Lavera Cleansing Milk 2 in 1 Review

If you have sensitive skin which suffers from breakouts or rashes then this cleanser may be the answer – it can even be used to remove eye makeup.

I thought I’d do a quick post on the Lavera Cleansing Milk 2-in-1 today because I know first-hand how difficult it is to find a natural cleanser which quickly and effectively removes all of your makeup, whilst not aggravating sensitive skin.

In the past, I’ve personally suffered from dryness around my eyes which has been due to cleansers that either haven’t fully removed my eye makeup, causing me to scrub the delicate skin around the eyes too harshly, or have dried my skin out.

Lavera, an established german brand, produce a range of skincare and makeup products which are made from organic vegetable oils, plant extracts and essential oils. The brand has caught my eye a few times, mainly because of their very reasonable pricing. For example, this cleanser is priced at £4.95 for a 125ml tube, which for a natural skincare brand is really very reasonable.

The second thing I liked about the product is that it combines organic shea butter and jojoba oil, which means it thoroughly moisturises skin whilst cleaning away all of your makeup. This is great for saving time, especially in the evening, plus I genuinely cannot think of the last time when my skin has felt this soft.

Ethos

• Cruelty-free
• Vegan
• Gluten-free
• NaTrue Certified Natural

Free From

• Silicone
• Paraffin
• Phthalate
• Plastic Microbeads
• Mineral Oil
• Parabens
• GMO-Free
• Synthetic fragrances
• Colourants
• Preservatives

 

Product in Action

The application is really easy, it can be applied to damp or dry skin and then rinsed off with water. I prefer to put a small amount on a cotton wool pad and wipe away the makeup from my face, neck and eyes, then rinse the product off.

Results

Performance Rating 5/5

I genuinely have no negative comments to say about this product, it’s natural, affordable and effective – what’s not to love?

Price

Lavera Cleansing Milk 2 in 1, £4.95 for a 125ml tube

What’s Inside

• Water (Aqua)
• Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil*
• Alcohol*
• Glycerin
• Cetearyl Alcohol
• Myristyl Alcohol
• Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
• Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
• Fragrance (Parfum)**
• Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*
• Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*
• Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract*
• Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract*
• Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Xanthan Gum
• Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*
• Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides
• Hydrogenated Lecithin
• Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols
• Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
• Ascorbyl Palmitate
• Limonene**
• Geraniol**
• Linalool**
• Citronellol**
• Coumarin**
• Citral**
• Eugenol**
• Benzyl Benzoate**

* ingredients from certified organic agriculture

** natural essential oils

Odylique Limited Edition Fig Fondant Organic Mineral Lipstick

After experiencing some adverse effects from organic lipsticks, I recently purchased the Odylique Limited Edition Fig Fondant Organic Mineral Lipstick and thought it was definitely worth sharing with you all.

Having dry and sensitive skin can make it very difficult to try out new products because often they can irritate your skin. For this reason, I spend a lot of time researching the brands and ingredients to help to minimise the risk. Lipsticks always seem to pose a problem, particularly green and natural ones, as they can often cause dryness on or around the lips afterwards. Odylique’s lipsticks contain 100% organic plant oils and butter, which they claim makes them really nourishing, so I decided to give their organic mineral lipstick range a try.

Colours

Lipsticks from L-R – Rose Parfait, Marshmallow, Raspberry Coulis, Hot Chocolate, Praline, Cherry Tart, Apricot Sorbet, Fig Fondant (limited edition)

Firstly, let’s talk about the colours. Odylique’s mineral lipstick range comes in a choice of eight rich colours which would compliment most complexions. If you have brown eyes and olive skin then the Cherry Tart would be a great shade to try.

I personally love a deep pinky-purply hue, having blue eyes this really helps to make them pop. For this reason, I chose the award winning limited edition Fig Fondant shade. This is such a versatile colour. It’s less pink than it appears on the swatch image above, I’d liken it to a deep nude shade.

