Always at the forefront of self-tanning innovation, the latest duo from ST Tropez does more than add a faux glow to the skin; it offers skin-firming and hydrating benefits simultaneously. Editor Trudi Brewer shares some summer essentials.
For a tan brand that launched in 1996, it transformed that Oompa Loompa orange into what looks like a real, holiday-looking glow. All thanks to its innovative green-based formula (designed to deliver a natural-looking faux glow), which set it apart from the competition. Fast-forward to 2023, and the innovations keep coming. For light, medium, and deep skin colourings, here are this summer’s must-haves, self-tanning serums for your face and body.
St.Tropez SElf Tan Luxe Body Serum, $80.
The active tan in this serum is 100 per cent naturally derived and blended with gold-standard ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5. This body serum also has a new ‘collagen-enhancing complex’ that hydrates, firms, and smoothes the skin, reducing redness and protecting the skin’s barrier. At the same time, that natural streak-free, sunkissed glow that lasts for days and fades evenly is left on the skin. And if it could get any better, the tropical scent is a subtle blend of magnolia, mandarin, jasmine, vanilla flower, wild cocoa musk, tonka bean, and sandalwood.
HOW TO USE: While this is a brilliant body hydrator, it should be treated like your self-tan for application. Always exfoliate first, especially on dry areas like knees and elbows. Then, with a mitt, starting at your feet, apply with long sweeping movements like a body lotion for a streak-free finish. There is no transfer with this tan; I find the best time to apply this serum is in the morning, and then wear it for eight hours, and your tan will develop over the course of the day. Pictured here ST Tropez Dual-Sided Velvet Luxe Applicator Mitt, $16.
ST TROPEZ SELF TAN LUXE TAN TONIC DROPS, $55.
Infused with the same 100 per cent natural tanning active and potent hydrating and soothing skincare ingredients like niacinamide hyaluronic acid. As well as echinacea acerola cherry vitamins C and E. With this self-tan, you can apply a few drops directly to the skin or mix with your favourite moisturiser or serum morning or night as a complexion booster.
HOW TO USE: The best thing about tanning drops is that you can use them as much or as little as you want, depending on the depth of tan you're trying to achieve. To build up a deep tan before a holiday, apply daily. If you're going for a subtle, healthy-looking glow, cut back to using it once a week.
ST TROPEZ SELF TAN BERRY SORBET MOUSSE, $80.
What better advocate than Sports Illustrated model Ashley Graham to sell the virtues of the mousse self-tan? "I just feel like I just left a vacation when I have a tan… you're well-rested, you have more energy," Graham moons. We agree. This summer, not only will you have a seamless tan, but your senses will be revitalised, too. The brand’s Iconic Tan now comes in a new irresistible berry sorbet scent, as well as being foolproof and natural-looking regarding results. It is enriched with vitamin E for giving skin that hydration it craves while delivering a beautiful, even-looking faux glow.
HOW TO USE: There is an art to apply mousse self-tan, and it all starts with clean, exfoliated skin. Then moisturise those dry spots. Always use a mitt to get a seamless finish, and the tan won’t stain your hands. Leave the tan to develop for four to eight hours before rinsing it off - this is when you get the most natural-looking golden glow.
My top tanning tips
The active ingredient in all self-tanners is dihydroxyacetone (DHA); it tints the keratin on the outside layer of the skin. So, to get a seamless tan, your skin needs to be well-exfoliated to avoid dry patches. Here are my best tanning tips.
Moisturiser dry spots
Your tan is only as good as the condition of your skin. So, it's crucial to moisturise dry areas only (like ankles, feet, knees, elbows, wrists, palms) to prevent them from soaking in too much tan. The rest of your skin should be dry and free of oils or lotions to maximise the effectiveness of the self-tanner. Do you have light hair or eyebrows? Put moisturiser over your brows and around your hairline when tanning your face.
Always use a tanning mitt
After prepping your body, apply self-tan in long strokes using a mitt. Once you use a tanning mitt, you will only tan with it. Your skin needs to be completely dry to absorb the product, so no self-tanning right after your shower; step out of your steamy bathroom and wait 10 minutes. Work on one section at a time, applying the tanner in light, long vertical strokes. Then, use the excess sparingly to apply feet, ankles, knees, elbows, neck, face, and the backs of the hands last.
How to maintain your tan
To keep your tan fresh as long as possible, moisturise your skin daily. Dry skin is the enemy of a faux tan; that's why it can appear patchy or uneven. Also, remember that self-tan is not an SFP; always apply sunscreen daily on your face 365 days a year and on your body when under those damaging UV rays.
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