High End V High Street: Fake Tan

Hello guys,

This blog post is going to review two different fake tans. One being St Moritz, a clear favourite in England. And the other James Read Dry body oil. Both completely different products aiming to do the same thing, fake a tan. Both I have used a lot in the last year or so and both I do love but have their flaws. I thought it would be good to compare the two as they are at completely either side of the price and quality spectrum. The James Read Oil is looked at as quite luxurious whereas St Moritz is fairly cheap. I have separated the two into bullet points with a brief overview of each and an overall opinion. Hope you enjoy!

I have always loved a good fake tan. Growing up, from tanning wipes to spray tans, being so pale I have always tried to achieve the glowing look some people are blessed with. Feeling more confident and looking healthier, I have nothing but love for fake tan and I decided to do a review on two of my most used to show the difference. As a disclaimer, before I used any of the fake tans I made sure I had exfoliated and moisturised my body a few days prior to ensure optimal results.

First up, the James Read Dry Tanning Oil.

This was introduced to me by Em Sheldon, a fashion and beauty blogger/youtuber from Leeds. She raved about this so much so I decided to go ahead and make the purchase. I was used to buying fake tans for no more than £10 so seeing this one was £25+ scared me a little. It made me assume it must be amazing if it was that price but I searched the internet and managed to find it on offer for £19. On my initial use I wasn't happy at all. It suggests one to two layers and says it takes around an hour to develop but after 2 hours I didn't see any results at all. After messaging Em Sheldon on Instagram she also said she had to apply 4-5 layers of it to get a good colour. That annoyed me as i had to use a lot in my first test however, it did work. I put 4 layers on and I could see the tan developing. I applied it with my hands as i felt like the oil seeped into the tanning mitt i usually used and with my hands it glided around my skin lovely. The next day the colour was gorgeous, I got so many compliments on how lovely the colour was and how glowing I was. There were also no streaks and it looked so natural. I have listed in bullet points ratings out of 5, 5 being the best.

Smell - I love the smell SO much! It's so light weight and smells like holiday! 5*

Coverage - I find I have to apply at least 4 layers of this for it to get to the colour I want it to be. However, the colour coverage is lovely when it Is on. I find it very natural and glowing rather than mucky and it also goes on streak free as it almost blends into your skin it looks that natural.4*

Colour - The colour is a very golden, glowy brown and almost mimics your skin to look like a natural tan. 5* (after 4 layers)

1* (after 2 layers)

Durance - This stays on for about 3 days but the colour does slightly fade if you don't top it up. 3*

Consistency - As this is an oil, the texture is lovely and nourishing and it feels gorgeous on your skin leaving it feeling hydrated and moisturised. 5*

Blend-able? - With the oil being transparent, you can't see where you have put it properly but it blends with your skin so there is no streaks when fully developed. 4*

Price - This is on the higher-end side and I paid £19 for this. I made sure I bought it on offer as this can be between £20-£30. You can buy it in Boots or Superdrug. 2*

Pro's - This fake tan product smells lovely and creates the most gorgeous colour. it is perfect for when you're on holiday and works good when you have other fake tan on as it maintains the colour and leaves you glowing.

Con's - Unfortunately, you have to use a lot of this product to get a good colour pay off and with the amount it costs, that's definitely a con as it doesn't last as long as you may hope.

Overall, this product is amazing for holidays abroad where you may have got a spray tan and want to maintain the colour all week, I love the product and would only re-purchase if I got it on offer or for a cheaper price. I use it sparingly, saving it for my next spray tan or holiday!

Next up is St Moritz Tanning Mouse in Dark

St Moritz is a tan that i have used for many years. They have so many different tanning products including lotion, spray and mouse however i do usually stick with the mouse formula. I get the Dark shade as I find the medium doesn't stay as dark as long and it gives the best colour pay off. Treating the tan as an instant tan, i admit i much prefer it straight after application however, if you are wearing white afterwards, be prepared for the tan to leave marks on your clothing! Everyone I know either uses or has tried this tan and with the products all being under £5, you cant go wrong. I got an XXL bottle this time round for £3.99 and I have about half left after using it most weeks for the last 3 months! You can pick it up from a range of places including Superdrug, Home Bargains and Wilko's.

Smell - Unfortunately, this tan is up there with the ones that don't smell too cracking! 2*

Coverage - Applying it with a mitt means this mouse goes on flawlessly. As it has instant colour you can see where you have applied it meaning it can be streak free. 4*

Colour - The Dark shade creates a lovely golden brown which isn't mucky looking and has a hint of red rather than green to create a more natural tanned look. 5*

Durance - I apply this on an evening and sleep in it OR before i go out and it stays on for around 4 days with having a shower/bath. If you top it up on the 3rd day and use moisturiser in between it can last around a week. 5*

Consistency - I find that even thought this is a mouse it is very lightweight and not drying like some of the other self tanning mouse i have previously tried. 4*

Blend-age - This is extremely easy to blend and apply. 5*

Price - Perfect price to say it lasts a few months. £3.99 5*

Pro's - This tan is affordable and it lasts so long! It can be found it a lot of places and there are so many different formulas to try and the colour pay off is unreal for all of them. I will consistently go back to this brand after trying others as its the perfect colour, texture and price.

Con's - Unfortunately, the smell isn't too great and once the tan starts fading it can sometimes dry to dead skin. Depending how much you exfoliate and moistuirse this tan can go scale-y and you have to be careful around areas you sweat before it can sometimes not take to your skin. You just have to make sure your skin is prepared!

Overall this tan is perfect for you on the go, instant or gradual and depending what formula you prefer it has different options. I have used this tan for probably 8 years now and I will always come back to it! It's my go to, does the job and doesn't break the bank. If you haven't already (which I'm sure you have), GO TRY IT!

I hope you enjoyed reading this and found it useful if you wanted to try either of the fake tans reviewed. As you can tell, i love both for different reasons and would love to hear your thoughts & opinions. If you have any other recommendations you think i should try, let me know!

Until next time,

Chloe x