Free From

• Synthetic dyes
• Carmine (crushed beetles)
• Preservatives and fillers
• Bismuth oxychloride
• Hydrogenated oils
• Lead
• Mercury
• Parabens
• Phthalates
• Petrochemicals
• Silicones
• Talc
• Tree nut oils

Ethics

• Vegetarian
• Fairtrade
• Member of Soil Association
• Cruelty free

Product in Action

The lipstick is easy to apply and leaves your lips feeling really moisturised. I love the colour and the lipstick stays on for most of the day. As usual with creamier lipsticks, you do need to reapply after food and drinks. I wore this lipstick yesterday when shopping and going for cocktails and lunch. I only reapplied the lipstick once after lunch to top up the colour.

Results

Performance rating: 5/5

This is the first time I’ve ever awarded a product five out of five, however, I genuinely feel this lipstick deserves it. My sensitive skin has had no reaction to it, my lips are left feeling really moisturised and it scores brownie points for being the first lipstick range to be certified by the Soil Association and Fairtrade standards.

Price

£18.00

It’s a little pricier than many high street brands however the colour and benefits are worth every penny.

What’s Inside

• Ricinis communis oil*
• Cera alba
• Simmondsia chinensis oil
• Butyrospermum parkii butter
• Helianthus annuus seed oil
• Helianthus annuus seed cera
• Calendula officinalis flower extract
• Hippophae rhamnoides fruit extract
• Rosmarinus officinalis extract

May contain +/- CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891, CI 77742, Mica

Skinny Tan One Hour Express Mousse

I was invited to the launch of Skinny Tan Express Mousse recently but unfortunately, due to other commitments, I could not attend. The brand kindly sent me a box of goodies to sample (shown below), including their new instant bronzing mousse.

After getting engaged on Thursday, I had a few family gatherings over the bank holiday weekend to celebrate which included numerous photographs of me and my fiance *blushes* standing awkwardly in front of indoor plants whilst I show my ring off in true Beyonce style. As these photos will no doubt be paraded around both sets of parents’ homes for the foreseeable future, I decided that investing some extra effort in my appearance was a must, so I took the opportunity to put my new tanning kit through its paces.

As some of you may be aware, I’m already a huge fan of Skinny Tan’s Gradual Tanner which I currently use every couple of days to maintain a very light and healthy colour.  The guarana used in Skinny Tan’s products claims to firm skin and reduce cellulite which can never be a bad thing. I was hopeful that the new Express Mousse would provide a similar light to medium colour but with the advantage of a speedy development time – perfect if you’re always on the go.

Plus, if you want to achieve a medium or dark colour, then you can simply leave the mousse on for 2-3 hours or overnight.

Ethos

• Member of PETA
• Cruelty free
• Vegan

How is it natural?

According to Skinny Tan’s website, “Most ordinary tanners work with a chemical form of DHA that has been found to dry and damage the skin and often smells unpleasant. Skinny Tan is one of the first self-tanners to use a natural tanning active derived from the seeds of the Brassica napus plant.”

Product in Action

Following many fake tan disasters, I’ve learned the hard way that it’s all about the prep. Skinny Tan supplied me with an exfoliating glove and Pre Tan Primer which contained tiny particles of crushed walnut shells. The primer is supposed to remove any dead skin cells and moisturise your skin so that the tan goes on more smoothly. I’m normally skeptical about all of the additional fake tan products, like pre tan primers, however, my skin was seriously soft and smooth afterward. Plus it helped to remove any remaining gradual tan that was left on my skin.

After showering and exfoliating, I moisturised my knees and elbows then used the tanning mitt to apply the Express Mousse. Again a tanning mitt is normally not something I’d invest in, however, it’s velvety texture made applying the product really easy and actually a pleasure to use, this will definitely be another addition to my tanning regime.

The mousse only takes five minutes to apply all over and the instant bronze colour makes it simple to see any parts which could potentially streak so that you have time to blend them in before it’s too late.

I left the mousse to set for one hour which gave me the perfect amount of time to apply a honey and argan oil hair mask – win win!

Results

Performance Rating 4.5/5

The mousse did not disappoint in providing a natural, streak-free and sunkissed colour. My skin is quite fair but actually, in the future, I would be tempted to leave the tanner on for two hours so that I develop a deeper colour.

My sensitive skin did not have any reactions to the tanner and I was left smelling very subtly of coconut.

Price

Express Yourself 1 Hour Tan Launch Offer Kit, £29.99

Includes:

• NEW Express Mousse 1 hour tan
• After glow gloss
• Luxury application mitt
• Exfoliating  prep and correct mitt

You can buy it here.

