Christmas countdown: go forth and tan!

No I’m not talking a weeklong fry in the sun, but rather a fake bake at the hands of a trained professional. This makes even the greyest of days – I’m talking to you, Auckland city – feel festive and summery, and does wonders when it’s time to peel the layers off. Not only do you look like you’ve just had a week in Fiji, you also have a beautiful even skintone and don’t even need a smidgen of make up – although a matte coral lip looks pretty damn perfect if you’re like me and just can’t leave the house with a slash of lippy (I love Shiseido’s Perfect Rouge in OR418). In my opinion, Auckland’s best place for a tan is Beauty Within, where the spray gun is wielded with great dexterity by the lovely Wai. The product used is St. Tropez, which always guarantees a beautiful natural shade with zero hint of the Oompa Loompa about it. Beauty Within recently moved to a stylish new home at 88 Franklin Road and Wai is in the process of rebranding and unveiling some beautiful new treatments and product ranges - watch this space!
For at home bronzing, I’m currently trialling St. Tropez Everyday Perfect Legs (pictured) for a summer of bare legs that won’t blind the family picnicking near me on the beach. The packaging of this ultra-rich, innovative tanning duo is quite unique, and combines a nourishing gradual self-tan and a flawless finish of instant bronze especially for the legs in one sleek tube. Formulated with soothing Aloe Vera and Aromaguard fragrance technology, Perfect Legs will leave your legs with a gorgeous, sun-kissed tan that lasts. With two separate pumps in one bottle, you can achieve the tan you desire – whether it be a soft, gradual tan that builds up each day, or an instant, immediate colour that provides a flawless finish for that special night out. I’m talking to you, New Year’s Eve! To use, apply the smoothing gradual tan lotion (white pump), sweeping it from toes to upper thighs in light, even strokes. For immediate colour, follow with the instant tan (black pump), sweeping again from toes to upper thighs. And as with any instant tanner, wash hands after use. Get out there and get glowing – and Merry Christmas xxox