Summer brings its own unique set of beauty challenges, it is the season where we’re all meant to be having fun with beauty. Tropical colours, fun finishes and lightweight formulations should mean that beauty in summer should be a breeze.
But if you’ve ever struggled through a hot, humid summer you’ll know the reality is somewhat different. Foundation that refuses to stay put and slides down your face; your trusty moisturiser that now brings you out in spots – it’s enough to put a girl off summer for good (if it wasn’t for the ice-cream).
But there are ways and means. Here are my Top 5 picks for a beautiful, stress-free summer.
Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Jelly (£24.99)
You might feel like skipping moisturiser altogether during summer, but your skin still needs the same loving care you would give it during colder months – just delivered in a slightly different way.
Indeed Labs have made a name for themselves creating notable products that are consumer favourites because they do the job without a whole lot of fuss. These are deceptively simple products, with a great deal of science to back them up. The latest launch, Hydraluron Moisture Jelly, is their ultimate lightweight moisturiser with a micro network complex that locks in moisture, keeping your skin hydrated for longer.
Perfect for combination / oily skins, this moisturising jelly also comes into its own during the height of summer. Delivering a high-octane dose of moisture without clogging the skin, it soothes sun-parched skin beautifully, keeping it in tip-top condition without breaking you out. It’s only been released this month, but this product is set to make itself a lot of new friends.
http://www.boots.com/en/Indeed-Labs-hydraluron-moisture-jelly_1493124/
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser (£34)
The conventional wisdom when it comes to wearing base in summer is to switch to a tinted moisturiser: a lighter texture equals a happier skin. But not all tinted moisturisers are created equal. There are definitely some great formulations out there (Benefit’s Big Easy, Liz Earle’s Sheer Skin Tint), but if you want the crème de la crème, Laura Mercier has got you covered.
The genius behind the Laura Mercier range of tinted moisturisers is just that: there is a range of formulations and finishes available. Laura Mercier has recognised that different skin types require a different approach from their tinted moisturiser, and with this in mind, Laura Mercier has created three versions: normal, illuminating and oil-free. All three come equipped with SPF20 and provide a hydrating, long-lasting finish. The oil-free formula is a star product; controlling oily patches that occur during the day, but still keeping the skin hydrated, which stops the colour from fading. This is a hard-working, adaptable formula – value for money isn’t often a plus touted in relation to premium beauty products, but Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturiser will give you exactly that.
Body Shop Honey Bronze bronzing powder (£13)
From a cult beauty buy to the best of the high street, this next item started life as part of a limited edition collection – and became so popular it has now become one of the Body Shop’s (permanent) beauty gems.
What makes this bronzer unique is its colour range: the very lightest shade has been designed to be used by even the palest skins. If you’ve tried bronzers and found them just too dark (however light a touch you use to apply it), the Body Shop Honey Bronze could be your ticket to bronzed, beautiful skin. Just a light sweep across your cheekbones is enough for a gentle, sophisticated glow. Even if you’re not uber-pale, but have found some bronzers to be (quite literally) too much in your face, Honey Bronze is a buildable formulation that gives you control over how much colour you’re putting on. The matte formula makes this bronzer look much more expensive than it really is, effortlessly giving a professional finish that will convert any bronzer newbie. Be not afraid – you can wear bronzer!
Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Blusher stick (£9)
As good as Honey Bronze is, not everyone’s a bronzer girl. If you love your blusher, summer is the ideal time to step out of your routine and try new shades – and new formulas.
The blusher stick has been having a bit of a moment of late; brands such as No.7 and Clinique have produced creamy, easy-to-apply formulations that have proved immensely popular. Easy to blend, easy to control – it’s not hard to see why they have become a make-up bag must-have. Not requiring any brush for application, they’re also perfect for travel, making these products a no-brainer for your summer hols.
However, as much press attention as the No.7 formulas have received, I’m going to get controversial and say that Soap and Glory have produced an even better product. Their Sexy Mother Blusher sticks in berry-fuschia (Berry Jamm), coral peach (Onomatopeacha) and dusky pink (Pinkerbelle) are standout formulations: smooth, creamy and easy to blend onto the skin, these blusher sticks may look scary in the tube, but when applied onto the face, they become a beautiful, translucent wash of colour. Whether you want a delicate, barely-there shade or build up to something more defined, Soap and Glory leave that entirely up to you.
http://www.soapandglory.com/makeup/face/blusher-bronzer/sexy-mother-blusher
That’s the thing with summer: colour seems almost compulsory. While some colour can be scary (who actually wears neon eyeshadow?), for wearable, everyday-fabulous colour – you’ve got to go with coral.
(Braziliant)
Essie Corals Collection (£7.99 each)
A shade that is virtually synonymous with summer, coral works because it is a universally-flattering colour: tan or no tan, there is a coral out there for everyone.
While there are some serious contenders out there, no-one does coral better than nail brand Essie. Whilst adding a limited edition (Braziliant – spot the topical reference) to their existing range of shades, Essie has created corals for every mood. If you prefer your corals on the pink side, Sunday Funday will live up to its name. Like your coral with a bright, tropical twist? Peach Daiquiri and Tart Deco are a proper dose of high-summer colour.
(Sunday Funday)
With their wide, flat brush applicator, Essie polishes are easy to apply. Worn with a top coat, Essie shades frequently outlast their pricier counterparts – great for a holiday where the last thing you want to be thinking about is your nails.
That’s the key to thinking about summer beauty: not so much low-maintenance, but products that do the hard work for you. Whether that’s a one-shade-suits-all nail polish or a moisturiser that hydrates your skin without overwhelming it – just a few changes to your routine can make all the difference.
Summer may bring its own unique set of challenges, but there’s no reason why beauty should be one of them.
HELEN TOPE
designergirl77 