Get your glow on! We asked a self tan expert for all her top tips

May 13, 2018

It's no secret that us Irish girls have a bit of an obsession with fake tan.

Our fair pale complexions weren't exactly designed for direct sun-light, and well, we'd rather get our glow from a bottle than risk damaging our skin.

However, it comes with a lot of questions – from making it last longer to the dreaded patchy spots – the application of fake tan is truly an art form in itself.

But never fear, because we spoke a CatwalkHQ Self Tan expert some of the most common queries so you can prep yourself for the season ahead.

What is the best way to prep our skin before applying fake tan?

"Make sure to start your prep at least a day, if not two days before you want to apply tan. Exfoliate skin to remove any previous tan and to get rid of any dead skin cells to leave a smooth base for the tan to apply to.

"Following this, make sure to hydrate your skin by applying a moisturiser, preferably oil free as this won’t leave any residue that will affect the tan application. Do this in the days leading up to your tanning day."

What steps can we take to make our tan last longer?

"As mentioned prepping your skin is key, so a good foundation will automatically help this. In the days prior to applying your tan make sure to keep skin hydrated. This will also help avoid that dreaded patchy effect!"

How to remove tan without it going patchy?

"By moisturising the skin to help prolong the tans wear, this will also have the added effect of allowing it to wear more evenly."

How does shaving affect tan?

"Shaving right before tanning isn’t a great idea as it will leave the pores open and attracts the tan to them.

"Similarly, shaving after isn’t ideal either as it wears the tan more quickly.

"For optimal results shave or wax at least 24 hours prior to tanning and this will allow time for pores to close. If you are in a rush however and do need to shave and tan within close proximity to one another try running cold water over the shaved areas to help close the pores a little."

Is it safe to put tan on your face?

"Generally yes, certain tans will have ingredients that won’t agree with your skin so try and find one with more natural products.

"When applying tan, don’t apply it directly to the face. Pump a small amount out onto your mitt and mix with a moisturiser, then using a buffing brush work it onto your face, avoiding the eye area."

Missed a spot? What's the best quick fix?

"Similar to how you apply tan to your face, pump out a small amount of tan onto a mitt and mix with moisturiser and buff onto the missed area. The moisturiser mixed with the tan will make the colour less harsh and will allow it to blend seamlessly."

With summer fast approaching, how will the chlorine in pools affect our tan?

"The more contact your body has with water – be it showering, the pool, or the sea – the quicker your tan will fade. Some tans fade a lot more evenly than others.

"Some tips to help avoid patchy tan would be to pat yourself dry as opposed to wiping motions. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise and use an SPF that sprays onto the skin as opposed to a lotion."

Any other tips or advice?

"When tanning hands and feet make sure to use the same technique as the face. This will give a far more natural look to them. Don’t forget to get in between those fingers and toes too. Tan also doesn't generally have SPF in it is, make sure not to forget it!"

An ‘expert’ thinks we’re putting our bras on wrong but it sounds like BS

Oct 20, 2016

by Amber Saunders

It seems like we've been doing everything wrong our whole lives, and the latest is something most women do every single day.

According to a lingerie expert who spoke to Bustle, we've been putting our bras on wrong, and we should be using the 'scoop and swoop' method.

Apparently, you have to loosen the straps of your bra first, and then place the bra on the right hook (also, you should start on the loosest hook and move your way up the older the bra gets).

Once your bra is on, you then tighten the straps and scoop your boobs up with your hands, lifting them up and out.

First of all, we don't know about you, but does anybody else find it incredibly difficult to tighten the straps of your bra when it's on? You have to reach around all the way to the back and that can be sore.

We'd honestly say there's a million and one ways to put on a bra and everyone is bound to do it differently, so we're calling BS on this.

Expert advice: How to make your make-up stay on for longer

Sep 12, 2014

by Amber Saunders

In the hope of finding out how to keep our make-up on for even just a little bit longer, we spoke to Danielle Murphy, one of Ireland’s leading makeup artists. She’s done it all: weddings, TV shows, fashion shows, music videos, and she’s taught other people to be make-up artists too. So, we can think of no better woman to answer our questions! Check out all the expert tips below!

Which type of foundation do you think stays on for longer, mineral or liquid?
I personally feel that liquid foundations have better longevity and coverage. I do understand the appeal of mineral foundation but in my experience they look great on someone with flawless skin -particularly younger women. On a more mature skin I find them a bit too powdery. If a brand were to prove me wrong however, I would be delighted to try a new one out!

Does primer really make a difference?
Yes primer can really make a difference especially if you are someone with quite oily skin and open pores. It almost acts as a barrier between your skin and the foundation, stopping it absorbing into the natural oils in your skin. It can also be great if someone has a lot of redness. My favourites are the Laura Mercier primer and the Make Up Forever HD primer.

How can we get our lipstick to stay on for longer, does it help to apply it with a brush?
Yes, using a brush definitely helps, as does lining the lips first, and even drawing a little of the liner across the centre of the lips. Apply a layer of lipstick with a brush, blot with a tissue and then apply another layer.

The more matte the lipstick is the better it will last but they can also be drying so make sure your lips are perfectly plump and flake free firstly by gentle exfoliation and regular application of lip balm. One of my favourites is Blistex for a few euro in most pharmacies.

What about sprays that claim to set your make-up, are they worth the money?
These are a product I would use rarely but I have done from time to time. I actually know lots of women who spray hairspray on their face after an application and swear by it. This I have never tried but perhaps I might just do. The product I have used and find it quite effective is Make Up Forever Mist & Fix.

Which foundation is best for oily skin, and which for dry?
I am currently using The Lancome Teint Idole 24Hr for oily skin and I find it fantastic. Any of my brides with oilier skin have loved the results but I would recommend buffing it on with a stippling brush otherwise it can look too heavy.

For Dry Skin Armani Luminous silk is always a favourite – and for a real treat and especially for mature skin Creme de La Mer The Treatment foundation is fabulous!

Just one more thing…
It is vital to powder foundation after application or it really will evaporate. Even if you have dry skin a small amount of loose powder down the centre of the face (forehead, nose, chin) will see you getting much longer out of your make up.

Check our Danielle's website to find out more about her!