FAKE BAKE celebrates two months of Love Island brilliance…

It’s been a long-ish and hott-ish summer for us. (Is ‘hott-ish’ even a word?) But this morning we are all feeling the effects of a Monday night spent glued watching the final goings-on in the country’s most famous villa. (Listen, we know it’s in Mallorca. Stay with us….) What a season it’s been. Before the series started, we were wondering how much the format would be altered, but the team have definitely kept in the things we love.

Although we will always miss the Lie Detector Test. RIP that.

This season has had the lot. Here’s a question: can you name all of the original entrants? Maybe not. As Love Island gets longer, they fire new recruits on the regular. But we have loved the mix of goodies, not-so-goodies, and standout stars who you just know are destined for a little bit of reality greatness.

Someone on Team Fake Bake is a fully paid-up Love Island geek, and could choose it as their specialist subject on Mastermind. They constantly remind us, Roy Cropper-style, about facts, figures and stats so that we get the full picture. So now that the show has just crowned it’s fifth Winning Couple, we look back on all of our fave highlights from Summer 2019’s water cooler talking points.

This is the year when the girls actually got on

Forget mean girl behaviour, this year the ladies have been mega supportive and actually embraced real friendships. Of course, we have seen them in previous series, but this summer has had a proper feel-good factor. OK, so there were a few minor moments, but as this year’s storylines unfolded, the girls stuck together and as Anna said when she left the villa, she may not have found love, but it was worth the journey to make such amazing mates. We marvelled at their ability to throw a bit of sneaky fake tan on before bed, too. Warriors; all.

Amber turned from feisty and fiery to, well, the same, but with a huge heart….

Amber came in with a no-prisoners attitude. The gorgeous Geordie may have seemed a little stand-offish at first but over time we have got to know her softer side. We cheered her on when she came back from Casa Amor, even though Michael served up a broken heart. And then she got that second chance at happiness. But most of all, she was 100 per cent throughout, and her dad gets the Cutest Parent Award, natch.

Different year, same level of howlers

Of course, no one seems to know where anything is, geographically speaking, but Anton, who we adore, definitely won the prize for asking if our new Prime Minister won Wimbledon. Boris Johnson. Boris Becker. Easy to confuse, non?

Tamer Hassan met his match

So we have all got crushes on Mr. Hassan. If you have seen The Business this will be pure obvs. But while we worried about who would have to face him off in the villa, rest assured that Anton’s mum was more than a match. We actually think their romance has got legs. Belle and Anton got the seal of approval, for sure. Can you imagine the wedding? (Welcome to the family, son….)

Maura enjoyed being, well, Maura

Cast your mind back. Remember how Tommy and Molly-Mae fell in love? We hope they don’t go back to previous episodes when they get back, because Tommy’s face when Maura walked in was priceless. And she was definitely screen value this year, what with her flutters and out-there talk. Still, she’s got a heart of gold and that meeting with Tommy taught us that you can fancy someone like crazy one moment, and be like brother and sister soon after. Maura, you craic us up, and your Mammy is a truth-teller.

Amy came home with a broken heart and then laughed last

Remember when we felt a bit sorry for Amy? There she was in Casa Amor, all in love with Curtis, and then she came back to a big fat Pritchard Pie. First up, she had a little cry and then she stood up, showed class and dignity, and left. Since then, not only has Amy had a fabulous makeover (hello, Grazia!) she’s been in demand and everywhere. A lesson in moving onwards and upwards, accompanied by killer hair. The result? It’s always better to love yourself and do your own thing whenever things don’t go as planned.

Everyone forgetting the cameras are on them, one more time

Every year, people, every year. The Island’s latest inhabitants just seem to forget they are being filmed. From Danny’s impassioned speech to Yewande about not having his head turned, to Jordan making Anna his girlfriend to then unmaking her soon after, it seems that some Love Islanders just forget what they say and promise and then file it under being true to themselves. Approach with caution.

Ovie. Need we say more?

Nobody says they have got a text any more. Mersssaaage! That’s more like it. Ovie has been pure TV gold. Anna picked him and then went back to Jordan. He was a great mate to Amber but she was still mad about Michael. And everyone we know has been shouting at the TV. Mums want you to bring Ovie home. Your mates would love him. He cooks. He plays basketball. He puts his hats in the fridge and is laid back and super cute. Plus, he’s taalllllll. And in a dinner suit? Dang.

The state of the girls’ dressing room

It just makes us feel a little bit tidier and more organised IRL. When we say a little, we mean a little.

And the winners?

On paper, the winners were Tommy and Molly-Mae. And yet, Amber and Greg both stole our hearts. It’s kind of old fashioned, but if a guy (or girl) shows up and is genuine, caring and really knows how to make a girl (or guy) smile, it is a story that never gets old. Forget the prize money and the sponsored posts. We knew this was the real deal. We saw it and we voted. (And just for the record, we loved Tommy and Molly-Mae, too. Forget the headlines!)

