Top Tips: James Read and Jules Von Hep Share their self-tanning secrets
GEORGIA ROSE
If tanning isn’t your superpower, the founders of Isle of Paradise and James Read have us covered from top to bottom.
15 JUN - 2021
Has TIKTOK tried to convince you of a new tanning tip? Confused? Me too.
I am Casper the ghost, with a side of sunburn. My pale and pink complexion gives me a vampire-esque attitude to the sun all year round (I’m a winter lover for that very reason). I always thought fake-tanning was the answer to all my worries - slap it on and voila, I would be a glowing goddess, but that couldn’t be further from the truth, ha!
Let’s start with the basics; all hair removal (shaving, waxing, laser, you name it) and exfoliating needs to be completed at least a day prior. Regardless of the tips and the formulation - moisture is key. In all honesty, I am terrible with keeping up with my body care. Everywhere, except my face, is dry, verging on Sahara-like conditions. If possible, try and moisturise every day, but if you happen to be like me - slap on an oil-free moisturiser a day or two before to plump up your tanning canvas.
Fake tanning has never been particularly easy for me and all the tanning tips overwhelm me a little (TIKTOK has been no help!). Is there any common ground? Why are some girls using rubber gloves? You actually want me to use translucent powder on my elbows, WHAT?
So to make my life easier, and hopefully yours, I reached out to my two Mecca industry favourites to compile their best tips and tricks to help us go from no to glow! (and hopefully fast - I need help, stat!)
James Read Tan
Isle of Paradise Tan
Jules Von Help - Isle of Paradise
Each week IOP hosts a ‘Tip Tuesday’ Q&A session - saved as a highlight for reference if you’d like to pop over.
Other than the obvious, what is your number one pre tan tip?
The trick to a truly flawless glow is all in the prep. Trust me, years as a spray tanner I could always tell if a client had followed my pre-tan advice or not!
Shave or wax at least 24 hours prior to application, and ensure skin is exfoliated with a dry brush or scrub. This means your skin will have an even surface, resulting in a uniform finish AND, more importantly, it will fade evenly like a natural tan would.
Prime your skin using Isle of Paradise Prep It – this will lower your pH and help the tan penetrate deeper into the skin (you wouldn’t put makeup on without a primer so why tan without one?!). Spray this liberally and allow to absorb into your skin while you apply an aloe vera based moisturiser to your hands, elbows, knees and feet (including the heels) – if you are fair haired, apply some to your hairline. Lip Balm on your nails and brows works a treat too.
Are you a moisturise before or after tan type of person?
Moisturise hands, elbows, knees and feet prior to application, yes yes. Don’t moisturise your body prior to application; it'll only soften the final tan appearance (this tip is mainly for cheap tan that leaves you streaky and orange – no need for this with IOP).
After application, apply moisturiser to your wrists and feet to blend out any mishaps and wipe your palms, nails and in between fingers. Once your tan has developed and you’re sashaying around with your new vacation glow, then moisturise. A hydrated tan is a long lasting tan, so remember you need to moisturise from within, drink that H20, honey!
Do you believe a perfect tan is about formulation or application?
Both babes! We designed Isle of Paradise to be that tan that you can slap on and know that the results won’t be orange and fake looking. As with all cosmetic formulations - the product will take you as far as it can, but the application is key if you want those flawless results.
In terms of formulation, Isle of Paradise is packed with skin loving and nourishing ingredients, such as coconut, chia seed & avocado oils, and babes let’s not forget the colour correcting actives – so we know there’s no orange and no dry skin afterwards – but you gotta combine this with smart application if you want to glow all the way.
Remember to always apply your tan in sweeping motions over the body – never circular - this ensures that product is distributed evenly for the most natural, even looking tan. When it comes to tanning the back – you CAN do this alone! Just turn your mitt backwards and apply product directly onto skin, sweeping from side to side. Wash your hands after use, buff off that excess from the knuckles, and never, ever, tan after a bottomless brunch.
We know IOP likes to buff tan in. Is there a specific Kabuki brush you recommend for buffing?
We recently launched our Shape and Glow Blending Brush, designed to blend your tan around those areas that may need a bit more attention such as wrists and ankles. Keep an eye out for it - launching into Mecca soon.
Are there any tanning tips you have tried over the years that have worked?
One of my favourite tips is to tape an applicator mitt to a long wooden spoon and tan your back with it, when I first heard about it I laughed, but then tried it and now it’s a firm part of my routine!
What is the future of tanning going to look like for IOP?
Diverse, full of self belief and of course babes, glowing. It’s refreshing to be in the era of clean and colour corrective self tan with body acceptance being at the forefront of communication, just as it always should have been.
We’re so driven by our community, creating products that are fun and easy to use. We’re conscious of our environment and behind the scenes we are working really hard to make our brand as sustainable as we can, the refills are just the start of many more eco-friendly options for Isle of Paradise.
Remember if you want a product, TELL US. We love your suggestions on social media and we are never not inspired by our community. Keep it glowy babes!
James Read - James Read Tan
Other than the obvious, what is your number one pre tan tip?
Exfoliation, it’s important to treat your skin like a canvas, you want it to be fresh for your next tan, this will prevent uneven tan build up.
How do you ensure a streak free tan with James Read Tan?
The key is to use a tanning mitt as it allows you to achieve a flawless GLOW. Map out your body in stages and apply your tan in fine layers this will prevent your tan being uneven and more natural looking.
Are you a moisturise before or after tan type of person?
Oh god I am both ;) I apply moisturiser on the dry areas before and tan, also on my face as I find it makes your tan look better and also last longer. On my face, I use hydrating sheet masks the day after tanning (obsessed with Mecca’s own brand sheet masks) this helps to keep my tan looking fresh.
Any specific tan tip that is exclusive to James Read tanning?
Before applying self tan on the face, rub an ice cube over the face first to close your pores, then pat dry, apply moisturiser and then tan. To tan your back, put a tanning mitt onto a wooden spoon, wrap around an elastic band, then you are good to go.
Do you believe a perfect tan is about formulation or application?
Both for sure. Self tans are so hydrating and flawless now you can’t make mistakes. We are looking to bring out more applicators that will make your tan even more flawless but my lips are sealed.
The rubber glove applicator - What are your thoughts on this YouTube ’trick’?
I am not a fan of rubber gloves as they can make your tan look uneven. Mitt all the way.
What is the future of tanning going to look like for James Read?
I am back to the days when I created products that stepped outside the beauty box, self tanning products that stand alone with their own unique innovation, a self tan that you never thought was possible. On the go tanning is going to be big with skinstant beauty jumping to the front of the queue, these are products that promise ultra-speedy efforts/results. It will be about self tanning products that fit into your beauty routine without compromise. Can't wait to share what I have planned.
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