What’s Inside

Skinny Tan Express Mousse

• Aqua/Water/Eau
• Dihydroxyacetone
• Glycerin
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine
• Erythrulose
• Caramel
• Dimethicone
• Ethoxydiglycol
• Phenoxyethanol
• Sodium Chloride
• Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
• Panthenol (Provitamin B5)
• Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice
• Parfum (Fragrance)
• Paullinia Cupana (Guarana) Seed Extract
• Propylene Glycol
• Sodium Metabisulfite
• Xanthan Gum
• Ethylhexylglycerin
• Sodium Benzoate
• Potassium Sorbate
• Citric Acid, CI 42090 [Blue 1]
• CI 16035 [Red 40]
• CI 19140 [Yellow 5]

10 Minute Green Beauty Makeup Tutorial

I thought I’d share with you all a quick 10 minute makeup look using some green beauty products that I’ve recently purchased.

This evening I’m going over to a friend’s house for a catch up with the girls, so I want a natural makeup look that I can complete quickly because as usual, I’m running late.

Having fair skin, blue eyes and brown hair; I find earthy tones really compliment my skin and eyes. Earthy colours are very versatile though and will suit most people with pale to olive skin. So all of the brown eyed and green eyed beauties out there will look equally as gorgeous wearing these tones.

Skin

Today has been the hottest day of the year so far and I’ve spent a bit too long in the sun without adequate protection. This has resulted in my nose and cheeks turning an unhealthy shade of red. For this reason, I’ve moisturised my face after showering with Nourish London Relax Calming Moisturiser. This vegan, cruelty-free, British brand is certified organic by the soil association and offer products for a range of different skin types. My skin is sensitive so the lavender in this cream works wonders for me; particularly when my skin has been under some kind of physical (sunburn) or emotional stress (hormones).

Face

To cover up the redness, I’ve applied 100% Pure Healthy Foundation in Peach Bisque. Dot the foundation on your cheeks, chin, nose and forehead, then spread outwards until all of your face is covered. I personally also apply foundation on my neck and under my chin, ensuring my neckline is thoroughly blended.

This a full coverage foundation which is coloured using fruit and vegetable pigments instead of synthetic dyes. 100% Pure ensure their products are cruelty-free and free from artificial colours, fragrances and synthetic chemical preservatives.

It is quite difficult to purchase their products in the UK, although Naturisimo has now started stocking some of their range. If you order direct from the brand then they advise that shipping can take up to 7 – 15 business days. It would definitely be good to have this brand more readily available in the UK as the products are very effective.

Eyes

On my lashes, I’ve used PHB Ethical Beauty mascara which is a deep black colour. As mentioned, in my review (follow link) you do need to use an eyelash brush or old mascara brush to separate your lashes between coats as it can easily clump. The mascara does stay on all day though and never flakes.

On my eyelids, I’ve used a combination of colours from Lily Lolo’s Pedal to the Metal Eye Palette. To start, I’ve applied Photo Finish to the upper eyelid and Hook Up to the lower lid.  From the outer corner of my eyes to half way across the crease of my eyelid I’ve drawn a line in Pole Position using the tip of the brush. Blend Pole Position into Hook Up. On the inner corners of your lower lid apply Fueled and blend into Hook Up.

Adding dimension to the crease of your eye, applying a shimmer on the inner corners and using neutral colours, can all help to emphasise your eyes and make them look bigger.

Lily Lolo is a fantastic British brand that offers mineral makeup at very affordable prices. The makeup is good quality, cruelty-free, free from parabens and phthalates, synthetic perfumes and dyes. Plus, I love the retro packaging it comes in.

Contour

I’ve used miniature versions of Tata Harper’s Very Bronzing and Very Highlighting everyday contour to define my cheekbones and highlight my brow bone, chin and nose. I personally don’t tend to contour my forehead as I have a small head and a heart-shaped face so I don’t feel the need to make my forehead appear narrower.

This is the first time I’ve used this product, so I have applied it quite sparingly to keep the look very natural. If I was going to an event then I would apply a thicker line of the Very Bronzing from my earlobe to halfway across my cheek, to really enhance my cheekbones. The key with any contour though is blend, blend, blend – there are far too many stripey contour images floating around on Instagram! Another trick to contouring if you want a lighter look is to use your fingers rather than a brush, this gives you more control over the amount you are applying to an area.This guide to contouring produced by Tata Harper is really helpful if you’re not sure where to apply the products.

