Make the transition from winter to summer easy with a new, fresh, simple beauty routine.
Fresh Face
It’s often a good idea to change you skincare regime during the summer months. You’ll notice your skin gets oilier, so make sure you cleanse and tone properly with alcohol-free, soap-free products – anything too harsh will strip your skin of its natural oils. You may enjoy the initial clean, tight feel, but the skin then overcompensates by producing even more oil, often causing breakouts. If, on the other hand, you have very dry skin, keep using your normal cleanser, but with a cooling, hydrating spritser to combat the sun’s dehydrating effects.
Exfoliating products should get more gentle and moisturising in the summer, and make sure you stay out of the sun for a while afterwards since skin will be extra sensitive. But daytime moisturisers should get lighter and oil-free is a must to prevent clogging pores. To prevent product overload, a tinted moisturiser with an SPF might be best – but remember that if you’re spending hours in the sun, then you’ll need to reapply every 2 hours to be UV protected.
Protect your skin from premature ageing and skin cancer by applying sunscreen every day. It’s not worth risking these just because you’re worried about having a breakout, but in any case you can prevent clogged pores by using oil-free, water resistant formulas that contain antioxidants. To find the right sunscreen for your skin type, Click Here.
Miracle Makeup
Summer makeup should be light, pretty and simple. If possible, stick to mascara and a slick of gloss. If you need shadows and foundation, choose waterproof products specially formulated for long summer days, and use as little as possible to prevent meltdown! Tinted moisturiser is a good summer bet, but remember that even though it’s light, you still need to match the colour carefully to your skin. Cheek stains and bronzers may work better for you than powder blushers in sticky weather. Eyeshadow colours should be muted and close to your own skin colour, and choose waterproof mascara and liner to prevent looking like Courtney Love if everything does smudge.
Before heading outside, dust on a bit of translucent powder to set everything – it also prevents things getting oily, but if you’re prone to grease, also carry around some blotters for sneaky restroom touch-ups. And whatever you do, don’t attempt to cake a second layer of make-up over the first, it’s a recipe for disaster.
Beautiful Body
To prevent the sun from drying out your skin, slather on a rich moisturiser every day, and drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated and in tip-top condition. Exfoliators are great for smooth summer skin, but make sure you’re not using a salt-based one – it will dry you out.
Self tanners are a must, but choose the right shade for your skin type – if you’re naturally very pale, then a dark tan will just look artificial and orange.
Happy Hair
The sun, sea and chlorine wreak havoc on your hair and are incredibly drying. On top of that though, summer’s breezy weather often makes it difficult to resist going blonde or sneaking in some highlights, both of which can turn hair into a frizzy, brittle mess.
Fight back by adding an extra moisturising conditioner to your usual routine, patting hair dry gently rather than towelling, and use a hydrating hair masque once a week, always rinsing thoroughly with cold water to seal in natural shine. Anti-frizzing silicon serums should be kept to a minimum though – they quickly coat hair and create more trouble than they’re worth. A leave-in sun-protecting product will also work wonders. If possible, wear a hat or SPF hairspray if you’re planning to spend hours in the sun to prevent frizzling, and have trims every 2 months at the least.
In terms of styling, keep things simple – more beach hair than super-styled; straighteners and curling irons are not a good look in the long run. If you have to, use protective products and leave-in conditioner, or try plaiting your hair while still damp for natural waves that won’t strip your locks. A bun or ponytail with an alice band is another trendy anti-frizz alternative.
Luscious Legs
Summer’s here and you can’t keep your scaly, dimpled white legs under wraps for much longer! Don’t panic though, make the effort to take these simple steps and you’ll be glowing in no time!
First, get rid of dry skin and cellulite by exfoliating regularly and massaging your legs, hips and butt in circles with a bristle brush or special massaging towel, followed by slathering on a rich moisturising cream. For tough dry areas like knees and ankles, massaging with lemon juice mixed with baby oil, or baking soda, may help smooth things over; just make sure you moisturise afterwards. Chapped skin often means your body isn’t getting enough Vitamin C, so up your fruit and veggie intake.
To ban cellulite, you should massage problem areas in circular movements every day. It’s also a good idea to drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and again eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables for antioxidants to make your skin glow. Swap salty, fried and processed foods for oily fish and spices to up your metabolism and blood circulation.
Keep legs toned by doing 30 lunges and 30 squats a day, and don't forget to use a self-tanning lotion - one that matches your skin colour.