RUM Wrap Party Tubing Mascara Review – From Sam Chapman, Sali Hughes & Jo Jones

RUM Wrap Party Tubing Mascara Review – From Sam Chapman, Sali Hughes & Jo Jones

*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

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launches 18th July 2025

RUM Wrap Party Tubing Mascara Review -  From Sam Chapman, Sali Hughes & Jo Jones

A new mascara launch from our very own beauty royalty? Exciting. When I heard that Sam Chapman, Sali Hughes, and Jo Jones had teamed up to create a mascara, I was very excited and Sam sent it to me to try! Here’s everything you need to know about the brand-new RUM Wrap Party Tubing Mascara, including my full review, before and after thoughts, and comparison of both shades: Taxi (blackest black) and Inkwell (elegant navy).

What Is RUM Wrap Party Mascara?

What is RUM Wrap Party Tubing Mascara?
What is RUM Wrap Party Tubing Mascara?

The Wrap Party Mascara (£22, 6ml) is the flagship launch from RUM Beauty, a brand newly founded by legendary beauty insiders Sam Chapman, Sali Hughes, and Jo Jones. With decades of combined experience as makeup artist, journalist, and PR pro, these three know exactly what makes a mascara good, and more importantly, what makes one disappointing.

Wrap Party is their answer to the never-ending search for a tubing mascara that delivers fluttery, separated lashes without the smudge or struggle.

Key Features

  • Tubing formula: coats each lash in polymer tubes for long-lasting, smudge-proof wear
  • Vegan & cruelty-free
  • Available in shades:
    • Taxi: blackest black
    • Inkwell: elegant midnight navy
  • Precise brush for root-to-tip definition
  • No undereye transfer
  • Smudge-proof
  • Won’t crumble on the lashes
  • Easy removal with warm water – or balm/oil cleanser
  • £1 from every mascara sold goes to Beauty Banks

What Is a Tubing Mascara?

If you’ve never tried a tubing mascara, here’s the lowdown. Unlike traditional formulas that use waxes and oils (which can smudge), tubing mascaras use polymer technology to wrap around each lash. This creates “tubes” that stay put all day and slide off with warm water.

They’re especially great for:

  • Anyone tired of smudging, flaking, or hard-to-remove mascara
  • Deep-set or hooded eyes
  • Oily lids or rich skincare users
  • Contact lens wearers
My Review of RUM Wrap Party Tubing Mascara
My Review of RUM Wrap Party Tubing Mascara

I’ve been testing both Taxi and Inkwell, and spoiler alert: I’m a big fan. Here’s my full breakdown.

Application Video

Which RUM Wrap Party Tubing Mascara Shade Should You Choose?

The RUM Wrap Party Tubing Mascara comes in two stunning shades: Taxi and Inkwell, and while colour is the obvious difference, I’ve noticed that each formula delivers a slightly different lash effect too, which I absolutely love.

RUM Wrap Party Tubing Mascara - The Shades: Taxi & Inkwell
RUM Wrap Party Tubing Mascara – The Shades: Taxi & Inkwell
  • Taxi is your deepest black. It is intense, bold, and dramatic. It gives gorgeous depth of colour and a real punch of volume. If you love that instant impact, this is the one. It’s perfect for nights out, events, or whenever you want a lash that really shows up
  • Inkwell, on the other hand, is a beautifully elegant midnight navy. It gives a more fluttery, lengthened look which I think is super refined and wearable. It’s softer than black, but still defines the eyes beautifully, especially on my brown eyes I think. I find it ideal for daytime or for a chic, understated look,

Inkwell will be my one to go for a daytime lash, while Taxi brings all the night time drama. Both perform the same with no smudging or crumbling.

My Favourite?

RUM Wrap Party Tubing Mascara in Inkwell
RUM Wrap Party Tubing Mascara in Inkwell

I genuinely don’t think I own another navy mascara and I am so happy to have Inkwell in my collection. It is subtle but striking and gives that hint of colour that brightens the whites of the eyes, makes lashes look lush but soft, and adds a bit of an unexpected elegant yet edgy twist.

It pairs so beautifully with my REESON Beauty Lid Elixir in Toasted Cinnamon. The navy of Inkwell really plays off the warmth of the shadow. I’ll be reaching for this combo all summer long.

What’s the Wand Like?

