TanTime

Tan-aholic Bella Blissett has sprayed, patted and buffed in ever type of false glowing. As author of 'The 1000 Most Asked Questions About Beauty', YOU Magazine's Beauty Columnist and a contributor to titles such as The Evening Standard, ES Magazine, Elle, Red, Psychologies and Sunday Times Style, she makes it her business to keep on top of the latest product launches and rock out the oddest of trends. See you on the brown side Bella...

Do you use self-tan products? If so what brands do you use?

A life without self-tan is almost not worth living in my book. Having only ever managed to do pale and uninteresting, I apply fake tan come rain or shine, summer or winter. For the sunnier months, I layer up L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Express Pro Self-Tanning Mist to max out my glow. Then come autumn, I tone things down with Palmer’s Coco Butter Natural Bronze Tan Lotion then add a slick of St Tropez’s Instant Wash Off Shimmer Stick to my shins and collarbones at night.

What Make up brands do you swear by?

As far as make up goes, I wouldn’t be without Maybelline Volum’Express The Falsies Mascara, NARS’ concealer and Bobbi Brown’s Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks in Calypso Coral. A touch of Laura Mercier Secret Finish cream on cheekbones and temples also keeps my dry skin looking dewy.

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

Not a chance. We saw dark, ‘70s tans on the catwalks for SS11 then pared things down with an ethereal shimmer for SS12. The dark tan will come back again as part of fashion’s cycle. It’s the orange tan that’s (fingers crossed) gone for good.

How do you think self tan has changed over the last 15 years?

Self-tan is now as important a part of our beauty regimens as our make up, hair styling products and nails colour. We’ve realized that the colour of our skin plays a crucial part in creating the overall ‘beauty image’ and look for each season. Multiple tanning trends and great product development means we can now change our tans with our outfits.

Name one fashion accessory you could not be without?

Tarina Tarantino Barbie jewellery. It’s disgustingly bling – but in a good way.

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

Skin, skin and more skin. The shows were all about a high-shine, glazed complexion with ‘invisible contouring’. I’m a stickler for girly pastels and pops of coral so I’ll be doing them anyway. I can’t tolerate a season without a good lip.

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

Translucently healthy. Less coloured and more about conveying an almost eery, light-reflecting perfection. It’s a beautiful backdrop to a summer wardrobe.

Tell us about your new column in You Magazine?

Well, I hope it’s a mix of useful tips, backstage titbits and a way of bringing the real geniuses behind our favourite products and trends into the spotlight. I never fail to be amazed by watching the pros at work on shoots and at the shows.

Any plans for a book?

If you missed the first one, yes – there’s another one planned but my lips are sealed!

Who is the most inspirational person you have meet?

Probably Barbara Hulanicki who created not just Biba the store – but Biba the movement. I was tongue-tied when I met her – and that’s unusual for me.

What are you doing after this interview?

Tanning – naturellement.

Cab or Tube?

Is that a serious question? Cab without the merest moment of hesitation.

London or New York?

New York – my favourite city on Earth and where I feel most at home.