BEAUTY BAZAAR:When Bobbi Brown gave us Shimmer Bricks, she had an instant best-seller on her hands, and multi-choice palettes are now available. Latest addition to the range – for a limited time – is Shimmer Brick for Body. These three bars of colour will leave your limbs gleaming with a subtle, silky glow (€80).
Also new is YSL Tresor D’Afrique Collector Sun Powder. Taking inspiration from the intense colours of Africa, YSL has released this beautiful all-over bronzer. The obliquely shaped compact in matt ebony houses a pressed powder bronzer etched with an “I wrote this in the sand” effect. Just the right amount of golden shimmer gives the final flourish (€65). Great for ankles.
Fake tan formulations have come a long way and results can be very realistic. Preparation is key – exfoliated skin will be smoother and more receptive to even application. Ditto moisturiser. But however well you prepare, sometimes bad tans happen to good people – and you’re stuck with having to do a repair job.
The experts have seen it all, and here are some words of wisdom from one of the best, Neelu White: “Most of the time you may not realise you have made a mistake until the tan develops,” says Neelu. “If you have any dry areas, they will absorb more tan, making the area look darker between fingers and ankles. Elbows, ankles and knees are troublesome and tan may collect in wrinkles, so take care when applying.”
Easy ways to fix mistakes.
* Lemon is excellent for lightening. Cut open a lemon and rub into the affected area. Then rinse. Apply again if needed and rinse again. This should lighten the over-tanned areas.
* Use witch hazel on a cotton pad and rub over the darker area. It will lighten your tan and even it out.
* To fix tan mistakes such as streaks over large areas of your body, try soaking in a bath with baking soda. Pour two cups of baking soda into the tub and soak for 30 minutes. Use a loofah to scrub the affected areas while you are soaking. When you finish, re-apply the fake tan and it should develop more evenly.
* Apply toothpaste to fix tanning mistakes on knuckles, elbows or knees. Let the toothpaste sit on the area for several minutes, then rinse off. See www.neelus-salon.com