JVN Hair The Essential Dry Shampoo Review

 
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JVN Hair The Essential Dry Shampoo Review

If you’re anything like me, dry shampoo is a non-negotiable in your beauty stash. I love it for styling, volume and hold, but let’s be honest, not all dry shampoos are made equal. So, when I tried the JVN Hair The Essential Dry Shampoo, I was very pleasantly surprised. It’s quite unlike any dry shampoo I’ve used before. Here’s my full review, including how it feels, looks, and yes, whether it’s worth the price tag.

What is JVN Hair The Essential Dry Shampoo?

JVN Hair The Essential Dry Shampoo in 2 sizes
JVN Hair The Essential Dry Shampoo in 2 sizes
  • Micellar-powered formula
  • Includes ingredients to help instantly control oil & refresh the scalp immediately & over time
  • Rich in vitamins & antioxidants known to help protect scalp & hair against environmental stressors
  • Designed to not create buildup in the hair
  • No gritty texture
  • Adds lightweight body
  • Scent: floral amber woods and musk with crisp apple and violet leaf
  • Suitable for all hair types
The JVN Hair The Essential Dry Shampoo Scent Profile
The JVN Hair The Essential Dry Shampoo Scent Profile

Key Ingredients

Hemi-squalane – adds lightweight moisture, prevents dryness and reduces frizz

Micellar-Powered Solution – no rinse cleansing without stripping the scalp

Mediterranean Algae – helps to regulate oil production over time

Ground Cherry Extract – to hydrate and soothe the scalp while defending against thermal aggressors

Rosemary – antioxidant-rich botanical known to support scalp & follicle health

How to use it

Shake very well. Hold the can 8-10″ away and direct at roots, spraying in a sweeping motion. Wait a few seconds to absorb (the longer, the better). Then gently massage in or brush through.

My Review

My Review of JVN Hair The Essential Dry Shampoo
My Review of JVN Hair The Essential Dry Shampoo

What I love the most about the JVN Hair The Essential Dry Shampoo is how soft it makes my hair feel. If you brush the product through the hair, you can feel the softness all the way through the lengths which is quite unusual for dry shampoo. 

What Makes JVN Hair The Essential Dry Shampoo Different?

Most dry shampoos work by soaking up excess oil and sweat, often leaving your hair feeling a little rough, however, this one is totally the opposite.

Texture & Feel:
The first thing I noticed was how super light and soft this feels. No gritty texture, no chalkiness. It somehow manages to remove the feeling of dirty hair, while adding softness and moisture which I think will be a real game-changer for dry hair types.

Moisturising Yet Oil-Absorbing:
I know it sounds counterintuitive, but this product doesn’t just soak up oil. It actually leaves my hair feeling moisturised, not stripped or dry. That’s so rare for a dry shampoo, and especially lovely if you’ve got a dry scalp like I do.

If you’re curious about another innovative, non-aerosol option, check out my in-depth K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo Review. It’s ideal for those who want texture without residue.

Application Video

Here’s how I apply it for best results:

White Cast?

This is always the big question with dry shampoo, especially if you have darker hair. The good news is that JVN Hair The Essential Dry Shampoo leaves minimal to no white cast.

JVN Hair The Essential Dry Shampoo minimal white cast - sprayed close to skin to demonstrate
JVN Hair The Essential Dry Shampoo minimal white cast – sprayed close to skin to demonstrate

If you spray it too close to the roots, you might see a little bit of white initially, but don’t panic. Just give your roots a soft massage, and it melts right in. So much easier than the heavy powdery finish some dry shampoos can leave behind.

Before & After Photos

Before applying JVN Hair The Essential Dry Shampoo
Before applying JVN Hair The Essential Dry Shampoo
After applying JVN Hair The Essential Dry Shampoo
After applying JVN Hair The Essential Dry Shampoo

Volume & Shape:

For me, this is the big win because I don’t really get very greasy hair but it does get a bit flat and limp in between washes. I find this product gives lovely shape and volume.

Even though it feels soft and light, it adds body without weighing anything down. My hair looked fuller, fresher, and way more styled after just a few spritzes as you will see in the video and photos I shared above.

