Becky St tropez

Embrace the Tan,
But Don't Be a Fake

It is no wonder why people in hotter climes are more passionate and body aucourant. I heard a whisper that at one point, around the end of June, it was hotter in Cornwall than in Portugal – probably not a first, but impressive all the same.

Our sun-dappled summer has revealed a widespread change in mood across our shores. We are exercising more, because it is pleasant to walk rather than take the caror board public transport; dressing more body-consciously, in winter the thought of removing our comfortable tights would fill us with horror, but being scantily clad is now a necessity; and plenty of parties and events have moved from dilapidated, bedimmed sites to sun-drenched courtyards, rooftops and gardens. I even watched a World Cup match alfresco last week, at a Calvin Klein fragrance launch in Berlin – probably the most stylish football crowd everseen.

The thought of exposing one’s limbs, décolleté, back and (for the brave) middles could have some reaching for the ‘fake tan,’ but we wouldn’t put it quite like that.

Michelle Feeney, CEO at St. Tropez, thinks it ridiculous to refer to a tan as fake, because it becomes a part of you: ‘it is actually less fake than an eye shadow, or lipstick, and you don't say you are bringing out fake lips or fake eyes. 

Fake implies that something is inferior, which we certainly know is true when it comes to a tan; especially now we are more aware of the harmful effects of sun exposure.

SPF creams are referred to as 'sun-protection' rather than 'sun-tan lotion,' and my circle of friends would always use at least an SPF 30 when exposed to the sun. Gone are the days we coated ourselves in oil, returning from a two-week break with visible lines outlining the exact shape ofour bikini. Hello to the days you can achieve that same look safely; with St.Tropez’s bespoke service at Debenhams – take with you a dark bikini and an expert will spray over the top, leaving behind sexy, fashion-inspired tan lines that were also seen on Carolyn Murphy in Tom Ford’s sunglasses advertising campaign.

On one of last month’s more barmy evenings Diesel held a cocktail party at Village Underground, an amazing rooftop space in East London. The palm trees decorated space was the ideal location for me to show off my ‘3-D’ tan. First showcased at the Louise Goldin and Marios Schwab shows, during London Fashion Week, this deep, defined finish is far from one-dimensional: a combination of products can help you achieve this look, try Everyday Body or Wash Off Mousse; and layer St Tropez’s NEW Skin Illuminator Cream to add dimension by highlighting.

For the second year running London’s Sanderson Hotel is holding a summer music evening every Thursday in July and August. Up-and-coming talent, play in the hotel’s courtyard. Tonight I’ll be heading there to watch 20-strong girl group Gaggle perform. A smattering of St. Tropez’s Wash Off will give me the non-committal ‘Pop Princess’ boost I’m looking for.

Diesel Cocktail Party at Village Underground
St.Tropez
sttropez


    Visit the St. Tropez Store