Now here’s a post I never ever saw myself writing, a fake tan review! I’ve always been a bit scared of the stuff to be honest, I’m so pale (see evidence below) that I assumed that even a light shade would leave me looking like I’d run through a shower of orange paint. Still, when Lauren’s Way sent me a bundle of goodies I figured I had nothing to lose and bravely ventured in to new territory.

This is a photo from last Summer but shows what my legs are like minus my usual nude coloured tights. Even two weeks in Spain the year before that did little to change my colouring and over the years I’ve just got used to the fact that whilst everyone else turns golden (by natural or un-natural means) I was destined to stay milk-bottle white.

I was sent the gradual tan* as well as a tanning mitt* for easy application. Apart from the fact my “after” photo is really bad quality taken on my phone (how hard is it to capture your own legs on screen? you can see that after just one application there is a subtle, golden sheen going on which is exactly the kind of result I was hoping for. I was a bit put off by the “medium to dark” label on this, but as it’s a gradual tan the idea is you can build up the colour you want with a number of applications. This was after one application, about an hour later. Overnight the colour did deepen a little but still looked lovely and natural.Another thing that had put me off of fake tan in the past was the faff involved in applying it and then waiting around for it to dry and develop. After just 60 seconds of putting this on you’re good to get dressed again and I didn’t notice orange all over my bed sheets in the morning either which is always a bonus because I hate washing bed sheets and making up a double bed at the best of times.

Although I don’t have anything to compare it to having never tried DIY tanning before I was really impressed with this and will be using it all over before I head to Spain at the end of the month so I look like I’ve seen some sunshine this year. A 250ml bottle costs £13.95 which I think is pretty reasonable as for me, using just one application, even full body you’d get quite a few tans out of this.

Have you tried Lauren’s Way before? Let me know what you thought of it, and if there are any other tans you’d recommend I try.

I was also kindly sent some lovely Daytime Dazzle lashes which I’ve tried numerous times to apply and review. Laura and fake lashes just do not get along though- no reflection on the brand at all, it’s happened with every pair I’ve tried. Any fool proof tips gratefully received as these look seriously lovely and I want to wear them!

Can a girl ever have too many makeup brushes? I like to think not and I’ve recently added a new set to my collection thanks to L.A.B 2. They kindly sent over their strokes of genius* eye brush set for me to put to the test.

For those who don’t know the brand then L.A.B 2 stands for “live and breathe beauty” and in the UK you can pick up their brushes in Superdrug. They create affordable but high quality brushes with innovative features perfect for everyone from those just starting out in makeup to the experts.

The strokes of genius set contains five must-have brushes for creating everything from a natural to something more dramatic and sultry. I had already tried out the brow and eyeliner brush in July (see here) and was impressed with that so I was pretty excited to see what else the brand could offer.

Both the eyeshadow brush and the crease brush are super soft and make blending colour a breeze. They distribute the shadow evenly- something I’ve had an issue with in the past with some other brushes and soften out any harsh lines.

The pointed liner brush is perfect for using with a gel liner to create a precision finish. I’ve pretty much used this daily since it has arrived and although I don’t profess to be an eyeliner expert my flicks are looking pretty well, flicky! This brush is easier to use for liner than the brow and eyeliner brush which I’ve reserved purely for a defined finish on my brows. The brow and lash groomer (double ended) brush is a handy addition to my collection and I’ve been using it to set my brows with clear mascara on the days I’ve fancied a simpler, quicker makeup look.

At £18.99 this brush is good value in my eyes and with it’s durable fibre technology they are easy to clean and will last for years without shedding or getting out of shape. I’d really like to try some of their face brushes next, I have my eye on the make me blush brush as I really struggle to deposit just the right amount of blusher on my cheeks when I’m rushing around in the mornings!

Have you tried any L.A.B 2 brushes? I’d love to know your thoughts on them too and opinions on which I should try next.