The Bite Magazine - issue 16

MADAME LALA SELF TANNING Founded by American-Brit Nicole Dash Jones, this brand has taken LA and its celebrities by storm. Inspired by Malibu Beach, Hollywood and the whole health and wellbeing lifestyle, this self-tan- ning skin care product combines tanning, slimming and anti-ageing all-in-one. Its special combination of CocoWater together with Aloe, Green Tea and Vitamin E helps to hydrate, detox and slim while working as an anti-ageing formula for the skin. No wonder it is such a great success.The products we tested in the range were the Self Tan Mousse and theWest Coast Face Bronzing Serum. The Mousse has a lovely coconut scent and the brown colour of the mousse makes it easy to see where to apply and blend. The tan absorbs easily into the skin and develops quite quickly after appli- cation leaving the skin feeling soft and hydrated with a gorgeous healthy glow before developing into a natural tan. Ideally the tan will last three to four days, and should be reapplied at least twice per week.TheWest Coast Face Bronzing Serum is a very dark colour that helps to make it visible when applying. In reality when it dries, the tan is very natural indeed and needs at least three to four applications per week to maintain a nice healthy glow. The serum also has a coconut scent and benefits of Vitamins A, C, E and CQ10 for anti-ageing, cellular renewal and collagen boost. Both tans are easy-to-apply and they both fade away without leaving nasty patches on the skin, and can be used day or night as desired. Available at Selfridges, Fenwick Bond Street and Fenwick nationally, and online at www.madamelala.com www.lookfantastic.com www.beautyexpert.com www.hqhair.com www.feelunique.com www.urbanoutfitters.com www.selfridges.com www.superdrug.com EQ EVOA AUTO BRONZANT Inspired by the surfing lifestyle and a passion for natural and sea preserva- tion, this is an all-organic self-tanning lotion for the face and body. Infused with organic Shea Butter and Beeswax, this lotion hydrates and nourishes the skin while delivering a natural glow that blends in with natural skin colour and therefore can be used three to four times per week. Its lovely fruity aroma is delicate and pleasant. I found it best to use during the day to get that very natural city glow and is also perfect for touching up to prolong your tan after your holiday is over. www.ecobeautyshop.com STEP 1: EXFOLIATE Exfoliate the whole body the night before. Exfoliation eliminates dry, dead body cells allowing new ones to come up and leave skin much softer and more hydrated. The tan will therefore look smoother, more even and less patchy. STEP 2: MOISTURISE Applying a good moisturiser with high hydration straight after exfoliating pre- pares the skin for a longer lasting tan as the skin is less flaky and dry. Make sure you moisturise well especially the driest areas of the body such as heels, knees and elbows. Apply a bit of Vaseline over nails and eyebrows to avoid colouration of the cuticles or hair. STEP 3: TANNING Apply the tan to clean skin. I find it easier to start from the legs and work my way up, finishing with the face. Spread the tan by massaging in circular move- ments and working upwards. It is easier to use coloured lotions as it enables you to see where the tan has been applied. Cover the whole body well, keeping the tan very light on the driest parts of the skin such as the knees, elbows and heels. These tend to darken more and faster. Make sure you rinse your hands imme- diately after application and wait at least five to ten minutes for the tan to fully dry before dressing up. STEP 4: MAINTAINING THE TAN Keep moisturising the skin in between sections to help the tan stay on longer. This also allows the skin to be well hydrated and keeps the tan smooth and less flaky. Re-apply the tan as needed. Any patches or excess colour can be removed by exfoliating every other day. Remember whilst tanning gives you a lovely bronze and tanned look, it does not give protection against UV rays so always use sun protection lotion when sitting, walking or lying in the sun. STEP-BY-STEP TAN ROUTINE bite beauty