FAKE BAKE goes pro: working with the best, Part Two…

When this image of Montana Brown at the BRITs got sent to us recently, we could only stand back in awe. Tanned by our very own Global Creative Consultant, James Harknett, it’s the type of look and skin finish we can only dream of. James has been in the business for two decades now, and even someone at the top of the industry is a beginner at the very start of their career. So, this week, we’ve decided to give you a little insight into our Fake Bake Training world.

We started off close to home with our Emily Jacobs from Fake Bake Training Scotland. Emily has been with us for a decade now, and has worked her way up from being a therapist to an educator, as well as being on hand to Fake Bake the VIP’s we work with, so she knows every rope there is to know in the tanning industry.

Emily, can you tell us all the basics we need to know about training?

Training takes place all over the UK and is delivered to our own exacting standards, which means once you have completed a course with us you will gain a professional qualification in manual/spray tanning.

We don’t just teach you how to deliver the perfect spray tan, but also prepping, customer care, contraindications to look out for, our latest innovations, business and marketing ideas, and our best insider secrets to help you perfect what you do.

The best news, we think, is that you don’t need to start with any other beauty training to come and train with us. Of course, so many people who come to train with us also do train to have other beauty skills and not everyone is new to the industry. Lots of professionals come to refresh and update their skills and that’s so important to, especially in a market which is ever-changing.

For more info about training in Scotland follow @fakebaketrainingscotland on Insta.

Next we caught up with Lauren, who has been helping to deliver training for us for over a decade, too - fourteen years, and counting! She’s an absolute expert when it comes to all things Fake Bake and a familiar face at pro trade fairs, too. Lauren is based in the South of the UK.

Lauren, what makes Fake Bake training the best in the business?

Fake Bake has always been based around self tanning - it’s what we do best - and as a company it means that we are constantly innovating. As a professional brand, we have always been known for delivering premium level performance products and formulations. We are not just about trends. What we are all about is the professional solutions which work. And that also means listening to our clients - we feed back what they love and what they ask from us, too. Over the years, we have always been passionate about delivering our Save Your Skin message, to ensure that fake tanning is the healthy way forward when it comes to getting a golden glow.

When you come to train with us you will receive the same first-class level of Fake Bake training wherever you are in the UK. The price of your training also includes your starter kit, which makes it a real investment at a low cost point. We make sure when you leave us you are fully confident in what you are doing. As well as running training in salons and accredited premises we also work with many beauty colleges, so there are lots of opportunities to train with us.

This one day course accreditation means on completion you can get full insurance when you want to start delivering your own Fake Bake spray tans, which is vital.

Once you leave us, you are then associated with a multi award-winning brand which has two decades of professional standing. So from the start of your training to when you start delivering your own pro Fake Bake tans, we are here to ensure that by training with the best in the business, you become the best in the business!

Next Training Dates

8th March     Hertfordshire

15th March   London

You can find out more by following Lauren on Insta @lauren_kelly_beauty

We also had a chat with Siobhan, who is based in the Manchester area and is now a trusted member of the Fake Bake Training team. Siobhan is like so many of our pro experts: she has built up a successful business whilst bringing up a family.

Once someone has completed their training, what advice would you give them?

As soon as you have finished your training, my advice is always the same - practice!

Gather close friends and family, and really hone your skills. Ask them for really honest feedback - you need them to be straight, so that when you start taking on clients, you can do so with extra confidence. Use your Fake Bake Training Manual to familiarise yourself with the whole of the Fake Bake range. Try them for yourself so that you can answer client questions with informed responses. That real sense of belief in the brand builds trust with your clients and is so important.

Finally, I would say believe in yourself and build your client base gradually. It’s important to be consistent and deliver the same level of service to clients. It’s also really important to get support around you as the start of anything new takes time and commitment. I love what I do - once I finished my own training, I have never looked back.

As Fake Bake is such a visible brand, it makes it so much better to sell in terms of getting interest from potential clients. Once you have a client base, you’ll find they really love the results and you can make adjustments as you work with each one of them to get a look that perfectly suits. The brand also put up so many great posts and images that you can repost, and you can mix these images in with examples of your own work.

With the rise in social media, it’s never been easier or cheaper to advertise what you do.

Next Training Dates:

Sunday 15th March Manchester

Monday 27th April Manchester

You can follow Siobhan on Insta @Siobhan_obeauty

To find out more about training in Liverpool follow @boutiquebeautytraining on Insta. Their Next Training Date is Saturday 29th February.

To find out more about training in Birmingham follow @fakebakebirmingham_ on Insta.

Their Next Training Date is Sunday 2nd March.

