FAKE BAKE gets Real with our fave Cheshire Housewives

Team Fake Bake are obsessed with Real Housewives. We started off back in the day with Orange County and since then we haven’t missed an episode. The ladies of Atlanta are legendary in our office, and of course, the Beverly Hills crew are probably the most famous. Without the show, Gigi and Bella Hadid might never have become supermodels so easily. When we heard they were launching a British version, back in 2015, we did wonder how it  might compare to the others. But episode one of Real Housewives of Cheshire had us hooked right away. Now, seven seasons later, we can’t imagine our Monday nights without the beauties of Cheshire’s Golden Triangle.

Of course, we love looking at luxury lifestyles. We know we should be watching wearing a sheet mask and eating smashed avocado, but when it’s the first day after the weekend, it’s more of a treat night affair. Straight away, what worked about the show is that so many of the ladies were already friends or knew each other, so there was plenty of chemistry - and lots of it crackled! Let’s face it, if everyone got on perfectly it wouldn’t be much of a show! But there is so much fun, warmth, humour and, of course, the glamour, that keeps us watching right up to the last moment. Whether it’s palatial homes to amazing foreign trips, nobody is every undressed and everyone is perfectly accessorised.

So, we are just getting over this season’s Finale - always two episodes, one of which is the Reunion. What a ride this season has been! All of our faves have been back in action. Tanya has launched her jewellery line, Dawn’s been on form with her Skulpt salon, Seema has been styling it out in Forever Unique and Stacey has been cooking it out in style, while Lauren has been moving on and moving up. Ester has been truly entertaining, Nermina model sleek with an an angelic voice, and this season we have welcomed Rachel, who’s the mum of five with the positive attitude. Her sister Katie’s story about her personal experience of skin cancer has really touched us here at Team Fake Bake, too, as skin cancer awareness is a cause close to our hearts. And finally, our lovely Christine. We have worked with her so many times in the past it has been great to see her on our screens. Of course, the guys get a look in here and there, but the girls really rule the screen.

Team Fake Bake, lead by our Victoria Halliday headed to Warford Hall to help get everyone ready for the finale Pride special, and from what we hear it was a really colourful day. All of the girls went to town with their looks, and we were amazed at seeing them all close up - in real life! We loved Dawn’s new shorter hair, and yes, Nermina does really look that good off camera. We made sure everyone’s skin finish was spot on for the party, and behind-the-scenes it was a race to get everyone ready. We made sure all the VIP’s enjoyed their goody bags, too.

The Reunion Show with the legendary Brian Dowling had more fireworks than the party, but we have to say that this season absolutely stands as a RH classic. They have the balance of characters just right, and we are certainly going to miss our Mondays filled with Cartier and drama.

We’ve also really enjoyed seeing all of Seema’s pieces for Forever Unique this season, and the brand goes from strength to strength. We are definitely ready for a party-filled summer with these amazing looks. Her wedding was also a highlight for us - a stylish, romantic affair…..

So thanks, ladies, for embracing us and being fans of the brand since Season 1. We’d also like to say a huge thank you to Dawn and her family for making us so welcome in their home, and we loved every minute. Good luck to Darby, too. on the launch of her single, Give Love A Try. 

We’re going to leave our final thoughts on the season with this quote from Lauren, which doesn’t just reflect the Real Housewives, but every friendship group we can think of…..

“The thing is, at the end of the day, we all love each other in different ways.”

For more info on our pro spray tanning services go to www.fakebake.co.uk

To catch up on the latest RHOC news find them on Insta @officialrhoch

Spot this season’s latest looks on Insta @foreveruniqueofficial

Other picture credits Insta @mrsmcguiness and @seemaforeverunique @dawnward4

Many thanks to all the team at ITVBe - we can’t wait for next season!

FAKE BAKE have got your back…

Self tans have changed so much, and here at Fake Bake, we have always been first with new innovations. From our 60 Minutes Tan to our 5 Minute Mousse, where we lead, everyone follows. However, whenever we talk to you, there is always one question one on your minds.