So we are going to take advice from our Love Island anorak and watch the whole season back again. Remember when Lucie chose Joe and his sandwiches over Tommy? Or when we thought Amy and Curtis were the couple to beat? It seems like such a long time ago now. It’s been a vintage year and we have also loved Aftersun every Sunday, as it takes away that back-to-school feeling and reminds us why Caroline Flack is the perfect presenter. Her wardrobe and legs: same.

One last thing. Our resident anorak tells us that her favourite couple of all time is STILL Hannah and Jon from Season 1, back in the day when everyone brought their own clothes in and none of them knew what a legendary show they were creating. Although they didn’t end up together, Hannah and Jon were LI legends, in reality TV days of yore, when Calum Best randomly turned up to take the boys on a night out. Ah, the glory days.

Until we meet again, as they say. See you by the fire pit in 2020. Rumour has it we’ll be doing it twice as well.

And please bring a better catch word than Bev….

Think hard, people. Think hard. Cape Town after Christmas? It’s a date.

You can still catch Love Island and Aftersun on the ITV Hub

The Islanders will be back for a reunion this Sunday at 9pm on ITV2

Image of Amy Hart courtesy of Grazia UK

Winners image courtesy of Instagram/ITV2

FAKE BAKE goes Stateside to Miami for Swim Week…

So we have already got our swimwear sussed for this season, but next? Come on, here at Team Fake Bake we like to stay ahead of the style game and we know you do, too. Each year, the very best swimwear brands head to Florida to showcase what we will be wearing next summer, and our Stateside ambassador Tanya Pongrac also goes along with her team to make sure lots of the models have on-point, Fake Bake tans.

Events like this are no longer about a procession of identical, gazelle like-models showing off looks for big time buyers. Now Miami Swim Week is super-inclusive and is also about influencers and aspiring models, more boutique brands, sustainability and catwalkers who don’t always fit the usual industry standard, so there is something to cheer about there. Funnily enough, when we did a quick poll of Team Fake Bake, none of us are 5ft 10ins and a size 6 either. Strange that.

Sports Illustrated also tried something new. The legendary magazine, which is usually all about supermodels held an open casting call to find sixteen new models, and they did not disappoint, featuring models of all sizes, ages, races and backgrounds. Halima Aden wowed in a Cynthia Rowley burkini, and 55-year-old Kathy Jacobs absolutely stole the show, and hearts, with her runway sass. Big love to Kathy. We adore her.

Because we love you so much, too, we thought we’d share our favourite trends with you. There were so many to choose from, but these made the final cut.

Here comes summer 2020...

Retro pants go tropical

Seriously, what is not to love here? The cut of these bikini bottoms is super-flattering. The longer line top with frill is so feminine, and we heart the matching accessories. Our favourite look of the week. Hands down.

Starburst shades

We no longer just go to pools or beaches to sit in the sun. We prefer to go to events (we are not huge sun worshippers, obvs) and sometimes an old string bikini does not make the cut. These looks both make the cut. Neither needs lots of accessories, but both need serious attitude. Flattering on any body shape, we are going to say go with heels, too. Life’s too short to worry about being overdressed, surely?

80’s geo

Oh my word, would you look at this vision? Completely made modern by the use of fabric, the high cut leg makes yours go on forever, and the added cover-up just makes this set outstanding. You definitely need a beach front villa to waft around this in.

Bronze age

Again, this is on the dressy side of swimwear, so it’s clear that a dressy side is seriously a thing. This one is a bit more on the daring side, too, but this top is super-gorgeous on any figure. Sophisticated and glamorous. Tick.

Neon

Neon has been with us for a while, but is here to stay, as is the high cut leg, and proof that you can be an absolute rocket if you are not teeny-tiny. Fit and fabulous.

One shoulder wonder

You can never go wrong with a one-shoulder and white is a permanent classic. Proof again that sometimes timeless is the way to go. Marilyn Monroe knew it and so did Elizabeth Taylor.

Surfing long sleeves

We are always telling you not to burn, but everyone has holiday days when their skin feels a little overdone. Well, cover up and still look cool. There were so many variations on this look, but this one stood out to us. Laidback and lovely.

Monochrome kills it

This style is similar to our first pick, but in simple black. Luxe monochrome accessories take this from Miami to the French Riviera. Pared down and super-groomed. Heaven.

We could literally be here all week, but those are our chosen few, and we are so glad that the world’s leading swimwear event is recognising us all, and also giving us what we want. Of course, we all love feeling inspired by gorgeous models, but we also like to see ourselves represented, too, and that the fashion industry is really starting to listen to us. And as much as we can have a go at social media, it has also created a platform where we can engage, create our own looks, and get involved.