One thing’s for sure, with Spring on the way, there has never been a better time to think about stepping up your beauty game.

Are you ready to join Team Fake Bake?

For more general information go to www.fakebakeprofessional.co.uk

FAKE BAKE goes pro: working with the best, Part One…

One thing we are super proud of here at Team Fake Bake is our professional reputation. Now we are nearly two decades old here in the UK, we’ve come a long way from our first, application-based, colour-guided pro Fake Bake tan. When we launched it, it became known as the tan that lasted - without a hint of orange. Now, of course, we have developed and honed our ranges, but we’ve always listened to our pros, and their clients, to make sure you get the very best, and what you’ve asked for.

Our Global Creative Consultant James Harknett is celebrating twenty years in this industry this year, but like everyone, James started off a newbie. We have welcomed so many therapists, and continue to train new ones, but each goes to show that if you come into the industry, get trained by  the best, and work hard, there literally is a golden opportunity in every sense.

Next week, we will be talking to our training team to let you know how you can get involved. But we thought we’d start you off with some inspirational images that really showcase what we do.

Carlotta and Ben dazzle on ice

Team Fake Bake love working on Dancing On Ice and it’s a real compliment to the brand that we have been chosen as the one to outlast and outperform the competition. It’s a great chance for our team to showcase their talents, too, and we love looking at all the looks as they come in.

Charlotte Dawson is a cheeky client with a heart of gold

We adore Charlotte and can’t wait to see her having couples therapy in the new series of Celebs Go Dating. Her down-to-earth attitude, showing what famous faces really look like before they are filtered, is refreshing. And Eloise, The Tan Expert, who has worked with the brand for a decade now is a super-pro and hard worker.

Olivia Bentley is a client Made In… Heaven!

One thing we have achieved as a brand is working with the casts of every single leading reality show - you name the name, and we’ve tanned the frame. Olivia is a spirited beauty and a class act. Gotta love a high fashion feel.

Lydia Bright has a double glow

Now that Lyds is having a baby, we have loved being a part of her beauty journey. She is one of the most genuine people we have met in the industry, and has a style all of her own.

We’ve fallen in love with Ms. Whitmore

We first worked with Laura when she had just started off as showbiz reporter and now she’s working on one of TV’s hottest shows, in every sense of the word. With clients like Laura we know she’s going to be working some beautiful clothes, and has amazing styling, so the overall look is something we love being a part of. And obvs, our team of pros who create these skin finishes are the experts we rely on.

Jake heads up our list of one of our fave boys to work with

As our James is always telling us, more and more men are faking it! And so we get to work with them, and our therapists sometimes have more of a challenge keeping them still long enough to get a perfect result! Seriously, Jake is one of the loveliest people we know and a pleasure to have with us.

Strictly fabulous tans

Yup, we have also been on hand to tan so many Strictly pros and celebs when they are out on tour, and recently welcomed them to Glasgow. Again showing that when you want a long lasting tan, there really is no other choice but Fake Bake.

And the BAFTA goes to…

We do love a red carpet and we do love and upmarket do. So we were thrilled to see Alice May Jeffrey rock up to the red recently looking radiant and on point.

Fake Bake and Sam have a whole lot of history

We literally first worked with Sam Faiers within weeks of TOWIE hitting our screens ten years ago, and since then we have collaborated with her many times. As a brand, we are like a family and once you are part of us, we build friendships that last. Sam is pictured here backstage at the NTAS with our one-and-only Sandra Vaughan.

Vicky P plus Fake Bake - join us on the journey

Fake Bake and Geordie Shore go right back to Season 1 - and how we have all grown and changed since then. One person we have kept with us the whole time, and we love being a part of her world, is Vicky Pattison. Honest, genuine and just one of us, we adore the young woman she has become in every way.

Here’s what we are trying to tell you. Once you have trained with us, the world of pro tanning is waiting for you, and whilst we are not saying every day will see you getting an A-lister ready for a red carpet, the opportunities to progress are all there. From speaking to the most seasoned pros, of course, they get a huge amount of satisfaction working with clients who don’t have a blue tick, too! But from tanning bloggers, to working on fashion shoots, to being backstage everywhere from the MTV EMA’s to The Brits, if the event requires Fake Bake, then we always are on the lookout for talented people to deliver to our own exacting standards.

Thinking of a career change? No matter your age, background, experience or level of beauty ability, if you are thinking about it… act on it!

Next week we will be speaking to people in the know and giving you the deets on how you can get involved.

But this week we thought we’d just finish with a wonderful example of our work, because as a team, sometimes we all take a bow, because we all need each other to get this kind of fantastic Fake Bake finish.

