If you’re a fan of your fake tan and are anything like me then you’ll a) be on the lookout for a fake tan that doesn’t make you smell like a biscuit b) want a formula that’s easy to apply and doesn’t streak and c) gives you a NATURAL looking colour because as much as we love Essex, we don’t necessarily want the tans to match.
I first discovered Xen-Tan when I heard Made in Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh recommending it on a Grazia beauty video. Personally, I think the best form of advertising is when someone recommends a product to you, and let’s face it – Millie does always look bronzed and polished. I’d also heard lots of great things about the Xen Tanning Range from other bloggers, so I’ve been desperate to try it out for months now.
I spoke to the lovely Philippa at Xen-Tan who recommended that I try the Xen-Tan weekly self-tan mousse (in medium to dark) as it isn’t too overpowering, and gives a gradual colour that you can build up yourself dependent on how dark you want to go. As soon as the tan popped through my door, I slathered a load on (yes, that’s how excited I was to try it), although I managed to get a few photographs first. I was initially surprised at how easily I could apply it to my skin, as the mousse texture means that it is very soft and smooth – and in turn, makes it much simpler to apply evenly to your skin. I’ve never tried a mousse tan before, but I was pleasantly surprised. If you’re someone whose terrified of getting their tan wrong, and finds the applying process difficult – then I’d definitely recommend this product, as I’m no expert myself but the final result was amazing!
(above) Millie from Made in Chelsea gives credit to Xen-Tan for her her all year round bronzed glow.
The Xen-Tan mousse I tried is described as a ‘quick dry formula with instant colour for face & body’ which I’d say is very accurate. Although I didn’t use it on my face (as I’ve literally just bought a foundation that matches), I can definitely vouch for the fact its quick drying and it does give an instant indication of the colour that you will go. However, as with all tans – the colour deepens and develops the longer you have it on, so technically this could be your way of controlling how dark you’d like the tan. The tan is also described as having a ‘natural olive undertone’ which is great for those who’d like a very natural looking colour. I have quite olive skin naturally, so this really blended in with my original skin-tone which was great as I forgot (in my excitement) to tan my feet.
Another defining feature of this product is the smell! Xen-Tan pride themselves on creating tan formulas that don’t leave you smelling like a biscuit, but instead – vanilla (which personally I think is a lot better!). The smell isn’t overpowering at all, but doesn’t uphold notes of vanilla. I wouldn’t say it was this factor alone that sold it for me, but it is certainly a bonus!
So, I’m sure what you’re all wanting to know is … how did the colour turn out? Well, in a nutshell – great! I took several typical ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures, but if I’m perfectly honest I don’t think they are the greatest judgement of colour, as the flash was on – and so it is hard to tell whether or not the colour is more golden, or rich. Personally, I think the colour that the tan left was the best result I’ve had since using a fake tan (and I’m being honest here). It’s now three days on and I don’t have any patches, streaks or weird circles of colour. The process of applying the tan was much easier than I’d expected and the final result was a very natural, healthy glow. I used a Xen-Tan Mitt to apply the tan with, which I’d definitely recommend you buy – however, if you’re on a budget then I’m sure you can achieve the same effects using your hands (you just have to make sure you wash them quickly after applying or you’ll get the tell-tale fake tan hands).
(above) this is an example of how the tan looked after application, however – I then washed off the guide colour. After showering, the colour doesn’t lose its richness, however it does even out any places you’ve missed and gives a more natural, olive effect!
The tan itself is £23.99 from the Xen Tan website, although the brand itself is very well-known and so can be purchased from a variety of online stores such as Feel Unique and Amazon. Although you might be thinking ‘wow, that’s a pricey fake tan’, I think it’s important to note that you are paying for a quality product – that lasts. I received the 118ML bottle of mousse and since using it on my whole body twice – I don’t think I’ve even made a dent in the contents. I suppose everyone will have different ways to apply it, which may involve you using more or less – however, I personally think that you are getting value for your money, as it’s a fantastic product and it’s perfect for those who like a natural, olive based tan that fades away gently. There is no risk of streaks, as the tan is oil-free and there’s certainly no risk of being unnaturally orange.
What I used – Xen-Tan Mousse Intense Weekly Self Tan & Xen-Tan tanning mitt. If you click on the links, it will take you to the correct pages on the Xen-Tan shop!
Please do let me know if you try it, as I’d love to know how you get along with Xen-Tan and if it has the same effects for you!
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