A pioneer in the spray tanning industry, Bree Lopez, founder and CEO of Saint + Sólita, believes you can capture the radiance of a sun-drenched beach day no matter where you are. Her luxurious self-tanners are crafted with nourishing ingredients like aloe, cucumber extract, elderflower extract, and jojoba seed oil to guarantee your skin stays healthy and hydrated while attaining a natural, streak-free glow. I had the pleasure of speaking with Bree about the ever-evolving skincare industry and learn more about her journey.
Please tell us about your background and what brought you to this specific career path.
I started in the tanning industry as my first job fresh out of high school in 2011. After graduating from college, I spent four years working in public relations. I realized that path didn’t light me up. Making people feel confident and glowing did so I went back to tanning full time. In 2019 I moved from Los Angeles to Phoenix and opened my own spray tanning salon, The Bronzed Bungalow. It was the first step toward building something of my own and eventually led to the creation of my clean self-tanner line, Saint + Sólita.
Self-tanners are all the rage now. For someone just starting out, what would the best method of applying and maintaining a Saint + Sólita tan be?
Start with clean, exfoliated skin. No lotion, deodorant, or oils. You will first apply a small amount of unscented lotion to the typical drier and more porous parts of your body which includes your hands, elbows, knees, and ankles. This will ensure these areas do not get darker than the rest of your body. You’ll then apply yourself tanning mousse with a mitt in circular motions, working in sections. Make sure to leave your hands and feet until the end. I usually use a fluffy make up brush for these areas, using the leftover product on my mitt from the rest of my body. These areas need the tiniest bit of solution and should look much lighter than the rest of your body when you initially apply. Our formula is designed to be customizable, so the longer you leave it on before rinsing, the deeper your glow. For maintenance, moisturize daily, avoid long hot showers, and excessive sweating. Always use products that are self-tanner safe and don’t exfoliate until you’re ready to remove your tan.
What sets Saint + Sólita apart from other brands, and are there future plans to produce more products?
Saint + Sólita is rooted in simplicity, quality, and clean beauty. Our newest mousse is made with just seven ingredients and uses naturally derived bronzers, no FD&C dyes or unnecessary additives. It’s professional-grade, yet beginner-friendly, which means you’ll get the same quality, darkness, and longevity you would from a salon. We’re definitely planning to expand into more clean tanning essentials that elevate the self-tan experience, while keeping that same commitment to minimal, mindful ingredients and elevated beachy vibes.
What is the significance of your brands name?
Funny story, Saint + Sólita was actually born from a rebrand. My original name, Rebel Sol, didn’t make it through trademarking. I wanted the new name to feel like the opposite of rebel so Saint felt like a powerful contrast. I wanted to keep the word sol because the sun is so integral to the vibe and spirit of the brand. Sólita was inspired by the beach town Sayulita in Mexico. Adding “ita” gave it that sun-kissed, coastal feel. Sólita also means by oneself in Spanish, which is fitting for a self-tanner.
Working in the beauty industry for so many years, do you have any top beauty tips or advice?
Confidence is the best beauty product and everything else is just a tool to amplify it. But if I had to share a practical tip, I would say to treat the skin on your entire body just like you do the skin on your face. Everyone raves about skincare but forgets bodycare. On a daily level, keep your routine simple, hydrating, and consistent. The more you take care of your skin, the better everything else is like makeup, tan, and your confidence.
Anything else you would like our readers to know?
Saint + Sólita is more than just a tan, it’s a little escape, a ritual, a glow that comes from feeling good in your skin. My journey has taught me that doing what lights you up has a ripple effect. When you feel good, you show up better for yourself and everyone around you. That’s what I hope our products help people do.
Impart a gorgeous, natural tan from the comfort of your home and head to https://saintandsolita.com/