Join us next week. Bring your diary, enthusiasm and an open mind.

An Important footnote: this piece was originally put together on a rainy Saturday afternoon, before the tremendously sad news about Caroline Flack reached us. We were lucky enough to meet with Caroline and work with her just last year, and we are so sorry for the terrible loss her friends and family are going through at this time.

If you are struggling in the light of this news, please speak to someone you trust, call 111 for medical advice, visit your GP or ring the Samaritans on 116 123. You can also visit Shout at www.giveusashout.org to find out about their amazing text back service.

We shall keep remembering Caroline’s advice to Be Kind, Always.

For all details on Fake Bake go to www.fakebake.co.uk

Thank you to all of our pro therapists for their images and assistance

Next week’s special will be all about training with us here at Fake Bake all over the UK

FAKE BAKE gets the Dancing On Ice lowdown with James Harknett and The Tan Expert…

After the longest January ever, heading into the windiest Febraury (hello, Storm Ciara!) at least every Sunday we have been able to get a glamour fix - where would we be without Dancing On Ice? And while most of us are tucked up in front of the telly each week, some of Team Fake Bake have been working super-hard getting everyone on camera ready for their close-ups.

This year’s DOI has already been making the headlines, and the costumes, sets and themes have been bigger and better than ever. New judge John Barrowman has added a bit of niceness, and the legend that is H from Steps has made a little bit of history with Matt Evers, who we have been collaborating with since the show’s early days.

One thing we know from talking to our BTS team is how much hard work goes into a live show like DOI. As viewers, we just rock up on a Sunday evening with carb cravings. As a TV show, the graft starts as soon as the previous show has ended. The pro skaters and celebrities are back on the ice making a start on next week’s routines, and Team Fake Bake are busy getting them to take care of their skin. Fresh, new routines call for fresh, new Fake Bake tans.

We thought we’d catch up with our backstage crew to get all the latest news. Our Team Fake Bake are gamely headed up by our Global Creative Consultant, James Harknett, and The Tan Expert, Eloise.

Over to you, guys….

James, what do you enjoy most about heading up Team Fake Bake for DOI?

So this year we are back for the third year running providing the glows for the the pro skaters and celebs! Dancing On Ice is such a loved and established show with a huge following. This is an opportunity for our Fake Bake tans to be showcased in glittering HD so there’s no room for any tanning fails - not that we are into fails, obviously!

For the past three seasons I’ve been lucky enough to work with one of the industry’s finest tanning therapists, Eloise. Her experience in the industry is exceptional and like myself she understands about tailoring the tan to the individual’s skin tone. Also when you’re tanning 25 people in a row it’s important to communicate with your client and constantly keep them reminded of aftercare tips.

Any top tips for us dedicated winter tanners?

This year I’m celebrating 20 years in tanning so there’s nothing I’ve not come across in all these years. I would say our main issue at the studio, which is purpose built in the middle of an airfield, is that the skaters come off the ice sweaty as they train so hard. The build up of perspiration can be troublesome on the skin, so we get through a lot of biodegradable water wipes. Also, it’s important they try and remove the remnants of older tan from the weeks before. I always recommend a hot soak the night before and to use a wet flannel to help fade out older colour, especially on the tops of inner arms and skin above the breasts towards the corner of the underarm.

This season we have seen the demand for 60 Minutes professional tan go up by 80% as the skaters and celebs are loving the ease and simplicity of express tanning. Also the tone is so authentic on everyone’s skin tone and really does mimic a real sun tan. Also less make-up is needed with an all-over glow.

With this type of performance, costumes are elaborate and sexy and for pros and celebs there is always plenty of skin on show which really showcases the Fake Bake pro tanning ranges and shades - it’s a win-win for us as a brand!

Eloise, It’s such a busy time for you - what’s the prep like?

As a team, we have to be super-organised. We have to use forward thinking where stock is concerned to make sure every single pro skater and celeb gets the tan that they need. I am used to working by myself as a pro tanner, but I really enjoy team events like this one. Trust me, DOI is literally my social life after Christmas now. It takes up every weekend, and I love it. The vibe backstage is relaxed and exciting at the same time. As a pro tanner, an event like DOI tests all your skills as a tanner but also as an all-rounder: you have to be ready with all of your fully functioning equipment, rested and full of energy!

You provide the Fake Bake pro tans but what products from the range are the guys using between shows?

Obviously, we want to make sure that our tans work, so we make sure everyone uses our Fake Bake Coconut Body Polish to prepare the skin and Fake Bake Oil Free Mistifier to keep skin moisturised without stickiness. And finally, if any stubborn areas need prepping before a fresh tan is applied, our Fake Bake Tan Corrector and Eraser works wonders!