How can I tan my own back at home or on my travels?

Again, over the years, we have seen lots of solutions involving bath sponges on clothes hangers and mitts on back brushes. They can work, but sometimes it is easy to miss a bit. Of course, if you have someone at home you can train them up. Fake Bake Airbrush (£24.95) is still dynamite for this, as it is absolutely foolproof. There is a colour guide, so your helper can see where they are tanning you, and the mist is so fine, it is easy to build to match the rest of your body.

If you’re on your own, what else can you do? Team Fake Bake are absolutely obsessed with backless looks right now. Our Stateside sisters tanned Ruby Rose for the Met Gala, and we adore her alternative, streamlined, rock chic approach.

Our fantastic Rox Tans also tanned Fake Bake fave Jessica Wright recently - Jess has never looked better. We have worked with her for many seasons, and she is pure glam. Add endless legs, and you’ve got the perfect evening look

Over the weekend. Meghan Markle wore that beautiful Stella McCartney dress for her wedding reception. It wasn’t backless, but the halter neck left lots of skin on show. For skin tones like Meghan’s it is time to use our Fake Bake Tinted Body Glow (£7.50) to add a subtle shimmer.

When you are tanning your back, with help or on your own, prep is absolutely key. Our Fake Bake Coconut Body Polish (£10) is designed to be use across our range, and it’s oil free formula does not interfere with your fave Fake Bake tan. Your back tends to be oilier than the rest of your body, so it is really important to exfoliate first.

Now, for the best invention in self tanning application. Our Fake Bake Bronzie 3-in-1 Mitt (£14.99) is made of super-smooth velour. You simply slip your hands into each mitt, and once you have applied your best self tan, you can glide it over your skin. As for your back, you simply move the central piece of the Bronzie up and down your back and we promise, there will be no missed bits. Like any beauty accessory, practice makes perfect. Once you’ve used it, you won’t be without it, and you can also wash it, so you’ll use it time again.

Now you’re good to go. We love this look from the new Amore Collection from Virginia Macari Beachwear - our fabulous team at Fake Bake Spain did the us proud with this beautifully bronzed finish. Now, with the the help of our Bronzie, you can have a picture perfect back which is all your own work.

All products available from www.fakebake.co.uk

Ruby Rose image courtesy of Insta @tanyap126

You can follow Rox on Insta @rox_tans

You can follow Fake Bake Spain on Insta @fakebakespain

You can follow Virginia Macari on Insta @virginiamacari

FAKE BAKE how to get a Princess Bride royally golden

Where are you going to be watching The Wedding this weekend? We don’t know about you, but we already feel saturated with guides on how to Sparkle like Markle. We’ve already got the bubbles on ice, and we are not getting out of our PJ’s. One thing we have noticed is that weddings are now a fashion and beauty event on their own, and the bride is still the star of the show. Rumour has it that Meghan will be wearing Ralph and Russo, and if it’s true, it’s an inspired choice. It’s fairytale stuff. But we also know from talking to you that weddings aren’t just for cathedrals and Royal chapels. But for every girl, this special day is probably the moment she will be really want to look her very, very best. So this week we are going to look at how-to tips from the real experts.

JAMES HARKNETT is our go-to guy when it comes to the ultimate VIP day…

There are celebrity tanners, VIP tanners and then there is James Harknett. Pick an A-lister, and James has worked with them. Everyone from Kylie to Emma Willis has enjoyed the mastery of the man known as the Tom Ford of Tanning. Based at the exclusive W Hotel in London, James also travels all over the world and his work for Fake Bake means he doesn’t just get to tan the toasts of tinseltown, but also his regular clientele. An expert in bridal tanning, we caught up with James to ask him about his best advice…

This season is all about the glow - everyone wants their skin to look its best on their wedding day, no matter what their skin tone is. While it is an option to have a really dark hue in terms of tan, most brides do want something natural. It is the perfect time to invest in a professional tan, as you really need to trust your tanner. Luckily, Fake Bake training, which I have seen in action, means that our pros are trained to exacting standards, and we are well versed in getting the solution spot on, so that you get the right look for you.