At £36 a pop each, Tata Harper Very Highlighting and Very Bronzing are pretty pricey. If you only contour on special occasions then I would suggest purchasing the miniature versions at £2 each, which should last approximately 3 applications. I certainly don’t contour every day, in fact, once a month would probably be more accurate so these miniature versions suit me perfectly.

Lips

I want to keep the look fuss-free so I’ve kept my lips completely natural. If you want to add some va-va-voom to your lips then I’d use a rich red lipstick, or to keep it simple, try Green People’s special edition velvet matte lipstick in damask rose. I’ve ordered this lipstick so it should be arriving in the next few days; it’s a really subtle colour that will work with most pale to olive skin tones, plus the combination of carnauba wax and beeswax make it super nourishing.

I will supply individual reviews of each of these products shortly where I’ll go into more detail about the ingredients, brands and quality of the product. In the meantime, I’d love to know what you think of this look so please leave me a comment with your thoughts.

Ditching Conventional Antiperspirants for Natural Deodorants

Taking the leap to try a natural deodorant may feel like risky business, well it did for me at least.

I’m really excited to share with you in this blog post, some of the things I’ve discovered about most conventional antiperspirants and why this has made me ditch high street brands and turn to natural deodorants instead.

When I first started using green beauty products, my initial thoughts were that I’d just experiment using a few creams and make-up products, to see how they matched up against high street alternatives. The more I started to become involved in the green beauty community, though, the more I learned. It soon became apparent to me that everything I put onto my body will be absorbed through my skin, including my beloved 24-hour deodorant.

Like everyone nowadays, I have a pretty busy lifestyle – scratch that. I have a very busy lifestyle. My day starts at 5:00 am with a morning run or dog walk, I leave the house at 7:30 am for work and don’t return until 19:00 pm, then I spend my evenings entertaining a big, bouncy labrador and trying to fit in time to eat and catch up with my partner. The weekends are just as hectic. So, like most people, I don’t have time to worry about smelling a little whiffy (if that’s even a word). The deodorant I put on in the morning needs to keep me fresh all day.

The Trouble with Conventional Antiperspirants

Standard antiperspirants contain aluminium, which clogs the pores to prevent perspiration. This is bad news for your skin as the build up of sweat can cause inflammation and bacteria to grow under your skin which coincidently can lead to bad odour. Natural deodorants aim to mask any unpleasant odours whilst allowing your body to release sweat.

The thing we need to remember is that sweating is a natural bodily function, it helps the body regulate your temperate and keep you cool. Sweat is also clear, the yellow stain you sometimes find on your clothes is actually your body’s sweat reacting to the aluminium in your antiperspirant. So, switching to a natural deodorant will ensure your white clothes stay stain-free.

The long-term effects of the ingredients used in conventional antiperspirants are listed below. Many studies have been carried out on conventional antiperspirants but the jury is still out due to lots of conflicting results. In my opinion, better safe than sorry; I’d much rather avoid any products that could potentially contain carcinogens.

Take a look at some of the common ingredients found in standard deodorants:

• Aluminum Compounds – Used to prevent perspiration. Linked to Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, skin irritation.
• Parabens –  Preservative found in many cosmetic products. Linked to endocrine disruption, cancer and reproductive disorders.
• Propylene glycol – Used to keep substances from drying out, it was originally developed as an anti-freeze. Linked to dermatitis, kidney and liver damage.
• Talc – A soft mineral used as an absorbent in some personal care products. It is classified as a carcinogen (a substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue) if it contains asbestiform fibers. Unfortunately, the amount of asbestiform fibers in cosmetic grade talc is unregulated. Linked to cancer.
• Triclosan – Antibacterial agent used to kill bacteria on the skin. Triclosan is already banned from some products. Linked to dermatitis, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, skin and eye irritation.

Switching to Natural Deodorants

Many natural deodorant brands allow you to sweat naturally without the unpleasant smell. They come in many forms, from creams to sprays to balms, and differ greatly in effectiveness.

