How To Fake A Winter Glow At Home
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How To Fake A Winter Glow At Home

Of course, a tan is synonymous with summer, but that doesn’t mean the right amount can’t do wonders for winter skin, too. With the right products and textures, a gentle faux glow can boost your look and feel overnight. From easy-to-use mousses to silky mist sprays, St Tropez’s impressive offering remains one of the best out there when it comes to achieving natural results. Here, we take you through some of their top products and sets, while tanning expert Michaella Bolder shares her best application tips. Plus, SheerLuxe readers can get an exclusive 20% OFF when you sign up to the St Tropez newsletter. Simply use the code SHEERLUXE20 when purchasing.

CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ST TROPEZ

Self-Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse, £49 

BEST FOR: Novices & Phobes 

One of their most iconic products, this soft mousse melts into the skin for a foolproof tan that lasts at least five days. The best bit is how easy it is to build up – lightweight in texture, you can layer it up gradually without risking really intense pigment, so it’s ideal for those seeking a subtle colour. We love the addition of jojoba, too, which hydrates and conditions skin at the same time. A great stocking filler for anyone wanting to experiment with fake tan, or those looking for a natural finish. 

MICHAELLA’S TOP TIP: “Before you use this, or any other tan, make sure you prep your skin thoroughly. It sounds obvious but it bears repeating – especially if you’re a tanning novice. Our limbs become drier in winter, so exfoliation is key. Do this every three to four days before applying your formula, and when you have self-tan on, too. It will help keep your skin smooth, slough off any dead skin cells and maintain a healthy colour with zero break-up or patchiness. It’s a constant process, but so worth it.” 


Available here

Gradual Tinted Duo, £24 (was £30)


BEST FOR: A Slow Build-Up

A great gift for anyone, this gradual tinted duo really takes the edge off ‘pale, lacklustre’ skin, thanks to its warm, golden tint that develops within days of application. A great option for the winter months, and also for those who want some control, it builds up gradually, allowing you to keep layering or stopping when you’re happy with the colour. It isn’t sticky, either and dries down within minutes – you won’t even know you’ve got it on. 

MICHAELLA’S TOP TIP: “Even when you’re using a gradual tan lotion, you should moisturise your skin thoroughly beforehand. Look for formulas that contain aloe, and always avoid products with oils as these break down the colour. Focus the moisturiser on typically dry areas like the hands, wrists, elbows, knees and feet. After applying your colour, opt for a cream with shea butter and apply it every day after your shower to boost your tan’s longevity.”

Available here

Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse, £33


BEST FOR: Speedy Results

For those seeking quick results, this one-hour developer is for you. Apply it onto clean skin using a mitt and wait for it to develop before rinsing it off in the shower. If you’re after a deeper, more vacation-like glow, leave it on for an extra two or three hours to develop more. The best bit? There’s no biscuit-y scent and it won’t leave you sticking to your clothes or bed sheets, either.

Available here

Best-Sellers Kit, £38


BEST FOR: Regular Tanners 

If you or someone you know is a die-hard tanner, look to this best-selling kit for Christmas. With both a tanning mousse and remover, it has everything you need to cleanse, prep, prime and boost colour fast. Plus, a little goes a long way, so you’ll be able to use these for months on end. We love how naturally the colour of this mousse fades, too, and how good the remover is evening out patchiness.

MICHAELLA’S TOP TIP: “This set is a must-have for those who tan regularly. It also comes with a mitt, which is essential for applying a fresh layer of tan. Even if you’re using a body lotion, always use a mitt. It’s the easiest way to buff colour in for an even and flawless finish – hands and fingers just won’t cut it.”

Available here

Self-Tan Purity Bronzing Water Mousse, £31


BEST FOR: Zero Stains

This Purity Bronzing Water is a bestseller for good reason. Lightweight with a clear water-to-foam texture, it blends easily for great coverage and promises zero patchy stains. Massage it into skin using big circular motions – starting from the ankle up – and expect to see a very gradual glow build up over four to eight hours. A great option for those with fairer complexions, as the colour is quite subtle.  

MICHAELLA’S TOP TIP: “It’s key you switch up your tanning products come winter for a more hydrating formula, like this one. Brimming with vitamins and hyaluronic acid, this does so much more than give good glow – it offers hydration that lasts for days, so patchiness and streaks are far less likely to occur.” 

Available here

Self-Tan Purity Vitamins Bronzing Water Body Mist, £31


BEST FOR: A Dewy Glow

This mist makes it easy to amp up your tan without worrying about overdoing it. Simply spray a few pumps over your face and body for a light, gradual glow. It’s great for all skin tones and anyone in need of a hydration hit will love it, too, as vitamins C, D and hyaluronic acid work together to nourish and brighten. 

Available here

3-In-1 Bronzing Powder, £15


BEST FOR: Easy Sculpting

For some easy definition and colour, opt for St Tropez’s 3-in-1 Bronzing Powder. Use a big, fluffy brush and swirl it into all three colours before buffing the different tones onto your cheekbones and anywhere else the sun would usually hit. Run a little over your neck and décolletage, too, for extra warmth and glow. A must-try for anyone that likes a gentle, year-round tan.  

Available here

Shop the products at UK.StTropezTan.co.uk
 

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