tan develops, the typical smell from self-tanners also develops, which I unfortunately cannot say that I enjoy, but as I am yet to try a self-tanner that doesn’t develop this distinct smell along with the tan, I will just have to put up with it!

The $14.99 is rather large, and you do get quite a few goes in it, and considering how much it is to get a professional spray tan, this is a great bargain product that still gives you such a nice and natural looking tan.

So all in all I find that this is a great product that does give you a nice and natural tan that lasts several days. And once you’ve got the hang of using the spray, it really is easy and so convenient to use.

*this product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

Have you ever tried Fast Tan? Do you use instant tanners? Which one is your favourite? And what do you prefer; spray tans or the cream/lotion ones?

 

 

Product Review: Bangstyle Smoothing Lotion

I have long hair, down to the middle of my back, and although it is in a fairly good condition – probably also because I try to minimise the use of heat styling tools such as my hair dryer and straightener. In saying that, of course I do use it, and when I do, a heat protectant is an absolute must to protect the hair. Here is my thoughts on the *Bangstyle Smoothing Lotion;

 

What They Say:

"Living an unruly lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to have unruly hair. With Bangstyle's Smoothing Lotion you won’t have to worry about frizzy, unruly hair any longer. This product gives you smooth, moldable hold that would tame the untamable".

RRP: $28.95 (150ml) – for stockist call Ozdare on 1800 104 204

What I Say:

Until I tried the Bangstyle Volumizing Mousse a little while ago, I have to be honest and admit that I’d never ever heard about the Bangstyle range of products before.

The Bangstyle hair products comes from the streets of Los Angeles, where this new range of independently produced artisan hair products has been developed by artists for stylists and trendsetters worldwide; providing inspiration for individuals to create their own unique look with a variety of specially formulated, no-nonsense products.

"The range was created by Bangstyle as a simple, high quality approach to easy, liveable hair".

Unwilling to accept the status quo, the Bangstyle group presents a revolutionary take on styling tools and with the mantra "We promise to leave your hair better than we found it".

"If Bangstyle was in a vintage record store, it would be filed under 'indie-alternative'", says Bangstyle Founder and Creative Director Geoff Nelson.

The Bangstyle Smoothing Lotion is intended to be used before drying, straightening and styling wavy or curly hair for sleek straight hair. I have quite long, thick and straight hair….well that is, it does have a few waves and 'kinks' so I always need to use the hair straightener to get the completely straight. And in spite my hair being so long and thick, I only need to use a little amount of the smoothing lotion in my damp hair as it is con concentrated.

I did find that if I used too much, it would my hair feel a little weighted down and sticky, so the trick is definitely to apply in moderation, and little after little to avoid overdoing it. But the good thing is as you need to little, a bottle will last you so much longer!

After hair drying and straightening my hair it is so soft, smooth and shiny, and all signs or frizz is completely gone. Even my otherwise dry ends seem to have been revitalized with a moisture boost.  And my straight style lasts all day, due to a smidge of holding power in the lotion, even on a hot and humid day as well as on a day where it is raining does continue to look as if it has just been styled. Even the flyaway hairs that I usually have, seems to be under control.

The Smoothing Lotion comes in a grey-black plastic bottle with the Bangstyle logo. It has a small twist nozzle at the top, which makes it easy to dispense just the amount of product needed, and also easy to seal again afterwards.

On the back of the bottle all ingredients used are listed, along with styling instructions in various languages: "Made from the joyous tears of frolicsome angels. Honest". How great is it to see a brand with a bit of humour, instead of just a boring list of ingredients and instructions!

The bottle also has a little print at the back of the bottle saying 'no friggin' parabens' – which I really like, as the less chemicals we use, surely the better it is, so a few bonus points from me for that!

The Smoothing Lotion is creamy in texture, and is neither too runny or too thick. It has a nice tropical and coconut’ish scent, which is very nice and pleasant, without being too overpowering – although I still have to admit that I wish it didn’t have the coconut scent as it is not on the list of my preferred scents! But luckily for me, this scent does fade once the hairs dry.

I usually wash my hair every second day, and try not to use the hairdryer and straightener every day to protect and save my locks. So I also tried to use the Smoothing lotion, and just let it air-dry – and again I was impressed with the result. While it did obviously not make my hair straighter, it did give my hair a much needed moisture boost, especially at the ends, but again also helped give it a bit of control, making it easier to style as well as it tamed any flyaways, all while still leaving it looking healthy and shiny.

The Smoothing lotion contains among others hydrolyzed silk, olive oil and sunscreen (how good is that!!), as well as keratin amino acids, said to help rebuild and protect the hair. Unfortunately, like so many other hair products it also contains silicones to smooth the hair. Silicones often have a tendency to build up in the hair, making it feel and look heavy and limp, luckily that has far from been the case with the Smoothing Lotion.

So all in all, this is another great product from Bangstyle, and I really love that it not only protects my hair while its being heat styled, it also cares for my hair at the same time.

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

Have you ever heard of Bangstyle before? What is your favourite heat protectant product when heat styling your hair?