Whilst I've always had a bit of a love-hate relationship with self-tan, I tried one earlier this year that totally changed my mind. The self-tan in question was the Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops (£22), and it turns out I'm not the only one who now swears by the brand for glowing skin. Before launching the brand, founder Jules Von Hep worked with best-selling tanning brands like St. Tropez and could often be spotted backstage at fashion week prepping models skin with a golden glow. In fact, he was even the tanner of choice for celebrities like Sienna Miller, Kate Moss and Lily James. Plus, celebrity makeup artist Pati Dubroff has even been spotted using the Self-Tanning Drops in Light on Margot Robbie during the Barbie press tour. So it's no surprise his own tanning brand Isle of Paradise continues to be a hit with the A-list. Keep scrolling to find out which celebrities swear by it, to shop the best tanning products and for top tanning tips from Jules himself.
Celebrity makeup artist Pati Duboff used Isle Of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops in Light on Margot Robbie for the Barbie press tour.
1. Prep for Perfection
Isle of Paradise founder Jules Von Hep was Sienna Miller's tanner of choice.
"The key to a perfect tan is prep, prep, prep," said Von Hep. "Remove any lingering tan first by exfoliating at least 24 hours before tanning."
Glycolic micellar water that acts as a magic eraser to remove dead skin cells along with your old fake tan for fresh, tan-free skin.
2. Create a Base
Stacey Dooley used Isle of Paradise for this summer glow.
To help your tan to really stick to your skin, avoid using moisturisers or body oils on your limbs before application. Jules recommends using the Isle of Paradise Prep Spray (£15) for best results. "This will make sure the pH of your skin is balanced for an even, non-sticky finish," he explained.
Spray this onto dry skin before you start tanning for best results.
3. Time to Glow
Jules was Lily James's go-to when she wanted to fake a sun-kissed tan.
"Now for the fun part," said Von Hep. "For an express tan on the go, pump Express Self-Tanning Mousse Ultra Dark (£20) onto a mitt and apply in broad strokes. Leave your hands and feet until last, sweeping lightly over."
For tanning newbies like myself, these drops are great as they can be mixed with your usual moisturiser or body lotion for a customisable glow—add more or fewer drops depending on how intense you want the colour payoff to be.
The at-home self-tan Stacey Dooley and celebs swear by for getting a golden glow at home. Just mist it all over your skin and wait for four to six hours for the colour to develop.
Next up, this is the five-minute makeup routine I do on the tube when I'm in a rush.
