Keeping That Summer Glow

Even though we're moving into Winter now, I still like to do everything I can to keep my ghost like skin looking bronzed and tanned from top to bottom. I've pulled a few bits and pieces from my collection that I use to give my complexion that instant boost of colour that it needs without looking like I've been completely tangoed.

St Moriz | Dark Instant Tanning Mousse: This has been the only tan I've used for the last three years or so and I don't plan on switching it up any time soon. This retails at about £4 a bottle, an absolute steal compared to the likes of St Tropez and though I haven't tried the latter, I can only assume the quality is fairly similar. I tend to whip this out more so when I've got a big night out coming up or a special occasion as I feel so much more confident with a tan and I think my skin looks ten times healthier. The skin needs to be moisturised and exfoliated in advance, particularly focusing on the areas where the skin becomes drier such as the elbows and knees. I then use gloves and a mitt and apply the product in circular motions all over the body (or just the areas that will be on show) before leaving it for at least 6 hours before showering. Personally I prefer to do this overnight or on a day where I don't have much to do, as it does have that stereotypical fake tan smell and the developing colour isn't the best. What's left behind after you shower though, is a really natural looking tan that lasts around a week with regular moisturising.

Rimmel | Natural Bronzer: This is the first bronzer I ever purchased and has been repurchased many a time. Though initially it may look a little scary and orange, this doesn't translate to the skin for me. It is the warmest and darkest of my collection and I'd say this is a really great bronze shade for more tanned skin, I personally like to apply this to the high points of my face when I'm using the fake tan mentioned above. It's super smooth and easy to blend with only the tiniest hint of shimmer to it, so it really gives you that natural, healthy glow. I also use this down my neck, chest and cleavage to add a bit of warmth.

Bourjois | Maxi Delight Bronzer: I received this free in Boots when I spent over a certain amount on Bourjois products and though it's not a bronzer shade I'd normally go for as it's slightly more on the orange side, I really like this for the times when I am fake tanned and need something a little more intense. In the pan this looks very shimmery though when applied to the skin it's nowhere near as intense, it gives off more of a glow. You get a massive amount of product here, a whopping 18g, so this will honestly last you a lifetime. Like a lot of Bourjois products this does have a scent to it but personally this doesn't bother me in the slightest, I actually really like the smell. This is definitely not a contouring shade, it's an excellent all over the face bronze shade and I also really like to use this down my neck and on areas of my chest that need a bit more colour.

Soap & Glory | Solar Powder: A favourite among bloggers and a product I find myself reaching for all the time, this is the perfect bronzer for those of us with paler skin. It's a lot cooler and lighter than the other bronzers I've mentioned in this post, which makes it perfect for creating a really natural glow for fair skin and I honestly think unlike the other two bronzers, this would be a nice contour shade. With two shades you can choose which side to use or you can swirl them both together, whichever suits you. I have this in the cardboard packaging which I honestly hate (though it does come with a mirror which is always handy) but luckily they have released this in a sturdier plastic compact.

Too Faced | Milk Chocolate Soleil: This has to be my favourite bronzer, hands down. This is a holy grail product for me. It's the perfect shade for when I'm pale and I can even use this when I have tan on. Firstly, the packaging on this is great, as with all Too Faced products really. There's an enormous mirror inside which makes this a great choice for travelling and it smells like chocolate, definitely a winner! The product itself is incredible, so soft it almost feels creamy to the touch and it gives the perfect glow without being overly orange or warm. If you have to try out one thing from Too Faced, I definitely recommend their bronzers, this one comes in three different shades so there's something for everyone.

Rimmel, Bourjois, Soap & Glory and Too Faced.