Summer by The Beauty Department

I had somewhat forgotten about gradual self tanners, I think because of the convenience of actual fake tan I found them easier to apply once and enjoy the benefits for up to five days. However, since trialling the gradual self tanner, Summer by The Beauty Department I have rediscovered my love of self tanners with the fool proof application and amazing natural colour which lasts.

What the Beauty Department Say:

Summer is a refined and natural gradual tan, enriched with organic ingredients, and a unique combination of essential oils. This thick and luxurious cream gives your skin a soft golden colour, with the aromas of summer all year round.

With no harsh, synthetic colorants, Summer is free from PEG's, propylene glycol, or parabens. Instead, active ingredients such as DHA deliver a light golden hue over 2-3 hours, giving the individual complete colour control - for deeper colour, simply apply more.

What I Say:

I see gradual self tans as the “beginners’ introduction” to fake tanning, only because they apply as a moisturiser and the colour is often soft and buildable. Summer by The Beauty Department is a thick moisturizing cream with a zesty citrus scent that smells summery as you work it into your skin (the scent actually reminds me of the day spa I visited while on holidays).

Even though Summer is not tinted I didn’t have any trouble with fake tan faux pas, as mentioned above, it applies as a thick moisturiser although it does take some working into the skin. As it’s not tinted you also have the green light to use your hands which is such a godsend for me because I’m so over rubber gloves and awkward tanning mitts – just make sure you thoroughly wash your palms well before the tan starts to develop.

Within 2-3 hours, Summer develops into a natural soft golden tan and you can build on your colour by re-applying however I have always been satisfied with the initial application. I was amazed by the staying power of Summer as it lasted from the weekend through to the working week and it fades as it wears which is great (no embarrassing patchiness).   

I must admit I was a little upset when I finished my sample jar of Summer, however it is easily accessible to purchase online through their website http://www.beautydepartment.com.au/

Disclaimer: I did receive Summer by The Beauty Department for review however all opinions in this post are 100% honest and I will be purchasing this product for further use.

Puretan Dark Instant Foaming Kit

Puretan or PureBronze is a unique range of salon quality instant tanning products now available in Myer stores nationwide.

In need of a new self tanner I was please to find they offer a “Tanning Kit” for their spray, foam and lotion solutions which also includes an exfoliating glove and a tanning mitt – a great starter kit for those wanting to try the brand.

I purchase the foam as I always have found it easier to apply and less streaky in other brands.

Prior to my tan application I used the exfoliating glove which worked well and for added polish I used my Pure Fiji Coconut Sugar Scrub.

To apply I used the tanning mitt, which has a velvet like texture – very nice to use and is re-usable and can be thrown in the wash for easy cleaning. Tanning mitts are fantastic to apply self tan; they are so much easier and convenient than rubber gloves and provide a nice even finish to your tan.

 I must admit I was a little concerned when I first pumped PureBronze. I’m used to self tanners with a slight green undertone and PureBronze was giving me a reddish orangey vibe. Once applied, the colour is natural with a hint of bronze and I didn’t find it to look orange (thank goodness). I was very impressed with the colour and it survived a good 4 days (without excessive moisturising) before it started to fade. I introduced my sister to PureBronze at a weekend wedding and since then she has loved it enough to borrow it on 2 more occasions.

Finished look without makeup

Finished look with makeup - Beach ready!

The unique thing about PureTan is that most of their products (excluding the spray) can be washed off after one hour, so it’s perfect for those who need to tan-and-go.

I purchased the Dark Instant Foaming Kit for $44.95 from Myer, however visit PureTan for further product pricing and stockist information.

These are a few of my favourite things…

As mentioned on my previous blog, My Guilty Pleasures, I have been getting into the beauty community on YouTube recently. As I have been immersing myself in all things beauty, I too have developed the need to buy, try and review the latest products. Below I have put together a collection of my favourite products that I have been loving so far in 2011.

Nude by Nature – Mineral Make-up

Natural ingredients and chemical free, this product offers great everyday coverage. Easy to apply (lightly buff over face using a kabuki brush) and team with concealer and light bronzer for a flawless finish.  

Too Faced – Natural Eye Pallet

My new favourite eye shadows! Create a day, classic and party look in one pallet. The colours are beautifully pigmented and it comes with three step-by-step “look” cards for easy application – bonus!

Benefit Creaseless Cream Eye Shadow – R.S.V.P

Just a beautiful Champagne base colour, easy to apply and true to it’s name – it does not crease.   

Maybelline – The Falsies Volume Express

I had to try the mascara that the online beauty world was raving about and I was not disappointed. I was surprised that it applies so well and was not clumpy even after a few coats, eye lashes don’t look false but definitely adds volume.

Benefit Box-O-Powder – Dallas

My current every day blush, a beautiful sunset plum colour. I love benefit’s powders, I have recently ordered the new “Bella Bamba” online so I will let you know what I think when it arrives.

Skindinavia – No More Shine Make-up Finish Spray

Spritz over your face before and after make up application for make up that stays put all day. Just having purchased it a few months ago it came in handy during the summer party season.

Yes to Carrots – Eye and Makeup Remover

I was first introduced to this brand in 2010 when my sister gave me the Yes to Carrots and Cucumber Shampoo and Conditioner for my birthday. Ever since then I loved the brand and wanted to try more from the Yes to range. I was very excited to find that they sell Yes to in Priceline and I purchased the Eye and Makeup Remover. It applies as a cream and easily removes all make-up including stubborn eye liner and mascara. Once the cream is massaged into the face it is then removed with warm water – so effort is needed.  

Moroccan Oil

I use this every time I blow dry my hair and it gives a silky smooth result every time (not to mention I really like the scent).

St Tropez – Bronzing Mousse

A great fake tan that I have been re-purchasing for a few years now, great colour and the scent is not too bad. I prefer the mousse for an easy application, oh and apply with rubber gloves or the application mitt as it’s much easier and you will have orange free palms.