RUM Wrap Party Tubing Mascara in Taxi
RUM Wrap Party Tubing Mascara in Taxi

The Wrap Party brush is just right. It’s slender and slightly tapered, allowing you to get right into the base of the lashes to lift, separate, and coat every lash evenly and it really gets into the inner corners.

It performs brilliantly on both top and bottom lashes, with no mess or smudges, which is a massive win.

How to Apply Wrap Party Tubing Mascara

You apply it like a traditional mascara but with one key tip. As works best with tubing mascaras, I like to layer it while it’s still wet to build up the volume, something that Sam, Sali and Jo recommend.

Because it’s a tubing formula, you don’t want to wait between coats. Just keep building until you get your desired level of drama. RUM say: Taxi builds beautifully for a bold, glam look, while Inkwell looks best with one or two elegant coats.

How to Remove It

As this is a tubing mascara, you don’t need anything fancy. Simply:

  • Soak lashes with warm water
  • Gently pinch between your thumb and finger, and the little tubes slide off

Personally, I’ve also used my regular oil/balm cleanser and it came off just as easily like a regular mascara. If you want to check out the cleansers I rate, read my Round up of Best Cleansers.

Wrap Party Mascara – Before and After

RUM Wrap Party Tubing Mascara Review - Before Photo
Before Photo

The below image shows Inkwell on the left and Taxi on the right:

RUM Wrap Party Tubing Mascara Review - After Photo
After – Inkwell on left and Taxi on right

Is RUM Wrap Party Tubing Mascara Worth It?

In a word: YES.

This is genuinely one of the nicest tubing mascaras I’ve tried and depending on which one you choose and how you apply it, you can achieve that lash-lifted, fluttery, clean glam look that so many mascaras promise but few deliver or you can build up for extra volume and full glam. I love that it comes in a Navy which is actually pretty rare shade!

Plus, I like knowing that £1 of every sale supports Beauty Banks.

Where to Buy RUM Wrap Party Tubing Mascara

This new mascara is available in 2 shades Taxi (black) and Inkwell (navy) it will be available directly from RUM Beauty’s website from 18th July 2025 for £22, with £1 donated to Beauty Banks per sale.

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Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash Longwear Blush Water Tint Review & Swatches

Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash Longwear Blush Water Tint Review & Swatches

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Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash Longwear Blush Water Tint Review & Swatches

I get excited about every new launch from VB Beauty and I know my readers do too! Here’s what you need to know about the brand new Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash Longwear Blush Water Tints.

What is Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash?

What is Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash?
What is Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash?

Brand new Victoria Beckham Colour Wash is a vibrant water-based blush
designed to last all day:

  • Waterlight tint – soaks into skin for a diffused bloom of colour that looks lit from within
  • Slow Setting Stain -innovative new liquid blush that offers ample playtime before it sets for the day
  • Longwear Watercolour Bloom – sheer tint creates a finish that remains vibrant throughout the day
  • Activated Water Technology – formulated with sea water sourced from the rocky cliffs of northern France for mineral-rich hydration
  • Available in three shades

Key Ingredients

Maris Aqua (Mineralized Sea Water) – has a unique mineral and microelement composition that is known to detoxify and energise the skin, for a luminous, clear complexion

Coconut Fruit Water – provides hydration and essential nutrients while its antioxidant properties combat free radicals

Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract – rich source of vitamin C and potent blend of antioxidants known to improve skin luminosity, texture and even overall skin tone

There are three shades in this collection to choose from:

  • Flushed – a sheer blush red and Victoria’s signature shade
  • Coral – a sheer warm coral
  • Vintage Rose – a sheer berry mauve

Here are the swatches of Coral and Vintage Rose:

Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash Swatches - Coral & Vintage Rose
Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash Swatches – Coral & Vintage Rose

How to use it

Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash and N.12 Brush
Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash and N.12 Brush

After playing around with a few different techniques, I’ve found the method that works best for me, and it’s definitely worth sharing.

Rather than applying straight to the face, I drop a bit onto the back of my hand, then use a brush to pick it up and work it into the skin. It gives you more control and stops you from over-applying. As it does stain, you might want to use a palette instead of your hand, but if you wash your hands quick enough, you should be OK.

