Golden girls of the Royal wedding cause rush to the beauty counters

PIPPA Middleton’s richly glowing tan, sported while acting as maid of honour at her sister’s wedding last month, raised eyebrows in certain quarters, but it’s thought to be responsible for a rush to buy self-tanning products.

The radiant example of the Middletons has caused a sales spike of fake tan products at Debenhams, says its Beauty Hall team, reporting that the afternoon of the Royal wedding day saw self-tanners flying off its shelves, with sales up 219 per cent compared to the same day last year.

The following day was almost as successful as shoppers, inspired perhaps by the wedding highlights on TV, boosted sales by 200 per cent.

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Not everyone approved of the Middleton girls’ tanned looks (Kate’s was a natural glow, while Pippa’s was a deeper golden tone that some deemed a little tacky), but that hasn’t stopped women wanting to copy the look.

Sara Stern, beauty director at Debenhams says: “You simply can’t underestimate the impact that Kate and Pippa will have on the beauty industry.

“Already streams of wannabe princesses have been flooding into our stores looking to achieve their healthy, groomed look.

“In particular, Kate’s more subtle shade of tan is perfect for big occasions such as weddings. A light tan to complement your skin tone is much more appropriate than the deeper, more noticeable shades used on a night out.”

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Debenhams says its in-store tanning experts have been inundated with phone calls and queries about tan-etiquette – how to look your very best at a wedding without over-shadowing the bride or scaring off the best man.

Stern advises: “Skin prep is vital to avoid those tell-tale tide marks. Exfoliate and moisturise well in advance and apply slowly and steadily.

“Choose a shade that is not too distant from your skin tone and use different products for face and body.”

She advises using make-up to complete the look: “Take inspiration from the new Duchess of Cambridge and embrace bronzing powders and highlighters to create definition and enhancement – a look that will dazzle from Westminster Abbey to Gretna Green.”

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