For this month’s The Beauty Thread, we’re talking all things tan with our Brand and Campaign Manager, Harri.
For my Beauty Thread feature in the Glow Down month, I thought it was only right to share my tanning routine. After many years struggling with orange bed sheets (sorry mum!) biscuit base aromas and turning myself green (yes, this actually happened) at the age of 27, I think I’ve finally nailed it.
STEP ONE – PREP
Normally on an evening when I have time or the morning of an event if I’m not in the office, I always exfoliate with a body brush on dry skin followed with a body scrub. A tip I learnt a while ago is to apply the body scrub on to dry skin, then wash off in the shower. It’s a bit cold, but it really is more effective.
Sometimes, like tonight, I’ll apply a face mask while I’m dry brushing! Talk about multi-tasking!
STEP TWO – RINSE
Make sure you remove all of the body scrub and any excess oils. This Soaper Duper Zesty Lemon Body Scrub is really great as it doesn’t leave a residue that will interfere with your fake tan formula. Plus, it’s gentle enough for sensitive skins!
STEP FOUR – PAT DRY
I dry myself off with a rough towel and make sure my skin is completely dry! Some people like to moisturise dry areas (elbows, knees, etc.) but my skin is on the oilier side so I find this step isn’t necessary!
STEP FIVE – TAN TIME
I choose a tan dependant on the look I want. At the moment, I’m using a new mousse from Bondi Sands, which gives a full-on gorgeous bronze tan. I start from my feet upwards and make sure I take my time so I don’t leave any patches. Always apply with a good quality mitt that’s soft on the skin and doesn’t allow the product to seep through the material. Something similar would be the Dr Organic Moroccan Glow Dark Self Tan Mousse.
If I want a lighter tan or maybe don’t have as much time, I’ll use one of these other options from St Tropez. The Gradual Tan Tinted is ALWAYS in my stash, I’ve kept repurchasing it after trying it on a whim. The other formula is a new launch from the brand (look out for it in a box soon!)
I go over my hands with the remainder of the product, this way you don’t run this risk of orange hands!
STEP SIX – FACE
Face tanning formulas are so advanced now that you really don’t have to worry about clogging your pores with heavy products. I give my skin a deep clean and follow with my regular skincare routine, then spritz the St Tropez Self Tan Purity Face Mist over the top. It’s super lightweight and leaves a very soft glow. You can even spray it over makeup!
STEP SEVEN – ENHANCE
I leave my tan to develop overnight, then wash off in the morning. I like to apply one of my favourite body creams from Penhaligon’s to keep my skin hydrated and my tan looking extra glowy and enhanced. You could also use Dr Organic Moroccan Glow Body Lotion Tan Extender and Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Body Lotion.
STEP EIGHT – MAKEUP
For a totally seamless, natural looking tan, it’s important that your foundation shade matches your body. I always have at least two foundation shades to achieve this; one neutral toned and one very warm that I can drop in. Of course, always followed by one of my favourite bronzers. Bring the bronzer down to your decolletage if you need to adjust the shade.
To help your tan last as long as possible, the key rule to remember is to moisturise as often as you can once you’ve fake tanned. This will ensure skin remains soft and supple without going dry and thus making the tan patchy. Three to four days after application, start your exfoliation process to ensure tan wears way naturally. If you want to extend the look of your tan, add some gradual tanner into your moisturiser to revive the sun kissed glow. If your tan is fading patchy, you can remove it by using the Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser.
