As we’re definitely getting a proper summer so far this year – and by proper I mean possibly a little too hot, so we’re having to treat every day as if we’re on holiday (just without the actual holiday part) – we’re all waking up hot and bothered, reaching for the suncream every time we leave the house (yes, I know we should wear SPF every day, and if you’re wearing factor 50 in the UK in January, you’re a better person than me), and our skin is starting to feel a little dry and flaky thanks to the heat.
With that in mind, I thought I’d do a quick run-through of six of my favourite summer beauty essentials.
A SILK EYE MASK
Out of everything on this list, this silk eye mask is my absolute summer essential. I’d be awake with the dawn chorus otherwise. I have two on rotation so I can wear one while the other is in the wash. There are lots of more expensive ones around, but this one does the job just as well.
MY ZIIP HALO
This is my favourite tool for lifting my sagging face. I use it all year round, but in the summer, when my face is extra puffy after sleeping under an eye mask on hot nights, this little device really comes into its own. It helps with lymphatic drainage and makes my face look a bit perkier after a restless, sweaty night’s sleep. It basically wakes my face up, helps with the jowls, and softens those attractive marionette lines around my mouth. It treats so many of my skin concerns that it’s definitely worth the investment. I wouldn’t be without it — read more about it on this post. You can use my code KATEWEARS for 10% off.
GATINEAU GRADUAL TAN
I used to favour the Tan-Luxe gradual tan, but over the past couple of years I’ve switched my self-tanning allegiance to this Gatineau one. It gives a very similar result, but I’ve found it’s much more moisturising, so it doesn’t leave your skin looking like tiger bread as it fades. I usually apply three coats over three consecutive days to build up the colour I want, and that lasts me just over a week.
ULTRA VIOLETTE FACIAL SPF 50+
A lot of facial SPFs make me break out, but this is one of the only ones I’ve found that doesn’t, so I’ve been sticking with it for the past three years. The only time I’ve burnt my face recently was when I forgot to put it on my forehead because I mistakenly thought my fringe would stop it burning. It turns out fringes don’t offer much protection when you fall asleep in the sun.
INSTITUT ESTERDERM ADAPTASUN LOTION
For my body, this is my favourite sun lotion. It adapts to your skin to give you the level of protection you need, and I haven’t burnt at all while using it. I’ve tried cheaper brands, but this is the one I keep coming back to because it’s just so good. It’s currently on offer at Look Fantastic, and my code WEARSMYMONEY still seems to work for an extra discount too.
LOOPHA OUD HAND AND BODY CREAM
I don’t tend to bother with aftersun because I think a good body moisturiser works just as well. This LOOPHA Water Cream is a new discovery for me. It goes on beautifully, melts into the skin quickly, and I really like the scent. It’s also great at reducing redness after a shower.
If you have any beauty products you swear by during the summer, let me know. I’m always up for trying new recommendations.
K x