If you buff or stipple gently, it melts right in without disturbing any base underneath. When I tried dotting it directly onto my cheeks over foundation, I found it could lift coverage slightly, so for best results, don’t apply directly from the dropper if you are wearing other makeup that you don’t want to move.

It blends out beautifully and layers easily if you want to build up more colour. The sheerness means you can really personalise the look, from a subtle flush to something a bit more “just-back-from-the-beach”.

My Review of Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash Longwear Blush Water Tint

My Review of Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash
My Review of Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash

I’ve been really excited to get my hands on the new Victoria Beckham Colour Wash Blush, and let me tell you straight away, it’s really good. If you’re into that sheer, fresh flush kind of vibe that melts seamlessly into the skin, then you’re in for a treat.

Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash applicator (Coral)
Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash applicator (Coral)

It’s designed to deliver a sheer, buildable tint to the cheeks with a light-as-air texture and a gorgeous, skin-like finish. The formula is ultra-light, completely translucent, and so skin-friendly. It’s like a soft veil of colour that lets your natural tone and texture show through. Perfect if you love blush that enhances rather than covers.

Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash applicator (Vintage Rose)
Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash applicator (Vintage Rose)

It comes in a sleek glass bottle (very VB) with a dropper-style applicator and an ultra-soft stainless steel dot dispenser, which feels super cooling.

Texture and Formula

The texture is like a watery serum that feels super light and hydrating. It glides onto the skin with zero drag and blends in seamlessly.

Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash Swatches - Coral & Vintage Rose
Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash Swatches – Coral & Vintage Rose

I love how it dries down to a second-skin finish. It’s not sticky, greasy, or powdery and it just gives that healthy, fresh skin. It’s incredibly flattering, especially if you’re looking to avoid the look of “makeup sitting on top” of your skin.

You don’t get any cakiness, and it doesn’t cling to dry patches or accentuate texture, instead, it almost melts in, so it’s perfect for minimal makeup days or for layering over skincare.

My Thoughts

Honestly, I think this is such a lovely product. It gives that just-pinched glow without any telltale texture or shimmer. It’s chic, effortless, and very much in keeping with that Victoria Beckham skin-first aesthetic.

The sheer tint is what makes it so special I think as it really allows your own skin to take centre stage, which makes it perfect for those no-foundation, off-duty days when you still want a bit of colour.

Plus, the skincare elements mean it almost feels like a hybrid product, somewhere between a treatment and a tint. If you are wearing foundation or bronzer underneath, just be sure to apply with a brush and gently stipple it over the skin rather than applying directly from the dropper, for minimal makeup disturbance.

Shade Favourite?

After Photo: Victoria Beckham Beauty in Vintage Rose
After Photo: Victoria Beckham Beauty in Vintage Rose

My top pick is definitely Vintage Rose and that’s mainly because I felt it worked over my foundation and bronzer more seamlessly and it’s such a pretty shade. I am also looking forward to mixing the two shades I have, for a custom colour and finish.

Victoria Beckham Colour Wash Blush Tint – Before & After

The before photo is just with a very light layer of the Jane Iredale Skintuition Foundation in shade 28 (review here) and a touch of my beloved REESON Bronzing Balm in shade Bronze.

Before Photo with foundation and bronzer
Before Photo with foundation and bronzer

And below is Coral on the left side of the photo and Vintage Rose on the right side of the photo. I love both shades but I think that Vintage Rose sits better over my makeup without disturbing it.

After Photo: Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash - Coral & Vintage Rose
After Photo: Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash – Coral & Vintage Rose

Final Verdict

I really do like this launch from Victoria Bekcham Beauty. It’s everything you want from a liquid blush. It’s sheer, hydrating, buildable and really allows your natural skin to shine through. It’s makeup that doesn’t look like makeup, and it manages to deliver a healthy flush without there being any visible product on the skin.

Yes, it’s quite a splurge at £44 for 6ml, but the quality it there and if you are already a fan of Victoria Beckham Beauty you will be used to that.

If you’re looking for something low-effort, high-impact, and totally foolproof, I’d definitely recommend giving this a try.

If you prefer a more mousse-like texture with a luminous matte, blurred finish, and a bit more skin perfecting coverage, I’d be silly not to recommend my own REESON Beauty Blush! It is £25.

