Ashley Graham on the Power of Affirmations and How to Self-Tan Like a Pro

You’re a global ambassador for St. Tropez. What are the best tips and tricks you’ve picked up for mastering an at-home self-tanning routine? It can be tricky and intimidating!

First and

foremost, you have to use a mitt. The mitt is your best friend. If you use your hand, you will regret everything in life. Second, I think people are afraid of lotion. You just have to make sure you're hitting all of the areas including your hands, your knees, your elbows, your feet. And then as far as successfully tanning that hard part on your back that you feel like you can’t quite get to, I just spray the St. Tropez Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist back there, too. Like, loads and loads and loads of sprays, and it will tan your back! 

Ooh, that is a good tip!

[Laughs] Yes, if I don’t have someone here to support me, that’s what I do.

Is there anything about your beauty routine that would surprise people?

That would surprise people? I feel like people probably assume that I use a lot of products, but I really don’t. For me, it’s really about less is more, and I think the less you have in your routine, the better it probably is for your skin. It's not like your skin wants loads of stuff anyway, at least mine doesn’t! But yeah, I just keep everything simple. I’m down to earth. I’m not too fussy about things. I’m very much a just-run-out-the-door-as-I-am type of person. 

I want to switch gears a little bit to your wellness routine. Health and beauty are so intertwined. Do you have any self-care practices you rely on to help de-stress or stay centered?

For me, everything is all about how beauty comes from the inside and extends outward. I really think that’s a motto a lot of people have to remember even though it can be challenging. It’s not always easy to say that to yourself. Prayer and meditation have also really kept me centered and sane, especially through this last year or so. They’ve always been staples in my life, but I think I bumped it up during the pandemic, but also after becoming a mom. I had to really think about how to cut out alone time for myself and what I really wanted to do with that alone time. Finding ways to move my body every day is also really important to me, whether it’s yoga or working out or taking a walk or Pilates. 

Completely. And I’m glad you brought up life as a new mom. Congratulations, by the way! How has that experience been so far, and how has this new role impacted the way you approach beauty?

Well, it DID remove a lot of steps. Efficiency is key, and you know, if a product isn’t multitasking, I kind of think twice about it. Like, why am I even using it? The St. Tropez Ultimate Glow Kit has so much nourishment as far as essential hydration that’s already built into it; I don’t have to think about lotioning up constantly, and it also has ingredients like rose hip, so I know that I don’t have to OD on my hyaluronic acid.