Nov

“Xen Tan Face Tanner ….. it does the trick “

Ok here’s an idea that really works! I don’t know about you but I like to have a healthy

natural looking glow, even in the darkest depths of winter. Achieving that “just back from the beach look” can be hard work and a little time consuming.

So, let me tell you about a sunless tanning product that gives you a great looking face tan all year round. Better still its easy to apply, without any mess, hassle or even a trip to a tanning centre.

So Much Choice

My biggest concern with some sunless tanning products is usually the smell and without naming names, there are some nasty smelling solutions out there that promise the earth but sadly don’t deliver. It’s also another matter when you have to then decide which product to trust enough to actually put on your face.

About Xen Tan

Xen Tan has revolutionised self tanning for some time now with their comprehensive range of self tanning lotions and self tanning mist. Manufactured in the USA, this brand does have a loyal following, including many other UK celebrities. The company has built a strong reputation for streak free, easy blending with all of its body products. But does this philosophy also apply to the face product too.?

Well, having tried Xen Tan Face tanner, I was very happy with the results. ..

Xen Tan Face Tanner gets to work

The handy 80ml tube may at first appear to be a nothing spectacular. However, when you unscrew that cap the first thing you notice is a very pleasant fruity smell which immediately inspires you to want to use the product. To apply the Xen Tan Face tanner simply squeeze a small about on to your figure tips, you don’t need much as the application is easy. The liquid is white and not brown, so there is a strange feeling that you are just using a traditional moisturiser and really that is the way to use the product. So just dab it on your various facial zones and blend in.

Make sure you cover all your face and neck, then rinse your hands, which to me seemed odd at the time, as I had convinced my self that I was using a moisturiser. You can easily forget …. I must confess I did this the first time I used it. In fact, I only realised my mistake a few hours later when I noticed brown tinge inside my figures and palms which looked like I had a very heavy night on the Marlboro Lights. It does say on the tube “Wash hands with soap after applying”….. Note to self! “read the directions first.”

The only thing left to do is let it develop, which it does very gradually. Xen Tan recommend that you wait three hours before showering or swimming. After that time you will see a noticeable difference. I was really happy with the results, a very natural healthy looking tan, not orangey and certainly not over powering.

My recommendation is to apply Xen Tan Face Tanner in the morning and by lunch time you can see the final result, you can also wear it under make up too. I now use a small amount two or three times a week so the tube should last a while.

What’s in it

Xen-Tan Face Tanner contains green tea, milk thistle, Vitamin E, gentle fruit acids along with aloe to give skin a real treat and pump it full of healthy moisture. The gradual tanning formula leaves skin looking radiant and sun kissed.

Buy Xen Tan Face tanner now

Oct

I caught up with Alex at home recently and asked her a few questions about what she’s up to at moment and asked her to share her style views:

Tell us what you have been up to recently?
“The Weakest Link which was focused on Glamour and Wags, Ready Steady Cook as I have a great passion for cooking, My Body Hell, a five week series on Five focusing on various issues on woman’s beauty regimes and body issues.” “I recently did a photo shoot with Rimmel who were running a promotion for Breast Cancer Awareness month (October 07). Also, I featured in a beauty article in Closer Magazine just before Christmas.”

Who influences your style?
“No One really – I wear what I feel happy in, many of my favorite shops have the latest styles and I just piece together my outfits that will suit me.”

Where do you like to go shopping for clothes?
“When I am in the UK I have my favourites, anywhere from Gucci to Zara. There is a fantastic boutique in Wimbledon called Matches that I adore, oh and I must not forget Josephs. However, I also love shopping when I am abroad, one of my favourite places is the South of France where you can find some really glamorous boutiques, this is really cool as you can find some very unique creations that you would never find here in London.”

Are you happy with your current look?
“Yes, I feel in my prime being in my 30s, I feel you do not have to follow the current trends for the sake of it. I feel I should know by now what suits me .I have tried many different styles but over time it just becomes easier to identify what looks and feels just right.”

How often do you change your hairstyle?
“Not that often, occasionally I have it cut shorter than normal which is good for a change. Occasionally, I have had Raccoon Extensions which I have put in professionally. Arguably they are the best. They do a nifty stick row that lasts up to a month which I like.”

Whats in your handbag?
“Junk ! Blackberry, Purse, hairbrush, make up, and some Korres hand sanitizer and body water, hand cream, …….oh and some parking tickets !”

If you could have the perfect day out with girls. What would be your ideal day ?
“A day at the gorgeous beauty day spa would do the trick, I also like Champneys and there is a good spa at Penny Hill Park ideal for being pampered. Or maybe nice lunch at Langans. I also enjoy a day out at Goodwood or Ascot.”