Where to buy it

The Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash blush is £44 each and available now via the link below:

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Clinique Nude Honey Almost Lipstick Review & Swatch

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Clinique Nude Honey Almost Lipstick Review & Swatch

Let me introduce you to Clinique Nude Honey Almost Lipstick. I’ve been a long-time lover of the Clinique Almost Lipstick range, and like many, I really loved the cult-classic Black Honey. Then I tried the softer, Pink Honey, which I reviewed here. But now… there’s a new contender, and dare I say, it might just be my favourite of them all!

If you’re wondering how it compares to Black Honey and Pink Honey, I’ve got all the swatches, details and comparisons below.

What is Clinique Almost Lipstick?

Clinique Nude Honey Almost Lipstick
Clinique Nude Honey Almost Lipstick

Before we get into the gorgeousness that is Nude Honey, here’s a quick refresher.

Clinique Almost Lipstick is one of the brand’s most iconic formulas. It’s not quite a lipstick, not quite a balm, it’s that perfect hybrid of sheer colour, lightweight texture and a softly sheeny finish.

It’s incredibly flattering, super easy to apply (no mirror needed!), and has a cult following for good reason. If you’ve tried Black Honey, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

Clinique Nude Honey Almost Lipstick – My Review

First Impressions

Clinique Nude Honey
Clinique Nude Honey

As soon as I opened the tube, I knew I was going to love Nude Honey. The bullet looks like a rich, warm nude, almost caramel-toned, but as with all the Almost Lipsticks, the real magic happens when you apply it.

Clinique Nude Honey Swatch
Clinique Nude Honey Swatch

On the lips, Nude Honey transforms into a sheer, peachy-bronze tint that enhances your natural lip colour beautifully. It has that same “your lips but better” effect as Black Honey, but with a softer, more sun-kissed feel.

Texture & Formula

The formula is, as always, dreamy. It glides on effortlessly, giving a sheer wash of colour that builds slightly with each layer. It feels hydrating but not sticky and is like a nourishing lip balm in an elegant lipstick format.

This is the kind of product I can swipe on during the day for a polished, understated look, or pair with bronzy eyes (namely my REESON Lid Elixir in Toasted Cinnamon*) and glowing skin for a summery evening vibe.

Nude Honey vs Black Honey vs Pink Honey

If you managed to catch my previous post you’ll know that Black Honey was a firm favourite. It’s a deep berry tint that somehow suits everyone. Then came Pink Honey, a soft, muted pink that’s perfect for spring.

But now? I truly think Nude Honey is the best of the bunch. It’s the most wearable for every day, and it brings that subtle warmth to the face that just makes you look more alive.

Here’s a quick comparison:

  • Black Honey – rich sheer berry
  • Pink Honey – soft rosy pink
  • Nude Honey – sheer peachy nude

Swatches – Nude Honey, Black Honey & Pink Honey

Here are the swatches so you can really see the difference in tone:

Clinique Nude Honey Swatch
Clinique Nude Honey Swatch
Black Honey & Pink Honey Swatches
Black Honey & Pink Honey Swatches

You can see how Nude Honey has that golden, bronzy warmth. It’s perfect for enhancing a summer tan or giving your complexion a little lift.

Final Thoughts

Black Honey has always been my favourite, but I think Nude Honey has just topped it. If you’re after something low-maintenance, flattering, and a bit different to your usual nude lipstick, this is a must-try.

It’s the kind of lip colour that works with any look, from barely-there makeup to full glam.

Where to Buy Clinique Nude Honey Almost Lipstick

You can find Clinique Nude Honey Almost Lipstick at all major Clinique retailers. It is available now via the links below:

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Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025 for Glowy, Protected Skin | SPF Skin Tints Round-Up

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If you’re looking for the best skin tints with SPF, you’re in the right place! I’ve tested so many over the past few months, and I’ve pulled together a list of the top performers that truly deliver on both glow and protection. Whether you want sheer coverage, a radiant finish, or skincare-meets-makeup multitasking, these tinted sunscreens are absolute standouts.

Best Tinted Sunscreens

Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025
Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025

From lightweight tinted mineral SPFs to hydrating serum-style tints, here’s the best of the best, all tried and tested by yours truly.

Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50

Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: Dr Sam's
Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: Dr Sam’s

Best for: Skincare-first makeup lovers
SPF: 50
Finish: Dewy buildable coverage

If you’re after a skin tint with SPF that actually feels like skincare, this is it. Dr Sam’s always nails the formulas, and Gossamer Tint is no exception. It is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and kind to sensitive skin. The tint gives really good coverage but skin still stays looking like skin.

