Lululemon Athletica convert/number one fan

I have just completed a workout at Barry’s Bootcamp London in what can only described as a leg and bum wonderbra.

I think it has finally twigged that Lululemon Athletica gym wear is not just about looking stylish, it’s about feeling awe to the some.

I picked up this pair at Equinox gym in High St Kensington, but the yoga brand’s busy flagship store in Covent Garden boasts a more extensive range, and some tasty pics of one of their ambassadors Faisal Abdalla.

I’ve always loved gym gear and, if I’m honest, my investment has always been in that rather than the hours actually spent exercising it.

I’ve tried to slum it in H and M which is fine if you don’t mind stopping to hike your leggings up mid-tread session. I do enjoy a Barry’s Bootcamp vest too, purely for the tube journey there and the nods of, “She must be fit if she works out there.” Don’t burst my bubble, in my mind this happens.

I’m a fan of Nike designs too, and until now thought they were all I needed. But everything changed when I slipped on my Lululemon bad boys.

You will only understand when you try them for yourself. Everything was sucked in and supported in all the right places and, for once, my booty was pointing in the right direction. Always a plus.

They’re thick enough to hide the VPL and sweat, yet breathable enough to not pass out as you try and keep up with the other bootcampers.

Just brilliant brilliant BRILLIANT. Only downside is, I can’t just keep washing the same pair so I will need to go buy some more.

These cost £75. They’re not cheap, and I’m not rich. But my God I’m rocking it.

Whack it on the credit card baby. Hit. Me. Up.

Lancome fake tan fail

After spending my teenage years working in a tanning salon, I understand the dangers of sunbeds more than most.

However, my natural skin shade is blue, so fake tan has become a necessity in my life.

I’ve tried most brands, within differing price ranges, and although I’ve never been happy with any of them, I have been satisfied.

I’ve been using St Tropez mousse recently and it gives a nice even coverage, although doesn’t fade quite so evenly.

Now for my rant.

I went to House of Fraser in Richmond a few weeks ago to replace my St Tropez and was told rather helpfully they didn’t stock it.

No Fake Bake either, which was my second option. But wait, the guy at Lancome insists they sell THE best fake tan ever – Lancôme Flash Bronzer cue his sales pitch.

The culprit

Gorgeous “creamy” colour, no smell, no streaks, he uses it all the time (he was the palest Scotsman I’d ever come across). I was taken in as I always am and shelled out the £18 or whatever it was for the 125ml tube.

Now I know how to fake tan, believe me. I know to exfoliate, to moisturise, to spread it on thinly, to use a tanning mitt, yada yada. Trust me, I know.

I also know this product is USELESS. Reviews online call it a best seller and worship the ground it walks on, but it is a pile of pants. Here is the honest truth…

It is an awful shade, really orangey. Not at all natural.

You can’t see it going on so you streak very badly.

Your hands will look ridiculous when you’re finished.

After 3 showers (2 with a scrubbing brush), I could still smell it seeping from my pores, as could my fiancé who refused to come near me.

I’ve tried it twice since and the same thing has happened both times time without fail.

I will never re-buy this product. Ever.

As a result of using it, I can also tell you that nail varnish remover, make up wipes, baby oil, bicarbonate of soda and exfoliating does not get rid of a bad case of fake tan.

You’ve just got run the course, only come out at night, or wear long sleeves in the sun.

I’d give it a 1/10 purely because it smells nice when you begin putting it on. That’s it, the only plus.

Make-up counter staff, bloggers, website review writers…do us all a favour and hit us with some honesty?! I’m sick and tired or buying overpriced fake tan miracle products that end up sitting in my cupboard because they make me look like a jaundiced orangatan.