2 Outstandingly Good Tan Fakers

As this is probably the last post I’ll be doing before taking a blogging break for my summer hols, it seemed only fitting that I should do it on my two favourite tan fakers. I simply couldn’t survive summer without either of these.

Xen-Tan Deep Bronze Luxe

I had heard great things about Xen-Tan and planned to try out one of their self-tanners this year. When I went along to my local Space NK a while back to buy said product the consultant I spoke to for advice was utterly ‘glowing’ about this new formula.  I can see why!

I have a problem with self-tanners as a rule. My skin is pale but has a yellow undertone. Virtually all the self-tanners I’ve tried develop on the pink side and that just looks plain odd on me. This Xen-Tan product is formulated especially for olive skin. It’s perfect. Plus it contains some fabulous moisturising, anti-oxidant and deeply soothing skincare ingredients too.

Skincare includes:

-    Green tea
-    Aloe Vera
-    Shea Butter
-    Ginko Biloba
-    Vitamin E

Why I love it so much:

-    Develops a natural looking tan with olive undertones, not pink, or heaven forbid, orange! 
-    A doddle to apply with a mitt and is easily buildable for a deeper colour
-    Gorgeous vanilla scent, none of that nasty fake tan smell
-    Never streaks, develops an all-over even colour in 3 hours
-    Lasting  tan that fades naturally and evenly
-    Contains some of my favourite skincare ingredients
-    Formulated without parabens

without Xen-Tan on inside arm (L) and with one application on outside arm (R)

Xen-Tan Deep Bronze Luxe costs £28.99 for 236ml and can be bought here.

Champney’s Spa Indulgence Mediterranean Bliss Shimmering Body Oil

A firm favourite of mine for the past few years, this instant bronzer gives skin a most gorgeous golden colour and a dazzling shimmer! Pour it directly from the bottle into your hand and you’ll think you’re cradling liquid gold!

Champneys shimmering oil - looks a lot like liquid gold

Whether you’re starting out with pasty white skin or already have some colour and simply wish to take it a shade deeper, this product really is the biz. In summer I apply it most days on top of my ‘Xen-Tan-ned’ legs and arms.

Champneys shimmering oil applied neat

Champneys shimmering oil lightly blended

This reminds me a lot of Nuxe Prodigieuse dry oil shimmer but with one major difference –  price! The Champneys oil costs £10/75ml compared to Nuxe’s  £34/100ml! Also, it is often available on a Boots 3 for 2 offer. 

Skincare includes:

-    Jojoba oil
-    Sesame  oil
-    Rice bran oil
-   sandalwood/patchouli/ylang ylang essential oils

Why I love it so much:

-    Instant formula so no hanging about waiting  for a colour to develop
-    Doesn’t streak, applies smoothly and evenly
-    The shimmer it gives is striking but not overpowering (so not bling!)
-    Gives skin a gorgeous golden colour
-    Feels very moisturising on the skin
-    Brilliant value for money

Champneys Spa Indulgence Mediterranean Bliss Shimmering Body Oil can be bought here.