Following her standout performances at Coachella, Sabrina Carpenter is once again turning heads, not just for her music, but for her flawless, bronzed complexion. Behind that radiant glow is expert tanning artist Sam Milne, who has revealed the professional secrets to achieving a natural, camera-ready finish.
Milne, founder of Brown Sugar by Sam Milne in Scotland, credits the secret of a perfect tan to precision and personalization rather than simply choosing a darker shade. Central to her method is a deep understanding of colour theory, which ensures that tanning solutions complement rather than clash with a client’s natural undertones. Warm skin tones, for instance, benefit from olive or violet-based formulas to avoid orange hues, while cooler tones require warmer bases to prevent an ashy appearance.
Selecting the right shade begins with identifying undertones, often determined by examining vein colour under natural light. Milne notes that green veins typically indicate warm undertones, blue or purple suggest cool tones, and a mix points to neutral skin. Matching the correct base to these undertones is essential for a balanced, natural-looking result.
Customization also extends to skin type. Fair or deep complexions may require adjustments in development time rather than formula strength, while mature or dry skin benefits from pre-tan hydration to ensure even absorption. For clients with pigmentation or sensitivity, lighter layers and protective moisturizers help create a smooth, consistent finish without overdevelopment.
However, achieving a flawless glow doesn’t end in the salon. Proper aftercare is critical to maintaining results. Milne advises keeping skin hydrated, avoiding harsh soaps or mineral-oil-based products, and using lightweight moisturizers daily to extend the life of a tan.
Ultimately, the goal is subtlety. As Milne puts it, the best tans are the ones that go unnoticed—enhancing natural beauty rather than overpowering it. Through a combination of technique, customization, and care, that effortless, sun-kissed finish seen on Sabrina Carpenter is anything but accidental.
