Danielle's Beauty Blog

Sunday, 12 July 2020

Self Tanning with Bali Body

During lockdown I had been super lazy with tan and wasn’t even bothering with makeup while I was working from home which is unheard of for me but I’ve been back in the office for over two months now so back to making an effort. Fake tan is an instant mood booster for me, it makes me feel and look healthier and as I’m not one for sitting out in the sun (unless I’m on holiday) it’s usually the only way I get a tan!

As a serial fake tanner I was excited to be contacted by Bali Body to try out their new self-tan remover and of course their self-tanning mousse last month! I’ve been trying them out along with their luxe tanning mitt and exfoliating mitt so here are my thoughts! To give a quick rundown of the company, they originated in Australia where the products are made in Melbourne and they are vegan and cruelty free. Australians know their fake tan so that’s a good start for me but all products are dispatched from the UK so no real wait time for them arriving!

Before tanning it goes without saying that prep is key and I have a whole other post on what I do to prep my skin in my Tanning 101 post here! The Self Tanning Mousse RRP £25.95* applies really easily and has a guide colour so you are able to see if you have missed any bits making it fool proof. I just apply in circles everywhere I want to tan and it develops really nicely overnight into a very natural looking tan. I was worried as I have previously found mousse formulations to be a little drying on my skin but this one isn’t! It contains coffee seed extract, coconut oil and pomegranate extract giving it antioxidant, rejuvenating and anti-aging properties and it also smells a lot fresher on application than some fake tans I have used in the past! It’s fast drying so I can get into my pyjamas quickly after applying and l leave it on overnight before rinsing off the next morning.

Though a fair layer washes off, it leaves a really good natural shade of tan and over the course of a week this fades very evenly and doesn’t look patchy at all! I find I usually top up my hands a couple of times during the week as I am washing and sanitising them so much more than usual so the tan is fading faster there. The Luxe Tanning Mitt RRP £12.95* feels velvety and is so much more luxurious and softer than the foam ones you can get! I find the space for your thumb makes it much easier to be precise with application and it’s streak free every time. It’s definitely worth the higher price tag in my opinion as they last so much longer with proper care!

The Self Tan Remover RRP £18.95* was the product I was most intrigued about as I always thought products like this were a bit of a novelty so hadn’t tried one before but I can’t believe how impressed I am with this! It contains aloe vera, glycerine, jojoba oil and rose extract so my skin never feels dried out when I use this and the scent is lovely. You just rub it on with your hands to areas that had tan on and let it sit for five minutes before rubbing off in the shower with the Exfoliating Mitt RRP £12.95*. Literally all my tan came off with a quick rub and the exfoliating mitt doesn’t feel rough or scratchy at all! I am super impressed with this combo especially on my feet as I find it so hard to get the tan off round my ankles! The exfoliating mitt seems a little pricey to me but like with the tan mitt, I am happy to pay more for something that will last a long time with good care and the quality feels good but you could definitely get away with some cheaper exfoliating gloves too.

Overall, I am really impressed with the products I have been sent and if you are on the lookout for a new tan I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Bali Body! I was also impressed with how the tan and self tan remover came packaged as they were sealed and if you have ever had a fake tan bottle leak in transit you will know what I mean! Do you use fake tan? Let me know your favourite tanning brands in the comments!

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me. All opinions are my own. See my full disclosure here.

Danielle xx

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Forever Repurchased #9

Good morning! I’ve been doing some shopping recently so thought I’d quickly talk through the repurchases that have made the cut for me!

OUAI North Bondi Eau de Parfum

If you have read my blog for any length of time you may know what a huge fan I am of OUAI! They are hands down my favourite haircare brand and a few years ago they released some perfumes of the signature scents of their products! I’ve just finished my original North Bondi which I got back last summer and immediately repurchased it as I am obsessed with the scent! I am no good at explaining scents and it’s such a personal thing anyway as they smell different on everyone but here are the notes for anyone interested and it smells like the wave spray and leave in conditioner:

Top Notes: Bergamot, Apple Blossom, Raspberry, Italian Lemon

Heart Notes: Rose de Mai, Jasmine, Violet

Base Notes: Patchouli, Sandalwood, White Musk

Trusty old Look Fantastic also had 20% off so I may have treated myself to Melrose Place too hehe. I don’t find this the longest lasting perfume I’ve ever had but that might be due to the fact I can barely smell it off myself though I always get compliments when I wear it J

Tigi Bed Head Small Talk Thickifier

This is one of my most long term hair loves but I’m not sure it’s ever featured on my blog before! I think this may be my 3^rdor 4^thbottle and I know I definitely left one behind in Canada and had to chuck an old one I found when I got home! It’s a thickening cream you add to damp hair which doesn’t weigh my fine hair down at all, gives it more body through the ends, hydrates and smooths it and you guessed it, makes it look thicker! It smells like blueberries and I am so glad to have it back in my life and I am already noticing I am picking my split ends less! I would really recommend shopping round for it as it’s always on offer, I actually got this in Home Bargains for £4.99, they have such a great hair section!

