Queensland summers are synonymous with sunshine and time spent outdoors and, for as long as we’ve been known as ‘the sunshine state’, so too has the quest for the perfect year-round tan. Now more than ever though, we’re being warned about the risks associated with increased exposure to the sun, particularly in a place like the Gold Coast where she’s beaming down on us more often than not.
By Kirra Smith
Fortunately, the Gold Coast is also the birthplace of several world-class brands who have created some incredible products to both protect our skin from the sun and safely give us that sweet, sun-kissed tan we so desire.
Nikki Mitchell is one Gold Coaster creating industry-leading products in the world of self-tan. She is an award-winning beautician and makeup artist who has worked with countless international celebrities, sports stars, musicians, and influencers throughout her 20 years in the industry.
Nikki’s foray into the world of entrepreneurialism came after realising she was waiting too long for her tan to develop, and not being able to find a brand that could emulate that perfect golden glow. And so, she created a world-first - the 15 Minute Tan At Home - which quickly skyrocketed in popularity and is now used worldwide by the likes of Kylie Minogue, Mandy Moore, Miranda Kerr and our favourite local, Chloe Fisher. Her product range also includes a 1 Hour Tanning Mousse, Cucumber Hydration Face Tan Mist, Dry Oil Instant Bronzer, a Coconut Tan Extender and Gradual Tan, as well as a range of products for professional use. Find out more about Nikki’s awe-inspiring work at @nikki_mitchell_skin.
Bella Bronze Tan founder, Jasmine Scarr first started her mobile tanning business in 2007, and whilst it was a success, Jasmine wasn’t completely satisfied with the products she was using on her clients. “After being in the sunless tanning industry for seven years I wanted to make a difference to the way tans looked, developed and what formulas were being used. I started researching the brands I was using and was blown away by the nasties in them” she says.
These days Bella Bronze, offer a range of self-tanning products made of natural and organic ingredients in their purest forms – 100% vegan, cruelty-free and without any nasty smells. Try the 14% Ultra Dark Violet Mousse enriched with plenty of hydrating ingredients to give you that “just got back from Europe” glow, the 12% Mocha Self-Tanning Mousse renowned for its true-to-colour formula, or the 2in1 Gradual Tan enriched with cocoa and shea butter and a hydrating Face Tan Mist. And with products used in over 1200 salons globally, Jasmine knows a thing or two about the benefits of safe tanning. “Spray tans are UV free, take less than 10 minutes to apply and last over a week. We are finding so many sun bakers are making the change to a safer alternative to getting a healthy glow.” With salons located in Biggera Waters, Mermaid Beach, and Brisbane, it’s so easy to just pop in whenever you need a tan top up.
Eco Tan is a certified organic skincare brand created at Gold Coaster Sonya Driver’s kitchen bench over a decade ago. Today, the brand is beloved world-wide for not only their range of organic tanning products but skincare too.
Face Tan Water helps to clear your skin while delivering that sparkly glow, Hempitan Body Tan Water is supercharged with natural ingredients and offers the darkest tan in the range, Cacao Tanning Mousse delivers a natural honey bronze glow, Invisible Tan is a luxurious moisturiser and tanning cream, and Winter Skin is a gradual tan and hydrator for natural, glowing skin. Eco Tan’s range also includes an Exfoliating Glove and Applicator Mitt as well as an at-home Spray Tan Kit. Everything you could possibly need for the look of a natural tan without the nasty sun exposure. Find Sonya and the team at @ecotan.
It goes without saying that the allure of a sun-kissed glow should never outweigh the importance of safe sun tanning. Prioritising your skin health is key and with beautiful, natural-looking alternatives it’s easier than ever to look good and stay healthy.