Hat: c/o Sole Society l Swim Top: Splendid l Sunglasses: Wildfox l Sandals: Joie

I’ve been chasing after the perfect tan since my early teens, despite being fully aware of the harmful effects prolonged sun exposure can have.  For some reason our culture associates tanned skin with youth and health, and pasty, pale skin just doesn’t seem to cut it. But with more sun burns than I would like to admit and a serious skin-cancer scare, I have quickly learned my lesson in being sun-smart, and now turn to alternative solutions for achieving a beautiful, sun-kissed glow.

I’ve spent the last few weeks testing out some of the latest tanning and bronzing products, and am happy to share my favorites that are sure to become must-haves in your summer beauty regime. Are you ready for the best faux-glow you’ve ever had? Continue reading below for my reviews on this summer’s hottest bronzing products.

(Rings: c/o Rox ‘n’ Bunny)


St. Tropez Self Tan Luxe Facial Oil
It’s no secret  I love facial oils, and this facial tanning oil is no exception. Totally mess free, fast absorbing, and residue-free, it’s the perfect way to achieve a safe, sun-kissed glow on your face. It’s recommended to use 2-3 drops all over the face, but I found that 4-5 is a better ratio for being able to blend it in well. It’s a dry oil and absorbs quite quickly, so brisk circular motions when applying will achieve the best results. St. Tropez products are renowned for eliminating the tell-tale signs you’ve been using self-tanner, and the familiar smell of DHA is virtually non-existence thanks to notes of essential oils that cleverly disguise any odours. I’ve been using this product every couple days to maintain a tanned complexion and it continues to deliver a totally natural appearance day after day.


St. Tropez In Shower Tanning Lotion
The idea of applying self-tanner in the shower defies all odds for me,  as it appears to go against the golden rules of tanning such as not getting wet for 4-8 hours. But after giving this product a whirl, I can’t think of an easier, mess-free, and fool-proof tanning product out there. After washing your body with soap, you turn the water off and lather head to toe in the lotion and then wash the palms of your hands. Three minutes later, you turn the shower back on, rinse with warm water and gently towel dry.  I used the Medium Golden Glow and within a few hours my pale skin evolved into a lightly bronzed shade that looks about as natural as it gets. I repeated the process the next day to build up the tan a little more, and even after two back-to-back applications I still had no streaks, orange fingers or unsightly smell that has been known to repel the hubby many times over. St. Tropez has revolutionized masking that familiar DHA smell typical of self-tanners, by adding fragrance notes that work with the DHA, ultimately making it undetectable. Overall, this is the perfect solution for achieving a very natural tanned appearance and is easy beyond all compare!


Benefit Hoola Zero Tanlines
Sometimes even after perfectly applied self tanner, you need an extra boost of colour to take your tan to the next level without the commitment. I absolutely love this product for the instant bronzed glow it gives within seconds. Simply apply with the attached sponge to arms, legs and anywhere else you want a darker bronze, and instantly you’re set. It won’t transfer onto your clothing (even whites) and easily washes off in the shower. It’s exactly the fast and believable bronzing solution you’ve been looking for.

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow
Enhancing your face’s tan with the ideal bronzers and highlighters are exactly what you need to finish off your summer sun-kissed look. This face sculpting and highlighting palette will add just the right shadows, dimension, and luminosity to really make your face stand out. The bronzer should be applied in butterfly formation starting from the temples in towards the hollows of your cheek, and then back out again along the jaw line. This will create a sculpted and contoured appearance that can then be accentuated by applying the highlighter to the top of the cheek bones, center of nose and bow of your lips. This palette has quickly become one of my favorites that I reach for daily.

Charlotte Tilbury “Cheek to Chic” Swish & Pop Blush
After bronzing and contouring, a pop of colour is essential to give life and warmth to your complexion. I’m loving this two-toned blush palette that really gives your cheeks a natural flush that blends seamlessly into your skin. The outer shade is for swishing across the cheekbone, while the pop of colour in the center of the palette is to be applied onto the apples of the cheek (the fullest part of your cheeks when you smile). “Ecstasy” is my colour of choice for its peachy pink tones that work really well on fair skin. It’s a great finishing touch to a bronzed, glowing face.


(iPhone Case: c/o FACE by Phantom Glass)

Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick
For an added pop of colour on-the-go that is great for touch-ups and has multiple usages, you need this lip-to-cheek stick that is super-easy to use and blends like a dream. Simply rub it into the apples of your cheeks as well as across your lips for a dewy and blendable colour that is natural and works with every skin tone.  A pink-girl at heart, “Las Salinas” is my go-to colour for a hint of summer all year long.

* All opinions are my own.