If you’ve been eagerly waiting for the return of Southern Charm on Bravo, you’re not alone. The Charleston drama, the friendships, the fashion—it’s always the perfect mix of guilty-pleasure TV and Southern chic. But one thing that always stands out? The cast’s ability to look effortlessly polished, no matter what chaos is happening around them.
Take Naomie Olindo, for example. She’s not just a fan favorite on the show but also a savvy entrepreneur (her boutique, Shop L’abeye, is seriously worth a scroll). Beyond business, though, Naomie has been giving us glimpses into her beauty routine on Instagram, and let me just say—we have very similar taste. From skincare to makeup, her recommendations are the kind of products you immediately want to try for yourself.
But let’s talk about one of her best-kept secrets: how she gets that bronzed, sun-kissed glow without baking in the South Carolina sun. Spoiler alert—it’s all about self-tanner. And trust me, this is the summer beauty tip you’ll want to add to your routine.
Why Self-Tanner Is a Summer Essential
We all know the risks of sun exposure—wrinkles, sunspots, premature aging, and of course, serious health concerns like skin cancer. But still, nothing feels more summery than glowing, golden skin. That’s where a good self-tanner comes in. It’s the safest, most reliable way to achieve that fresh-from-vacation look without damaging your skin.
The best formulas now go beyond just adding color. They hydrate, smooth, and even out your skin tone, leaving you looking radiant instead of streaky or orange. Naomie has clearly mastered the art of picking the right one, because her glow looks natural, effortless, and always perfectly blended.
Naomie’s Pick: A Natural, Buildable Tan
Naomie has shared on Instagram that she swears by her go-to self-tanner for keeping her bronzed all year long. The secret? A formula that delivers just the right balance of color payoff and skincare benefits. While some self-tanners can look flat or too dark, her favorite works with your skin tone to create a believable, golden glow.
Pro tip from Naomie: application is everything. Using a tanning mitt helps ensure the color goes on evenly and avoids the dreaded patchiness around elbows, knees, and wrists. She also recommends exfoliating before applying for the smoothest, most seamless results.
How to Nail the Naomie-Inspired Glow
If you’re new to self-tanning or just want to step up your game this summer, here’s a quick routine inspired by Naomie:
- Prep Your Skin
Start with a good exfoliation in the shower. Focus on areas where skin tends to be rougher—like elbows, knees, and ankles. Smooth skin means an even tan. - Moisturize Strategically
Apply a light moisturizer to dry patches before tanning. This keeps the self-tanner from clinging to those areas and looking darker than the rest of your skin. - Apply with a Mitt
Use long, sweeping motions with a tanning mitt to apply your self-tanner. Start at your legs and work your way up to avoid bending or smudging as the product dries. - Take Your Time with Hands and Feet
These areas can give away a fake tan faster than anything else. Use the leftover product on your mitt—don’t apply extra—to blend over your hands and feet. - Let It Develop
Follow the instructions on your product (every formula has its own sweet spot). Avoid sweating, showering, or tight clothing until the color sets. - Maintain the Glow
Keep your skin hydrated to make your tan last longer. When it starts to fade, gently exfoliate before your next application to avoid uneven patches.
The Confidence Boost of a Good Tan
There’s something about having a natural-looking tan that makes everything else fall into place. Your skin looks smoother, makeup becomes optional, and even a simple sundress feels instantly elevated. It’s that little extra confidence boost that helps you shine in all those summer moments—from casual beach days to dressier nights out.
Naomie proves that with the right products, you don’t need endless hours in the sun to get that glow. Instead, you can fake it flawlessly, and no one has to know the difference (unless you’re like her and share your secrets on Instagram).
Final Thoughts
With Southern Charm returning to our screens, it’s the perfect time to channel a little Naomie Olindo energy into your summer beauty routine. Her go-to self-tanner is proof that you don’t need to risk sun damage to achieve a bronzed, radiant complexion.
So whether you’re lounging poolside, heading to brunch, or just want to wake up looking like you spent the weekend in Provence, consider this your reminder: self-tanner is the unsung hero of summer beauty. Take a note from Naomie—glow responsibly.
