Sienna X Tan Review

Joy unconfined - look what this little fake tan junkie got in the post on Thursday!!

I had only ordered this two days before from the official Sienna X website http://sienna-x.co.uk/retail.php so was very impressed with the swift service. I purchased shortly after the price hike so I got it for the sum of £21.00 (plus £1.99 p&p). I usually buy Xen Tan at between £28 and £35 depending on which product, so this didn't seem excessive to me. 

The bottle is an eye-catching Barbie pink and has a good pump dispenser, unlike the new Xen Tan Perfect Blend Custom Colour dispenser (but more about that in a later review).Oooh - teaser!

This self tan contains 8% DHA (the ingredient which makes your skin change colour). I generally "double dip" (apply twice) anyway as I like a strong colour. The added bonus is that it also contains an "anti-cellulite formula to help tone and smooth your skin". Well hello! Who wouldn't want a bit of that!

The product is what I would term a classic fake tan – you apply, leave on overnight and wash off in the morning.

Anyway, like any true product addict, I had to try this immediately! Sienna X recommend using rubber gloves to apply. I am used to using mitts, but I wanted to play by the book and get the max out of the product, so I snapped on my gloves and assumed the tanning position!

So, here were my initial post application thoughts:

• The consistency of the lotion is quite "wet", in comparison to say Xen Tan Dark Lotion or Xen Tan Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe which are both slightly thicker and browner initially. I would say it is probably a similar consistency to Famous Dave's Tan with Bronzer. This isn't a bad thing and may be due to the anti cellulite ingredient. It does feel moisturising when you apply the product on your skin.
• the smell is pretty strong - yet not unpleasant. Kind of like bubblegum I think, although  the official description is coconut vanilla. HOWEVER - after an hour this smell dissipated and it started to smell a little "fake tanny" (aka "the biscuit smell" or "wet dog" as one of my exes delightfully referred to it). I am used to fake tanning though so the smell doesn't put me off and I have smelt worse (L'Oreal Subllime Bronze you know who you are!)
• It needs a good rub in (as with most tans) but seemed to take longer to dry and stayed sticky for longer than I would have liked. Again this may be due to the wetter consistency. 
• Post application my skin had a nice deep colour and sheen, but this may be because it is remained slightly tacky almpst two hours after. Next time I will give myself a blast with the blow dryer! I did, somewhat recklessly, use it on my face (hmmm silly me - not like I have cellulite on my face!) but I probably wouldn't do that again as the colour is so dark. Although that does mean you only need a tiny bit!

Now - I did take a leg comparison shot (one leg tanned and one looking pasty) but on reflection I feel that might be a little inappropriate for public consumption. Suffice to say there was a considerable difference as this product has a guide colour so you get an immediate hit of the tan to come. 

NEXT DAY:

I wrote my original review on Thursday when Blogger went down so I now have the opportunity to post my final thoughts on Sienna X :

• the colour is very good - natural and deep. I personally wouldn't have to double dip unless I wanted to look like Katie Price. 
• The tan does transfer onto sheets - but thats standard for a "guide colour" fake tan. The hunt for one that doesn't transfer continues!
• If there was one negative it is the smell - despite the gorgeous original scent it ends up giving the usual "giveaway" fake tan smell even after two showers.

Overall I would definately say Sienna X is a really good fake tan - will see how it lasts. Xen Tan really only lasts 3 days max on me - if Sienna X has better lasting power I can see myself converting!

Let me know your thoughts on Sienna X.....

Until next time .............. xo