Pixi Glow Tonic

Did anyone else take advantage of the Boots offer the other week when this was £10? Again, it’s been a while since this was in my collection but I am so excited to reintroduce it as I used to love it! It’s the perfect gentle exfoliant to use daily and with consistent use I always used to see improvements in my skin texture and leftover scarring.

Nivea Hand Creams

I’ve received these previously through PR but you know it’s good when you continuously repurchase them yourself! I’ve been going through hand cream at a rate of knots at the minute and couldn’t wait to get these back in my collection after using up some ones I had in my stash already! They are lightweight but so hydrating and they sink in quickly and smell so fresh! Can’t recommend them enough!

Tresemme Day 2 Volumizing Dry Shampoo

I finally found some Tresemme Dry Shampoo! This was my go to brand when I lived in Canada as it was so affordable, left no white cast and give my hair some added volume! Hoping it’s the same formula here, I’ll be sure to report back!

I’d love to know if you have been making any purchases recently? I was so good for so long but have went a bit crazy recently! Still waiting on a few to be delivered then I might do a round up haul post!

Danielle xx

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Product Empties #26

product empties reviews Bardot vaseline BeautyBio olaplex

Another month another empties post! So close to finishing so many other products at the minute as well but they weren’t quite ready for this post and good job too as it’s a big one again!

Bodycare

Vaseline Intensive Care Essential Healing non greasy lotion

Love this stuff, it’s so lightweight yet hydrating and the scent is so soothing to me! Already repurchased!

Lush Snow Fairy shower gel

Sickly sweet but nostalgic and I buy one every year as it's limited edition! I actually picked this up in the sale after Christmas as its expensive and I savoured every last drop! Will buy again when it’s out later this year!

Marks and Spencer Rose and Lavender hand creams

Got these for Christmas and been using them up at work, I don’t love the scent as I find them a little old fashioned but they do an OK job of hydrating my hands after my many handwashes through the day. Will not repurchase.

Bath and Body Works Stress Relief Eucalyptus and Spearmint anti-bacterial hand gel

My favourite hand sanitisers as I am obsessed with the scent. Wish I could get these at home! Have a few backups and will repurchase in the future.

Skincare

BeautyBio The Balance pH Balancing Cleanser*

A really lovely gel cleanser that’s got quite a medicated smell which I personally love! Didn’t strip my skin at all and you can read more about it here! Would only repurchase if I saw a good discount as I think its overpriced at £45 for 180ml.

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater (236ml and 118ml)

One of my favourite facial sprays, this is so hydrating and refreshing and I love having this in my handbag or on my desk at work to spritz throughout the day! Have a few others on the go at the minute but I’m sure it won’t be long before I repurchase!

The Body Shop Camomile Sumptious Cleansing Butter

I spoke about this recently in my budget skincare post and I think it’s amazing whatever your budget! It feels so luxurious and it melts away all traces of makeup easily as well as not being irritating on the eyes. Perfect to travel with too as the tin is so lightweight! Will repurchase in the future.

Origins Drink Up Intensive overnight hydrating mask

Another favourite – this is one of my most repurchased skincare items! My skin quite literally does drink this up and always feels plump and hydrated in the morning. Have already repurchased the full size!

Alpha H Absolute Eye Complex

I originally thought this was going to be a cream texture with a metal applicator so I started out being a little disappointed by this as it’s a gel in a pump (I think since I purchased it now has a metal applicator). However, once I got over that I really enjoyed its cooling properties and found it to be hydrating enough too, it’s also got niacinamide which I love. Might come back to it in the future but going to try a few others first.

The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid

This is my second bottle of this and I always seem to resort to it when I’m desperate and almost out as it’s so easily available. But, it does not do a thing for me in terms of helping with hydration and I find the formula a little watery and sticky as opposed to thick and easily spreadable like say NIOD MMHC or Mabel + Meg Lumilixir. Won’t be repurchasing – if you want a good budget hyaluronic acid, the Good Molecules offering is the best I have come across so far!

Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti-aging cream

Nice overnight cream but didn’t blow me away (probably because it was just a sample as I know so many people swear by Algenist!) Wouldn’t repurchase.

Blistex Lip Medex lip balm

My favourite budget overnight lip balm. Love the medicated scent and it stays on all night. Will repurchase once I finish up a few others!

Dr Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Acid

Now this formula is what I’m talking about! Really lovely but way out of my budget at £235 for 30ml so will not be repurchasing!

Sephora Rose lip balm

Not very hydrating, won’t be repurchasing!

