ST Moriz Fake Tan mousse - £2.99
Well we did say anything to do with Irish Dancing. Believe me we have tried everything from Fake Bake to spray tans and tanning products from £2.99 to £35.
St Moriz apart from the dodgy name is a really good product for dancers whether on a budget or not. When applied with a glove it goes on well, has a good colour and doesn't have the streak issues that sprays have.
Colour develops within 4-6 hours and some will come off on the sheets but washes out. We recommend a pair of PJ's if doing this at night.
It recommends you can top-up or darken 3-7 days after first application, and we were surprised at how long the tan lasts compared to more expensive brands like L'Oreal and Boots No7 at approx £17 and £20 respectively.
So far we have found this is Semi-Chem, Savers and Home Bargains at £2.99
St Moriz apart from the dodgy name is a really good product for dancers whether on a budget or not. When applied with a glove it goes on well, has a good colour and doesn't have the streak issues that sprays have.
Colour develops within 4-6 hours and some will come off on the sheets but washes out. We recommend a pair of PJ's if doing this at night.
It recommends you can top-up or darken 3-7 days after first application, and we were surprised at how long the tan lasts compared to more expensive brands like L'Oreal and Boots No7 at approx £17 and £20 respectively.
So far we have found this is Semi-Chem, Savers and Home Bargains at £2.99
Swarovski Crystals - Hotfix or non-hotfix?
Images coming soon
So whats the difference? One you use a 'kandi cane' heat applicator to fix, the other you use glue.
Right but also WRONG
Personally we prefer the non-hotfix crystals for brightness and sparkle even if it gets a wee bit messy at times, and make sure you use the right glue.
So whats the difference? One you use a 'kandi cane' heat applicator to fix, the other you use glue.
Right but also WRONG
- The hotfix crystals whilst in theory simple to fix can be a bit 'risky' if you make a mistake with the applicator on the other hand if you make a mistake with the non-hotfix then you should be able to remove the glue with cold water and not stain the material.
- Hotfix crystals appear to have a silver foil backing and non-hotfix a platinum foiled backing making them brighter - pictures will follow
- Sometimes you can re-use non-hotfix crystals, hotfix ones whilst more secure don't take to being removed and re-applied.
Personally we prefer the non-hotfix crystals for brightness and sparkle even if it gets a wee bit messy at times, and make sure you use the right glue.
Swarovski Crystals, 2028 or 2058?
Image coming soon
Originally Swarovski produced brilliant cut crystals, then it created Swarovski elements and the 2028 brilliant cut flat back crystal we all know and love and have been using for the past few years.
Now Swarovski has decided to phase out the 2028 style in favour of the new 2058 cut.
Whats the difference? Well the 2058 has a smaller centre face and consequently more cuts/facets at the sides. This gives it more 'bling' factor, and it does. Most suppliers are up front about 2028 or 2058, however if you are repairing a dress I would recommend you buy some spare 2028s now, and if you are adding to a new dress, make sure you get 2058s otherwise you will end up with 2 different types of crystal in the near future.
The older 2028 is on the right, the new 2058 cut is on the left.
Originally Swarovski produced brilliant cut crystals, then it created Swarovski elements and the 2028 brilliant cut flat back crystal we all know and love and have been using for the past few years.
Now Swarovski has decided to phase out the 2028 style in favour of the new 2058 cut.
Whats the difference? Well the 2058 has a smaller centre face and consequently more cuts/facets at the sides. This gives it more 'bling' factor, and it does. Most suppliers are up front about 2028 or 2058, however if you are repairing a dress I would recommend you buy some spare 2028s now, and if you are adding to a new dress, make sure you get 2058s otherwise you will end up with 2 different types of crystal in the near future.
The older 2028 is on the right, the new 2058 cut is on the left.
Feisfayre - Small dress bag
For around £40 you can purchase a small dress bag from Feisfayre and have it embroidered.
The bag itself is compact but capable of taking most dresses other than a really large senior or one with major stiffening in the front. This makes it ideal for traveling on aircraft and hanging over the back of your chair at a feis.
The bag comes with an integral handle of good sturdy quality and a shoulder strap. On the outside rear is a full size pocket which holds a good amount of gear, and inside this at the top in easy reach is a small zip pocket for kick pants tiaras etc.
This bag is as good as any I have seen to date, if I had one request it would be to swap the elastic bar holder for a velcro one like the old 'Dancing in Celtic' ones which makes it easier to swap the dress in and out.
Verdict: Best buy As a bag 4/5 with the embroidery and at the cost 5/5
The bag itself is compact but capable of taking most dresses other than a really large senior or one with major stiffening in the front. This makes it ideal for traveling on aircraft and hanging over the back of your chair at a feis.
The bag comes with an integral handle of good sturdy quality and a shoulder strap. On the outside rear is a full size pocket which holds a good amount of gear, and inside this at the top in easy reach is a small zip pocket for kick pants tiaras etc.
This bag is as good as any I have seen to date, if I had one request it would be to swap the elastic bar holder for a velcro one like the old 'Dancing in Celtic' ones which makes it easier to swap the dress in and out.
Verdict: Best buy As a bag 4/5 with the embroidery and at the cost 5/5