Australian media personality and TV host Carissa Walford is never without a glowing tan. But, following a skin check earlier this year that resulted in two moles being removed (and a bit of a scare!), the 31-year-old has vowed to give up sun exposure for good. Carissa has now turned her focus to spreading awareness on the dangers presented by the harsh Australian sun and has traded in her suntan for a faux glow.
marie claire spoke to Carissa to get the full story on why she gave up sun tanning and quiz her on all her best tips for achieving the perfect fake tan.
What Prompted You To Give Up Sunbathing In Favour Of Self-Tan?
Because of the safety of it – that’s my primary reason for starting to fake tan. If I’m going to fake anything, moving forward it’s going to be my tan. A girlfriend of mine started a really important initiative known as Call Time On Melanoma. That sparked a lot of awareness and education around what we do in Australia in terms of sun exposure and also around how we view beauty.
[In Australia] having a tan is beautiful. We all, as Australians growing up in Australia, want that natural kind of glow – that bronzed look. But there was a time in the middle of this year when I decided to get my skin checked which I had never done before prior to knowing about Natalie Fornasier’s story.
I had two moles removed. It didn’t escalate into melanoma at all but it really shook me up. They were moles that would have had to have been monitored. At that point, I questioned: ‘Why am I going out into the sun to get a tan and putting my life in danger… and ruining my skin as well?’
That’s when I was introduced to Model Co and self-tanning and the new range. I want to feel good, look my best and be confident, and having a glow definitely gives me all that.
What Are Your Favourite Tanning Products?
As a minimalist I really love the whole Model Co range. It’s super easy to use. I’m not a high maintenance girl and I love a natural look. I don’t ever want to feel like it’s hard work. I think that’s why the products resonated with me so well.
The Model Co Tan Water is like a hydrating mist that then in three to four hours gives you a beautiful glow. That plus the Model Co Natural Tan give me the perfect amount of colour that I need to feel good.
Model Co Tanning Water, available at modelco.com
Model Co Natural Tan, available at modelco.com
How Do You Prep Your Skin For Tanning?
I actually use the Model Co Tan Remover Exfoliating Soap twice a week normally as an exfoliator. But if I know I’m going to be using tan then I’ll use that to prep three days beforehand. The exfoliating soap also ensures the tan lasts a long time. The soap is a must if you want to have even skin tone, get rid of dead skin cells and ensure there’s a smooth base for your application.
What Are Your Best Tips For Applying Tan?
Get in front of a full-length mirror! I can’t stress this enough. Getting in front of a mirror will allow you to see all the parts that you may miss. And, take the time out for yourself, don’t rush it. I feel like we’re prone to putting on a tan super quickly but give yourself that time to exfoliate, moisturise and plan out your week of events and work out what tan works best for you.
Australian media personality and TV host Carissa Walford is never without a glowing tan. But, following a skin check earlier this year that resulted in two moles being removed (and a bit of a scare!), the 31-year-old has vowed to give up sun exposure for good. Carissa has now turned her focus to spreading awareness on the dangers presented by the harsh Australian sun and has traded in her suntan for a faux glow.
Australian media personality and TV host Carissa Walford is never without a glowing tan. But, following a skin check earlier this year that resulted in two moles being removed (and a bit of a scare!), the 31-year-old has vowed to give up sun exposure for good. Carissa has now turned her focus to spreading awareness on the dangers presented by the harsh Australian sun and has traded in her suntan for a faux glow.
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