St Tropez Watermelon Infusion: We break down the skincare-inspired ingredients

Holidays may be off this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t show off a bronzed glow this summer. And with hidden skin benefits, there’s only one self-tan in our virtual shopping baskets. And it’s on special offer at McCauley now.

We’re gonna let you in on a little secret: THE hottest thing in beauty right now is watermelon.

That’s right, that humble slice of heaven that is served as a side dish at every summer barbecue and the only fruit you want floating in your cocktail, has made its way to the top of the beauty industry’s super ingredients list.

Beauty experts have been quietly infusing watermelon – which is 92% water – into all of your must-have skincare buys for the last year. And now, it’s made its way into your go-to self-tan, to give your skin that extra boost this summer.

The St Tropez Watermelon Infusion range is available now. Photo: Supplied

St Tropez has launched its Watermelon Infusion range, consisting of its two hero products Gradual Body Lotion and Classic Self Tan Bronzing Mousse, but with a juicy twist.

So what makes this new drop so special? Let us break down the skincare-inspired ingredients for you.

Watermelon

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Watermelon is packed with vitamins and minerals, namely vitamin A, B6 and C.

Vitamin A helps keep skin – and hair – moisturised and encourages healthy growth of new collagen and elastin cells. Vitamin B6 is known for cell reproduction and helps reduce tiredness and fatigue. And vitamin C encourages your body to repair damaged skin cells.

When we apply watermelon to our skin, or indeed ingest it, we are helping the skin to naturally exfoliate.

Watermelon is also rich in antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals, help treat the signs of ageing and brighten the skin.

And finally, the summer fruit is brimming with citrulline – an amino acid that boosts circulation and your immune system – and lycopene – an anti-inflammatory phytonutrient.

The St Tropez Self Tan Watermelon Infusion Bronzing Mousse. Photo: Supplied

The St Tropez Self Tan Classic Mousse has had a watermelon makeover, but still applies flawlessly and lasts for around 10 days.

“It’s a global icon for good reason,” says Michelle. “It is mistake-proof and provides a flawless golden tan for up to 10 days when you use your trusty Applicator Mitt. Now, you can ‘Mousse and Mitt’ and smell heavenly with this watermelon Infusion update.

“For tanning novices or die-hard all-year round tanners, you can keep everyone guessing whether you’ve just come back from holiday (or not)!”

The St Tropez Gradual Body Lotion Self Tan has also had a watermelon makeover, and is infused with hyaluronic acid and coconut and Brazil nut oil for the ultimate skincare pamper session.

Hyaluronic acid

Everything seems to have hyaluronic acid in it these days, but it is vital in keeping our skin hydrated. We actually produce hyaluronic acid naturally ourselves, but due to ageing and other environmental aggressors, we lose some of that natural hydration. When you apply it in a cream, it helps to hydrate the skin and maintain hydration as a humectant.

Hyaluronic acid has low molecular weight and moisturises to provide short and longer-term benefits, so skin appears youthful. In the short-term, it starts to attract moisture into the surface of the skin and in the long-term, it rebuilds and strengthens the skin’s barrier, therefore retaining moisture.

And the benefit to self-tanning is in retaining those tanned skin cells on the surface for a longer-lasting tan.

Coconut and brazil nut oil

Brazil oil is often used to help treat damaged hair, but it has also been thought to help moisturise very dry skin.

So why do we want these ingredients in our self-tan?

Why not?!

Self-tan is something most of use every week. Having a self-tan that gradually buffs away dead skin cells and moisturises our skin in a two-in-one function is the perfect add-on to our summer wardrobes.

A self-tan with a texture that melts into skin for a beautiful feel, not to mention the gorgeous sunshine aroma of watermelon topped with notes of kiwi, red berries and water flowers, is the beautiful distraction we need right now.

The St Tropez Gradual Self Tan Watermelon Infusion Everyday Moisture Miracle Body Lotion. Photo: Supplied

Michaella Bolder, St Tropez tanning expert, says, “The genius of the Everyday Moisture Miracle Body Lotion is that it’s a buildable tan which can be used every day until you achieve your desired depth of colour. The moisturisation levels post-tanning mean that your tan will last longer, look gorgeous and healthy and provide a more even fade-out.

“Use it as you would a moisturiser, apply straight after showering to lock in moisture and watch your glow subtly develop over 4-8 hours.”

There you have it. Two self-tans to give you that summer glow that are almost good enough to eat!

You can ban a special offer on St Tropez Watermelon Infusion Bronzing Mousse for just €19.95 and the Gradual Self Tan for just €9.95 at McCauley.ie or in McCauley pharmacies nationwide now.