So, the sun’s shining, we are starting to get a bit more daring with showing the flesh and we want to look tanned and healthy!  We’ve been covered up all winter but we want to look like we have just stepped of a plane from Barbados!

Time for the fake tan!  As we all know fake tanning became the preferred method of giving our skin a healthy glow when we all eventually began to understand the damage that the sun could potentially do to our skin.  When I worked in a salon/beauty therapy centre years ago we had people queuing up for their fake tan before they went away.  We always used to use St Tropez but now there are literally hundreds to different fake tans to choose from, from foam and spray applications to slow tanning lotions right up to spa, salon and air brush applications.

The primary ingredient in the majority of fake tanning products is dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, and they work by reacting to amino acids found in our skin cells.  This interaction is what provides the “tan”.  Please bear in mind though that these products will not protect your skin from the sun so sunscreen protection is still needed.

One of the most popular applications today is the airbrush tanning methods.  These are most successful when done in a tanning salon, but there are new methods available on the market, that allows users to apply them at home.  These can be costly, however and often, the results aren’t as dramatic as those you would get in a spa or salon setting.  With this tanning technique you will need to persevere with a bit of trial and error to find the right one for your complexion, as you definitely don’t want to end up with the dreaded orange look.  Always start of paler and build on it.  Its safer and wont give you that drastic overdone look!

It’s important to do your research on the application methods.  Airbrush tanning might be the new ‘in thing’ but it’s not the only method.  Every product has its own merits and obviously the prices will vary greatly as well.  Keep your budget in mind, especially if you’re new to fake tanning products. Don’t spend a fortune then find it’s not the right one for you.

I’ve tried applying fake tan myself and ended up in a right mess.  Dark patches around dry areas which just look hideous. With St Tropez you can buy their own exfoliating and moisturising lotion which works well with the product.  Always pay attention to those dry areas such as your knees and elbows especially if we haven’t looked after them like we should have in the winter!

I find the moisturisers with tanning in them the best, personally I use Johnson’s, its fab, it smells good and I can put it on at night and the results are great in the morning! (Doesn’t look good when it’s been put on after a couple of glasses of wine though!)

Don’t Forget the plastic gloves unless you want to look really daft with tanned palms!

And, lets face it, if the tans done right and looks good you will feel like a million dollars x

Did you know that the first mascara was invented by Eugene Rimmel in the 19th Century and that the word ‘Rimmel’ also means mascara in many languages.  It was also Max Factor who were the first to create mascara with a wand application that we see today.  (I bet you didnt know that!)

    Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara £14.50

     Max Factor Lash Extension Effect £7.99

     Clinique Lash Building Primer £10.00

    Estee Lauder Lash Primer Plus £16.00

      Rimmel Magnifi’eyes Mascara £6.99

These items can all be found online at Boots but this is just a small selection of what if available so check out their website and see what you can find!

Happy Shopping x

1.         Try using an eyelash curler prior to applying your mascara to open up your eyes and give natural curve. When using an eyelash curler, squeeze your lashes onto the curler pad, then release slowly, then pull the curler away from your eyes.  Its not a good idea to release and pull away at the same time as you might pull some eyelashes out (ouch)!   Be very careful if you need to use the curler again after you’ve applied your mascara as the mascara can cause the lashes to stick to the curler.

2.         Treat yourself to a good eyelash primer.   A lash primer or lash conditioner provides a base coat for your mascara.  It will condition, thicken and strengthen your lashes all in one step – even before you apply your mascara.  Just brush the lash primer onto your lashes and let them dry completely prior to putting your mascara on.
 
3.         Apply mascara to your upper lashes from the base to end of the lashes.  Why not turn your mascara wand upright and just tip the ends of your eyelashes with the end of the mascara wand. This will give the very ends of your lashes a good coating of mascara which will help them to appear longer.  You can do the same step to your lower lashes, but be careful and use sparingly, as too much mascara underneath the eye can make you look tired.  Use a clean lash brush to comb through your lashes if they need to be separated.  Let each coat of mascara dry completely before applying additional mascara to the lashes.

4.         To help the base of your eyelashes appear thicker, use a very thin line of high-pigment eyeliner, either pencil or liquid, whichever is preferred.  But be careful not to smudge, you don’t want to look like some king of witch!
 
Personally, I have to be really careful when doing my eyelashes as they are extremely long!  Lucky you, I hear you saying.  But, to be honest, they clump together and I am forever getting spots all the way along the top of my eye shadow, as when I put my mascara on, they just roll back and blot everywhere.  I am forever redoing my eyes!!

We all have to tighten our belts at some time or another, especially after the expense of Christmas so, heres my top 10 beauty tips for a budget!

1. Adding a drop of olive oil and lemon juice to an ice cube then running it over your face gives you better results than some expensive skin care products.
2. A drop of live oil rubbed nightly into your nails will help them grow long and strong and is cheaper than shop-bought manicure oils.
3. To boost the shine of dark hair rinse it with diluted vinegar. For blonde hair use lemon juice. Both act by sealing down the outer cuticles of the hair, helping your hair reflect the light more effectively.
4. Have a go at swapping your expensive face scrubs for a cup of oatmeal massaged directly onto your skin – this works well and helps the skin to shine.
5. This is a favourite of mine as I love my nails – a small drop of olive oil rubbed nightly into your nails will help them grow long and strong and is cheaper than brand name manicure oils.
6. Annoying pimples – dab with a spot of toothpaste before bed and leave on overnight!  Works a treat.
7. Equal parts of Oatmeal & Honey into a paste is the best way to tackle blackheads, massage skin for a few minutes and rinse, easy peasy!
8. Mascara coming to an end?  Stand in warm water to get a little more life out of it.
9. Baking Soda is fantastic as a teeth whitener – just sprinkle onto damp toothbrush as normal
10. Why not use fresh strawberries to fight acne – mash ¼ cup of strawberries with natural yoghurt and let it sit on your face for 15 minutes then rinse thoroughly.

Lisa x