When it come to style which other UK celebrity do you admire?
“Slightly obvious answer but I guess it has to be Kate Moss as she can do the walk of shame in the morning after a night out and still look gorgeous.”

How important is your skin care routine? And what do you use?
“I have been a fan of Kiehls products recently, they have a very extensive range but I particularly like their Gentle Foaming Cleanser and facial cleansing masque. I also love the Bar by Dermalogica which I have to say I always use in the bath to wash my face. Then there is Decleor, I am really fond of their Aromaessence products which are great for T-zones, and their Decleor Aromessence Baume De Nuit Iris night balm which is ultra soothing.”

Give us your top five tracks you listen to when you are getting ready to go out?
“I normally listen to Capital Radio or Kiss its just easier that way.”

What is or was your most loved item of clothing?
“A pair of Seven Jeans which have been washed thousands of times with a hole in the knee ! – really old and been worn too many times but they fit like a glove and I love them.”

If you had to chose a favourite product from gorgeousshop.co.uk, What would it be?
“There are too many to mention, so as I review more and more products this might become easier to answer. But I have started to use the Mop Organic Range which on my hair and I really like it.”

Sep

“My blonde tones brought back to life “

Kms California Hair Products

KMS California Strive on their passion for hair science the latest technology, natural products and allowing everyone to explore their individual beauty.

KMS California was created by a leading biochemist. Jeremy Mazzotta 30 years ago, with a promise to research, manufacture and market the professional hair care products in the world. Keeping to their word 30 years on they are still advancing in technology and innovative combinations of natural ingredients.

In 1995 KMS introduced the flat out relaxing balm which was the industries first professional non-chemical relaxer.

There are so many KMS CALIFORNIA ranges from KMS moisture repair, KMS add volume, KMS silksheen to KMS curl up and as they promise their cv certainly does cater for each and everyone’s individual beauty.

As a natural Non Blonde I have opted to try the colourvitality products, especially designed for natural, lightened and highlighted blondes.

There are so many KMS CALIFORNIA ranges from KMS moisture repair, KMS add volume, KMS silksheen to KMS curl up and as they promise their cv certainly does cater for each and everyone’s individual beauty.

As a natural Non Blonde I have opted to try the colourvitality products, especially designed for natural, lightened and highlighted blondes.

KMS California Colorvitality Blonde Shampoo

They claim it to be a radiant shampoo, with its uv filters and optical brightener it should illuminate the blonde tones and fight yellowing.

I lathered this exquisite cocktail of rhubarb and lavender (without the vodka) into my hair , which had the most gorgeous organic fragrance and made my hair feel nourished without a hangover of shampoo residue.

The colour of the shampoo is a light lavender which is a lot softer than many of the ultra-violet neutralising shampoos on the market or even salon bought, which when applied make you paranoid you will be left with a blue rinse.

After rinsing I applied BLONDE TREATMENT I left it on for 7 mins, the applying time is 5-10 mins. This conditioner has an UV filter that locks and protects the colour. This product is also an intense treatment which reconstructs and prevents the yellowing of blonde hair. After rinsing my hair was left soft, smooth and tangle free.

KMS California Colorvitality Blonde Leave in creme

The instructions were not clear on this tube, it said apply the desired amount to towel dried hair, comb through and leave in.

So me being myself applied an ample amount and left it on over night. Maybe a tad too long, but quite often I do like to have an ultimate pampering evening which involves running a bubbly bath applying a leave in conditioner to my hair then wrapping my hair in cling film or a plastic bath cap this works perfectly if steamed by a kettle.

KMS California Colorvitality Colour Protective Spray

This is an ultra-life conditioning spray with a UV filter that protects the hair colour from the sun and environment its designed for colour treated hair and formulated with lilac and ginger.

After shampooing and conditioning, I sprayed it onto my hair and immediately blow-dried. My hair was easily de-tangled but with added satisfaction that my hair was being protected. This product could of course be great all year round. But this would defiantly be in my holiday suitcase. This is a great leave in conditioner to pop in your beach bag to protect your hair against the UV filter and intense sun as well as protecting colour treated hair.

The Finished Results

After using this KMS California Colorvitality for more than 2 weeks my hair was in great condition it was soft and easy to manage. After the long winter months my hair had become dull, drab and lifeless. This product did display my blonde tones certainly bringing it back to life. Hopefully leaving spring in my step!!!!!!!

KMS California Colorvitality FAQ

hair type: colour – treated hair

benefit: protects and locks colour

ingredients: lilac and ginger

See the whole KMS California range now