10 Questions with Strictly's Tanning Guru, Carrie Marsh
Carrie Marsh is the tanning guru behind the stars of Strictly Come Dancing, so it is no surprise that she is full of insider-knowledge on the best tips and tricks for self-tanning. Here she spills her secrets on how to achieve a flawless tan, the best Norvell tanning products to use and how to effectively remove it.
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A question that all of our readers want the answer to – what are your top five tips for the most flawless tan?
1. Prepare the skin correctly prior to your tan. Exfoliate, remove hair and moisturise at least 24hrs prior to your tanning appointment
2. Avoid wearing any perfume or deodorant at your tanning appointment
3. After your tan has developed, your first wash should be a warm water rinse ONLY. No soap for the first wash.
4. Ensure your skin is hydrated post tan, moisturise regularly and drinks plenty of water
5. To maintain your tan for as long as possible, ensure that you are not using harsh shower gel/soap and oil-based moisturisers as these can strip your tan and make it patchy.
How can you avoid the patchy / tiger bread stage of fake tanning?
Stay hydrated internally and externally by drinking lots of water and moisturizing regularly but ensure that you are using a shower wash and body lotion that works with your tan and not against it. Norvell do a fantastic range of aftercare products that can help maintain the life of your tan.
What are the benefits of Norvell compared to other self-tans?
Norvell is formulated with many active key ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Sea Kelp, Vitamin C just to name a few. These ingredients produce a skin firming blend that builds and restores the skins matrix. This outstanding formulation provides a just off the beach, streak free, long-lasting colour. One of the other huge benefits is the odour control technology, Ordenone virtually eliminates the odour commonly caused by sunless products. All Norvell products are Paraben Free, Gluten Free, Cruelty Free, Sulphate Free, Nut Allergy Free and 100% Vegan.
'Prepare the skin correctly prior to your tan. Exfoliate, remove hair and moisturise at least 24hrs prior to your tanning appointment .'
Does shaving before tanning affect the final look / even finish?
Shaving before tanning is an absolute NO. This can cause irritation and result in an uneven tan. Leave at least 24hrs between hair removal and a sunless tan.
What is your tip for removing fake tan successfully?
The best way to remove cake tan is to exfoliate regularly and also bathe in Baby oil for more stubborn areas. Don’t start exfoliating until you start to see your tan fading, usually around day 4/5 depending on how your skin reacts to the tan.
What is your favourite/hero tanning product(s) from Norvell?
My favourite professional product is Cosmo, it is a mixture of both our professional brands venetian (violet based tan) and the premium line (brown based tan). The Cosmo suits every skin tone and gives such a deep, natural, flawless colour.
My favourite retail product is the vivid 1hr Rapid Mousse, the colour is outstanding and it is a fantastic quick fix, giving me an amazing, natural glow in as little as 2-3 hours.
In your own opinion, why is fake tan so popular?
My favorite professional product is Cosmo, it is a mixture of both our professional brands venetian (violet based tan) and the premium line (brown based tan). The Cosmo suits every skin tone and gives such a deep, natural, flawless colour.
My favorite retail product is the vivid 1hr Rapid Mousse, the colour is outstanding and it is a fantastic quick fix, giving me an amazing, natural glow in as little as 2-3 hours.
What has been your most embarrassing fake tan incident?
Oh Gosh… I tanned Debbie McGee on strictly, it was the black pool show! I give all the professionals and celebrities all of the essential pre and post tan advice and I always highlight the importance of not touching your skin too much as unfortunately you can end up transferring tan in areas that it shouldn’t be. So Debbie had clearly slept with her hand on her face and left the hotel in the morning, and got papped whilst waving to fans and exposed her completely tanned palm! The picture was everywhere and I was mortified. I spoke to her and found out what she had done and then had to advise her how to remove it before the live show!
Which strictly star was most reluctant to get a spray tan?
Annika Rice was not interested in getting a tan, we tried to convince her but she was not interested.
What is the tanning routine for the strictly stars?
Tanning day for the celebrities and professionals is Friday, we arrive early afternoon and get set up and then as and when they finish training and rehearsals they finish the day off with a bespoke Norvell Spray Tan. Most celebrities at the start of the show are nervous, some may have never tanned before, but I very quickly put them at ease. It’s actually a very funny but lovely journey, because week 1 they just want a natural look but by week 2-3 they want to go as dark as possible!
What makes Norvell different to its competitors?
Norvell are the No 1 producers of sunless products and have been in the business since 1983, almost 40 yrs! With their innovative products and ingredients, their tireless formulations and technology, they by far, stand out from any other brand in the market and are without question, the best fake tan I have ever used and I have been in the tanning industry for over 20 years.
Discover Norvell Tannings full range of products here.
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