If you are prone to sweating quite heavily then the move to natural deodorants may be difficult. Although I don’t sweat much whilst at work, I do in the morning when I’m out running, so I know the importance of using a deodorant which isn’t going to cause embarrassing smelly, sweat patches.

I’ve recently tested a clay deodorant by The Natural Deodorant Co, which has really effectively kept me dry and smelling very subtly of tangerine after an hour of running – impressive! Follow the above link to read the full review.

Some natural brands allow you to purchase testers relatively cheaply so that you can see how they work for you. I always recommend purchasing a tester first wherever possible to avoid spending too much money on products that may not be suitable for your skin or body.

Here are a Few of My Favourites

Vegan, suitable for sensitive skin and cruelty-free.

Salt of the Earth Crystal Classic Deodorant Stick, £4.85 for 90g.

Both unisex and unscented, the natural, crystal deodorant eliminates the bacteria which causes body odour whilst not clogging pores.

Gentle Deodorant Cream, £11 for 60ml.

The Natural Deodorant Co produce handmade cream deodorants in small batches that only contain a handful of natural ingredients. There are also options for active people who need stronger protection.

Click here to read my full review.

The Natural Deodorant Co Gentle Deodorant Cream Review

For the last seven days, I have switched to using The Natural Deodorant Co Gentle Deodorant Cream. Given I’m an active person, my experience so far has been very positive (and odour-free) so I thought it was worth sharing this product with you.

So, why is it important to go natural? Well, conventional antiperspirants contain aluminium compounds combined with a cocktail of other harmful ingredients, which clog your pores to prevent sweat in the short-term and the jury is still out on the long-term effects they may cause. Read my blog post, Ditching Conventional Antiperspirants for Natural Deodorants for more information.

Switching to natural deodorants can be a daunting step for even the most dedicated green beauty lover. The options are endless when it comes to products – you can choose from natural cream, sprays, salt sticks or balms, however, their performance differs greatly. And let’s face it, when it comes to deodorant, it’s all about performance.

I stumbled across The Natural Deodorant Co on Instagram and decided to order a sample of their cream deodorant for sensitive skin to see if it lived up to the hype. The Natural Deodorant Co claim to produce their vegan and cruelty-free deodorants in small batches. I selected a cream deodorant, which is actually a clay, to suit my sensitive skin. However, if you’re skin is normal or you are very active day-to-day then they do offer deodorant balms instead of creams.

Ethos

• Cruelty free
• Vegan

Free From

• Aluminium compounds
• Parabens
• Talc
• Propylene glycol
• Triclosan

How is it natural?

The deodorant contains magnesium oxide which is a mineral that helps to keep you odour free. This is combined with bentonite clay, known as the “healing clay”, due to its ability to remove toxins and impurities. In this deodorant, the clay helps to nourish your underarms and keep you dry.

Product in Action

When I received the deodorant I wasn’t 100% percent sure how to apply it. After having a quick read on the company’s website, I found out that you need to scrape a pea sized piece of clay out of the pot, then rub it between your fingers before smoothing it onto your armpits. When rubbing the clay between your fingers it softens very quickly and almost melts into the skin. It feels lovely – super nourishing and smells very subtle. I chose the tangerine scent which I couldn’t smell after a few minutes but my partner reassured me that it still smelt of citrus after several hours.

Results

Performance Rating 4.5/5

I have used this deodorant every day for the last seven days, including applying it before runs and before work, and it has successfully kept me dry and smelling fresh all day. At £11 for 60ml, it is quite pricey for a deodorant. However, my £2.50 6ml small tester is still half full after using it for a week, so I’m confident that the product should last about 3 months.

My only hang-up with this deodorant is that the clay gets under your fingers nails when you scoop it out. This can make it a little messy because you have to clean your hands straight after application. However, the clay is what makes this deodorant so nourishing and good for your skin, so it’s an inconvenience I can tolerate in return for nourished, sweat-free skin. Maybe a small scoop could be a future development for the product. Regardless, this is the best deodorant I’ve tried and I’ll definitely be purchasing the full-size tub.

If you would like more information then please leave me a comment below.

Price

Gentle Deodorant Cream, £11 for 60ml.

