I've wanted to try Bare by Vogue - the tanning brand founded by presenter, podcaster and model Vogue Williams - for a long time.
Mainly because fellow beauty editors have told me this range does some of the best self-tan for pale skin (which, to stereotype my fellow Celtic chums, does track, given that it's Irish-founded). But also, to put my cards on the table, because I'm an avid listener of Vogue and comedian Joanne McNally's My Therapist Ghosted Me podcast, have developed a mild parasocial relationship with both women and want to see their business ventures thrive.
So there we go! If you can get over that admission, I can share the happy news that this week the beauty PR deities furnished my office post pile with my first-ever Bare by Vogue sample: a new Overnight Tan Mask.
Why this overnight tanning mask is my beauty buy of the week
It's an appealing proposition, isn't it? Slather some nice hydrating stuff on your face, climb between the sheets, then wake up all glowy and healthy-looking without any of the usual tanning-related faff.
It's especially appealing if you have temporarily vacated your house while it's being rewired and are essentially camping indoors in your friend's very kindly lent but ultimately furnitureless flat. Yes, reader, I've been "sleeping" on an air mattress. And I'm pretty sure this purple pot has been the only thing fending off deep concern over my pale and puffy pallor.
This looks and feels exactly like a good, rich night cream should. It also contains many of the same ingredients the best night creams: hydrating hyaluronic acid, very of-the-moment peptides (good for collagen and lines) and natural things with antioxidants like goji berries. The difference, obviously, is that it also gives you a tan. Two pumps from the airless tub were about right for my face and neck. I slathered it on, washed my hands (very important) and rose from my - frankly insufficient - airbed slumber to a subtly bronzed, plumped-up and rested-looking face.
Given how careful you usually have to be with even the best self tan - exfoliate first, don't get dressed for ages, barrier cream your knees and elbows and eyebrows - this overnight mask feels mystifyingly easy.
I can't say why the colour comes out so evenly after you've spent eight hours pressing your face into your pillow or, you know, dribbling a little bit. But it does. This makes it absolutely perfect for anyone nervous about using fake tan for the first time, or who just can't be bothered usually.
As for me, I'll slap those dog-eared cards on the table once again and admit that, due to the aforementioned Celtic complexion, I'm a very seasoned tanner with a more-is-more attitude. I went straight in for round two to get my desired 'have you been away?' hit. You could do the same, or just chuck this on a couple of times a week and enjoy looking radiant regardless of how well you've been sleeping, or indeed, what you've been sleeping on. Sounds good? Great! Let's chat next Sunday.
