Lets just admit it: we all look a little better in summer.
Our skin is clear and glowing, our hair is wavy and textured from the long days spent at the beach, and we tend to steer clear of heavy make-up and opt for a more I-woke-up-like-this, low-key look, which means our natural radiance (and those little freckles) can shine through.
So if you’re looking to ditch the full-coverage foundation and the dark palettes, give these goodies a whirl…
Tinted Moisturiser
Tinted moisturiser is, as the name suggests, a moisturiser with a light tint of colour. It can help even out skin tone, hide imperfections and keep your skin hydrated throughout the day. Take time out of your morning routine (because who has the time to apply a moisturiser and a foundation when on holidays anyway?) and smooth over your skin straight after cleansing. You’ll be left with a natural, dewy look.
Try Natio Tinted Moisturiser SPF20. It will give your skin natural radiance and lasting hydration. Bonus points for the broad-spectrum sun protection, too.
BB Cream
If you’re after a little more coverage than tinted moisturiser, but a little less than foundation, then a BB cream is for you. ‘BB’ stands for Beauty Balm, or Blemish Balm and the product combines the benefits of skin care and make-up. It soothes and moisturises skin, disguises blemishes, and some BB creams even contain ingredients to give your skin a brighter, more radiant finish.
We recommend the Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream. It works to even out your complexion, correct blemishes, give skin a healthy glow, and offers SPF15 protection. As a winner of the Best in Beauty Awards for three years in a row, you can trust that it does its job.
Primer
If you can’t say goodbye your full-coverage foundation, then make sure you apply a primer to your skin first. Used after moisturiser and before make-up, a primer provides a smooth base to help make-up stay put, which is especially important when the weather is warm.
Dermalogica AGE Smart Skin Perfect Primer SPF30 fills in lines, absorbs excess oil (of which there is plenty during summer), evens out skin tone and stimulates cell renewal for flawless make-up application.
Powder
As Australians, we tend to love the hot weather and sunshine, but, more often than not, our T-Zones don’t. If you find you have oily, combination or acne-prone skin, then we recommend switching to a powder foundation during the summer months. Powder foundation provides a buildable, natural coverage and helps soak up and prevents excess oil on the skin. Mineral-based powders are even better, as they are known for their flawless coverage and skin-loving benefits.
Designer Brands Natural Ground Mineralsplumps and firms the skin, reduces the signs of ageing, retains moisture and brightens dullness. Apply on its own or on top of liquid foundation for skin that is silky, smooth and oil-free.
If you’re after the dewy finish ofa tinted moisturiser, BB cream or liquid foundation, but hate when your skin gets a little too dewy (read: oily) then dust La Mav Mattifying Powder on your T-Zone. It can be used before make-up application to absorb excess oil, or after for a more matte finish. The transparent powder also contains broad spectrum SPF15, for extra sun protection.
Bronzer
We all love a tan, but the damaging effects of spending hours roasting ourselves in the sun far outweighs the bronzed result. So you don’t miss out on that just-stepped-off-the-plane glow, make bronzer your best friend.
Australis Jumbo Mineral Bronzeroffers a lightweight, buildable finish so you can customise your look. The best part? The huge size of the compact means it will last you until winter.
Highlighters and Illuminators
Nothing says a healthy summer glow like shimmery and illuminated cheekbones Highlighters and illuminators can both be used to give your skin that extra glow, brighten tired skin, or contour the face. Highlights are best used to enhance your favourite features (like your cheekbones), whereas illuminators can be used on large areas of the face or mixed with foundation for an all-over glow. Apply them under the eyes (after concealer if need be), along your brow bone, above your top lip and down the middle of your nose.
Revlon Highlighting Palette combines several shimmer shades in one palette. It can be used to achieve a multi-dimensional look and enhance and illuminate the skin. We recommend the 020 Rose Glow palette, for a light shimmer that will make your features pop.
Similarly, Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights FaceIlluminatorboosts luminosity, minimises flaws, protects skin from harsh environments and enhances the skin with a hint of colour. Your skin will be left looking like you’ve just got back from a relaxing holiday, even if you haven’t.
Mascara
If you spend most of your summer down at the beach, then waterproof mascara is most likely (or most definitely should be) your best friend. Swap your regular mascara for a long-lasting waterproof one that will take you from the beach to bar without those dreaded panda eyes
We recommend Rimmel London 100% Waterproof Mascara. It will provide long-lasting, smudge-proof, tear-proof and waterproof colour, as well as add volume to lashes. What more could you want?
Lip Balm
A combination of sun, salt and sad can often leave your lips looking and feeling a little worse for wear. A good quality, travel-sized lip balm that you can bring with you wherever you go is a summer essential.
Carmex Moisture Plus Ultra Hydrating Lip Balmcontains shea butter, vitamin E and aloe vera to moisture the lips. The addition of SPF15 protects lips from the sun, which as we all know, is super-important during summer. It can be worn on its own, under lipstick as a primer, or over the top of lipstick for some sheen.
Alternatively, you could give Designer Brands Paw Paw Plus a go. It’s a multipurpose product that can be used on cracked lips, dry skin, to soothe sunburn, or as a nappy rash remedy. With 80 per cent paw paw extract and a host of nourishing ingredients – including vitamin E, manuka honey and beeswax – the product will not let you down.
Have you ever tried any of the above products? Do you have any other summertime essentials?