The Scent

I really like the fragrance in this dry shampoo. It is musky and softly citrussy with lovely Mediterranean vibes. It isn’t overpowering and doesn’t linger in a cloying way. It just leaves your hair smelling clean and refreshed.

Sizes & Price

I love that this comes in two sizes. The full size is £26 for 148g and the mini is £13 for 61g. The smaller can is perfect for keeping in your handbag or popping into your hand luggage when travelling. I think this is a really nice touch from the JVN Hair team, and at £13, it’s a great way to try before committing to the full size.

Scalp-Friendly

As someone with a sensitive, dry scalp, I’m always cautious with dry shampoos. Some can really irritate. I’m pleased to report that this one doesn’t cause any irritation, itchiness or residue buildup.

Final Thoughts: Is JVN Hair The Essential Dry Shampoo Worth It?

This dry shampoo perfectly fits my personal needs when it comes to a dry shampoo. It has a lovely lightweight and soft texture, it actually moisturises my hair whilst giving it oomph and life, and it doesn’t irritate my scalp.

This is a luxury-feeling dry shampoo that performs beautifully, and if you’ve struggled with traditional dry shampoos, this one is well worth trying.

One note if you have very greasy hair:
If you tend to get very oily roots, the soft, hydrated feeling might actually be a little too much. This isn’t one of those ultra-mattifying formulas. In my opinion, tt’s more about refreshing your hair and lightly absorbing oil without drying it out, so if you love that squeaky-dry texture, this may not give you quite that finish.

FAQs – JVN Hair The Essential Dry Shampoo

Is this dry shampoo suitable for all hair types?

Yes. It works beautifully on dry and flat hair and is gentle enough for sensitive scalps. Personally, I think if you have very greasy hair, it may feel a little too moisturising for you.

Does it contain any silicones or sulfates?

JVN Hair is known for its silicone- and sulphate-free formulas. This dry shampoo is no exception and is designed to be kind to your hair and scalp.

How often can I use it?

You can use this product daily or whenever you want to refresh your hair.

Where to buy it

The JVN Hair The Essential Dry Shampoo is £13 for 61g and £26 for 148g and is available now via the link below:

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How to Apply Fake Tan Like a Pro: Tips from My Go-To Routine

 
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If you’ve ever had a fake tan disaster (hello orange ankles and patchy elbows!), trust me, you’re not alone. After years of trial, error and way too many streaks, I’ve finally nailed the perfect routine of how to apply fake tan for a flawless, natural-looking glow.

Whether you’re a total beginner or just want to refine your technique, this post is packed with tips, a step-by-step guide, and my holy grail tanning products. Here’s what you need to know.

Watch: How to Choose Your Fake Tan Shade

Before we dive into the nitty gritty of how to apply fake tan, let’s quickly discuss choosing a shade that will work, and this really doesn’t need to be too complicated. Watch this video for my thoughts on choosing a shade:

When it comes to working out how to apply fake tan, it is easy to forget that it starts with the shade you choose. The key here is to remember that you are not trying to find a match like you would with foundation, you are actually trying to change your skin colour. Personally, because my skin is naturally very pale, I find that an ultra dark shade gives me the tan I want. If you have a naturally darker skin tone, you won’t need your tan to work so hard. The video explains more!

But let’s get on to the nitty gritty of how to apply fake tan!

Step-by-Step: How To Apply Fake Tan for a Streak-Free Finish

How to Apply Fake Tan
How to Apply Fake Tan

1. Prep Like a Pro (24 Hours Before)

Exfoliate with a mitt or gentle scrub the day before. This is the first step to success because you want to ensure you have a lovely smooth canvas on which to apply the tan.

Pay particular attention to areas prone to drier skin, such as knees, ankles, elbows and hands because the self tan will stick to any dry patches and they will appear darker than the rest of you. 

Shave or wax at least 24 hours ahead of tanning to avoid any irritation.

Avoid anything heavy or oily on the skin (body butters, I’m looking at you!) as they can create a barrier and cause patchiness.

