We're strict self-tanning advocates and with the onset of summer, we trial all the top brands. In light of our bronze obsession, editor Trudi Brewer discovers one very clever cosmetic - Skinny Tan.
The word skinny is polarising, but there is no doubt your body looks firmer, smoother and smaller when it's sporting a bronze glow - well we think so. One self-tan brand that has cashed in on that perception is Skinny Tan. The brainchild of Essex-girls and BFF's Louise Ferguson and Kate Cotton, it was back in 2012 the pair went from a startup to an almost overnight global success making the most successful pitch to Dragons’ Den investors Piers Linney and Kelly Hoppen in the history of the BBC2 TV show. The formula is key to the tan's success, using a natural Guarana extract that works to reduce the appearance of cellulite while adding a natural-looking odourless bronze. Trudi Brewer gets the skinny from one of the founders Louise Ferguson on how this tan has changed her life.
How did you come up with the name Skinny Tan?
It was at a time (back in 2012) when 'skinny' (meaning low down) was the 'it' word for everything, including describing products that had less of the ingredients that were bad for you. Our first tan was the 7-Day Tanner and it was made from 99 percent naturally derived ingredients with a shorter (skinnier) ingredients list.
Tell us what life was like before your big break on Dragon's Den?
I was on maternity leave in Australia which at that time was unpaid. My job was open and they were desperate for me to come back ASAP, but I found it too hard to leave my baby at that time. I just couldn't do it without feeling anxious - the rest is history.
How has this business changed you as women and are you still BFF's?
Yes. We are more like family. There are BFF's and there are BFF's who go through the highs and lows that you experience with a start-up business for us - it's made us closer.
What advice would you give other friends going into business?
I think it is a good thing- it's such an exciting adventure with highs and lows that are so much better when shared. Kate and I wouldn't have loved and laughed and even done this at all without having each other.
Who worked with you on the product development?
An absolute hero Gary Leach from Delta Laboratories, he is the best in natural product development.
How did you get rid of that nasty tanning smell that most self-tanners seem to have?
The naturally derived ingredients and new developments in formulating tanning products have reduced that old fashioned smell and obviously we made that a priority.
What's your favourite product in the range?
Oh it seems too mean to choose favourites out of your children! But just quietly I am an oil junkie right now. I used to swear by the Mousse and still, love it, however, the oil feels lovely on my skin and the application is so quick.
Our favourite Skinny Tan products.
Skinny Tan 7 Day Tanner, $40. Skinny Tan Tan & Tone Oil, $30. Skinny Tan Body Mousse, $40. Skinny Tan Prep & Correct Exfoliating Mitt, $9.