The It-Girl Glow Report

The only glow forecast you'll read this summer.

Every summer hands out one look. This one's already decided: bronzed, faux-freckled, glossy, suspiciously well-rested. The beauty world calls it Aussie-Girl Glam. We call it a self-tan story, because that's what it is.

Here's the trend report. Consider the sun officially uninvited.

The face

Glazed, golden, lightly freckled. The smart glow is SPF plus self-tan, not a week on a roof.

The fit

Satin slip trousers, a plain white tee, and grey socks (yes, grey socks - the detail nobody saw coming). The glow is the layer you put on first.

The soundtrack

Olivia Rodrigo on repeat, Ariana's Eternal Sunshine tour, Euphoria back for round three. Loud summer, quiet-luxury skin.

The one rule

Pick your undertone, not just your depth. A violet base catches the orange before it starts. Streak-free, build slow, act like you were born this colour. Every Brownies shade is built on exactly this.

Loud summer, quiet-luxury skin.

The report's free. The tan's optional. The grey socks are non-negotiable.

Quick questions, honest answers

How do I get the faux-freckle glow?
Start with a golden self-tan a shade lighter than you think, then dot freckles with a fine brown pen or a freckle tint across the nose and cheekbones. Glow first, freckles after.

Do I still need SPF if I'm using self-tan for the look?
Yes, always. Self-tan is colour, not protection - so the smart glow is SPF plus self-tan, every single time.

How do I pick the right shade?
Choose by undertone, not just depth. Violet and green bases neutralise orange, so the bronze reads natural on cool and warm skin alike.

Shop the glow →