2. Moisturise the Dry Bits

This is what I like to think of as protecting the danger areas. It is always a good idea to apply some moisturiser to drier areas, again knees, ankles, elbows and hands. Make sure you rub it in well. Another good tip is to apply a very small amount of moisturiser along your eyebrows and on your hairline if you are tanning your face. The moisturiser will reduce the absorption of the tan to those areas and ensure you are not left with any tell-tale signs. 

3. Application Time

This is the fun part. My preference is to use a tanning mitt to apply the product. Some people prefer gloves and both will protect you from the dreaded orange palms. You should pump the product on to the mitt and then apply in circular motions. If you use a self-tanner with an instant tint, or colour guide, it will be easier to see where you have applied and to ensure even coverage. I tend to always use a product with a colour guide.

The back is tricky!! If you are doing it yourself, it involves a lot of stretching and huffing and puffing!! You can buy a long wand applicator but I tend to manage. Ideally it’s best if someone helps but this isn’t always possible (or desirable!!) so I often go it alone! It is actually possible for me to cover my whole back, I just have to attack it from every angle!! 

If I apply fake tan to my face (which I don’t always like to) I will only use what is left on the mitt, never the actual dispensed product. It is such a small area that you need hardly any product at all. The moisturiser you have applied should protect your brows and hairline. I sweep the mitt quickly over the ears as you want them to match as well! Then I take a dry tissue and wipe it across my upper lip to remove any excess product. No-one wants a tan tash!! 

I then wash my hands with soap gently, concentrating on the palms and between the fingers and then sweep a light tan application, again with what is left on the mitt, on the top of my hands. 

4. The Finisher

The finisher is to get a dry flannel and some moisturiser and gently buff the wrist to avoid a line where your palm starts. If you see any other areas where the tan appears too concentrated, do the same gentle buffing. You can do this anywhere you think that lines can appear to harsh like the toes and sides of your feet.

3. What happens next… 

With tinted products, they often appear very dark at first, but this is mainly due to the colour guide that will wash off when you next shower, so don’t be scared. It is best to leave it overnight to develop or avoid getting wet or sweaty(!) for at least 8 hours after application. The longer, the better. Try to cover up as much as you can to avoid getting tan on the bed sheets. But don’t worry because it will wash out. 

In the morning you can shower as usual, and again, if the product has a colour guide, you will see it rinsing away down the plug hole. This is normal so don’t be alarmed.

  • Wear loose, dark clothes – no tight socks or leggings
  • Avoid water and sweating for at least 6–8 hours.
  • Rinse off with lukewarm water only – no soap on the first rinse!
  • Moisturise daily and use a gradual tan to keep up the colour (my fave: Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan Review & 30% Off Discount Code)

6. The Secret to Long-Lasting Tan? Maintenance.

Daily moisturising is key. Do a very light scrub on the third day after tanning. This will help the tan to fade evenly and prepare your skin for more tan should you fancy a top up. 

Should you want to completely remove the tan for a fresh start, I recommend using a flannel in the shower or bath. They are great at lifting the colour. If you have a lot of tan to remove, soak in a bath with lots of lovely bath oil, and then get scrubbing with a flannel. Be prepared for a scary ring of tan around the bath.

My Ride-or-Die Fake Tan Products

I’ve tested a lot of tans over the years. These are the ones I always come back to, or fall in love with instantly. Stay tuned for more reviews too, as I have some new ones to test.

  • Vita Liberata The Mousse Tinted Lasting Tan Ultra Dark Review
  • Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse Ultra Dark* (use code REALLYREESPH for 20% off
  • Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan Review & 30% Off Discount Code
  • Self Glow By James Read Sunbright Tinted Tan Drops Review
  • Fake Bake Flawless Self Tan Liquid Review

My Top Tip – The Booster

I love tan. I always want to be tanned, and sometimes I want to take my fresh tan a step further, especially when I am prepping for an event! So after I have done a complete tan from scratch, the very next day after I have rinsed off the colour guide, I go in with a very generous layer of gradual tan (Gatineau Golden Glow).

This just takes my tan to the next level and literally leaves me feeling like a golden goddess. You don’t need to do this, but if you try it, you may never look back!

Final Thoughts

Fake tanning doesn’t have to be scary or high-maintenance, it just takes a little prep and the right products and hopefully this guide on how to apply fake tan will help. Once you find your rhythm, you’ll never look back.