Fresh Sugar Rose tinted lip treatment

Bit of a cult classic now, these balms are lovely and hydrating but I hate how “melty” the stick is so won’t be repurchasing! Shocked at how much was left in the tube too, I scraped it out while I was still working from home haha.

Haircare

Bardot Dry Shampoo

Picked two of these up when they were on offer a while back for £2.50 rather than £19. Really nice formula, soaked up excess oils without making my hair look dull and left no white cast but I don’t love the scent, little too floral for me. Would repurchase if on offer again.

Klorane Anti-Pollution detox shampoo with Aquatic Mint (giveaway prize and previous PR relationship)

Really refreshing scent and Klorane products are so gentle they work great with my tangled hair. Cleansed well and I would repurchase again but probably go for the original oat milk!

Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector

One of my favourite hair treatments and one I have repurchased many times now! I like to leave this on for a few hours and after washing out my hair is softer and feels more hydrated which is essential for me as my ends are so dry! Read more about it here!

Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

Really impressed with how much this lathered up with such a small amount considering its SLS free and my hair always feels super clean after use! I don’t love the scent as it’s a little too citrus/lemony for me but I would repurchase again in the future.

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

Another one I’m impressed with – this is a lovely thick conditioner that makes my hair soft and manageable but again I don’t love the scent. Would overlook it to buy again though as it’s so good!

Makeup

Revlon Colorstay foundation for Combination/Oily Skin in Buff

One of my most repurchased makeup items! It’s my favourite budget foundation as it offers good coverage and it's matte and I wrote more about it here! Already repurchased and have several back-ups!

Well done if you made it to the end of that! I have quite a few almost finished products again already so I’ll probably have another one of these up soon! Do you love finishing products as much as me haha?

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me. All opinions are my own. See my full disclosure here.

Danielle xx

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Current Skincare | Toners #2

Welcome to the second instalment of my forgotten blog series in toners! I’m going to try and actually keep it up this time! Way back in the day, toners were almost like an extra cleansing step for me and the amount of makeup that would still come off even after double cleansing was embarrassing, I obviously wasn’t being too thorough! Nowadays, I love using toners to prep my skin for the rest of my skincare routine and always try to have an exfoliating one and a hydrating one in my routine at least. Here are the current open toners in my collection and my thoughts on them!

Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner*

This is the one I’ve had in my collection the longest at this point. It targets uneven skin tone, dullness and visible pores and contains licorice root extract, arbutin and Vitamin C as well as niacinamide. It’s super gentle and suitable for both morning and evening, I use a cotton pad to apply and it is very easily absorbed. There is no scent and I love that it is alcohol free! Just enough comes out of the bottle when you tap the bottom and you get 120ml of product for $14. After continued use my skin looks brighter and left over pigmentation from acne scarring has been less pronounced (I haven’t just been using this product but I do believe it has made a difference)! My skin never feels dried out when I use this and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it! The only negative I would say is that the bottle doesn’t make it the most travel friendly option but who is doing much of that at the minute! Read more about Good Molecules here!

Versed Baby Cheeks All in One Hydrating Milk

This is my current soothing, hydrating toner, it contains algae extract, bamboo extract, and coconut water to leave skin soft and residue free. If my skin is feeling over exfoliated I always come back to this as it’s so calming! The all in one refers to the fact it can be used as a makeup remover, cleansing milk, toner or post-workout refresher but as mentioned I use it as a toner before applying the rest of my skincare routine! The packaging is super cute, I love the pastel shade and it has one of the push down pumps which is fun to use! It’s £16.50 for 120ml.

Ren Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic

This is only a mini so I’ve been using it more sporadically than I normally would a toner which is probably going to skew my review a little as I don’t get the hype haha. This is such a cult favourite for loads of people and I wanted to love it but it feels a little too astringent for me to use daily and I just keep thinking about how I want Pixi Glow Tonic back in my life (which I repurchased last week). It contains lactic acid and salicin to exfoliate, brighten and hydrate with aims to leave a smooth, even and energised complexion. My skin definitely feels smooth, brightened and energised after using this but as I mentioned, because I don’t use it every day I’ve been struggling to see it helping with breakouts. It also contains fragrance and citrus oils which may be adding to why this feels astringent to me! It’s £27 for 150ml.

So that’s my little round up for today! Have you tried any of these toners? What are your thoughts! Let me know your favourite toners too! If you want to read the first instalment of this series click here!

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me. All opinions are my own. See my full disclosure here.

Danielle xx

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Danielle's Beauty Blog

Sunday, 12 July 2020

Self Tanning with Bali Body

Sunday, 5 July 2020

Forever Repurchased #9

Sunday, 28 June 2020

Product Empties #26

Sunday, 21 June 2020

Current Skincare | Toners #2