Let me say yes to the dress - your tanner needs to know what your dress looks like, and how it fits you. So it’s a really good idea to have all the details to hand. With really form fitting dresses, brides are worried about transfer. Luckily, Fake Bake is transfer resistant. Voila!

I need to know what works for you - no two brides are the same. Practice makes perfect, so have your practice spray tan done, and then see how it fades naturally over the next few days. Take some selfies to see how your skin looks. Pick your fave, and that will give you an idea. In general, I tell brides getting married on a Saturday to have their tan done on a Thursday, but it’s not a hard and fast rule.

Exfoliate a little, but not a lot - now is not the time to upset your skin. Brides can get a bit busy and over-prep, but keep it simple. A thorough exfoliation treatment before your tan means the colour guide goes on perfectly.

A pro tan is a real investment - obviously, I love all the Fake Bake range and my clients adore it for in between sessions. The prep range is amazing to use and obviously it makes sense to use the products to maintain your self tan, too. There is nothing wrong with doing your own tan, but I do know brides have so much packed in that they do find it helpful for a professional to do it. You really want a faultless finish, which is why I am here. I tan hundreds of brides every year, and they all go away happy. And have a fabulous day!

You can follow James on Insta @jamesharknettofficial

OUR FAKE BAKE BRIDE - MEET GEMMA…

Fake Bake fans will already recognise Gemma. She was one of our winners of our original Real Women search, and we fell in love with her old school, Hollywood glamour. At the time, Gemma had met and fallen in love with her very handsome Neil. Then came the engagement, and next came the wedding. What a beautiful wedding it was. We despatched a member of Team Fake Bake to attend, and everything about it was perfect. The venue, Colshaw Hall in Cheshire, is already familiar to us as we’ve seen it on RHOC,  

it did not disappoint. Gemma had everyone in tears before she had even walked down the aisle, and while it was very traditional it was also relaxed. After a spectacular day, we all stood back as the fireworks made the night. We caught up with Gemma to get her tips…..

Get Your Girls Involved - I realised early on that you cannot plan a wedding on your own. My bridesmaids were involved right from the very beginning, and I could not have got through without them. For their dresses, I got some lovely looks from ASOS, and they were great value and looked amazing. The bridesmaids had a real input in how they wanted to look and we decided as natural as possible was the best option. Really dark tans look great on a beach or in a club, but they opted for something with a light touch.

Look Like Your Best You - I have a certain style. I love glam looks, and I also love vintage. I decided on a fitted dress and the material was so detailed - it just shimmered. I debated about my hair and in the end, I decided to have it down. I went for a wavy style, and I got it in great condition in the months before.

Go natural but get help - I think all brides want to shine, and while you want to look natural, there are so many ways to cheat. Modern salon formulations and treatments mean your nails and lashes can look lush and pretty without looking false. I put a lot of effort into my skin with regular facials - it really paid off as it has never looked better! I trialled my whole look beforehand and every one loved it - although Neil had no idea, he seemed happy with the result!

When it came to my tan, I could only choose Fake Bake. I tried the whole range as a Real Woman for the brand, and have enjoyed trying new formulations since. My favourite is Fake Bake Flawless Coconut Serum. I take it everywhere with me, and it is so quick and easy to apply. It really works in summer, and it is transfer free, which is really important when you are wearing something so precious.

Gemma is a proud ambassador for Models of Diversity.

Many thanks to Gemma for letting us attend her day. Pics courtesy of Gemma and Sally Eaves.

AND FINALLY - for the non-traditional bride…..

Not every bride wants to a fairytale look, and so we searched around for some gorgeous alternatives…

We love this trouser look on Kendall Jenner at the Met Gala. Not a bridal look, but still - perfect!

