The Summer Beauty Kit
Whilst I'm sitting in the garden sunbathing in 27 degrees heat in the UK, it seemed the perfect time to sit and write my Summer Beauty Kit post which is essentially all of the summer skincare, makeup and hair products that keep me refreshed, hydrated, radiant, beach ready and bronzed over the next few months. Whether you're going on beach holiday, a city-break or having a staycation this Summer, these are my beauty essentials that will see you through each day from no makeup day-evening looks, fuss free clean hair, protect you from the sun and reveal your glowiest skin yet. Ditch the heavy winter creams and introduce refreshing gels, so goodbye to powder makeup and welcome the creams and find the perfect SPF.
SKIN
The first step in getting your beauty regime ready for Summer and the heat is revamping your skincare routine. I'm always one for switching around my routine each season and as we are now in July, I've finalised my skincare favourites and the ones that are staying in my routine until Winter comes around again. Summer skincare should be filled with light moisturisers that will keep the skin cool and hydrated, hyaluronic acid, soothing masks, SPF and face oils to help nourish the skin post sun exposure.
Acid:
Using a resurfacing toner like this from REN that is suitable for daily and contains natural bio-active ingredients such as Lactic Acid and Willow Bark extract, is going to to help revive dull, lacklustre skin and reveal an ultra radiant complexion
Cleanser:
Oskia CityLife Cleansing Concentrate*:
Keep skin clear, refreshed and balanced all Summer with these gentle cleanser from Oskia that leaves skin pollutant and makeup/dirt free. Formulated with Vitamin F and a refined cactus stem cell elxir, skin is hydrated and protected whilst Willow Bark and Phytic Acid gently exfoliate to remove any dead skin cells.
Face Mist:
Omorovicza Queen of Hungary*: The most luxurious face mist I've ever tried and by far one of the most refreshing, this neroli and rose scented mist refreshes the skin, hydrates and purifies to add an all-over glow either over makeup or alone.
Origins Energy Boosting Treatment Mist*: For a morning refresh this coffee and gingseng energising mist from Origins is the perfect pick me up. The uplifting scent revives the senses, boosts skins radiance and preps skin perfectly for skincare and makeup going on top. It also doubles up as an on the go mist and beach essential.
EXFOLIATING MASK
Gallinée Face Mask and Scrub*: A two in one combo that tackles dull and lacklustre skin, helping to bring complexions back to life as the Kaolin Clay and Sea Minerals draw out any impurities. Gallinée's Biotic Complex of Prebiotics, Probiotics and Lactic Acid help revitalise and boost skins luminosity, making this a great morning mask to get skin ready for the day.
SPF:
UltraSun SPF50 Face Fluid: SPF 50, super thin, pollution protection and water resistant, this is the perfect SPF for both those spending lots of time in and out the water or those who look for something light with a high protection this Summer. The less glamorous of the two suggested SPF's but one that gets the job done.
Zelens Daily Defence SPF30: My current go to daily SPF department that contains 'invisible on the skin' silica-based capsules to allow maximum sun protection for the most sensitive of skin types. The ultra light-weight, velvety formula creates a barrier on the skin to prevent any external aggressors and UV rays onto the skin without leaving skin feeling blocked or heavy and with added Hyaluronic Acid, it keeps skin hydrated all day long.
Radiance Serum:
Darphin Oil Lumière Essentielle: Serum is the best way to target specific skincare concerns and over Summer I like to really focus on keeping my skin hydrated and radiant. This hybrid serum from Darphin uses innovative technology, containing crystalline water and an illuminating blend of 7 essential oils that leave the skin feeling super silky and looking illuminated.
Light Moisturisers:
Avéne Hydrance Emulsion*: Avéne really are the givers of good skin and thia light-weight option is aimed to target moisture loss and dryness and despite it's light texture, it's incredible hydrating and instantly relieves skin of any tightness and discomfort.
Origins Ginzing Ultra Hydrating Energy Boosting Cream*: Radiant skin in a tube that melts into the skin beautifully and drenches skin in long-lasting hydration to awaken revitalise and boost the glow.
Gel Creams:
L'Occitane Aqua Rétoeir Gel Cream*: An incredibly refreshing and cooling face gel that is the perfect Summer day cream for it's jelly consistency that leaves skin replenished and plump. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and the calcium rich Réotier water which is known to help the skin retain moisture, this is an instant drink for the skin and ideal for keeping skin soothed after sun exposure and through the warmer months.
MAKEUP
Summer makeup for me is mainly made up of creamy products that will help illuminate my skin, add natural flushes of colour, sun-kissed cheeks and shimmering lids. I tend to avoid powder products in the heat as they never sit as well and instead, I layer on creams and liquids for the ultimate dewy look.
Multi Tasking Concealer:
Glossier Stretch: An ultra creamy, dewy and lightweight concealer that covers dark circles, redness, small blemishes and can be used ti pinpoint or alone on the skin for the ultimate no makeup summer look.
Light Tinted Moisturiser:
Not essential but good for days when you have an occasion or are working and the heat is on and humidity high. A light base such as Omorovicza Complexion Perfector SPF20*, Origins Vitazing* and Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturiser will keep skin looking healthy and luminous but let your natural skin colour and freckles shine through.
Cream Blush:
Becca Beach Tints: Fig (dusky nude) Watermelon (deep pink) Grapefruit (pale coral pink) and Guava (vibrant peach pink) should not only be in your fruit bowl this Summer, but in your makeup bag. These fun shade names perfectly encapsulate everything that these dewy cheek tints are going to look like on the skin. Bursting with pigments, luminosity and coming in an array of beautiful fruit shades, these jelly-like cheek stains look effortless on the skin when blended in on top of makeup or wore alone and give a lit from within finish to the cheeks. Infused with Vitamin E, they are the perfect option for keeping makeup looking fresh and the colours mix beautifully for a tailored shade that compliments all skin tones.
Tinted Lip BalmS:
Lanolips Perfect Nude SPF30*: Keeping your lips protected from the sun is almost just as important as your skin due to how delicate they are and we can all agree that there is nothing worse than burnt and chapped lips. Ensuring you have a tinted SPF balm is the perfect way to keep lips moisturised soft, protected and naturally tinted.
Red Lip:
Laura Mercier Extreme Matte Lip*: For Summer nights, whatever the occasion a bright poppy red lip is a striking way to take your minimal makeup up a notch. Paired with dewy, natural skin this bold lip from Hourglass is not only super long lasting but very comfortable and changes the look of any casual or glam Summer dress.
Bronzers:
NARS Laguna Bronzer: Matte bronzers are the most natural way to add dimension and warmth to the skin without looking orange, grey or shimmery. NARS' new Laguna has been formulated with Soft Blurring Technology to capture the light and diffuse imperfections for bronzing that enhances skin. Blended over the skin with a big fluffy brush delivers a healthy wash of colour that makes skin look like it's had a day in the sun.
Becca Bronzing Skin Perfector: The perfect holiday liquid bronzer to give any complexion a golden warm tint that illuminates and perfects skin. This one-shade-suits-all 'skin enhancing lotion' can be worn blended over makeup into the contours of the skin or worn alone for natural looking, sun-kissed faux glow.
HAIR:
Bumble & Bumble Scalp Detox*: An invigorating scalp detoxing mousse that feels like popping candy on the scalp whilst it removes product build up, impurities and oil. Apply this once a week for squeaky clean hair and scalp that smells and feels fresh.