He-Shi Express Liquid Tan

I had the opportunity to try the He-Shi Express Liquid Tan and my findings have been nothing but positive:

I used the exfoliator from the range first of all as exfoliation is KEY!!  And then followed with this liquid tan... I followed the instructions and it said to apply it after using the exfoliator without moisterising, however if you do have particularly dry elbows and knees then just to moisterise these areas.  I didn't bother and went straight in with this.

I applied some of the lotion to the mitt and at first I was very hesitant!  The best way I can describe the consistency and colour is that it is similar to balsamic vinegar.  BUT when I applied it first to my arms I was very pleasantly surprised. The colour pay off you see instantly but it's fairly subtle and quite golden.  It does develop though so I didn't but more 'coats' on.  I just left it as is.

Here was my arm after application:

Considering how pale I was to begin with this is fab for just one application!  And it developed slightly darker!

The application was very easy... the mitt done all of the work.  I did get a bit slap happy though and spilt a little bit of it on the bed... it is quite runny so be careful of that!  It did wash out without staining so that's a plus point...

So far so good... AND it gets better...

I am going to make a direct comparison here to St Tropez fake tan as that's my most used brand.  I prefer the bronzing lotion but the thing I dislike about it is the washing it off bit.  If I apply it at a night before I go to bed, I HAVE to shower the next morning.  If I'm going anywhere that is.  Even if I just wash my face and brush my teeth I get hideous lines from where I've washed excess off so I have to shower.  Although showering is advisable with this He-Shi liquid tan, it's not essential.  I also found that when I showered the water just had a little hint of a yellow/brown colour to it rather than the distinctive mucky colour the water goes after St Tropez.

This not having to wash it off factor really sways me... I guess it's a personal thing but I just find it a faff to shower... I have long hair and I have to then dry it again etc and if I don't need to shower I prefer not to!  

Other notes to consider about this fake tan is the smell... upon application I didn't smell that 'fake tan' smell at all but I could smell it the following morning when I got up.  It doesn't bother me and it wasn't strong but I just thought I'd mention this point because I know there are fake tan smell haters out there!!  Hehe!

Oh... AND I used it at night then went to bed... no rub off on the sheets :))

Now for the fade off bit... I've continued to use both the exfoliator and the moisteriser from the He-Shi range and the fade off has been fairly steady.  It faded on my face first but I still had a little bit colour 4 days later after just one application.  On my body it faded in the usual areas first... under arms and the crease of my arms and the top of my foot.  (My usual areas at least!  Top of my foot ALWAYS fades early!)  But day 5 and I still have colour on my legs, arms and chest although my chest area has less.

For the purposes of this review I only done one decent application to see how it lasts but since reviewing it this way I've found the best way for me to use this is one application on day one and then day three another application.  That way it seems to last longer, fade off is delayed and the colour is perfect for me.  I tried a second application on day two but it was too much for my liking.  

Sorry about this lengthy post but just jump to the bits of interest!  I try to be thorough when trying out new products; in particular when it comes to a brand you may not have heard of or tried before!