What’s Inside

• Maranta Arundinacea Root (Arrowroot)
• Magnesium Oxide
• Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)
• Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil)
• Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil
• Bentonite (Clay)
• Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Oil

Dr Organic Moroccan Glow Medium Self Tan Mousse Review

As the weather begins to heat up, you may be daring to bare a little more skin.

Although I’m a huge fan of celebrities who rock porcelain skin, like Emma Watson and Anne Hathaway, I personally can look a little ill without a hint of colour. Let’s just be clear though, when I say “hint of colour”, I genuinely mean a subtle sun-kissed glow. I certainly do not want to look like I’ve just returned from a two-week holiday in the Maldives, or worse, have an orange and streaky tan.

My favourite natural-looking fake tan is Skinny Tan Gradual Tanner (follow the link to read full review). However, this is a daily tan and as my working week tends to be very busy, it can be difficult for me to set aside enough time to apply the tan and then rinse it off after five plus hours. I decided to look for an alternative tan which is simple to apply, does not need to be rinsed off, and lasts for seven plus days without fading.

I was tempted by a few products; both Lavera Self Tanning Lotion and TanOrganic Organic  Self Tan, seem to be receiving rave reviews at the minute. I opted for Dr Organic Moroccan Glow Medium Self Tan Mousse though, as it includes antioxidant-rich argan oil and is certified organic. I love using argan oil on my skin and hair, both pure and blended into products. The essential fatty acids in the oil are super nourishing and great for keeping hair, nails, lips and skin silky soft.

Ethos

• Certified organic
• Cruelty free
• Vegetarian

Free From

• Parabens
• Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS)
• Perfumes
• Artificial fragrances

How is it natural?

The ‘chemical cocktail’ in most fake tan products generally contain dihydroxyacetone, in addition to wide range of other harmful chemicals like parabens. Dihydroxyacetone reacts with the amino acids in our skin to turn it brown. The chemical has been linked to asthma and certain cancers if inhaled in high volumes, plus some medical professionals believe that it is best avoided if pregnant as it can be toxic to a foetus.

Natural fake tans tend to include dihydroxyacetone from natural sources like beet sugar or cane sugar and avoid the use of any toxic chemicals.

Product in Action

The mousse needs to be applied using a tanning mitt to all of the areas you wish to cover and then left for five minutes to dry. It is recommended that you exfoliate any drier areas beforehand, such as elbows, knees and ankles.

The main issue I encountered on the application, was the white mousse turns clear when rubbing it into the skin, so it’s very difficult to see if you have missed any areas. The product also has a pungent fruity smell to it, which isn’t the most appealing.

Results

Performance Rating 3/5

The tan developed over approximately six hours. In most parts, it was even with a nice, very light and subtle colour. However, I did have a few streaks on my legs which was disappointing. Due to the tan turning clear when applied to the skin, this is quite a difficult product to work with. In the future, I’d recommend moisturing ten minutes before tanning and then you can be a bit more liberal with the amount of tanning mousse you apply to achieve full streak-free coverage.

On a positive note, the tan did leave my skin very smooth and moisturised. The colour claims to last for seven days, however, mine lasted for a few days more before it started to fade. Also, my sensitive skin suffered no reactions to the product.

Overall, the product delivered a mixed performance. I would use it again, but as mentioned above, I would moisturise all over before applying the tanning mousse.

Price

Dr Organic Moroccan Glow Medium Self Tan Mousse £14.99 for 150ml bottle

What’s Inside

• Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
• Aqua
• Dihydroxyacetone
• Glycerin
• Coco-glucoside
• Polysorbate 20
• Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
• Phenoxyethanol
• Erythrulose
• Argania spinosa (Argan) kernel oil
• Citrus aurantium dulcis (Orange) oil
• Eugenia caryophyllus (Clove) leaf oil
• Pelargonium graveolens (Geranium) oil
• Citrus limon (Lemon) peel oil
• Pogostemon cablin (Patchouli) oil
• Aniba rosaeodora (Rosewood) wood oil
• Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon) leaf oil
• Citrus nobilis (Mandarin) peel oil
• Mentha arvensis (Wild mint) leaf oil
• Mentha spicata (Spearmint) oil
• Vanilla planifolia fruit extract
• Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) flower extract
• Kigelia africana fruit extract
• Adansonia digitata (Baobab) fruit extract
• Argania spinosa (Argan) kernel extract
• Citric acid
• Sodium benzoate
• Potassium sorbate
• Dehydroacetic acid
• Limonene
• Eugenol
• Citronellol
• Geraniol
• Linalool
• Citral

Skinny Tan Gradual Tanner Review

Yesterday I tried Skinny Tan Gradual Tanner for the second time. I previously did a small patch test last week to see if my sensitive skin reacted to it. I’m pleased to say no allergic reactions flared up, so I feel a little more confident now using the cream all over.

