All about: keeping that glow going all winter long

I’m a self-confessed connoisseur of the faux glow, and have tried pretty much every formulation out there - with varying degrees of success. It is still the safest tan out there for tanning at any time of year, and with New Zealand skin cancer rates constantly on the rise it’s time to pick a formula that works for you rather than baking under what are some pretty damn dangerous rays. There’s certainly a slim chance of getting a tan during the New Zealand winter as well, but if you want to keep that glow on all year round then playing with a self-tanner is a sure fire way to achieve that goal.
One of the most popular brands on the block is Australian runaway success story Bondi Sands, who continue to innovate and create a multitude of tanning options at super affordable price points. Their products seriously delivered, but I know a few people that chose not to use the brand due to concerns about sustainability and the like. And the brand clearly listened, with the end result was my favourite line from them ever: PURE.

Bondi Sand’s most conscientious self-tanning range yet, PURE is packaged in ethically sourced, 100 per cent recyclable packaging to limit the impact on our environment. PURE’s packaging is made from ethically sourced, 100 per cent recyclable plastic with zero metal to limit the impact on the environment, meaning you can simply place your product into the recycling bin once you’ve finished.
Formula-wise, the range combines the iconic Bondi Sands glow with a carefully chosen collection of skin-loving ingredients, including Hyaluronic Acid for hydration, Vitamin C for radiance and Vitamin E for repair. The purpose of each of the ingredients has been identified on the packaging to highlight the transparency of this range, and it’s also vegan, cruelty, fragrance and sulphate free. Love that.
The range includes a Self Tan Foaming Water, Gradual Tanning Lotion, Self Tanning Drops, Self Tanning Sleep Mask and Self Tanning Face Mist, and I’ve fallen hard for the first two in particular. I was totally intrigued by the idea of the Foaming Water, and have to say I’m now a fan. Available in Light/Medium and Dark, it is dye free and gives a really warm, bronzy glow in about six hours. It doesn’t need to be washed off, and it comes with a first to market foam application and zero metal foam head, that is 100 per cent recyclable and made from recycled materials. Despite wanting to, don’t shake product as the air in the bottle is required to create the perfect foam texture for ease of application. You apply it straight to your bod and then blend using an application mitt, for a fool proof glow. It goes on clear and doesn’t transfer, and the fact that it has no tell-tale smell gets a big tick from me.
I always say that if you’re nervous about self tanners, start by making a gradual tan your friend. Not all are created equal, but the new PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion is an absolute winner in my books. Fast absorbing and also hydrating, I use this straight out of the shower and it literally disappears in an instant. Enriched with the aforementioned skin-loving ingredients, it can be used on its own to build a natural glow over a three day period with daily application, or use it in conjunction with your favourite self tanner to maintain your glow long after it usually starts to fade.

Get prepped
This is an essential if you’re looking to fake bake. The first step to perfecting your tan is to prepare your skin by exfoliating, which ensures there are no flaky bits or patchy areas that will get in the way of a smooth, even finish. I love Bondi Sands’ Coconut & Sea Salt Body Scrub (above), which contains naturally-derived exfoliants including Australian sand and sea salt to gently buff away dull, dead skin cells. Coconut husk and Walnut Shell also work to effectively remove impurities, leaving skin soft, smooth and free of oily residue. The oil-free formulation is also self tan friendly, with gentle cleansers to effortlessly wash away residue and leave skin feeling smooth, soft and ready for your tan application.
If you prefer a mitt, the Bondi Sands Exfoliating Mitt will help remove old self tan and do thorough prep on your skin. Just remember to use the blue side for removing mistakes and the black side for exfoliating.

Apply in style
Some prefer to take care of the whole thing with a clean hand, but I love the brand’s Application Mitt to get the job done right when you’re using foams, lotions and mists. The soft fibres effortlessly apply self tan across your skin while keeping your hands stain free. It’s also washable and reusable, and dries well before you need a new application. Oh and if like me, you prefer to apply tanner solo, the Bondi Sands Back Applicator (above) is a godsend. The soft foam applicator has been cleverly designed to provide even coverage, and it conveniently folds away for easy storage and travel.
If an instant self tan like the brand’s GLO One Day is your go-to then don’t go without the Bondi Sands Body Brush. The head is curved to mold to the contours of your body while the dense hairs create a beautifully buffed finish every time. Not only is it small enough to pop in your makeup bag for on-the-go application, it’s washable and reusable – and essential to ensure a smooth and flawless application of any Bondi Sands lotions, foams and mists.
Bondi Sands is available at Farmers, Chemist Warehouse, Unichem and Life Pharmacies, and comes highly recommended.