Democracy at least? Fingers crossed, and here’s hoping South Beach keeps bringin’ the heat….

Lead image courtesy of Tanya Pongrac @tanyap126 of @lianev

Video still courtesy of Will Smith/Miami

For further info go to www.miamiswimweek.net

FAKE BAKE talks Stateside tanning, Olivia Culpo and The Hills reboot with Tanya Pongrac

Thank the Lord for catch up, because every Tuesday evening we have to choose between Love Island and The Hills: New Beginnings. As reality TV addicts, The Hills has a special place in our hearts. And for the trainspotting member of Team Fake Bake who really knows her stuff, she regularly informs us that most reality telly roads lead back to Laguna Beach. That led to a string of shows including The Hills and The City, and inspired the whole Real Housewives franchise as well as fictional legendary series, The OC. It is only right and fitting that Mischa Barton is turning fiction into reality by joining Audrina, Heidi and the gang.

Inspired by the show, and our obsession with L.A. and West Coast style, we had a chat to our amazing Tanya Pongrac. Tanya is our Senior Fake Bake Brand Ambassador in the United States, and a pro tanner extraordinaire. You name a name, and Tanya has tanned them. If there is a red carpet, event or festival, Tanya is getting everyone ready. So we decided to catch up with her and find out more about her work. We are super proud of her, as she represents Fake Bake with her own sense of style and professionalism. Tanya has worked with everyone from Ruby Rose to Chrissy Teigen, so she’s all about the best of the best.

Tell us a little about yourself, Tanya...

I actually stumbled into spray tanning when I was in school getting my license for special effects make-up. I attended a course at Joe Blasco in Hollywood. I was always obsessed with monster make-up and studied a ton of courses on colour theory, painting, and design. I grew up painting anything I could get my hands on! Having a minor background in skincare as well, I attempted to piece together all the areas of knowledge that I gained and loved. When I was airbrushing in school, I thought applying for a part time gig in spray tanning would be something I could conquer in my spare time. I think what sets me apart from other tanning services is my knowledge and background of colour theory and design. The human body has so many dimensions and tanning solutions have so many hues. I definitely approach each of my clients with a different mindset of how to apply self tanner to fit their specific body shape, and of course, Fake Bake is so well known over here and is the perfect range for creating bespoke tans. We are becoming so into skin health, and so clients are super aware of the benefits of faking a tan, and now we are moving into the realms of creating so many finishes and effects.

On Olivia Culpo...

I've been working with Olivia for almost five years now. It's been a journey I am beyond thankful for because she has taken me along on her own growing career! I feel like we've both kind of grown up and evolved together. I think the best part about working with her has been that fact that she has never questioned or doubted my work. She has always let me apply my techniques of tanning and has put a lot of trust in our product for some of her biggest career moments. We've tanned for so many events, everything from magazine covers to red carpet appearances. Like most of my clients, I'm honoured to work with them on events or moments in their lives that they are personally so excited about! And of course I am proud that she adds a real fashion edge to the Fake Bake brand - a perfect match!

OK, so we are obsessed with The Hills! Tell us about your work with the cast…

I met Audrina Patridge through a good client and friend of mine. It's always an awesome feeling when new clients put a lot of trust in your hands when it comes to tanning or really anything in the beauty industry. It really allows me to test my own abilities and teach myself new things. Audrina is incredibly easy to work with and grateful for someone who has much knowledge on spray tanning. As a fan of the show, it’s been wonderful to see her grow into such an accomplished young woman and mother, and she still has the same cool edge. I know over in the UK, your team worked with Stephanie Pratt a lot while she was on Made In Chelsea, too. It’s great to have her back on our screens.. 

While you are here, surely you have some pro hints and tips?

Oh gosh, so many! I think my style of tanning is completely different than when I first started out. Something I always keep in mind when spray tanning someone is how the tan is going to look the next day once it is developed, not so much how it looks as it's being applied. I really focus on areas of the body that the sun would naturally hit you. I also concentrate on areas that women really love to show off, or areas of the body that are their favourite asset, giving them even more confidence to show it off.

I am getting ready to launch a secret technique I have created that includes a specific method of tanning the face and jawline, something I have perfected and is inspired from two clients of mine. Because many of my clients are on camera, I want to bring more attention on tanning for camera vs regular everyday spray tans.

Tanning is evolving so much and is an integrated part of beauty now, so the two work together for me. I am so lucky that Fake Bake are so innovative and keep coming up with formulas that really work for me professionally - I can’t wait to see what they come up with next!

Finally, what do you think of British style?

That is an easy one for me. I've been really obsessed with Meghan Markle lately. I literally Google her shoes and purses all the time, and she has really thrown herself into British style, but brings that hint of Hollywood with her. Meghan has this sexy elegance about her that I love. I'm someone who doesn't like to show a lot of skin and she does just that but has this modern approach about it. I hope to come back as her in my next life!

