If you follow Ashley Graham on Instagram, as you scroll through her feed, her sassy, upbeat presence is infectious; we're addicted to her refreshing realness, not to mention her wholesome, natural beauty. A style icon, a top model, Graham has graced the cover and pages of Sports Illustrated; she's a TV and Podcast host (we love her Pretty Big Deal series), and more recently, a mum. Right now, and what’s most relevant, she is promoting a body-positive movement. As a barrier-breaking body activist, Graham has helped reshape body image in the media for real-size acceptance for real women with healthy, sexy curves. A movement tan-brand St. Tropez respect, hence signing her as their new self-tan spokesmodel. Editor Trudi Brewer shares her thoughts on beauty and her new collaboration as the St. Tropez brand ambassador.
Image BeautyEQ Ashley Graham & St. Tropez
Behind the scenes with St. Tropez, Ashley Graham’s faves are the St. Tropez Express Mousse, $75, and
St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist, $38.
What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty is inclusive, diverse and begins from within. It's personal and not defined by your appearance.
What's your number one confidence-boosting secret?
Affirmations – my daily mantra is, "You are bold, you are brilliant, and you are beautiful." I started affirmations because, at one point, I couldn't even look in the mirror and confidently say, "I love you." When you think and speak positively about yourself, you change your entire state of mind. You become more self-assured and worthy.
What's your biggest beauty mistake?
Forgetting to take off your makeup at the end of the day is always a mistake! Your skin repairs and rejuvenates itself during your sleep, so you don't want to go to bed with anything left on your face that could hinder that.
How have the fashion and beauty industries changed since you began working?
I'm excited to see the progress we've made and all the change that has happened, but we still have a long way to go until everyone feels accepted and represented. I can't wait to see more representation across beauty and fashion and make the industry more inclusive.
The model mum is a natural when it comes to sharing her tanning tips; read the how-to below. Photographer Solve Sundsbo & Bespoke Banter BTS.
Ashley Graham’s St. Tropez tan tips
Ashley Graham has sunshine in her DNA. She's been on dozens of exotic beaches locations with Sports Illustrated and shooting for her Ashley Graham x Swimwear For All. Mindful of the amount of sun exposure she has seen, at 33, she's now a skin-safe, self-tan advocate when it comes to getting a sunkissed glow. With self-tanning, a non-negotiable part of her beauty routine, St. Tropez fits that bill and works well with her busy schedule. Here's Graham’s step-by-step guide for a DIY self-tan session.
STEP 1: For an even and streak-free tan, prep your skin 24 hours before with a gentle exfoliant, remove any hair (if you like!) and moisturise dry areas such as hands, the heel of the hand, elbows, knees and feet don't forget the back of the ankles so that tan doesn't cling.
STEP 2: The St. Tropez Tan Luxe Application Mitt is your best friend and essential for getting a streak-free tan. Start by working in long sweeping motions that overlap. Use St. Tropez Express Mousse, begin at the legs and work up. The rest of the body is easy; apply liberally to the thighs and bottom, lower back, stomach, breast area, and décolletage, blending up to the jawline. Then, pro tip, put your tan mitt on backwards so you can reach those hard to reach spots like your back.
STEP 3: Tan those hard to reach spots like your back, or if you struggle with tanning your hands, use St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist. This lightweight self-tanning mist will fall gently on the skin without needing to rub it in - Tadah - with this combo; you have a flawless-looking self-tan.
Ashley Graham’s favourite tanning duo to get a seamless bronze
Ashley Graham’s must-have products include St. Tropez Express Mousse, $75, and St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist, $38.