What do you love about working on the show?

It’s a real team effort - James is great fun, and with the rest of our team we get to create Fake Bake tans that are part of some really special looks. We love seeing the playback each week. We have made some great friends on and off screen, and lots of the pro skaters and celebs become regular clients, too!

Where would we be without these two and the rest of our VIP, elite tanners?

And during this special week, we have decided to take ultimate inspo from DOI’s legendary presenters, and make Valentine’s Day a celebration of love in all of its forms, and also remember this super-cute advice: put more friendship into your romance, and more romance into your friendships.

So this Friday forget about the word ‘status’ and do something fabulous for someone you love - and that includes you - and if this storm has passed forget about boring tables-for-two and include everyone who matters.

It’s time to get tanned and get our skates on.

You with us?

All featured products are detailed at www.fakebake.co.uk

Dancing On Ice is on ITV1 every Sunday evening

You can follow James on Insta @jamesharknettofficial

You can follow Eloise on Insta @thetanexpert

FAKE BAKE goes to the NTA’s…

This year’s National Television Awards at the 02 Arena were extra special for them - and for us! They celebrated turning 25, and Fake Bake got to be Official Tanning Supplier once more, at one of our favourite events of the year. For everyone watching at home, you get to enjoy the red carpet looks and then the show itself, which was hosted this year by cheeky David Walliams.

For us? The planning starts in the months and weeks before, and then it’s time to jet down to London the night before. Team Fake Bake this year was headed up by our Victoria Halliday, Head of Business Development, Global Celebrity and Influencer Outreach. Before we go any further, we just want to mention that Vic’s was our favourite look of the night. Here’s the evidence. What a beauty.

We set up for the Awards at the InterContinental London - the 02, which is right near to the venue, so no-one had to walk too far in their finery. We were ably assisted by the most talented hair and beauty teams. Make-up was led by the amazing Stacey Toner, and hair was made wonderful by Pamela Docherty - our celebs wouldn’t trust their locks with anyone else.

In terms of tanning, it was time to bring out the big (spray!) guns. James Harknett was on hand - our Global Creative Consultant is super-skilled and we appreciated his hard work and talent - his fave DOI faces looked spectacular.

Eloise, The Tan Expert, is always with us for special occasions and our Fake Bake Trainer Emily headed up the rest of our Fake Bake gang. They worked tirelessly to make sure everyone looked picture perfect.

We caught up with our Victoria to ask her how the NTA’s went…

“This year was another triumph! We really had a brilliant time, and from the minute we touched down we didn’t stop. Whether it was getting everyone ready or dressing the box Fake Bake love having at the NTA’s, it was really full on.

The red carpet is an event in itself and we are always on hand to make sure everyone is ready for the cameras. The show itself is always great fun. This year, we all gave a special cheer when Jesy Nelson won an NTA for her documentary, Odd One Out. It was a real talking point, and we really appreciated that she represented young women everywhere in her speech.

Once the show was over, Team Fake Bake and our lovely bunch of invited guests got to let their hair down.

So much effort goes into ceremonies like this, and as a brand it’s time to bring out our fun side. And for the Behind-The-Scenes team, they get to enjoy the sense of occasion, too. It’s always a group effort. I loved seeing everyone dressed up and ready for the show. It’s a real high point of the year, and I hope we get to do it again in 2021.”

At the end of the night, we finally got to relax and take it all in. We talked about our favourite shows, the night’s winners, and what everyone was wearing, of course! So many friends of the brand stopped by to check in with us, and we felt super proud to be a part of an event that celebrates British TV - which is the best in the world, natch!

As we waved goodbye to all of our guests, we were back to the business of our own, very un-starry lives. But for one night, we got to walk the carpet and get a taste of what it’s like to live the lifestyle.

Almost Famous? It felt brilliant, but it’s a tough job being fabulous 24/7. We were quite glad to get our trackies back on and get the plane home.

Tired, with sore feet, and goodie bags in tow: nobody papped us at the airport.

And on that morning, that was absolutely fine with us. Best Partying Award? It has our name written all over it….

For more information about Fake Bake go to www.fakebake.co.uk

Thanks to everyone at ITV and The NTA’s for their warm welcome at the 02

You can follow Victoria on Insta @vic_halliday

Check out James on Insta @jamesharknettofficial

Many thanks to Stacey Toner for all of her hard work you can check it out on Insta @staceytoner_artsy

We loved working with Pamela again you can view her gorgeous hair looks on Insta @pamdochair

Special thanks to all our invited guests - you were lovely company - bring on 2021!