Back in 2019, Vogue Williams set about creating a fake tan empire, and boy did she hit the ground running. The Grazia beauty team can personally attest to the fact that the tan hits the sweet spot, with countless fake tan loyalists outside of the office claiming it as their new go-to.
It's clear that Vogue was born to be a business woman. She's shrewd, strong, and on the money when it comes to locking down the perfect formula. Her eponymous fake tan line Bare by Vogue Williams hits the mark in terms of natural-looking colour and easy-to-use formulas, and considering her quest for perfection in its production, it's of little wonder.
Here, Vogue talks to Beauty Editor Annie Vischer about her career journey, from day dot waitressing in her teens, to standing at the helm of Bare by Vogue Williams. Plus, Vogue gives us the scoop on her 10 must-have beauty essentials that will see her through winter.
On Her Career Journey
‘I’ve worked every job under the sun, from waitressing in my teens, to clocking hours on a construction site in London (I have degrees in quantity surveying and construction). I modelled on the side and starred on reality TV in Ireland. This led to appearances on UK TV and my big break was on Bear Grylls’ Mission To Survive.'
On Turning To Tan
‘I’ve used fake tan since my teens. I remember walking into school at 14 with orange hands! I was due to be the face of another tanning brand (luckily I hadn’t signed a contract) when my now-business partner approached me with the idea of launching one. We went back and forth with different formulations until it was absolutely perfect.’
On Her Winter Beauty Essentials
‘Make-up wise Charlotte Tilbury, Estee Lauder, and Bobbi Brown are my favourites. Clinique Moisture Surge, £25, is really great to keep your skin hydrated and even in winter I lather my face with factor 50,' Dr Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF50, £110, is her SPF of choice.
Shop: Vogue's 10 Winter Beauty Essentials
Vogue Williams' Favourite Buys
1 of 10Bare by Vogue Williams Self Tan Foam in Medium, £21.25
'Essential for the winter months when I'm feeling pale!'
2 of 10Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, £58
'One of my forever faves, this is so good for when your skin is dry. It also brightens your skin when you're hungover - I'll be needing this over Christmas.'
3 of 10asap Daily Exfoliating Facial Scrub, £32
'I use this gentle exfoliator two to three times a week to keep my skin looking bright.'
4 of 10Dr Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50, £110
'Even in the winter months, I lather my face with factor 50.'
5 of 10001 Skincare Alpha-Glow Flash Facial, £68
'This serum is amazing, I use it in the morning.'
6 of 10Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto Replenishing Hydrator, £25
'This is really great to keep your skin hydrated.'
7 of 10Medik8 Natural Clay Mask, £29
'I always do at-home facials. While you can't beat a real facial, this mask works really well. I'm also a big fan of a sheet mask.'
8 of 10Larry King Liquid Hairbrush Conditioner, £23
'Larry King has absolutely nailed it with his shampoos and conditioners. I love the product and LOVE the packaging. It's great if you have dry hair like I do!'
9 of 10Bare By Vogue Face Tanning Mist in Dark, £13.50
'You will never catch me without a layer of this on my face.'
10 of 10The Body Shop Born Lippy Pot Lip Balm in Raspberry, £2.50
'I have a slight addiction to this lip balm.'
On The TV Factor
‘The only hindrance about being well-known and going into a venture like this is that people question your motives. I don’t want people to think I’ve jumped on a bandwagon for the sake of a page-entry, the range is something I love and believe in. I try to be super honest with everything that I do, and I’m incredibly proud of Bare by Vogue.’
On Lessons Learned Along The Way
'If I could have given myself one piece of advice at the beginning of this venture it would have been to have more patience. Arriving at the perfect tan formulation, for example, takes so much time. Big changes to a formula would take 40 weeks. The feeling when you arrive at the perfect product, though, is absolutely amazing. I'm so proud of this, and I never thought I'd feel like that. I just have so much focus on it. As a brand and an idea it's constantly evolving, it's so exciting.'
READ MORE: How To Fake A Winter Glow At Home According To Vogue Williams