Firstly, let me explain a bit about Skinny Tan. I first heard of the Australian company on Dragons Den when it secured an investment from Kelly Hoppen and Piers Linney. The creators claimed it was the first self-tanner that combines a natural tanning active with naturally derived skin smoothing actives. In addition to the fact it’s vegan and cruelty-free. Following the initial bit of publicity on the show, I didn’t hear any more news on the brand until a few months ago when they began to constantly pop-up on my Facebook feed with 50% off flash sales. Eventually, I decided to treat myself to a Skinny Tan kit to find out if the products really do stand-up to their bold claims.

The delivery of my Skinny Tan kit was prompt and I was pleased to see that the packaging was white with pops of summer colours. The instructions for application were written in a simple and conversational manner, which I thought was as refreshing as their visual appeal.

Inside the kit you will find:

• Gradual Tanner
• 7 Day Tanner
• After Glow Gloss
• Roller Applicator
• Exfoliating Prep Mitt
• Face Mitt

I decided to try the Gradual Tanner first as it would be the least permanent should I turn a shade of orange. The instructions recommend that you apply the tan daily and use it a normal moisturiser. I think this is down to personal preference though based on the shade that you would like to build-up. I’m fair skinned and prefer to just have a subtle glow rather than look like I’ve just spent two weeks in the Caribbean. The option to apply the gradual tanner daily is there though if you do prefer a stronger shade.

Ethos

• Member of PETA
• Cruelty free
• Vegan

How is it natural?

According to Skinny Tan’s website, “Most ordinary tanners work with a chemical form of DHA that has been found to dry and damage the skin and often smells unpleasant. Skinny Tan is one of the first self-tanners to use a natural tanning active derived from the seeds of the Brassica napus plant.”

Product in Action

Following the instructions provided on the Exfoliating Prep Mitt, I first showered and gently scrubbed my whole body with the orange side of the mitt. The brown side is to be used to remove existing tan. A top tip for exfoliating is to work from your feet upwards, using long strokes and constantly working towards the heart. Through normally exfoliating with a dry natural bristle body brush, I know this is the best way to improve circulation which in turn helps to reduce cellulite. I’ll explain more of the benefits of dry body brushing in a future post.

Once you’re thoroughly scrubbed from head to toe, simply dry yourself and get ready to apply the gradual tanner. You may choose to use the Roller Applicator and Face Mitt to do this, however, I just used my hands, thoroughly cleaning my palms and fingers afterward. If I was applying the 7 Day Tanner then I would be more inclined to use these.

The tanner is like a very thick, white sun lotion. You do really need to work it into your skin. The smell is bliss though, lovely and coconutty without a hint of the usual biscuit aroma that you find with most tanners. I let it sink into my skin for five minutes before getting dressed. The instructions recommend that you let the cream set for at least five hours or preferably overnight.

Results

Performance Rating 5/5

These are the results the following morning. I love the colour, it gives you a subtle glow that’s even all over – including the awkward areas like elbows and ankles. The cream left my whole body silky smooth and well moisturised with no allergic reactions. If you do have sensitive skin, like myself, then I would recommend that you carry out a patch test first as everyone’s sensitivities are different. I’m really pleased with this product, hence the 5 out of 5 rating. This will definitely help my pasty legs get through spring and summer once the weather starts to heat up.

What’s Inside:

• Purified Water (Aqua)
• Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
• Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
• Cetearyl Alcohol
• Dihydroxyacetone (certified natural)
• Sorbitan Stearate
• Peg-40 Stearate
• Glycerin
• Paullinia Cupana (Guarana) Seed Extract
• Benzyl Alcohol
• Dehydroacetic Acid
• Sodium Citrate
• Hydroxyethylcellulose
• Parfum
• Citric Acid
• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
• Coumarin