Debenhams Announces Spike in Fake Tan Sales After Royal Wedding

LONDON, May 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Debenhams Beauty Hall has revealed that the 'glowing' example of the Middletons at the Royal Wedding has caused a sales spike of fake tan with British women aiming to look just as bronzed during this year's wedding season.

The afternoon of the Royal Wedding Day saw fake tan flying off the shelves with sales up 219 per cent compared to the same day last year. The following day was almost as successful as shoppers, inspired by the wedding highlights on TV, boosted sales by 200 per cent.

Rumours are abound as to how the Middletons achieved their sun-kissed looks, from Kate's natural glow to Pippa's golden tone, with professionally applied artificial self tan thought to be the most likely solution.

Sara Stern, beauty director at Debenhams said: "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."

Debenhams' in-store tanning experts have been inundated with phone calls and in store 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 advised: "Skin prep is vital to avoiding 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 skintone and use different products for face and body.

"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."

About Debenhams:

Debenhams is a leading department stores group with a strong presence in key product categories including womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, home and health and beauty.

Debenhams is the second largest department store chain in the UK.

Debenhams operates 161 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Debenhams also has 61 international franchise stores in 24 countries and six Magasin stores in Denmark.

Designers at Debenhams include Preen, Jonathan Saunders, Jonathan Kelsey, Roksanda Ilincic, Ted Baker, Jeff Banks, Jasper Conran, Erickson Beamon, FrostFrench, Henry Holland, Betty Jackson, Ben de Lisi, Julien Macdonald, Melissa Odabash, Jane Packer, Pearce Fionda, Janet Reger, John Rocha, Lisa Stickley, Eric Van Peterson and Matthew Williamson.

PR Contact:
Ruth Attridge
Debenhams
33 Wigmore Street
London
W1U 1QX
08445 616161
www.debenhams.com

SOURCE Debenhams