Bronze Age: The New Self-Tanner With Skincare Benefits That Give A Natural Glow

What’s the first tanning brand that comes to your mind when you think of self-tan? We’d bet good money that it’s St.Tropez. After all, it's the OG of self-tanning products – the brand that put faux bronzing on the map back in 1995. And not just for the nostalgia stakes (once a die-hard fan, always a die-hard fan) but for the fact the products tick our three tanning boxes without fail, reliably delivering a uniform, natural, and long-lasting bronze. So, when the self-tanning hero launches a new, innovative formulation that pairs high-tech skincare with those reliable bronzed-limb results, well, that’s something worth shouting about…

Well-seasoned self-tanners and first-timers alike, be prepared to fall hard and fast for St.Tropez’s new Purity Vitamins Bronzing Water formulae, which come in both a Body Mist, £31, and a Face Serum, £22, which give skin a natural, golden tan. The kind of sun-kissed glow that – once upon a pre-lockdown time – would have friends asking how your weekend to the South of France was.

This isn’t your average bronze-in-a-bottle situation. The new vegan friendly products combine complexion-boosting ingredients like hydrating hyaluronic acid alongside brightening vitamin C and D boosters, which work to mimic the feelgood effects of spending time lounging in the sun (Aperol Spritz optional) without the harmful UV rays. Suitable for all skin types including those with sensitive skin, both the Body Mist and Face Serum are a doddle to apply (simply spritz over or massage into skin, blending in with the St.Tropez Luxe Tanning Mitt), buildable (go for a second layer if you want to deepen the shade) and leave skin feeling soft and supple in seconds - the body formula develops in 4-8 hours while the face serum takes 4-6 hours, but the formula dries pretty instantly, meaning you can go about your daily routine once applied. As for the scent, they essentially smell like a tropical holiday, bottled. Yes, really.

To hear more about the products – including their clean beauty credentials (with bottles made from recycled plastic and 100% natural tanning actives) – plus tons of expert tanning tips, watch our IGTV video with Celebrity facialist and St.Tropez Tanning & Skin Finishing Expert, Michaella Bolder.

For medium to darker skin tones, or for fair skin tones looking for a deeper week-in-Barbados bronze, take your pick from these cult classic St.Tropez must-haves. Tried, tested and loved by the nation over, they tick those aforementioned three tanning boxes and give a deep, rich glow. Remember, skin prep is key to a long-lasting, even tan – so make sure to gently exfoliate and moisturise the skin (particularly those tell-tale areas like the elbows and ankles) prior to application. But otherwise, you’re good to glow…

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READ MORE: The Very Best Self-Tanners For Your Face, Whatever Your Skin Type