It was so lovely to catch up with Tanya, and we definitely want to know about this jawline techniques as let’s face it, while we are bingeing on The Hills: New Beginnings we are not exactly tucking into celery sticks as a suitable snack. We hope that one day she invites us over pre-Coachella to get tanning, and we would love to see Olivia Culpo in real life. Until then, we will keep stalking her Instagram.

One final question: how likely is it that we’ll bump into Brodie Jenner in the supermarket if we make the trip?

Asking for a friend…

Follow Tanya on Insta @tanyap126

All images courtesy of Tanya Pongrac

The Hills: New Beginnings airs every Tuesday evening on MTV

FAKE BAKE goes Wi-Ki-Woo in Ibiza: Tanning Water, Ocean Club and the Ultimate Influencer Pamper In Paradise….

 Team Fake Bake are exhausted. We’re not gonna lie. Now and again, an opportunity arises and this one was too good to miss - a four day trip to the Ultimate Balearic Island, assisting our amazing Victoria Halliday, with some of our fave influencers as guests, and partnering up with some super-solid brands. Oh, and the parties and events we were invited to over those four days? Er, not too shabby.

So, the theme was Pamper In Paradise, which let us tell you, did exactly what it said on the tin. Where could we stay but the Wi-Ki-Woo? Gorgeous, quirky, colourful and luxurious it really is the ultimate destination hotel for staying in Ibiza.

We also teamed up with some of our favourite super-brand partners. Lambrini is such a fun brand and we have worked with them on so many events in the past, it would have been rude to not to this time! Tequila Rose were next on board to the party, and we love their super-sweet approach to life. Finally, Spectrum Collections are such a colour rich beauty brand, that it really was an ideal brand date for us.

Our Victoria Halliday is Head of Business Development for Fake Bake, and is also our Global Outreach and Influencer Outreach Expert - and if you think that just means party central, think again, as this lady has serious organisational skills, is cool as a cucumber under pressure, and so well respected within the industry, that letting her hair down is the last thing on her list. It’s what she does for everyone else that makes her our standout star.

This was her Ibiza experience….

“So much hard work goes into a break like this. Of course, we wanted our invited guests to have a good time, which I hope they did, but a four-day-itinerary which was packed tight, was a tough job for all the team. We are all perfectionists, so we wanted to get it right, of course!

Over the last decade at Fake Bake, how we talk to our customers has really changed, and they are really savvy when it comes to social media, too. And so events like this one really enable us to do something positive, and in terms of our influencers we really wanted a fresh mix, and so we choose people who we know, trust and who really communicate with their followers in an upbeat and authentic way.

And here they are…..

Saffy B (@saffronbaker) video creator and all round fashion and beauty goddess

Gina Box (@ohmygee) beauty and fashion enthusiastic and all round style guru

Jake-Jamie (@jakejamie) the ultimate male beauty blogger

Rady (@grwrady) artist and beauty connoisseur

Tammi Clarke (@makeupbytammi) make-up and skincare sensation

Nikki (@nikkissecretx) MUA and Glow Up Finalist

We made sure everyone was tanned with Fake Bake professionally before we flew out to Ibiza, and in our luxe goodie bags everyone got some Fake Bake Tanning Water to stay topped up during the trip. And, of course, because are guest influencers are all so talented, everyone looked amazing for four days and nights. But we had some down time, too. Ibiza is a real party place but you can also chill out if you want to - we did an early morning yoga session one morning overlooking the gorgeous water, and it was lovely. Our guests really enjoyed the more energetic events, too - O Club Ibiza in full swing really is something to see, and the staff made us so welcome.

It really was a wonderful trip - the hotel is so quirky but really luxurious, too. I never thought you could do afternoon tea in Ibiza - I do now! And the guys we took were all great fun - they bonded, and entered into the spirit of what Fake Bake as a brand is all about.

Will we back next summer? I really hope so. It really was a team effort, as everything we do is, but Ibiza is a really beautiful place. Good times, great people - and fabulous Fake Bake tans!”

We won’t forget our trip. On a cold day in November, when we are overloaded with Christmas plans, checking our bank balances, covered from head-to-toe in tights and scarves, and freezing our toes off, we will be able to shut our eyes and really understand what the comment ‘Take Us Back’ really means now.

Ibiza, it’s been a blast. Right, whose job is it to unpack all these bags?

Fake Bake Tanning Water is available at www.fakebake.co.uk

Thank you to our brilliant brand partners you can follow them on Insta:

@lambriniuk

@lovetequilarose

@spectrum collections

Many, many thanks to everyone at @wikiwoo_ibiza for four days of heaven

@obeachibiza we loved your party paradise - thanks, guys!

@ibizaboatrental we loved you having us on board - paradise at sea!