Get your glow-on during balmy lockdown
The lockdown weather has been brighter and - dare I say it - warmer and I for one am glad of some nice relaxing garden time. Home manicures and pedicures, as well as tans, are the new normal and as well as baking the standard banana bread, the one thing I have been consistently doing is tanning, faux of course. Ireland is one of the biggest consumers of the bottle bronze in the world and as a self-confessed tanimal, I am here to give you the good news.
A brand I was unfamiliar with for home tanning is White to Brown. I am glad to say that quarantine has made me infinitely more familiar with the brand (which has a tan for everyone, no exaggeration). The Skin Polish (€10.75) is an invigorating skin cleanser and exfoliator that helps to gently remove impurities from the skin. Natural sweet almond shell beads gently smooth and boost the skin. The scent is delicate yet has a touch of luxury to it.
Here are my top picks for the tans:
White To Brown, Self-Tanning Lotion Light (€19) is a nourishing and lightweight formula that creates a natural, buildable tan. The skin-boosting benefits of cocoa butter, shea butter and vitamins C and E result in brighter, more glowing skin. This is perfect for someone that likes to look natural and it works well with mature skin.
White To Brown, Self-Tanning Mousse Medium and Dark (€24) is easily absorbed and velvety soft. The rich mousse formulation creates exceptionally long-lasting results and a deep golden colour. It’s infused with skin-boosting aloe vera and vitamins C and E to support brighter more glowing skin and aid an even fade. It dries quickly and will develop quickly. Mousse is always my preferred method.
White To Brown, Self-Tanning Water Medium (€24) is a refreshing new way to tan as the translucent tanning water gives a radiant, natural looking tan. This is great for the days you want to tan for a night ahead but don’t want to be obviously tanned through the day.
If tan isn’t your thing, then you must check out Clarins’ latest collection, Sunkissed. Each year they launch a summer collection with limited edition treats for your makeup bag. The Summer Bronzing Compact (€44) is a beauty, with three beautifully versatile matte bronzing shades that can work on your face or body, individually or with a big brush swept over the luxe compact. After use, your skin is supple and moisturised and your complexion looks so sunkissed! And with its new collector packaging with coloured mosaic decoration, it will be your new, on-the-go summer essential!
The cult SOS Primer in #08 Pink Pearls and #09 Amber Pearls (€31) will offer your skin a flawless base, with a glazed glow. Now you can care for your skin and enjoy the prettiest complexion! Choose between rosy or amber reflections, for the perfect sunkissed glow.
Twist to Glow is a 2-in-1 healthy glow powder for eyes and cheeks. In three punchy shades, this powder magically illuminates these two areas for a tailor-made summery, glowy look. Its texture and its packaging will surprise you. This innovative little gem has a small grid which ‘grates’ and transforms the solid texture into an ultra-fine powder. Customised and adaptable, to suit every desire, it can be applied anytime, anywhere. Easy to carry around and easy to use, it’s the perfect travel or handbag companion!
Finally, try the Lip Twist Duo! This colourful felt and topcoat balm enhances lips in just two steps. On one end, the tint-effect felt tip stains lips with warm colour. On the other, the balm tip enhances colour and adds sparkle and shine. Its plus? A unique ‘bare lip’ feel thanks to a texture as light as water.
With its precise application, it’s the perfect piece of kit for quick touch-ups on the go!