Let me know if you give my routine a go, or if you have any tanning tips of your own.

Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada Vitamin Infused Body Lotion Review

 
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Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada Vitamin Infused Body Lotion Review

If you’re anything like me and obsessed with the iconic Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, then you’ll understand why I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the new Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada Vitamin Infused Body Lotion. The scent of Bum Bum is the smell of summer for me. It’s all about sunshine, beach days, and holiday vibes in a tub. So naturally, when I heard there was a lotion version with the same dreamy fragrance, I was very intrigued.

What is Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada?

What is Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada?
What is Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada?

The Body Badalada Lotion is part of Sol de Janeiro’s expanding body care collection and is designed to hydrate and visibly brighten the skin. It’s marketed as a lightweight lotion that still delivers on moisture:

  • Weightless second-skin finish
  • Formulated to soothe and nourish
  • Sinks in without stickiness
  • Infused with skincare ingredients to hydrate and lock in moisture
  • Features the iconic Cheirosa 62 fragrance

Offers

Sephora UK Discount Code

Exclusive Sephora UK discount code for 20% off

Dr Sam’s Free Gift With Purchase

Free Dr Sam’s Flawless Moisturiser Intense worth £22 with this exclusive code.

Key Ingredients

Brazilian Sugarcane – to boost surface hydration by drawing moisture into the skin

Hyaluronic Acid Blend – 7 different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to drive moisture deep into the skin’s layers

Cactus Pear Extract – rich in antioxidants to help protect from environmental aggressors, and Vitamin K

Brazil Nut Oil – rich in vitamin E and omegas 3 and 6, to help boost moisture.

Cheirosa 62 Fragrance Notes

Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada Fragrance
Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada Fragrance

Top notes: Pistachio, Almond
Mid notes: Heliotrope, Jasmine Petals
Dry notes: Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Sandalwood

My Review

My Review of Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada
My Review of Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada

As it has been pretty warm here in the UK recently, I have really been enjoying this new addition to the Sol de Janeiro line up.

Texture & Absorption: A Summer-Perfect Emulsion

The texture of Body Badalada is what really won me over. It’s a beautifully light emulsion that glides over the skin and sinks in almost instantly. There’s zero greasiness or stickiness and it just leaves hydrated, comforted skin with a silky finish.

Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada Texture
Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada Texture

I find it perfect for daytime use and I think it’s such a great product for the warmer months when you still want to moisturise but without feeling like your skin’s wearing a heavy coat. It leaves my skin feeling fresh, soft, and lightly scented, which is ideal post-shower.

Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada applied to skin
Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada applied to skin

The Scent

Let’s be honest, Sol de Janeiro’s fragrances are half the reason we’re here, and Body Badalada doesn’t disappoint. It’s infused with the same addictive Cheirosa 62 scent; think warm pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla. It’s just as delicious as the original in my beloved Bum Bum Cream, but perhaps a touch softer and more wearable during the day.

The scent lingers beautifully on the skin without being overwhelming. Just like Bum Bum cream, I absolutely love it.

Packaging

I really like the pump packaging this lotion comes in. It’s so much more convenient than a tub, especially when you’re in a rush or applying it to slightly damp skin after a shower. No messy lids or scooping, just a few pumps and you’re good to go.

Bum Bum Cream vs Body Badalada

As you probably know, I love the original Bum Bum Cream, and always will. That rich, bouncy texture is so luxurious, but I’ll admit, in the hotter months, it can feel a little heavy.

Body Badalada is a brilliant alternative if you want the same gorgeous scent and hydrating benefits, but in a lighter, more breathable texture. Think of it as the perfect summer swap. It is ideal for morning moisturising, layering with fragrance, or for anyone who prefers lotion over cream.

Final Thoughts

If you love Sol de Janeiro’s scents and want a hydrating body lotion that’s light yet effective, Body Badalada is a total winner. The formula feels like silk on the skin, delivers that instant softness, and smells like a summer holiday in Brazil.

In case you still haven’t discovered Bum Bum Cream, have a read of my Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream Review.

Where to buy it

Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada Vitamin Infused Body Lotion is £32 for 400ml and available now via the link below. Use code REALLYREESPH for 20% off

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