Tastemaker: Sophie Evans

If you’ve ever noticed how perfectly sun-kissed the models’ skin looks on the runways at Erdem, Chanel and Zac Posen, you’ve seen the work of Sophie Evans. Evans is one of the leading skin finishing experts in the UK, and some of the biggest names in Hollywood and fashion rely on her skills to look red carpet and runway ready. We caught up with the blonde beauty and St. Tropez brand ambassador to find out all about her fascinating career, her current beauty obsessions and what products she can’t live without.

Tell us a bit about yourself. What should people know?
I am one of the leading skin finishing experts from the United Kingdom. I provide bespoke tans for A-list celebrities, top fashion models and leading editors around the world. My work has been seen on models walking the catwalks for Erdem, Louise Goldin, Marios Schwab and Roksanda Ilinic in London, and Chanel and Zac Posen in Paris. I tan celebrities for red carpet premieres and events such as the Oscars and the Emmys. I also provide custom tanning services to beauty editors at Allure, Vogue, W, Glamour, Lucky, Self, Elle and Marie Claire. I am an aesthetician with over 15 years of experience and also ran the St. Tropez London Training Academy for over eight years before taking a big step and moving to New York in 2011. I am now a permanent resident of the United States and New York is now my home. I truly love this city! I represent St. Tropez on QVC, which is one of the largest multimedia retailers in the world. My regular appearances provide viewers access to my expert tips and skin finishing products. QVC is so much fun!

How did you get interested in the world of beauty/tanning?
My whole family, and I mean my whole family, are hairdressers: mother, father, brother, aunts and uncles! I’ve been surrounded in this industry my whole life but I wanted to do something a little different so I studied Health, Beauty and Fitness at The City of Bath College in England for three years. Once I qualified, I took my skills and traveled around the world, then finally returned home to London in 2000. I started working part time for a lady called Judy Naake, who a few years prior bought the European distribution rights for St. Tropez Tanning Products. We had to truly write the script and pioneer a change in the misconception about tanning products.

St Tropez ended up creating and defining the whole tanning industry, and still does to this day. A lot of St. Tropez’s success came from working with an amazing, passionate hard working team. I was one of the first few employees who helped build the brand and I am so proud of that fact. It was so exciting taking an unknown brand and watching it sky rocket and developing new formulas and ways of application. Not to mention my first time going in the houses of the rich and famous. Beckham Palace, Downing Street, touring with the world’s most famous pop bands – I’ve even met royalty! So as St. Tropez grew, so did I and I know St. Tropez will always have a very special place in my heart.

What’s your beauty must-have?
I cannot live without St. Tropez – I know it sounds cliché but I really can’t! If St. Tropez is not on my skin, I look ill and tired. I constantly have to have a glow! I spray my face with St. Tropez Bronzing Spray in the regular colour every 2-3 days and maintain every day with St. Tropez Gradual Tan Multi Action Face. For my body I am still a huge advocate of St. Tropez Self Tan lotion. This is the product that made the company famous and is one of my signature treatments. It is not as consumer friendly as the famous St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse but it lasts up to two weeks on my skin and keeps my skin glowing, hydrated and supple. I also love St. Tropez Gradual Tan Firming Body as well. I apply this mid-week to give my skin and body a boost of well-being.

What beauty/style trends are you excited for this year?
I am English through and through, and my favorite designer hands down will always be Vivienne Westwood. I simply love Vivienne Westwood’s punk roots and I really love her new autumn/winter collection and her new tartan prints. One tartan print was taken from the dress worn by Queen Elizabeth I; that’s pretty cool. So this winter tartan is on the cards with clean cut tailoring. For beauty, I’m not sure if this is a trend but a way of life: flawless complexion and subtle, glowing skin from head to toe!

What’s your favorite spa or service?
My favourite spa is Euphoria in Tribeca, NYC . I love their tailor-made facials, they are the best! Since we are downtown in Tribeca, I have got to mention Soul Cycle. I am addicted to these spinning classes; I go whenever I have the opportunity. It’s an indoor cycling class with the best instructors and the best beats. I simply can’t get enough! As they say, “Great for the mind, body and soul,” so true! Each class makes me feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the world!

What’s the one – yes, just one – product you can’t live without?
One product… this is hard… Bleach I guess! I love being blonde but blonde with a glow… so can I have bleach with self-tan?

Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date of your primping and pampering?
Catch me live on QVC USA! Airings will be posted via the official St. Tropez Tan Facebook page. I won’t deny I am social media shy, but if you have any questions for me, contact me via St. Tropez Tan Facebook.