Supermodel Izabel Goulart rocked Cannes Film Festival in this style knockout.

And for the bride with an inner rock chick, this image from Kirsty Doyle Weddings is young, fresh and edgy.

Good luck to these two at the weekend. We are sure they are both going to look picture perfect.

For more information about pro tanning for your big day visit www.fakebake.co.uk

FAKE BAKE goes Wedding FROW - everything but the bride…

You may have noticed that there’s quite a high profile wedding happening next weekend. Take the world’s most eligible bachelor, add a beautiful and accomplished American actress, the Royal Family, the other royal family (the Beckhams, natch!) and a whole VIP list of guests, and you've got the perfect excuse to put your feet up and frock watch for the day. This week, in our little corner of style heaven, we are going to be talking tips for some of the day’s most important girls, from guests to bridesmaids.

We do know this. When it it comes to the run up to the wedding, more of us are planning every final detail from the curl of our eyelashes to the tips of our toes. Summer is on its way, too, and there is nothing worse than a sun-ravaged back in a beautiful wedding setting, so we know we are singing to the choir when we talk about faking it. More and more us are getting professional help, too, so we are going to be getting some pro tips to get you in the nuptial mood. We don’t all have a Meghan Markle

budget, but we can certainly give the A-listers a run for their style money.

BRIDESMAID TANNING - it’s all about keeping it classy, golden and fabulous!

We caught up with one of our fave pro tanners Claire of LV Spray Tanning to get her hints. She is an expert on wedding tanning, and tanned her own bridesmaids.

Bridesmaids co-ordinate dresses.... should they co-ord their tans?

What suits one skin tone won’t always suit another... the beauty of Fake Bake’s professional tanning solutions are that they work with each person’s skin tone to develop into a tan that’s natural to them. So whether they chose Fake Bake Original or Gold for their tan, each bridesmaid would have a lovely glow to complement their own skin tone. 

Is it important for Bridesmaids to have a try out tanning session before the big day?

If they are new to tanning, yes. Patch testing is also important for any tan newbies. If you haven’t had a spray tan before, I’d advise a tan trial for two reasons; firstly so you can find a tan solution that you are happy and confident with and secondly, if you are also having your make up professionally done, you can have your make up trial matched to your tanned skin tone! 

It’s also an added bonus if you book your trials in time for the hen, so you can make the most of how fab you look! 

I’d always recommend having a tan professionally done for any special event to avoid any at home tanning mis-haps! 

Fake Bake also stock some fabulous aftercare products to use on the day of the wedding! I recommend Fake Bake Tinted Body Glow (£7.50)! This little beauty gives the skin a beautiful, luminous, diffused natural and light radiance that’s perfect for special occasions and completes a Fake Bake tan.

Follow Claire on Insta @lvspraytanningexpert or check her out at www.lvspraytanning.co.uk

Front Row Hair - contemporary, classic and natural courtesy of Matt Cox

Matt knows all about hair fit for a Royal Wedding. As a young stylist and protege of Andrew Collinge, who styled Sophie Wessex’s for her big day, Matt was cleaning up and winning awards, including the North West Hairdresser of the Year. Matt and his team have just beaten off stiff competition to win the Lifestyle Awards Best Hair Stylist/Salon 2018.

We caught up with Matt and he gave us some quick tips to always getting it right, whether you're going for long and loose, casually tousled or something more structured.

If possible, always use your regular stylist on the big day. It’s vital for the bride, and now the stylist will usually be involved with designing the bridesmaid’s looks, too. It is really important to know and trust your stylist, and they will know your hair well, too.

Be organised! As soon as you know what you are wearing, get your consultations booked in. I do mine for free, as it’s great to give a client some options as it involves important decisions. Take along an image of what you will be wearing and always feel free to bring some inspirational images. We often work as a team getting bridesmaids ready, too, and they are such an important part of the day. And it’s great to get them involved and also looking their best, too. Trust me, happy bridesmaids make for a really happy day!

