With its cool air and decreased humidity, winter can wreck havoc on the skin. Throw in hot showers, constant air conditioning, and longer hemlines, and it can be very easy to neglect all that lies south of the neck.

Self tanner is a much-called upon option to warm up dry, scaley limbs, but traditional formulas are often loaded with synthetic or toxic ingredients. Likewise, they can also be too sticky, too deep, or characterised by that obvious tan smell, especially if you’re not a seasoned tanner.

But fortunately, the world of self-tanners is no stranger to innovation. Nadine Monley is, fortunately for us, right at the front of it all. Her Bond Clean Beauty-stocked brand, Beauty Dept. is loved for its signature product, Summer Natural Gradual Tan. And for good reason. It’s paraben and PEG free, Australian made, and housed in 100 percent biodegradable and sustainable packaging. And most importantly, it’s heavenly to use, and works a treat on dry, neglected skin, especially as we dive head-first into the cooler months.

Loaded with essential oils like ylang ylang and sweet orange, it smells like freshly cut flowers, and hydrates like a champ thanks to the high concentration of oils (think coconut, macadamia, and shea butter). It also contains DHA, the active ingredient responsible for deepening the skin tone. But because it’s formulated in a low concentration, the result is a subtle glow, rather than a full-blown bronzing effect. If you do, however, crave a deeper radiance, you can reapply a few hours after the initial application. In other words, it’s foolproof, streak-proof, and won’t stain your sheets.

Nadine was kind enough to share with us some of her top tips for an easy wash of colour (no matter the season). Read on for her advice.

Exfoliation is Key

“Priming a canvas is the best way to achieve beautiful artwork, and your tanning regime should follow the same principle. Start by using a body scrub in the shower, paying special attention to rough areas such as the knees and elbows. For a natural alternative, I love applying coconut oil to a loofah or mitt instead. I exfoliate weekly, and truly reap the benefits (read: soft, smooth skin).”

Always hydrate the Skin

“The next step in preparing for your tan is to thoroughly moisturise areas prone to dryness – the hands, elbows, knees, heels and toes. By moisturising these areas, it’ll prevent the tan from grabbing, because there’s nothing worse than having dark, patchy spots.”

Just keep blending

“When it comes to the main event (as in application) use the product sparingly; remember you can always build up the colour if you need to. Start with your face, and work your way down the body, leaving your hands and feet until the end. Once finished, it’s important to wash your hands and clean your fingernails with a wipe to avoid any staining.”

For added radiance

“Try using a natural oil over the top of your tan for an added glow. Coconut oil is a wonderfully nourishing product that will absorb very quickly into your skin, leaving you looking fresh, and not like you just spent six months indoors without exposing so much as an ankle. It’s also a great idea to apply the oil before an event – come to think of it, I use this trick year-round.”

Words by Emily Algar.

Image by Pierre Toussaint