The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2026 - Issue 39

bitebeauty GRADUAL GLOW TANNING SERUM by ODYLIQUE A chieving a sun-kissed facial glow used to mean compromising your skin’s health, often due to UV exposure. The Gradual Glow Tanning Serum acts as a high-performance skincare treat- ment first and a self-tanner second. This innovative formula delivers a beautifully subtle, buildable natural glow while actively nourishing your skin. The story behind this formula is rooted in a desire to create a product for sen- sitive skin while challenging conven- tional beauty standards that rely on harsh chemicals. The founder, Margaret Weeds, is an aromatherapist, herbalist, and a pioneer of the organic beauty movement in the UK. Back in the 1980s, she and her family suffered from severe eczema and highly sensitive skin. She began formulating her own natural rem- edies using herbs and plant oils. In 2003, she teamed up with her daughter, Abi Weeds, to turn these family remedies into a business called Essential Care, which later rebranded as Odylique in 2014. Their vision was to bridge the gap be- tween advanced biotechnology and tra- ditional skincare wisdom, proving that you can achieve a bronzed look without compromising your skin’s natural biolo- gy. They focused heavily on safety, clean sourcing, and cellular wellness to create a product entirely safe for delicate skin. This formula uses a pure, plant-derived version that reacts seamlessly with the skin’s surface to create a natural sun- kissed effect. The base of the serum re- places regular water with hydrating rose water and soothing aloe vera to provide an instant flood of moisture. To enhance the skincare benefits, it includes Agave Extract to support the skin’s natural microbiome and stim- ulate the cells’ own hyaluronic acid production. The serum is also enriched with smoothing Phytocollagen (plant collagen) to improve elasticity, anti- oxidants and advanced plant peptides that work in sync with the skin to boost natural Eumelanin synthesis. I truly enjoyed this dual combination and love the lightweight, quick-absorbing texture of the serum, which absorbs beautifully without leaving any sticky residue or heavy film. Thanks to the inclusion of prebiotics and phytocollagen, the skin remains plump, deeply moisturised, and visibly smooth, completely free of dry, patchy spots. Furthermore, because it is entirely fragrance-free and dermatologically test- ed, it provides a completely streak-free finish that is safe even for the most sen- sitive and easily irritated complexions. I really love Odylique Serum. Because I am allergic to most self-tanners, I can use this repeatedly without any issues. I can layer it effortlessly as desired, with- out worrying about skin reactions. I am loving my sun-kissed skin, finally, and it looks great. To ensure this tanning serum looks absolutely flawless, smooth skin prepa- ration is essential. The night before applying the tan, gently exfoliate your skin with a mild chemical exfoliant, then follow up with a simple oil-free hydrating or lightweight lotion to lock in baseline moisture overnight. For a deep- er, bronzer look, the Tan Serum can be applied undiluted: apply a few drops to your palm and spread evenly as needed. For a gentler, sun-kissed glow and fair skin, the serum can be mixed with any moisturiser of your choice by adding two to three drops, blending them into a uniform cream, then massaging it over the face and neck. In all honesty, I mixed the serum with one of my body lotions and applied it all over my face. I was pleased with the results and ended up with beautiful skin, free from damaging synthetic tanning chemicals, unpleasant smell, orange streaks, and dry complex- ion. Instead, my skin looked healthy, fresh, and glowing with a gorgeous, natural tan. For better results, here is another tip: After about two consecutive weeks of constant use, skip a few days and let the tan fade naturally before gently exfoli- ating and starting fresh. This will avoid product accumulation around the hair- line or jawline, leaving your skin looking consistently radiant and beautifully sun-kissed. www.odylique.co.uk