TanTime

Adrian Clark, Style Director of the Shortlist Magazine reveals his beauty and fashion secrets...

Do you use self tanning products? If so what brands do you use?

Not so much, I tend to stay away from them as I have such pale skin, but when I do feel I need a boost I use Chanel’s Precision sunless tan or Biotherm Homme’s powder bronzer. I am however a great believer in Lancaster’s Tan Maximizer, helping to boost the natural colour I pick up when I am abroad.

What make up brands do you swear by?

The only form of make up I would ever use, is touche eclat by YSL sometimes if I have dark circles under my eyes (the men’s one however as it is matter without the light reflecting particles that give panda eyes, a dust of the same Biotherm Homme bronzing powder I mentioned earlier, and when very darling, I have been known to paint my toe nails in summer with Chanel’s black satin nail polish or YSL’s Storm Grey.

Do you feel tanning has become more fashionable?

I think it has become more acceptable, which is different to more fashionable! I think it has always been fashionable to have a little colour, maybe the growth of celebrity culture has bought it closer to everyday people’s lives.

Do you think the days of the over-dark tans are over?

I genuinely hope so. Although having said that, in the right context, with a retro ‘David Bailey shoots Marie Helvin vibe’ it can also rock having a deep Tahitian tan.

Do you have anything exciting happening that you want to share with us?

I am just about to start editing a new title from my publishing house, Shortlist Media, called ShortList MODE, a glossy men’s fashion and grooming bi-annual, giving me a greater scope for creative freedom in my work.

Name one item of make-up you can’t live without?

Being a man there isn’t any item of make-up I can’t live without…however one beauty product I could not be without would be my Creme de la Mer lip balm.

Are you excited about your grooming awards?

Really excited, they are now in their third year and grow organically each time. This year’s will be the best to date, with plans we can’t reveal yet that will see us partner with a great British retail establishment and a new intiative to present a ShortList pop-up grooming shop.

Do you think more men are using grooming products?

Yes and no. It annoys me the way the media bang on about 300-400 percent growths in grooming products, as the majority of products that are being purchased and accounted for in these totals are shaving foam, shower gels and deodorants, not cutting-edge skincare as is suggested. That having been said, definitely men are begining to come round to the idea of investing in a premium moisturiser.

Do you think the Man tan is here to stay?

I hope so, a little colour makes every man look better and can (if used to highlight and shade) help to boost and enhance all the hard work put in at the gym.

Name one fashion accessory you could not be without?

That is a very difficult one, can I have two at least? I wouldn’t go anywhere without my classic gold framed Ray-Ban clasic aviators with green lenses-part of my signature look and my Tiffany ring given to me on Valentines day by my boyfriend, for sentimental reasons.

What do you think the new beauty trends, will be next year?

Obviously I specialize in men’s grooming, and am not so up to speed in female beauty trends, but for men there is a real return towards salon treatment as we move away from the sharp Mad Men inspired look that has dominated for the past three seasons. Men will rediscover a racier side, with all of the trimmed chest hair, big hair and high maintenance Californian tan that goes with it.

What do you think the Tanning look will be next year?

I think it will be less intense, more a delicate and natural sunkissed look blonde and caramel overtones, more creamy and luxurious and less WAG like.

What Celebrities do you think get it right?

Angelina Jolie, Grace Jones, Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy.

Who is the most inspirational person you have meet?

Probably Tom Ford; while I wouldn’t call him the greatest designer I’ve ever met (although he’s not too shabby at that too) he is such an inspiration in how he manages to balance a ’semi’ private life, success and the ability to make everything he controls so desirable. He has a very positive energy.

What are you doing after this interview?

I am going to have a suit made then off to Clinique’s Christmas dinner at Scott’s.

Cab or Tube?

Tube all the way, I hate the traffic in London, gives me motion sickness