As we’re in the sun months I back to my usual dilemma of which fake tan product to use. My skins so pale that I definately need a bit of colour of the fake variety as I have no chance of getting a suntan! I also no longer have the time with a little one to spend hours sun bathing and most of all I don’t want to damage my sun from all those harmful UV rays.

Last year I had been trying a few of the gradual fake tan products which are used daily to  build up a gradual colour. Though easy to use as I found that didn’t streak I’m now finding it hard to get round to applying the products everyday which leaves me with a very pale colour.

For that reason I’ve been looking around for a fake tan product that may take slightly longer to apply correctly but that only needs to be used once or twice a week. I’ve been trying this no-streaks bronzer gel from ambre solaire for light to medium skin. As its a gel its easy to apply and doesn’t leave you feeling sticky as with some of the lotions.

I used this product about a week ago and I’m very pleased with the results even 6 days after application! I applied it on 2 consecutive nights to givve a darker colour and did the exfoliating/moisturising rountine first. Its given me a very even colour and I haven’t got any streaks even on my feet and hands. The colour seems to last very well as a week later I’ve still got a nice brozed colour.

This product does take a little longer to apply that gradual tan products however as it seems to last so well I think its worth the time. I’ll be continuing to use this and topping up my tan with an application weekly!

I’ve always tended to stick with the safe colours such as the  pinks, purples and reds when it comes to nail varnish however this year I’ve been feeling a bit more adventurous. Especially now that nail polish is the finishing touch to any outfit!

My favourite shade at the moment most definately has to be Green With Envy from Rimmel. The colour is a very vibrant turquoise with a hint of a sheen. I’d actually say the colour in the bottle is a very good representation of the finished look. I’m sure I’m not the only lady to have been fooled by the colour of a nail varnish in the bottle only to find that on the nails it comes out a very strange colour!

I do like Rimmel nail varnishes and I have blogged before about their 60 second collection before. The polish dries quickly and lasts well without chipping. Of course the price isn’t at all bad either! Green With Envy is meant to be a one coat nail polish however I find that two coats give a more even and vibrant colour.  The polish dries so quickly that two coats is not a problem. For anyone after a vibrant summer nail polish I’d definately recommend this colour.

I’m always very dubious about using a cleanser that does not require me to rinse my face with water! It always seems very strange to me to be getting washed but to not actually wash my face.

That said I still decided to try Clarins one-step facial cleanser which as the names suggests is an all in one cleanser perfect for busy mum’s on the go. It gently cleanses, tones and enhances the skins radiance and removes traces of makeup, impurities and pollution. Its applied simply using a cotton wool pad and does not require any water to rinse it off.

I’ve been using the cleanser for a few days now and I do feel that its leaving my skin clean and refreshed. Even in the evening when I have makup to remove I still like my skin is clean and fresh from any residues on makeup even without wahing my face with makeup!

It actually leaves my skin feeling a lot softer than any other cleanser I have tried. I think that definately is due to not using water as I know where I live the water is very hard so not the best for your skin. This isn’t my usual type of facial cleanser but I will definately continue using it!

I just love trying new products and this month I’ve been trying the new dual skincare system from Yllume. Yllume use an intensive face cream and skin supplement to illuminate your skin and give radiant, even skin tone.

Yllume claims to transform the skin in only two weeks by reducing hyper-pigmentation and blemishes, brightening and refreshing dull skin, protecting against UV damage and countering premature damage due to intensive treatments. Naturally derived Yllume contains antioxidants to help repair damaged skin.

The Ultimate Illuminating Complex Cream brightens the skin whilst also protecting against premature aging. The cream itself very light and easily absorbs into my skin without leaving any residue. It contains origanum, lavender and coriander essential oils which give the cream a refreshing scent. It also contains pearl extract which I think is what gives the cream a slight shimmer which immediately helps to make your skin look illuminated. Perfect for a tired looking mummy with limited time!

The second part of the dual system is the Ultimate Illuminating Complex Skin Supplement which contains a variety of antioxidants including phytofloral and CoQ10 to help brighten your skin from the inside out.

Available from mid July at yllume.

Eyesential has been used for years by many top makeup artists to give an instant difference around the eyes. The makers of Eyesential have now launched a new plump and shine lipgloss to create fuller, plumper lips.

The lipgloss claims to give long lasting maximum shine with maximum volume! Its designed to plump the lips to give a fuller appearance. The gloss is available in three colours; candy, nude and seduce.

I’ve tried candy which is a baby pink colour with a hint of sparkle. When you first apply the gloss to your lips it makes them tingle as though you’ve just applied menthol to your lips! The colour itself looked very pretty and could be worn alone or over a lipstick. Alone it gives a pretty pink shimmer and over a stronger colour lipstick it gives a sparkle and shine.

Overall I think the gloss did make my lips look fuller and I was pleased with the colour. I did however find the initial tingling quite off putting and it did last a while however once you get past that it is a nice lipgloss.