Ensure your peace of mind! Always book a practice for your wedding look a couple of weeks before the day itself. As a stylist, I need to know if you will be wearing anything on your head, and in 2018, there are are so many veils, hair accessories and headpieces to choose from that it’s really important your hair works well, too.

Look after your hair! This sounds easy, but it actually requires a lot of effort and TLC. Book regular colour and colour appointments with your stylist and it’s worth making the effort with in salon treatments, too. You want your hair looking its optimum best.

If you are a bridal guest, you count, too. Next week, all eyes will also be scanning the crowds and it’s not about competing, it is more about feeling fabulous. My clients lead such busy lives, and a wedding should be an opportunity to really dress to impress. It obviously depends on the setting and style of the wedding, but clients really do like to have luxurious locks for an occasion.

And finally - if you’re going to try something new, try it well in advance! Clients are always debating about changing colour, having hair up or down, or chopping and changing length. The clue is really just being the best version of you. On the day itself, always allow a bit longer than you may have planned, and let your stylist do the hard work for you.

Follow Matt on Insta @mattcoxhair

Good luck to Matt and his team in the UK Fashion and Beauty Awards 2018 - bring home that award!

Best in Beauty - natural beauty with a flawless edge works with Alison Grainger

Alison is already gaining a reputation as a perfectionist and when it comes to a wedding, it’s a day when you want your face to be at it’s most beautiful. According to a lot of our social media feeds, this often means looking unreal, as in not real at all! Alison is all about giving you a face that looks stunning, no filter necessary. We asked her for her hints on being face forward for the big day.

This season, being a bridesmaid is all about a fresh glow, with a nicely natural base. For this look, I’m really into illuminators either applied before, or mixed with, your foundation. It’s really important to have a trial and check the finish in natural light and on camera. A light mix of neutrals on the eyes, with a smoke effect that works for day and evening, never fails as it goes with every dress shade and skin tone. Don’t be scared to use a false lashes as I did with this look - you don’t need anything too drastic, and they do bring the look together. A hint of bronzer always looks great and I apply it anywhere the sun would ‘hit’ your skin - Fake Bake Bronze and Glow Kit (£30) is super fine! I really love this look on Emily, and my bridesmaid trademark is also neutral.

If you want to go for a more trend led look, especially as a guest, Kim K’s recent electric blue eye, which has also just been seen at the Chanel Cruise show, has really got us experimenting  with glitter pigments on eyes - pinks and oranges look gorgeous. My signature look is glossy, dewy highlighted skin with a pretty, neutral mouth. As for brows, the groomed, fully formed eyebrow is back.

Always match your foundation to the skin tone on your neck, and if you are going to be wearing tan (I love Fake Bake The Face at £22), trial your make-up after you have used it to get your shade match spot on. If you are on a budget, there are some amazing price conscious brands out there, and I love some of the highlighters and setting sprays I have used that cost the same as a coffee!

A pro MUA on the day is a wonderful investment whatever your role is - it is certainly less stressful! You get that perfectly streamlined look that looks good in real life and behind the lens - and you want the images to look good forever. A MUA can also show you how to do the best touch up during the day, using professional, lasting formulas. It’s also lovely to be spoilt and pampered. And my last tip - waterproof mascara is your one key must-have. No explanation needed!

You can follow Alison on Insta @alison.grainger.mua

Whether you go casual or dressy, the wedding is in church or on a beach, we do know one thing - our Fake Bake fanatics love to look super-glam on the big day. Team Fake Bake picked a look that really sums up rocking a tan, and we know from talking to you that it’s one that is pure inspo. It’s more red carpet than pretty-pretty, but then, isn't that what we’re all about?

Olivia Attwood wearing Fake Bake at the NTA’s. Tan courtesy of The Tan Expert.

All products are available from www.fakebake.co.uk

Next week - THE BRIDE!