Ashley Graham is a woman after our own heart. She’s hilarious, authentic, good for a beauty recommendation (or ten), and now fronts one of the best tanning brands on the market: St. Tropez. The iconic pairing came about naturally. Ashley’s a long-time brand fan, and St. Tropez has an approach to beauty that’s simple, innovative, and fun.

To celebrate her new job, we spoke with the model about beauty, pandemics, and tanning tricks. From quarantine kitchen fails to a Zoom-appropriate makeup routine, there’s a lot to love about Ashley.

 Keep reading for the interview. 

Firstly, HOW HAVE YOU TAKEN CARE OF YOUR MIND AND BODY DURING THE PANDEMIC?

Staying active has been the best way for me to take care of my mind and body during these times. I also prioritize setting aside time for meditation and prayer with my husband after we put Isaac [my son] to bed. It’s a great way to unwind, disconnect from the chaos, stay centered and grateful.

HAVE YOU DISCOVERED ANYTHING NEW ABOUT YOURSELF DURING THIS TIME?

This is not a new discovery, but I can’t cook! While spending more time at home I challenged myself to learn a few new recipes. But the real discovery was realizing just how difficult it is to cook a good meal. I haven’t mastered anything just yet, but I’m working on it!

ARE THERE ANY CHANGES YOU’VE MADE  THAT YOU’LL TAKE FORWARD WITH YOU?

The biggest change that has come from this time is my deeper appreciation for slowing down and spending time with my family. I have always valued quality family time, but with my career, I’ve been constantly ‘go go go.’ It has been a true silver lining to savor every moment with Isaac and my husband. It’s the extended maternity leave I never thought I’d be able to have.

ANY ZOOM BEAUTY HACKS YOU’VE PICKED UP THAT YOU CAN SHARE? 

I’m all about less-is-more as a new mother. When I’m in a hurry, I often multitask by using my favorite brow pencil to define my lips, eyes, and brows in a pinch. It’s an easy way to look more polished before a Video meeting!

HAVE YOU BEEN MAINTAINING YOUR ENTIRE BEAUTY REGIMEn, or did it all fall to the wayside? 

I’ll be honest, there are a lot of things I didn’t keep up with at the start of lockdown. As quarantine continued, I started focusing more on self care and getting back into my daily beauty regimen. I’ve found that less is more, and I’ve actually removed a few steps from my typical routine. I’ve always preferred to shower at night, so once Isaac goes to bed, I can really focus on me. I love to use St. Tropez’s Self Tan Express Mousse for a quick boost –  nothing makes me feel better than a great tan. The Self Tan Purity Face Mist is also so easy to use, I just spritz it on before bed and wake up with a healthy glow. It’s too easy!

Ashley Graham for St. Tropez. Photographed at the William Vale Hotel, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY, September 21, 2020. Credit Photo: Erin Baiano

Yes! CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR APPOINTMENT AT ST. TROPEZ! TELL US ALL ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP?

St. Tropez has always been my go-to tanning brand; they are truly the original and the best. A good tan gives me that radiance and boost you feel after a great vacation. With St.Tropez, I can get that feeling from home.

When did you first use self tan, and how does this inform your work with st. tropez? 

After I realized how damaging tanning beds can be for your skin! In high school, we would sometimes tan every day, even twice a day! A few years later I really started noticing the effects. The first time I self tanned was for a modeling job. After I saw how fast, easy, and safe it was, I never went to a tanning bed again. Now, self tan is a regular part of my beauty routine.

DO YOU HAVE A ST. TROPEZ FAVORITE GOING INTO 2021?

I’ve been focusing on taking care of my skin more than ever, and think that will definitely carry into my routine in 2021 and beyond. When my complexion is feeling dull, I always reach for St. Tropez’s Purity Vitamins Face Serum to brighten things up. The formula is super moisturizing with Hyaluronic Acid and gives an extra boost thanks to Vitamin C and Vitamin D to protect from free radicals. I’m all about multi-tasking products these days!

SHOP ASHLEY’S ST. TROPEZ FAVORITES:

ST. TROPEZ Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist, $35. SHOP NOW

ST. TROPEZ Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse, $60. SHOP NOW