Read my Dr Sam’s review here.

MERIT The Uniform Tinted Mineral SPF 50

Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: MERIT
Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: MERIT

Best for: Everyday minimalist makeup
SPF: 50
Finish: Soft satin

I was so excited to try this one, and it didn’t disappoint. It has a silky and smooth texture. It is liquidy but not overly runny and it feels very creamy on the skin. It leaves a second-skin finish that’s slightly blurring but not heavy.

My full Merit review is here.

Naked Sundays SPF50 Peptide Foundation

Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: Naked Sundays
Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: Naked Sundays

Best for: Full coverage SPF lovers
SPF: 50
Finish: Glowy

This is one of the most makeup-like products in the round-up, so if you want SPF with coverage, this one’s a winner. The texture is really nice. It is thin and liquidy and spreads over the skin effortlessly. It feels super lightweight on the skin yet is really hydrating and comfortable and is boosted with peptides, so ideal for mature skin.

Check out the Naked Sundays review.

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF30

Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: ILIA
Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: ILIA

Best for: Dewy, plumped skin
SPF: 30
Finish: Super dewy

This is one of the OGs of the tinted SPF skin tint category and still a top pick. It’s packed with skincare ingredients (niacinamide, squalane, hyaluronic acid), and gives such a hydrated finish. Ideal for dry or mature skin andI think this gives a good medium coverage. You can build it up, but it gets dewier the more you apply, so I actually prefer a light layer for more of a weightless feel.

See my ILIA review with swatches.

Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF50

Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: Ultra Violette
Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: Ultra Violette

Best for: High SPF meets radiant sheer coverage
SPF: 50
Finish: Luminous and sheer

This one is a game-changer if you love glowy skin. It has a serum-like texture and gives a hint of coverage and feels ultra-light. It is the perfect base if you want to skip foundation and just use a touch of concealer, as it gives you really juicy, healthy looking skin.

Check out my full Ultra Violette Future Fluid review.

Kopari Bright As Day Sheer Mineral Sunscreen

Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: Kopari
Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: Kopari

Best for: A no-makeup day with a natural glow
SPF: 50
Finish: Sheer and glowy, yet not slippery or shiny

I was really surprised by how much I loved this one! It’s super lightweight, blends in beautifully without any chalkiness, and leaves skin looking fresh and dewy. It’s not overly tinted but gives a soft blur, just enough to even everything out. And although it gives a glow, it actually feels fairly matte on the skin, which is great for the hot summer months.

Read my full Kopari review here.

Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF50

Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: Kate Somerville
Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: Kate Somerville

Best for: Glowy skin with added skincare benefits
SPF: 50
Finish: Illuminating

This is one of the most glow-boosting and perfecting SPFs that doesn’t technically have any coverage that I’ve tried. It has lovely skin perfecting pigments that subtly improve the appearance of your complexion without actually delivering any coverage as such. It layers well over skincare or under makeup. Perfect for dry or dull skin days!

Read my Full Kate Somerville HydraKate SPF50 review.

Final Thoughts: Which Tinted Sunscreen is Best for You?

If you’re wondering which skin tint with SPF is right for you, here’s a quick summary to help narrow it down:

Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint, MERIT The Uniform, and Naked Sundays Peptide Foundation all give the most foundation-like finish, with proper coverage and a more polished look. ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint also offers impressive coverage and that perfected-skin feel, although it’s SPF30 rather than SPF50.

If you prefer a more lightweight approach, Ultra Violette Future Fluid and Kate Somerville HydraKate don’t offer much coverage as such, but they do a brilliant job of smoothing and perfecting the look of the skin, making them ideal for no-makeup makeup days.

For a sheer tint Kopari Bright As Day is a great choice even if you have oily skin. It evens and warms up the skin tone ever so slightly, with a soft radiant finish that surprisingly feels quite matte on the skin. It’s great if you want something minimal but still fresh and glowy looking.

Whatever your preference; high coverage, dewy glow, or sheer and natural, there’s a tinted sunscreen here to suit your skin and your style. And remember, whichever one you choose, always apply enough for full protection (and don’t forget to reapply if you’re out and about!).

Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam Review- Ultra Dark Shade

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Bondi Sands

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Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam Review- Ultra Dark Shade

As summer has arrived and my obsession with fake tan somehow deepens, I couldn’t wait to try the new Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam?

What is Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam
What is Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam
  • Develops into a rich tan in one hour
  • Powered by the brand’s proprietary Colourblock Accelerator
  • Innovative formula creates a thin, protective barrier that works to ‘seal’ your tan and prevent colour transfer
  • Light and replenishing formula with glycerin and conditioning coconut oil
  • Uses a guide colour for effortless application
  • No added fragrance
  • Even fade

My Review

My Review of Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam (shade Ultra Dark)
My Review of Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam (shade Ultra Dark)

If you’ve read my Fake Tan Tips post, you’ll already know I’m super picky when it comes to tanning products. As someone who is naturally very pale, it takes a lot for a tan to impress me, especially when I’m looking for that deeper, darker glow. So when I saw the Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam had launched, I had to give it a go.

Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam pump packaging
Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam pump packaging

Easy Application with a Built-In Colour Guide

One of my favourite things about this tan is how easy it is to apply. The foam formula glides over the skin effortlessly, and the colour guide is excellent. It makes it really easy to see exactly where you’ve applied the product, so there’s no risk of missing patches, which is ideal if you’re not a seasoned tanner.

Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam Texture (shade Ultra Dark)
Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam Texture (shade Ultra Dark)

No Nasty Smell

Another major plus is that it doesn’t smell. I have tried a lot of tans, and while the classic fake tan scent doesn’t offend me at all (always willing to overlook it it for the sake of a tan) I didn’t notice any scent really, even when I wore it for longer than the one hour I was supposed to wear it for.

My First Try – Breaking the Rules (A Bit)

The first time I tried the Ultra Express Foam, I actually went a bit rogue which is not unusual for me when it comes to fake tanning. I applied it all over my body, but instead of washing it off after one hour as instructed, I just washed my hands and left the rest on overnight to see what would happen.

In the morning, I rinsed it off and was so pleased with the result. It gave me a really natural, even tan, not overly developed and not a hint of orange. That tells me the product probably does all the hard work within that first hour, and there’s really no need to leave it on for any longer. It’s genuinely one of the few express tans I’ve tried that actually delivers in the promised time.

The Second Try: Testing Depth on My Legs

Legs can be so tricky to get right, especially if you’re pale like me. So for round two, I applied two coats just to my legs and left it on for one hour, exactly as directed. After rinsing off, I was really impressed. The colour was deeper and more even, but still looked natural. It’s rare for an express tan to give this kind of result that quickly, but this one definitely does.

Why I Love It

Here’s the thing; most express tans don’t give me the colour I want in the timeframe they claim to. I nearly always end up keeping them on way longer (which kind of defeats the point of a quick tan). But Bondi Sands Ultra Express Ultra Dark honestly gives me the glow I want in just one hour.

That said, if I’m being really picky, for an Ultra Dark, it could be darker, especially compared to some of my favourite overnight tans. But because it actually works in just one hour, I’m letting it off! The convenience and ease more than make up for it, and it still gives a really lovely, rich colour that looks great on the skin.

This is a game changer if you’re like me and often find yourself with an outfit in mind, but no time to prep a full tan routine. You know those moments when you want to wear the little dress or shorts, but your skin tone says otherwise! With this, you can tan and rinse in the space of an hour and carry on as if it was always in the plan!

Great Value for Money

Another bonus? It’s significantly cheaper than a lot of premium fake tans, but the performance is impressive. You don’t need to use loads of product, and because you’re not leaving it on overnight, it’s so quick and efficient.

Final Thoughts

I am definitely impressed with the Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam in Ultra Dark. It’s easy to apply, gives great colour payoff fast, and is perfect if you need a tan in a hurry. I’ll definitely be keeping this in my beauty arsenal for last-minute plans, holidays, and any time I want that deep, bronzed glow with minimal effort.

If you’re in the market for a new express tan that actually does what it says and doesn’t break the bank, this is absolutely one to try.

Quick Tips Recap (for Best Results)

For more on getting the perfect tan every time, don’t forget to check out my How to Apply Fake Tan Like a Pro: Tips from My Go-To Routine blog post which includes:

  • Why I always choose Ultra Dark shades
  • My skin prep
  • How I maintain a streak-free tan for days

Where to buy it

Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam is £19.99 for

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