Who doesn't want a celeb-style golden glow? We know we do! So we asked James Read to give us the lowdown on how to get the skin of the following stars:
Kate Moss: To achieve Kate's look go for a bronzing spray (L'Oreal Paris Express Pro Spray, £7) and layer on in 2 fine layers. (If you want to go darker then apply a 3rd fine coat 1 hour later.) Leave on for 8-12 hours or if you want a lighter colour wash off after 4-5 hours. The great thing about this spray is that it's clear so it allows you to tan and go. Moisturiser daily as skin can dyhdrate in the A/W months and remember to exfoliate after 3-4 days so your tan fades evenly. TIP: Tan-and-go? Post-tanning brush some bronzing mineral powder under your armpits and breast, over the skin and even on the face this will soak up any sweat and keep your tan in tact.
Coco Chanel: CC revolutionised tanning in the 20's after she was photographed leaving the beach – ever the trend setter women started to embrace the tan. I call this the 'Off White Tan' - to achieve this look mix a tea spoon of self tan with your moisturiser and apply with a tanning mitt, this will pop some colour onto the skin but wont be too noticeable. Repeat this process over 2 days, this will be slightly lighter than a gradual tan. Remember to moisturise the hands, feet and elbows as if you are doing a normal tan.
Elizabeth Taylor: Cleopatra was the first film that really embraced the bronze look. Elizabeth’s skin glowed like it was bathed in candle light. To achieve this look go for a gradual tan (Sienna X Extend And Perfect Gradual Tan, £15.95). To add more warmth to the skin, apply a natural skin toned bronzer on the cheekbones, shoulders and decolletage, Guerlain's Terracotta range is great for matching most skintones, then use a bronzing brush to glide across the skin for a subtle highlight.
Marilyn Monroe: Her skin was always bathed with a golden illumination that never looked fake. (This sheeny finish will be big next summer so you’ll be one step ahead of the game). For this look you need to use products to add definition to the skin to make it look ‘photo ready’ rather than ‘tanned’. To achieve this look go for a liquid tan (He -Shi Liquid Express Tan, £33 is perfect) leave this on for 6 hours for a lighter look and after you have washed it off apply a thick moisturiser to your skin (I love Sisley Confort Extreme Body, £77 but Jergens do a great one too, £3) this will help the light reflect and give your skin that fresh look. For that light reflecting sheen to the body, glide a gold metallic product (Model Co Shimmer Airbrush Illuminator , £7.50 is perfect) with a buffing mitt to the front of the legs and side of the arms. Remember not to apply to much, you don't really want to see it on the skin, only when the light hits the skin.
Victoria Beckham: When we thinking of self tanning, Victoria Beckham always comes to mind! She has had different looks over the years (ahem!) but nowadays her tan always has a luxury look to it. This is achieved by using a product that is hydrating on the skin, Xen Tan Absolute Luxe, £29 mixed with a little moisturiser and left on for 7 hours gives the perfect finish. Once you have applied the tan to your body and face, rub a small amount of moisturiser onto a brush then brush into the hair, over the wrist, around the ankles, this will make sure the tan looks natural. TIP: Before you apply tan to the face rub a ice cube over the face first to seal the pores.
Find out more about Jame's work at TheTantalist.com
